The new MSR Habahaba Shield tent is packed with everything Japanese mountaineers and hikers want [Practical Review in the Northern Alps]

A classic backpacking tent that's lighter and easier to use in the mountains of Japan

MSR is trusted by alpinists and adventurers worldwide for its unwavering pursuit of safety and functionality that can withstand the harshest mountain activities. This season, their best-selling backpacking tent series, the HUBBA HUBBA, has been redesigned for Japanese climbers

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was amazed when I saw the details of the update. The exact area that I had personally thought needed improvement had been pinpointed and beautifully improved, so I was super excited at this point

I was fortunate enough to be able to use it several times during the month prior to its release, including on a trek to Mount Okuhotaka in the Northern Alps, and it lived up to my expectations: it was an attractive and highly refined product, so much so that I would say it's the mountain tent that suits me best at the moment. I would like to immediately share my impressions of using this latest tent, which I would recommend to all mountaineering enthusiasts, and I will be providing a detailed review comparing it with the previous model.

MSR Hubba Hubba Shield 2: General Features

MSR's best-selling backpacking tent, the Hubba Hubba Shield 2 , is a mountain tent ideal for hiking and mountaineering, offering a perfect balance of durability, comfort, light weight, and compactness needed for camping in harsh natural environments.

Easton's lightweight, flexible, and strong Cyclone Poles and Extreme Shield , which is highly water-resistant and long-lasting even without seam tape. Its symmetrical, freestanding, hub-type design combines weather resistance with ease of setup, while its spacious, comfortable interior minimizes claustrophobicity. The reduced mesh fabric on the interior walls makes it even more suitable for traverses in Japan's high mountains, making it an increasingly popular tent for mountain enthusiasts.

What has changed from the previous model?

• The mesh area of ​​the inner tent has decreased
• By reviewing materials and small parts, the product is lighter while still maintaining the necessary durability
• Other improvements include improvements to the zipper at the entrance and other small details

This is amazing

• The spaciousness of the upper space, the wide entrances and exits, and the adequate ventilation make for an overwhelmingly comfortable living space
• Lightweight and compact, yet offers excellent comfort
• High functional beauty that pursues excellent weather resistance and ease of use without compromising the aesthetic beauty
• coating that achieves high water resistance and long life without the need for seam sealing
• Freestanding and symmetrical, it's easy to set up even for beginners
• The minimal mesh makes it versatile enough to be used in the snow-free season even in Japan's mountains, where temperature differences are extreme

I'm curious about this

• It would have been more versatile if the mesh had been covered with a zippered fabric that could be used to open and close the mesh (although this would have added weight...)
• The floor fabric is thinner, so if you are worried about damage from rocks or branches, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with a footprint
• price

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

Appearance - The functional beauty philosophy of Moss tents, passed down through the generations

When I talk about MSR tents, the first thing I can't compromise on is their captivatingly sexy and elegant looks. Although cool-looking tents are becoming more commonplace these days, the MSR Hubba Hubba was the first tent that made me instantly think, "This is beautiful."

Behind this indescribable beauty, we cannot talk about the legendary tent manufacturer, Moss Tent Works . Frustrated with the heavy, bulky, and difficult-to-assemble A-frame tents of the time, founder Bill Moss developed the first dome-structured tent, redefining tent construction.

"Bill brought a sense of style and design to the tent."

Terry Breaux (who retired in 2021), one of the tent designers who studied architecture before working at Moss for five years and then at MSR for many years, said: "Moss tents have been selected for permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, ."

The Hubba Hubba tent was designed by Terry, who inherited the Moss tent philosophy. Its simple, well-balanced design eliminates unnecessary elements. Yet it offers extreme strength and reliability without sacrificing functionality, creating a user-centered, functional aesthetic. The Hubba Hubba embodies a beautiful fusion of Moss' refined tent sensibilities and MSR's straightforward design principles of simplicity, functionality, and reliability.

