I’m probably seeking a used Hubba Hubba HP, but I’m wondering what’s out there that I’m overlooking.
What I’m looking for:
Freestanding double wall
A mostly solid tent body (at least around the bottom) to keep out snow/dust/wind and to keep in a little warmth
Two doors & vestibules
Air vents on the fly
3+ season flexibility, I mostly want it to be able to handle some snow
Less than 4 pounds (tent body, fly, & poles)
A somewhat “livable” space, I’m only 5’4”, so luckily a little shelter goes a long way.
Price is a factor, but I have until about August to save my pennies (I’d like to get something before my next trip to Isle Royale)
How and where I would be using it:
I usually backpack solo, sometimes with a dog, and on a rare & lucky occasion with a close friend.
I’m in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the weather is unpredictable up here. Snow has been recorded in every month of the year. (Summer =3 months of bad sledding)
Summers are humid and 60-80 during the day and 40s at night, so condensation is always an issue.
In the summer we have mosquitoes, blackflies, deerflies, horseflies, and ticks that can drive you to spend more time in your tent than you originally intended, i.e., the livability factor of the tent is not just for the occasional storm.
Most of my backpacking is on the North Country Trail or Isle Royale
What I use now:
Mountain Hardware Batray 2, a two person floorless tarp (single wall) with bug mesh
The Batray has been great, especially with my dogs, and I will continue to use it. But ticks crawl under the sides and it can require 12 stakes depending on how I guy it out (or 12 rocks, like in this picture).
I can’t close the front of the Batray, there is only mesh, which can get chilly, especially if the wind shifts (keeps the condensation away, though). Also I want something with a smaller footprint. The Batray certainly is a palace, but sometimes I want to be able to tuck into a smaller space.
The little bit of winter camping I’ve done I just used a basic tarp and a bivy. For car camping or treks with more friends I have a 6.5 Lbs MH 3-person tent from the mid-90s.
What I thought I wanted was a green Hubba Hubba HP (I don’t like yellow, I have noticed anything yellow I take outside in the summer typically acts like a bug magnet). Well, Cascade Designs stopped selling the HP model in North America due to poor sales and has no plans to reintroduce it into the market (at least that’s what the email from the customer service rep said). That leaves me with trying to find a used Hubba Hubba HP (can I dye the fly without ruining it?) or looking for another tent altogether. The one thing I didn’t like about the hubba hubba hp was the $450 price tag, ouch!
Other tents I have been thinking about:
Big Agnes Jack Rabbit SL2
3 lbs 13 oz @ $280 The Jack Rabbit looks like a heavier version of the Copper Spur 2 person, but the solid body looks like it goes up a little higher. It is 52 inches wide. This is the closest in looks to the HP I’ve seen. Does the 7oz weight penalty equal more durable fabrics compared to the Copper Spur?
NEMO Obi 2P
3 lbs @ $390 This is the lightest and most expensive tent I’ve been thinking about. The Obi goes from 50 inches wide at the head of the tent to 42 at the foot. It looks practical, but is it at all liveable? It doesn’t use a ridge-pole for overhead space. Also, it’s so new I really haven’t seen much in regards to reviews on it yet. But I have heard and read good things about NEMO’s Espri series (I have a friend trying to convince me to get the Espri 2P). The Obi is pretty pricey!
Big Agnes Lynx Pass 1
3 lbs 8 oz @ $180 This is a big compromise on my part. The Lynx looks like a heavier version of the Copper Spur 1. I’m considering it because it is relatively cheap & it’s wider than most solo tents (42 inches). There is room for a dog , but I would have to give up my plans of bringing anyone else out on the trail with me. (I still have the Batray for that).
FYI- I haven’t actually seen any of the tents I’m talking about. The closest REI to me is over 400 miles away in Milwaukee, WI. I might be going to Chicago next week, if so, I will be making a stop in Milwaukee on the way to do some more investigating.
I know there is a wealth of knowledge out there. Are there any other new/used tents you think I should look into? I’d even consider a Make Your Own Gear project.
On paper my favorite tents so far are a used Hubba Hubba HP (good reviews, good use of internal space, mostly solid tent inner) or the new Obi 2P (only 3 Lbs & company has a good reputation for storm-worthy tents).
Thanks!
Alanna
