MSR Hoop Tent

MSR Hoop Tent

 I spent several days researching one-person tents and found the lightest and most affordable to be the MSR Hubba, Sierra Design's Lightning XT1, Eureka's Back Country 1 and the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1. Both the Zephyr and Back Country were relatively inexpensive ($100-130), both were large for a solo tent (23-24 sq ft each), and both weighed approx 4 pounds. The Eureka is very popular judging from the ample positive online reviews, but I didn't like the fly designs of either of these tents. The ALPS has a top triangle that purportedly catches water and the Eureka's barely extends past the door.

On to the Hubba and Lightning. Both were similar prices ($200-250) and had similar space (Hubba - 17 and Lightning - 19 sq ft). Both weighed in at 3 lbs 6 ozs but the Lightning's width at 32" seemed more friendly than MSR's 26". The Hubba is the most popular of the two but there were a few reviewers who gave a thumbs down on the narrow width. Unfortunately, I found almost no reviews for the Lightning.

In the end I went with the Hubba because of it's sleek design. The first time I set it up I was surprised at how tall and wide it was. Inside it felt big, much bigger than I had expected. The length is ample at 86" (the Lightning is 82") and the way the top crosspole opens the ceiling as wide as the bottom provides very comfortable head space. The bath tub floor comes up higher mid-tent so if you like to sleep on your side, it will expand with a fully bent knee. This tent, which is made in Taiwan, is well-constructed from seams to poles and feather light stakes. Set up is fast and easy. The short poles at either end are permanently attached to a hub as is the crosspole, but despite the fact that there is essentially only one pole the Hubba is solid even without staking. Plus, there are loops at the corners of the square ceiling where you could attach an attic.