* Reference: MSR Home Blog ① , ② , ③

The Hubba Hubba tent has a simple and elegant form, and is packed with amazing comfort and all the necessary functions

Ease of storage (packing) - Flexibility and ease of storage are more important than compactness

When considering storage size, it's important to remember that compressibility isn't everything. A storage bag that can be compressed into a small size may be compact in itself, but it may lose flexibility and create dead space inside the backpack

In that regard, the stuff sacks that come with many MSR tents are not particularly compact when packed, but they are easy to pack in a broad sense, in terms of "ease of taking things in and out" and "flexibility of packing," and I secretly like them

The storage bag's structure means it cannot be made small, but it is flexible and easy to pack

Many people who have camped in tents have probably had the experience of packing their tents up only to find that the air inside them hasn't been completely removed, making it difficult to put them into the bag. The stuff sacks used by Hubba Hubba have a wide drawstring (entrance), and the bag itself is sized to provide a certain amount of room. This system allows you to easily pack your tent by simply pushing it in roughly, without having to fully deflate it or fold it neatly (see photo below, far right). This is extremely helpful when you need to pack down quickly, such as during bad weather. The poles and pegs each come with their own storage bags, so you can pack them all together or store them separately, which is a nice feature

Storage bags with a large opening and ample size can be surprisingly useful, even if they cannot be compressed tightly (far right)

Weight and durability - Lighter weight while maintaining necessary durability -

Tents are one of the "big four" of mountaineering equipment, along with backpacks, sleeping bags, and mats, and weight is a concern for everyone. Until the previous model, the Hubba Hubba series was never considered "lighter" compared to competing tents, but this latest update has completely overturned that notion

They've managed to reduce the weight by nearly 300 grams in one go. Even among standard double-wall mountain tents, this tent can truly be called lighter in name and in reality. When you compare it with the previous model, the difference is clear and you'll be amazed at how drastic the weight reduction has been. For reference, below we've compared it with other popular mountain tents in Japan

It's not a strict comparison as the standard accessories are slightly different, but even so, I was honestly surprised that it was able to achieve a weight that was in no way inferior to conventional tents despite its excellent living comfort

When we weighed it with all the accessories packed in, it came in at 1,471 grams, almost the same as the official weight

A major factor in the weight reduction is the revised fabric thickness. The inner tent floor fabric has been thinned from 30D (denier) to 20D, the canopy fabric has been thinned from 20D & 15D to 20D & 10D, and the fly has also been thinned from 30D to 20D

Although it is certainly less durable than the previous model, I would say that the previous model was rather too sturdy, so I personally think this is a positive update for more casual mountain climbing

However, the floor fabric is now 20D, so it's no longer possible to feel secure without a ground sheet (footprint), as was the case before. If you're worried, it's best to cover the ground with a footprint (I checked with the manufacturer and they said that even with a footprint, it's still lighter than the previous model without one)

By the way, if you always carry a Grabber All-Weather Blanket with you for emergencies, as I do, and use it as a ground sheet if necessary, you can adapt flexibly to the ground conditions without worrying about whether or not you need a footprint, so I recommend it

When camping at high altitudes, such as on the ridges of the Northern Alps, the ground is often hard rock, making the tent floor susceptible to damage. In such cases, it is reassuring to have a ground sheet

Setup: Freestanding and symmetrical, it's simple and easy to set up, even for beginners

Unlike standard freestanding dome-shaped mountain tents, the Hubba Hubba series has multiple poles connected by a hub structure, making setup easier than you'd expect. First, secure the poles on both short sides of one side, then move to the other side and set the poles in a relatively stable position (photo ① below). Next, attach all the hooks to the poles (photo ② below), pass the horizontal poles over the vertical poles, and set them in the grommets on both sides (photo ③ below). Finally, put the flysheet on, secure the four corners to the grommets, and adjust the tension to complete the setup (photo ④ below).

