Hubba Hubba vs Hubba Hubba HP

[POD]

Hi, new here, please be gentle!

I am looking at getting either a Hubba Hubba or HH HP but I am having trouble finding anyone with an HP in stock especially in the U.S. (on-line) where they seem to be a reasonable price.

So, can anyone point me in the direction of a reasonably priced HP? Or are they old news now?

And, as well, is it worth the extra coin to be getting the HP or will the HH original suffice? I want to do Cradle again so wouldn't mind the warmth. The weight difference is not, IMHO, a drastic cut. I can get the HH for mid $300s but the HP I can only find around the $600 or more.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I got my Mutha Hubba HP from riverroadandtrail.com - their site doesn't appear to have the Hubba Hubba HP in stock, but email them anyway - the owner answers all emails personally and replied to me immediately. Highly recommended.

Ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk seem to have them in stock for 360 GBP delivered (about $565 AUD). Their UK gear arrives VERY quickly compared to the US - ie 1 week, not 4 weeks.

[stepbystep]

Or you could get one of these http://adventurefriends.com.au/ferrino-nemesi-1 Very similar tent, at a much more affordable price. There's reviews on BWA somewhere.

[bernieq]

I am looking at getting either a Hubba Hubba or HH HP but I am having trouble finding anyone with an HP in stock especially in the U.S.

Hmm, I see that the HH HP is only listed (available) on the Cascade Design European website (not US) - maybe try a European supplier?

I have both HH and HH HP (both? it’s a long story). Anyway, they are both approx 5YO (the orange/yellow colour).

Hubba Hubba on Mt Speculation - Vic High Plains

MSR HH.JPG (241.22 KiB) Viewed 16548 times

Main differences are (HH vs HH HP) :
1. inner : mostly mesh vs mostly non-mesh
2. fly zips : single vs double
3. no vents vs 2 vents
4. floor : 3,000mmHg vs 10,000mmHg
5. fly : 40D 1500mmHg vs 20D 1000mmHg
5. weight : HP is approx 100g heavier

They are a great tent and I’ve used it in some ordinary weather eg on Mt Speculation in gale-force wind. However, I don’t take it into the wilds of Tasmania or the Vic High Plains in winter – after all, they are a 3-season tent. In high wind and driving rain, too much moisture blows up under the fly. I also have a WE 1st Arrow, bomb-proof 4-season tent.

IMO, the HP is the better tent – if you intend having only one tent.
However, the standard HH together with a true 4-season tent covers most eventualities :
- HH gives lower weight for solo but still with possibility of 2-up – for all but mid-winter/true alpine walking
- the 4-season 2-up tent - for expeditions into serious country/weather

[POD]

Thanks SA Hiker, It does appear that the HP is more difficult to find, maybe I'll just stick with the boring old garden variety type Hubba Hubba.

SBS, I have also looked at the Ferrino gear and was a little cautious due to it not having a lot of distribution in Australia and also not being able to actually check it out before slapping down my folding stuff.

Bernie, thanks for the reply. It appears you have one too may tents and I have one too few. Pretty simple arithmetic really. Shall I send you my address???

But all things considered, may go for a Ferrino and then get a more substantial one for Tassie and more extreme stuff.

[baldhead]

The One Planet Goondie2 is also worth checking out

cheers

[Rico]

was a little cautious due to it not having a lot of distribution in Australia and also not being able to actually check it out before slapping down my folding stuff

Hi POD, you'll find that the Ferrino Nemesi is a great tent and it will perform at least as well as the HH in any situation. Even if we sell online we have a 100% customer satisfaction policy. If you are not happy with the product we will refund you the full amount you paid, including return shipping costs, no question asked.

Also now that you are a member of this forum you'll get 10% off any item on http://www.adventurefriends.com.au including Ferrino tents. Just use the discount code "BUSHWALK" at check out.

And you'll have plenty of cash left in your pockets to finance your next adventure, which at the end is the most important thing!

Rico

[ILUVSWTAS]

I was lucky enough to get a Ferrino Nemesi for testing, it is basically a Hubba, just $500 cheaper.

[sthughes]

I've got the Hubba Hubba HP and love it. Yeah worst thing is the gap under the fly where a bit of wind and rain can get in, but this never makes it inside the main tent so it doesn't bother me. That same gap makes it much nicer in hot weather too.
With the non-HP that same wind and rain coming under the fly would get in the main tent - so no good at all. Also the non-HP does have condensation issues both due to the lack of any vents and the mesh ceiling means drips come in. Met a couple of non-HP users up at High Moore who were drying out their sleeping bags etc after wind and rain on night one, then condensation on night 2. In my HP I was totally dry despite camping at the same places on the same nights!
To me the HP is a proper 3 season tent that can be used in winter as well (but isn't ideal). The non-HP is more a summer or warmer climate tent.

