MSR Hubba NX 1 Review: My Honest Solo Wild Camping Verdict
Updated: Sep 10
MSR Hubba NX 1 Review: My Honest Solo Wild Camping Verdict
I’ve used the MSR Hubba NX 1 on solo wild camping trips where weight, pack size and reliability really matter. At around 1.3 kg, it’s light enough for backpacking without feeling overly cramped, which is one of the main reasons I’ve enjoyed using it. In this review, I’ll share how it performs in real UK conditions, what I like, what I don’t, and whether I think it’s still worth buying.
MSR Hubba NX 1: Size, Weight and First Impressions
The MSR Hubba NX 1 is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it well suited to solo backpacking and wild camping. At around 1.3 kg, it strikes a good balance between keeping pack weight down and still offering enough room to feel comfortable once you’re inside.
One of the first things I liked was how simple the design feels. The pole system is straightforward, the tent is quick to pitch, and packing it away is just as easy once you’re used to it. That simplicity is especially useful when you’re camping alone, because there’s nothing overly complicated to wrestle with when the weather turns or you arrive at camp tired.
Despite being a one-person tent, it doesn’t feel excessively restrictive. For me, that balance between low weight, ease of use, and usable internal space is where the Hubba NX 1 really earns its place as a solid solo wild camping tent.
Set-Up: Quick and Easy When Camping Solo
When you’re camping alone, a tent that’s quick and straightforward to pitch makes a real difference. The MSR Hubba NX 1 is very simple to put together, with a straightforward pole system that makes the whole process feel intuitive rather than fiddly.
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Once I’m familiar with the set-up, I can usually have the tent pitched and pegged out in around five minutes. That’s a big plus when I arrive at camp tired, the light is fading, or the weather is starting to turn.
The inner tent is self-supporting, while the flysheet needs pegging out. In wet conditions, it is also possible to pitch the flysheet first and then attach the inner underneath, which helps keep the sleeping area drier. It takes a little longer and is slightly more fiddly than the standard pitch, but it’s a useful option in typical UK weather.
Space: Roomy Enough for One
For solo wild camping, I want enough space to sleep comfortably and keep a few essentials close by, without carrying the extra weight of a larger tent. The MSR Hubba NX 1 gets that balance right for me.
There’s enough room inside for a long sleeping pad and some smaller items of gear, with good headroom so I can sit up without feeling boxed in. The vestibule is also really useful for storing boots and anything else I don’t need inside the sleeping area.
I’ve used it through wet and windy nights and found that the vestibule gives enough protection to keep gear dry. One feature I especially like is being able to keep the inner tent zipped up while opening back the flysheet, so you can still enjoy the view through the mesh door without feeling completely shut in.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The MSR Hubba NX 1 manages to stay lightweight without feeling flimsy, which is important for a tent I’m relying on for solo wild camping. The tent body uses 30D ripstop nylon, while the rainfly is made from 20D ripstop nylon, helping to keep the overall weight down while still giving it a reassuringly sturdy feel.
I’ve used the Hubba NX in both dry and wet conditions, including heavy rain and gusty winds, and it has always felt stable and dependable. The flysheet has kept the interior dry, and I haven’t had issues with water getting into the tent during bad weather.
I also use a footprint, which is sold separately. For me, it’s worth having because it helps protect the tent floor from rough or rocky ground and should help extend the life of the tent over time.
Another feature I really like is the option to use the inner tent on its own when the weather is good. On clear, dry nights, being able to sleep with just the mesh inner gives the tent a completely different feel and is lovely for looking out at the sky while still having some protection around you.
Ventilation and Condensation
Good ventilation matters in a solo tent, especially when you’re spending a long evening inside or waking up after a damp night. The MSR Hubba NX 1 has plenty of mesh in the inner tent, which helps keep air moving and reduces that closed-in, clammy feeling you can get in smaller tents.
In my experience, condensation has never been a major issue with the Hubba NX. Even on humid mornings, I’ve found the airflow good enough to keep the interior comfortable, which is a real plus when you’re using the tent regularly for solo wild camping.
Packability
The MSR Hubba NX 1 packs down really well, which is one of the reasons it works so nicely for solo backpacking and wild camping. It doesn’t take up much room in my pack, and the included stuff sack with compression straps helps keep everything compact and easy to manage.
It’s also one of the easiest tents I’ve used when it comes to packing away. Once it’s down, it rolls up neatly without feeling like a wrestling match, which is especially welcome when you’re packing up alone and want to get moving.
Pros
Lightweight and compact – a great balance for solo backpacking and wild camping.
Quick and easy to pitch – straightforward to set up and take down when you’re on your own.
Roomy for a one-person tent – enough space for a long sleeping mat and smaller items of gear.
Good weather protection – reliable in rain and gusty conditions in my experience.
Good ventilation – the mesh inner helps airflow and keeps condensation manageable.
Option to sleep under the stars – in good weather, you can use the freestanding inner tent on its own.
Cons
Price – it sits at the more expensive end of the solo tent market, although I think the build quality, low weight and features help justify the cost.
Footprint sold separately – I use the footprint to protect the tent floor on rough ground, but it would be better if it were included in the price.
Final Thoughts: MSR Hubba NX Review
After using the MSR Hubba NX 1 on solo wild camping trips, I can see why it has remained such a popular one-person tent. It balances low weight, usable space, straightforward pitching, and reliable weather protection really well, which is exactly what I want when I’m carrying everything myself.
It is definitely an investment, especially once you factor in extras like the separate footprint, but I think the overall build quality and comfort help justify the price. If you want a dependable solo tent for backpacking and wild camping and prefer a little more space than some ultralight options provide, the Hubba NX 1 is still a very strong choice.
If you’ve used the Hubba NX 1 yourself, or you’re considering one for your next solo trip, let me know in the comments.
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