Although the pole structure may look complicated at first glance, its symmetrical design means there's no need to worry about the orientation of the parts, making it beginner-friendly. Setting it up was so easy that it would be difficult to make a mistake, even in the worst possible conditions—bad weather, darkness, and fatigue. (The only time I was unsure whether the crossed horizontal poles should go over or under the vertical poles was the first time I set it up, but it's not a big problem.)

However, in fact, up until the previous model, the horizontal poles that crossed the apex were also integrated with the hub, which made it less of a hassle, but in this new model they have been separated. We believe that simplifying the structure probably minimizes the causes of part breakage, thereby improving safety. Separating them also meant that another hook could be attached to the apex of the tent, which also made the space near the ceiling larger (see photo below). In any case, in the end it wasn't that noticeable, and it's actually a welcome change

The connecting hub at the top is gone, but instead a hook that wasn't available on the previous model can be attached, improving the tent's pitching

Incidentally, the grommet parts that secure the poles are lighter than the previous model (see photo below). It's no small feat when you consider how these small improvements have all contributed to such a significant weight reduction

The fly sheet has an adjuster function so you can adjust the tension (tightness) of the fly sheet

The included pegs are eight "needle stakes," which are currently unavailable but remain popular due to their balance of lightness and strength and versatility for use on any terrain

Spaciousness and comfort of the tent interior: A comfortable space with little psychological pressure, where you can live comfortably without worrying about each other

The true value of the Haba Haba tent series lies in its high level of livability. The pole structure, which has been carefully calculated to achieve the best balance between livability and weather resistance, makes the comfortable, spacious space possible

The vertical poles have a hub structure with two forks at both ends, and the horizontal poles intersect at the apex, raising the tent's side walls at a nearly perpendicular angle from the ground, so the floor space continues all the way to the top of the tent. This means that compared to a dome tent with the same floor area, there is far less pressure around your face and overall, making for a more comfortable living experience, and you can make effective use of every inch of the tent's interior. At present, tent specifications don't measure "volume," but if such a number existed, it would likely be among the best

Even though I'm 176cm tall, there was still plenty of headroom when I sat down. The clever tent pole structure accentuates the spaciousness above the shoulders

Another thing that makes this tent so comfortable is that its symmetrical design makes it easy for two people to enjoy the spaciousness equally. The entrances are on both long sides, so each person can easily enter and exit without having to worry about others

Of course, by breaking this symmetry, it may be possible to make the tent even lighter (for example, by narrowing one side of the tent or reducing the number of entrances to one). In this regard, it is a matter of personal preference as to what you prioritize, but this design is the result of pursuing true comfort and ease of use that users will experience when actually using it, and to me it feels good not only from an aesthetic standpoint but also from a practical standpoint, and I feel that this is one of the major factors that makes this tent so unique and attractive

With the limited mesh fabric, you can easily take it with you on a trek to the Northern Alps

Other than that, the biggest news about the new Hubba Hubba Shield is the reduction in mesh fabric (increase in fabric area)

When hiking in Europe and the US, where humidity is relatively low and the weather is stable, mesh fabric tends to be used in larger areas for better breathability, but in Japan, where humidity, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations are extreme, this can be unreliable and often results in people avoiding them. However, with this latest update, the mesh area (especially the upper part) has been significantly reduced. It was impressive how, instead of the previous feeling of fresh air passing through, the movement of air inside has been reduced to a minimum, maintaining a stable indoor environment even in chilly seasons

In fact, I was able to sleep comfortably without any problems even at a tent site 3,000m above sea level in the Northern Alps, where the lowest temperature outside was 5°C. I wasn't able to check how it would perform in strong winds or low temperatures, but the flysheet effectively blocks out the wind, so my impression shouldn't change that much

The renewal has significantly reduced the mesh area in the upper half

The mesh around the feet and head remains the same, and there is a moderate amount of mesh left on the front, back, sides, and sides, so comfortable breathability is maintained

Speaking of personal preference, I thought it would have been better to make even the reduced mesh part a zipper closure with fabric, but if that had been done, I'm sure we would have had to endure the increased weight and cost. So I'll just accept it as it is