The OP Goondie 2 is closer to 4 season but lacks the ability to pitch the outer first. It is also much better value in Aus than the MSR. Ferrino is mesh but nice and cheep.

[POD]

Thanks sthughes. I've had a good look at the OP Goondie online and I reckon it may be a winner now. BUT, is there a way to get that price down a bit lower? Coupons? Discounts? Sales? Anyone? Beuller?

[Ent]

Hi

You need to be cautious when comparing tents. As has been indicated there is a huge difference between the Hubba Hubba and the HP. I have a MSR Nook with a lot of mesh and it is a much colder tent than the HP but likely warmer than the non HP one.

I have a Hilleberg Nallo that I would rate 12/12 months the Nook 9/12 months and HP 11/12 if not 12/12 for Tassie. Recommending a largely mesh inner tent for Tassie for 12/12 months is a bold call especially if you have not used it for a few years.

The HP is a good tent and worth the money and weight over a mesh inner tent unless you already have a winter grade tent.

Cheers

[Rico]

Recommending a largely mesh inner tent for Tassie for 12/12 months is a bold call especially if you have not used it for a few years.

Very good point. Sadly there isn't a tent that will perform at its best in winter and in summer. A winter tent with the inner in fabric may not allow enough airflow in summer, meaning that you will get a lot of condensation and a sweaty night. They say that most 4 season tents are good for one season only, winter...

Some people find that it is more convenient to use a solid 3 season tent year around, using a very warm sleeping bag in the colder months. The idea is that it is easy to be warm (just add extra layers) but it is much harder to be cool in a warm tent in summer. This may be feasible in most parts of Australia, but it may not be a good idea in Tasmania.

Rico

[frenchy_84]

If the poster is happy with buying a 3 season mesh style tent like the the Hubba Hubba, i think your mad not to get the Ferino, I dont want to be pushy (i dont get anything out of it) but I was lucky enough to test the Ferrino Nemesi one and after testing it i just cant understand why anyone would buy a more expensive yet virtually the same Hubba.

[POD]

Some really good points have been raised here and I appreciate everyone's time.

frenchy - I agree with the point you make but I'm leaning more towards a tent with a non-mesh inner. That is why I am leaning towards the OP Goondie. If I can't find a way to reduce the price a little then I will PROBABLY get a Ferrino. But you can't expect everyone to have utmost faith in a product that is fairly new to the Australian market and relatively untested and unknown. Its similar to a Hyundai - sure they MAY well be good cars, have all the same space and specs as a more expensive car but the bottom line is IT'S STILL A HYUNDAI.

[gayet]

And Hyundais have one of the lowest warranty claim rates of all cars sold in Aus. Suggests they are a pretty good reliable car really.

[sthughes]

Yeah I'd say if you're happy with mesh definitely try the Ferrino, from what I have heard they are quite well put together.

I agree some 4 season tents suck in summer, especially in some of those with a single door it can be impossible to get a breeze blowing through the tent, where as the HHHP and Goondie 2 gave options to allow flow through ventilation, a bit of breeze between the fly and ground, and even the easy removal of the fly entirely.
If for solo use the MSR Nook is also worth a look, sensibly placed mesh and vents, nice high bathtub floor and solid inner where it matters most. Also a bit lighter, but definitely a single man tent despite the advertising. Needs extra guy lines etc as well. It is the "most meshy" tent I would consider for outside of summer weather in Tas unless you have a synthetic or very moisture resistant sleeping bag etc.

[POD]

And Hyundais have one of the lowest warranty claim rates of all cars sold in Aus. Suggests they are a pretty good reliable car really.

Lowest warranty claim rates? Where did you get this little gem? Heresay? (I daresay)

In any case, the point was not about their relative reliability, that is a point I conceded in my original post. The point is that THEY ARE STILL HYUNDAIS. That is fine for some (maybe even a lot, maybe even the majority) of people, but I don't like them. And if it is I who is paying then I get to choose. At the moment my perception is that Ferrino need to display that they are of the quality I desire and worthy of my money in regard to buying a tent. I have purchased some of their gaiters and will assess them when they arrive. Until then, as the purchaser, I reserve MY judgement.

