I am looking to buy a backpacking tent for sheep hunting. I have used the Sierra Designs two person Zolo tent on motorcycle trips and can testify to its ability to withstand major wind storms. It is also fairly roomy. That said I am going with a three person as the weight isn't all that much more and I want enough room for two hunters. I have heard great things about the MSR Hubba Hubba as well. Anyone have experience with these, opinions? My biggest concerns are rain, wind, weight etc. Needs to work for a week or so in the mountains up north in BC. I don't want to wake up wet and miserable if it rains, and I don't want in collapsing during high winds.
Sheep tent
- Thread starter babine_lake
- Start date
I have the Hubba Hubba, could not be happier with it.
If you are using it solo, very roomy. If you are doubling up, well, it will get tight. The vestibules could be larger, but that is nit picking. I have used it sheep hunting, and through-hiking, very reliable, very simple to setup.
Now, if you are counting ounces, one question would be, are there going to be trees where you plan to hunt, or at least sleep. If so, then you might want to look at Hennessy Hammocks.
If you are using it solo, very roomy. If you are doubling up, well, it will get tight. The vestibules could be larger, but that is nit picking. I have used it sheep hunting, and through-hiking, very reliable, very simple to setup.
Now, if you are counting ounces, one question would be, are there going to be trees where you plan to hunt, or at least sleep. If so, then you might want to look at Hennessy Hammocks.
I am not counting ounces. I plan on buying a three man and splitting the load between my hunting partner and I. I don't really do solo hunts out of a pack for various reasons, mainly its boring with no company. My concern was with a couple on-line reviews of the hubba which said they leak in heavy rain. Staying dry is at the top of the priority list. Any reasonable weight is fine. I can't rely on having trees, as god knows where we will end up making camp.
I wouln't put much faith in the "leaking in heavy rain" story. I would suspect that any tent, set up improperly, or abused, will leak. If this was a problem with MSR tents, you would think the hiking forums would be ablaze with the rumor and drum them out of business.
My original Hubba Hubba is still going strong, and I really don't take care of it. The silnylon fly does attract dirt (dust more like it) and can stand with a good sponge bath with a garden hose from time to time, but that's it. As with any tent, mind the floor, getting a hole in there won't help matters.
My original Hubba Hubba is still going strong, and I really don't take care of it. The silnylon fly does attract dirt (dust more like it) and can stand with a good sponge bath with a garden hose from time to time, but that's it. As with any tent, mind the floor, getting a hole in there won't help matters.
go without
For the last few years I have gone most often without a tent.
A decent sleeping bag and siltarp will keep me warm and reasonably dry.
A tent I would take for the bugs only but where I hunt in Alberta those tend to be gone most years early September in the mountains.
I try to save weight, sheep hunting you carry enough anyway, optics, gun and all.
For the last few years I have gone most often without a tent.
A decent sleeping bag and siltarp will keep me warm and reasonably dry.
A tent I would take for the bugs only but where I hunt in Alberta those tend to be gone most years early September in the mountains.
I try to save weight, sheep hunting you carry enough anyway, optics, gun and all.
- Location
- AB foothills
I have the Hubba without the extra nylon, the lighter version that is mostly mesh. Would not buy another just for the fact that I hate that cold air blowing across my face all night long while in sheep country. IMO the Hubba I have is a great hot summer night tent and that's about it. I would rather go back to a good bivy sack (Integral designs) than use this tent in the high country in the fall again...
This year I went with a Black Diamond (Bibler) single wall four season tent. I have used them in the past while climbing in the high country and was always pretty happy with the performance in all conditions. For what I do it will serve me better. Now I have just about enough tents for every month of the year
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
I have a Mountain Hardware Spire 2 ...
Never a complaint in the mountains or the bush
Never a complaint in the mountains or the bush
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- Location
- AB foothills
I have done this as well. Early season is alright I guess, but for me when the later season snows start to fly I need a decent tent for sure.
I have tried almost every combination of tents, tarps, bivy sacks etc. trying to go lighter with overall pack weight (caught up in the lightweight craze) but lately I am going back to some heavier items to be 100% comfortable while sleeping no matter what the conditions. But, everyone is different when it comes to sleep and what they like as far as being comfortable.