Naturally, while the reduction in mesh portions has increased protection from cold temperatures and rain, it has inevitably reduced breathability. Also, compared to the previous model, the opening when fully opened is slightly narrower, so in that sense it can be said that the previous model was better in terms of airflow. Just a word of caution for those who plan to use it on low mountains in midsummer

The tent's seam pattern has been revised, making the entrance area slightly smaller, and the zipper line has been straightened out for easier opening

A flysheet with ample weather resistance and a spacious vestibule

The flysheet that covers the inner tent extends like a canopy thanks to the protruding horizontal poles (see photo below). The entrance has a double zipper, and by opening only the top, you can ventilate the vestibule when cooking, or pop your head out to check what's going on outside the tent

This creates a spacious vestibule with ample space on both sides for backpacks, luggage, boots, etc. (see photo below)

There are ample vestibules on both sides of the tent, making it easy to organize your luggage

The flysheet also has ventilation vents on both the head and foot sides. These can be opened and closed using a Velcro fastener like a stopper. When closed, it looks neat and tidy.

Openable ventilation located at the front and back of the fly sheet

The flysheet also has four points for adding guy lines to withstand strong winds, and these can be securely pegged down to increase resistance to storms and other elements

Even though the inner tent walls are somewhat vertical, it is still a freestanding dome tent with a stable structure, and the shape of the flysheet when it is placed on top allows for good wind escape, so simply pegging down the tent and flysheet securely was enough to provide a sense of stability. However, unless you are in a location or season where good weather is expected to continue, it is possible that strong winds will blow in from the edge of the flysheet and blow the tent around, so be sure to set up the guylines properly. If you do that, you should have no worries about this tent unless there is extremely abnormal weather

I tried setting it up on the ridge of the Northern Alps, and with the pegs and guy lines it is unlikely to be blown away

Functional and easy-to-use storage inside the tent

Inside the tent, there are two large mesh pockets at the head and foot of the tent. These pockets also have a hole in the corner for easily charging your smartphone with a mobile battery, a thoughtful touch

There is also a small mesh pocket on the ceiling that is designed to hold a headlamp

In addition, there are four loops attached to the ceiling so that you can thread a thin rope, a carabiner, or set up a net yourself

Summary: Recommended for the following people - I can't think of any reason not to choose this tent this year

the Hubba Hubba series up until now has always had the unfortunate reputation of being "perfect in terms of appearance and comfort, but difficult to use as a starter tent because it's heavy and has too much mesh," no matter how high-performance the fabric or cutting-edge poles they use. However, with this latest "divine" update, both the weight and mesh/fabric issues have been resolved in one fell swoop. To put it mildly, this is one of the biggest news stories in the tent industry for me this year.

Lightweight, strong, comfortable, convenient, and functional, there's almost nothing to dislike about this tent, and it exudes a unique elegance and charm that will surely be embraced by a wide range of hikers, from beginners to veterans, and those into mountaineering and fastpacking. Honestly, I envy those who are finally ready to buy a backpacking tent

While it may not be the best choice for specific activities, it will surely be a reliable, comfortable and ideal home those going into the mountains in the harsh winter.

MSR Japan Authorized Distributor Mochizuki Product Details Page

   

Related reading

THERM-A-REST "Neoloft" & MSR "Habbahaba LT" Review: The age where you can carry the comfort of your bed with a backpack is finally here. Incredibly comfortable mountain tents and mats that keep weight down

ZEROGRAM Thru Hiker 1p ZEROBONE / EL CHALTEN ZEROBONE 1.5P Review Two double wall tents that hold modern comfort and subtle personality.

Comparative reviews: From classics to new releases. A thorough comparison of recommended mountain climbing and hiking tents

I like the "DD Hammocks DD SuperLight Pyramid Tent," a floorless shelter for solos that offers change for 30,000 yen. Wouldn't it be enough to be able to get this far at this price? [Practical review for mountain climbing in spring, summer, autumn and winter]