[flyinglion2000]

Hi POD

Hubba tents come up for sale regularly on eBay in the USA all the time - many are one off or barely used. And go for around $200 plus postage.

HP version is discontinued in USA. So harder to get but still i see one come up for auction once a week. Try ebay UK as well

I got both hubba hp and hubba hubba hp from ebay slightly used but almost as new condition and one had a footprint. Both around $220 mark plus postage. If you buy brand new in UK you can ask for VAT / GST to be removed takes about 18% off the price.

Happy hunting

[POD]

Hi POD

Hubba tents come up for sale regularly on eBay in the USA all the time - many are one off or barely used. And go for around $200 plus postage.

HP version is discontinued in USA. So harder to get but still i see one come up for auction once a week. Try ebay UK as well

I got both hubba hp and hubba hubba hp from ebay slightly used but almost as new condition and one had a footprint. Both around $220 mark plus postage. If you buy brand new in UK you can ask for VAT / GST to be removed takes about 18% off the price.

Happy hunting

Thanks mate, appreciate that. I'll get onto it now.

[gayet]

POD
Where did you get this little gem? Heresay? (I daresay)

Not hearsay, certainly not heresay. From a discussion with a service manager for a rival manufacturer.

[POD]

POD
Where did you get this little gem? Heresay? (I daresay)

Not hearsay, certainly not heresay. From a discussion with a service manager for a rival manufacturer.

hear·say/ˈhi(ə)rˌsā/
Noun:
Information received from other people that cannot be adequately substantiated; rumor.

[gayet]

It was adequately substantiated by reference to statistics held by various motoring bodies. I investigated myself.
Not rumour.

And back on topic now

[Rico]

The point is that THEY ARE STILL HYUNDAIS.

I never though about that but I am actually using the same marketing strategy that Hundai used, you are right . I go often to South Korea and I can tell you that Hyundai is one of the largest manufacturers in the world. I am not talking only about the automotive industry, they are huge in the construction business and they make transatlantic cargo ships, plus hundreds of other activities. They even own a city housing 50.000 people! When they finally decide to sell in Australia and USA they started with their small car models selling them at a low price to gain market share, and they are now slowly introducing their luxury cars, (simply the same models they have been selling in rich asian markets for years), they just had to wait until our market was ready for their expensive range. Do you know that in Japan Hundai is considered more reliable than Toyota?

This bring us back to the topic. Ferrino has been around much longer than any other brand mentioned in this tread. At the time of the american civil war the Ferrino family was already mass producing tents. Many huge names in the european mountaineering history used Ferrino tents in all their adventures, like the king of the mountains Reinhold Messner http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhold_Messner for example. Still now Ferrino is the only brand to own a permanent high altitude laboratory in the Italian alps, and they conduct extensive routine tests in the Italian Pyramid http://www.evk2cnr.org/cms/en/evk2cnr_committee/pyramid/story. They make tactical and operational tents for many military forces and humanitarian associations around the world, and they even have a garden furniture division. When you go to high altitude mountaineering camps in Nepal, India or Pakistan, you will see many Ferrino tents used by professionals.

But Ferrino was almost unknown in Australia until last year, as they never sold locally (or in USA). Being Australia very different than the rest of the world I decided to see how good their gear would perform, and I did that giving samples for testing to some experienced bushwalker in the very tough Tasmania and in the main land. I am also selling the Ferrino gear very cheaply, so to give as many Australians as possible the chance to try the brand... exactly the same thing that Hyundai did at the beginning

So far I sold almost 400 tents in Australia, and I had only 1 return, that of course was immediately refunded under warranty. I think it was a very successful year, but sadly I will not be able to sell at such a great price forever, soon I will have to start to price this gear what it is really worth.

Rico

Last edited by Rico on Tue 08 May, 2012 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Ent]

Hi

As always understand what conditions you are excepting from gear. I have used a Nallo and Katium over a few seasons and not had any issues with Tassie Summer use. Now in Tassie our climate is rather mild with temperature spread so anything above 25 degrees and below -5 is rare. So choosing a tent comfortable in those ranges to me is a good idea. Wind is another matter but you nearly always have the option of not camping in an exposed spot generally.

For me a fly must have the ability to ventilate even in rain. My Mountain Design Kaon is a classic example where I brought more on impressive looking specifications than actual design. It is impressively light and dome construction probably giving it excellent wind and snow shedding ability but it's fly is not ventilated and the low mesh in the two doors makes for a very cold night. Basically not a good summer nor winter tend for living in. Do not get me wrong, it can safely be used but just not as much fun as designs done by people that live in tents for many months.