If you are not counting ounces, then take a look at Marmot Limelight 3P. It is about a pound heavier than a Hubba Hubba (by the way, the 3 person version of Hubba Hubba is called something else). However, 10 minutes with it and it becomes very obvious that the extra weight is all in the quality of the material and build quality. Marmot's weight (and price) also include the footprint, which others sell separately.
I picked it over Hubba Hubba two years ago. Sometimes, While hiking, (grasping for each breath), that extra pound counts, believe me! Later at night, when storm is wreaking havoc outside, it pays off!
I picked it over Hubba Hubba two years ago. Sometimes, While hiking, (grasping for each breath), that extra pound counts, believe me! Later at night, when storm is wreaking havoc outside, it pays off!
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
Just to add, the Spire 2 is
4 lb 8 oz
4 lb 8 oz
I totally forgot earlier that the HD version of the hubba hubba is no longer available in north america- so unless you have friends in the EU, there is no sense in even considering it.
There are a couple models of the tipi tents that have me intrigued, but I'm pretty far off from spending any money just to figure out if I like them!
There are a couple models of the tipi tents that have me intrigued, but I'm pretty far off from spending any money just to figure out if I like them!
I don't mind an extra few ounces to help with a good nights sleep. If I actually get rest at night I figure I can carry more mass on my pack when I wake up. Same things goes for price, as a hundred dollars more won't mean anything to me when I am out hunting. If the tent fails me on day two of a week long hunt I'll be wishing I spent a thousand.
Hubba Hubba HP.....This pic was taken during a DRIVING rain storm. You'll note the lack of moisture inside the tent, but if you look closely through the vent you can see rivulets of water running down the outside of the fly.
For what its worth, a day or so later I noticed that under the floor between the tent and the footprint there was a good couple of liters of water that had been driven in by the wind I can only assume. Literally sleeping on a bed of water, and not even a hint of dampness soaking through.
For what its worth, a day or so later I noticed that under the floor between the tent and the footprint there was a good couple of liters of water that had been driven in by the wind I can only assume. Literally sleeping on a bed of water, and not even a hint of dampness soaking through.
Check out Tarptent.
I bought a rainbow two years ago - all of the guys I hunt with have been impressed. It is a 1.5 person (fits me and my gear) and weighs 2 lbs. I have had it in some very rough conditions with no issues thus far.
Best of all - built by a guy out of his own home business, Henry Shires. You can speak to him directly via telephone and any warranty work is done by him.
Two of my friends run Go-lite Shangri-la's too - also a good bet.
I bought a rainbow two years ago - all of the guys I hunt with have been impressed. It is a 1.5 person (fits me and my gear) and weighs 2 lbs. I have had it in some very rough conditions with no issues thus far.
Best of all - built by a guy out of his own home business, Henry Shires. You can speak to him directly via telephone and any warranty work is done by him.
Two of my friends run Go-lite Shangri-la's too - also a good bet.
Hubba Hubba HP.....This pic was taken during a DRIVING rain storm. You'll note the lack of moisture inside the tent, but if you look closely through the vent you can see rivulets of water running down the outside of the fly.
For what its worth, a day or so later I noticed that under the floor between the tent and the footprint there was a good couple of liters of water that had been driven in by the wind I can only assume. Literally sleeping on a bed of water, and not even a hint of dampness soaking through.
We picked up a Hubba Hubba tent like this one except with the mesh and found it was too cold even mid summer. Like Davey said, too much air flow.
Had I to do it again the extra cash out and get this version with the double Nylon, really liked the side vestibules.
Have a SD Clip Flashlight and it is a good lightweight tent no longer made but they come up on fleabay. Got stuck in a -20 snow/windstorm on a sheep trip and we did alright I guess, I freeze most of the time. Whole inside of the tent was horefrosted by morning, the way the storm was I doubt any three season would act different. It was a brutal storm.
i have a Mutha Hubba ( Hubba Hubba three persons) and we tested the night we had -5°c at tombstone. if you have a good sleeping bag there is not a concern about that.
the HP or the Holler (new name) is really great but i ve tested it with storm for three days and condensation was inside after the second day. never we have that with the 3 persons Hubba Hubba.
if you really want a 4 or 5 season ones try Hillberg or TNF (some are still in use on Himalaya base camps).
all the best.