The idea for comfort are designs that can have the mesh closable but they are heavier or or expensive than mesh or solid designs. There are an awful lot of mee-to designs. The question is why are they cheaper? MSR locally are massively overpriced due the the Australian distributor. They are hard to get due to large USA mail order houses banned from shipping them. But if brought at OS pricing good value for money.

Yes you can with a warmer sleeping bag compensate for a largely mesh inner but that means in practice wrapped up in the bag. Ok for sleeping but not much fun for the hours before hand. Say in winter time setting up camp at 5.00pm. All depends on what you do. I like sitting up socializing.

I suppose I spend more time walking in winter than summer. If you are the reverse then by all means go with a mesh inner but I still believe that the fly should have ventilation.

Cheers

[POD]

Rico,
Suppose I put an Audi A3 and a Hyundai Excel in your driveway and said "Take your Pick". I know which one you'd choose, even though you might deny it here and now.

BUT - show me the Ferrino equivalent of the Hubba Hubba HP and I'll be interested. This thread has got so far off the initial topic it's not funny. It was never about the quality of your gear, it is about whether the HP or standard Hubba Hubba was better value and the associated disadvantage of purchasing the standard HH, which is what your Nemesi 2 would equate to.

[Azza]

I have a hubba hubba HP, its not a bad tent. But given a second chance I'd have probably considered something else.
So my advice is that I wouldn't get too hung up on having to buy a Hubba, because there are better tents out there.
For the weight its good as a two man tent, but I think the going rate price wise is too much for what it is.
I got mine relatively cheap a couple of years ago.

But I will says its definitely only a 3 season tent. Its stability in high winds isn't good at all.
I've had to retrofit extra guy ropes, if I had not then it would have been torn apart.
I've had a few sleepless hours holding the pole to stop it from getting flattened and ripped to pieces.

The single man Hubba is quite a bit more stable.. it just seems that the 2 man version is a bit of a sail.

Ent might go on about temperature.. but the most important thing in Tassie is stability.
If its cold I just take a winter sleeping bag.

[Seb]

show me the Ferrino equivalent of the Hubba Hubba HP and I'll be interested.

Ferrino Nemesi 1 (suggested above) is the closest equivalent from Ferrino to MSR Hubba (1 person tent; inner mesh).

Ferrino Chaos 2 is the equivalent of MSR Hubba Hubba ( 2 person tent; inner mesh). Ferrino Nemesi 2 is somewhat similar, but Chaos 2 is the closer match. Notice the smaller vestibule on Chaos 2 on one side.

The closest equivalent of MSR Hubba Hubba HP might be Ferrino Pumori 2, but Pumori is a 4-season rated tent (as opposed to Hubba Hubba HP, which is rated as 3-season) and it is a heavier tent (almost 1kg heavier than Hubba Hubba HP). Again, notice that one vestibule is smaller on Ferrino Pumori 2.

PS
First post.

[Franco]

POD
As a dedicated forum tragic (I follow several..) I'll attempt to answer your question.
The HP was an attempt by MSR to please the ones that liked the HH design however wanted more wind/sand protection and or a more "natural" colour .
To top that they tried to lighten the weight , got about 60g lighter but with a (most likely ) more expensive fabric , hence the price rise.
I mentioned before that if you keep exactly the same design those magically light fabrics are not all that much lighter.
For example going from silnylon to Cuben you save 150-200g on a solo or small double but pay twice as much.
Now because "Cuben" is the buzz fabric at the moment, saving 150g and doubling the cost makes sense for some, however the MSR HP does not have a "buzz" name associated to the fly so it failed in the US market.
Nothing wrong with the tent otherwise.

Franco

[casey79]

I have also looked at the Ferrino gear and was a little cautious due to it not having a lot of distribution in Australia and also not being able to actually check it out before slapping down my folding stuff.

I am having trouble finding anyone with an HP in stock especially in the U.S. (on-line) where they seem to be a reasonable price.
in the U.S. (on-line) where they seem to be a reasonable price.

Looks like you wanting to buy online but use the knowledge and stock in the store to help you.

My personal take is if I'm buying online I do my research online use that to make my decision.

If I ask the shop assistant questions, they pitch the tent and help me I will buy of the store.

To be honest it is purely good manners.