Should you UPGRADE your backpacking tent? Is it worth it?

Should you upgrade your backpacking tent? Backpacking tents are costing more and more so upgrading your tent requires some serious thought. What are you getting for the extra cost? You need to decide what sort of tent camping you want to do. Are you going wild camping? Are you going throughout the year in all weathers?
1 person tents and 2 person tents vary massively. To try and make it easier to compare the difference between budget tents and expensive tents I've used two tents from the same Brand.
These backpacking tents are:
MSR Elixir 1 - buy here for £229
www.elitemountainsupplies.co....
MSR Hubba NX - buy here for £387
www.summits.co.uk/product/msr...
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#wildcamping #wildcampinguk #backpackinggear

[@simonwiltshire]

Thankyou a great honest review and an eye opener for allot of people, cheers.

[@jamiebassnettoutdoors]

I bought both of these tents. Price wasn't an issue. I just wanted the better one of the two and found that the cheaper Elixir and was a million times better than the Hubba. Lighter weight was the only positive about the Hubba. On every other criteria the Elixir is way better and a fantastic tent for the price. The three panel porch is better than any other tent. The crossing poles make it stronger. The material is far better as it does not sag when wet. It is the most liveable tent. Probably the only one person tent that is actually the right size. I loved my Elixir 1 and when it came to selling one of them I sold the Hubba. As I say other than slightly lighter weight in every aspect the Elixir is far better. I would say your video should probably show the difference in the porches as they are very different. The Elixir porch is twice the size of the Hubba and incredibly versatile and way more usable, especially in bad weather.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@tonnynijholt7090]

Thanks for sharing that info! I was looking at the porch as well since I"m looking for a tent to go motorcycle camping. I see a very useful porch with the Elixir!

[@summittaedae2323]

I bought the elixir1 when I was waiting on my soulo. I had planned to sell it on after my trip but decided to keep it because it’s just a great 1 man shelter.

[@Ian-vv6tf]

Very informative presentation. Thanks. By the way......just bought the Elixir 1👍😄

[@craigy1872]

Great video 👍🏻 The Elixir is well worth the money

[@BradleyHoward]

I've had the Hibba Hubba NX for 4 years. It's an amazing tent that still looks good and has been used a lot in several extreme conditions. I've broken a couple of poles during gale winds and they were replaced FOC by Elite Mountain Supplies (who i bought it from). A tent is an investment, and if you look after it properly, it should last years.

[@tubulzr]

Nice video Andy. Very decent comparison and explanation. Haven't got any experience with MSR tents but I'd choose the Elixir for UK weather, given the mesh in the Hubba. Also, the one-pole structure isn't my favourite. I managed to offset the weight gain of a 3-pole 4-season 1p tent (in comparison with my one-pole 3-season 2p tent) by saving weight on other gear. I've found that my personal preference regarding tents, after a couple of decades hiking, is sturdiness over light weight, especially in the UK/Scotland.

[@davidhale1568]

That’s a very good summary one thing that might be worth mentioning is it’s much easier to repair a simple pole structure than the All in One pole structure when your out in the hills. In some counties the Huba Huba appears to be sold with syclon composite poles instead of alloy. Am guessing that the weight difference might be less when wet as nylon absorbs moisture to my mind the Elixir looks easier to live with just needs a few easy to do mods.

[@BackpackingUK]

The carbon poles are ridiculously bendy, I had them on my MSR Access 2.

[@JosephPuplava]

I am glad to find this video to show the differences. I made the right decision to go with the MSR Elixir 2-person tent. I knew it was more durable than the Hubba tent and I didn't mind the weight. I am happy with my Elixir spacious room and it can withstand the high wind without questions. I hope this will last me more than 5 years with good care.

[@damright]

I use the elixir 1... very good for the price... bit tougher fabrics mean I'm not stressing too much on the hills -- much more suited to the UK weather

[@wad6216]

The Elixir has more room inside too compared to the Hubba, it is a very good and sturdy one man tent. I used to have one then upgraded to a Big Agnes Copper Spur one which is a great tent but no way as sturdy in winds as the Elixr. Now I have stayed with my Durston 2 man tent it suits all camping needs and is pretty strong if you get some quality Easton 9 inch tube pegs and use all the guy line points in moderate storms it held well for me. The Elixt tent also the fly goes really low to the ground which is better for the hills, I don't mind mesh inners for the three seasons only. They are better in a lot of situations, they don't suffer as bad with condensation especially if you have two people in a tent its can be sodden with a full solid inner if you touch the sides which you will with two people in moving about. Personally I like a full or half mesh inner with a outer fly that is nearly touching the floor. Not many of these tents are out in the market though. Most of this type of tent the fly a dog can walk under the gap is so large and the Durston is the only tent I could find that was light with mesh and had a low fly sheet. Such a lot of products on the market but they are all pretty much the same and that is the problem.

[@Shan-outnabout]

I have the MSR Elixir 1 and pack it down in a smaller sack, instead of using the bigger one. I have just seen the Elixir 2 is now only £40 more than the Elixir 1, bargain for a little bit more room and weight ❤

[@forsdykemontague1017]

Agree, depends whether you are “camping” or need a sleep en route. My choice is Wolfskin Gossamer 1 with tarp. Walking all day, knackered by the end of the day OR short hike and big meal cooked with frying pans etc 😂

[@worstuserever]

Think you're right about the price / benefit balance, and seems to apply in most activities (e.g. DIY tools, photography). Entry level gear can be ok but often a false economy, next step or two up usually best bang for buck, then prices rise steeply but you're getting the quality that comes with manufacturing to frequent or demanding performance rather than price point. Bought the Elixir 1 about 6 years ago, just under £200 I think. Originally wanted the 2 for solo use but found it too bulky. Still enough space in the 1 though, decent headroom, ventilation works well. Comfortably withstood pretty severe wind and rain. Don't know if I'll ever test it in snow as almost exclusively using 2p tents now. Maybe if I can get someone out on a winter trip I'll convince them to be the guinea pig.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@leewarren5819]

I’ve recently upgraded from my OEX Jackal 2 to a Fjern Gokotta 1, massive change in weight and it’s only a 1 person tent, apart from the poles it looks like the Huba, but it was only £150, I’ve only used it once but it was really comfy and dry. Really enjoy your videos too.

[@green9543]

Got the oex jackal 2, never let me down , zero complaints about it , suppose it all depends on how much a person can carry and how far , but is a good tent 👍⛺️🏕stood up to Scotlands worst rain for 48 hours, didn’t leak 👍👍⛺️

[@leewarren5819]

I do like the Jackal 2, but it is heavy and bulky, nearly 3kg as opposed to 1.1kg for the Fjern. I want to do a few multi day hikes so it should be better for them. Unfortunately I broke my collarbone last summer and I’m still struggling with my rucksack, so any drop in weight helps.

[@greyhikes5236]

In my collection I have Elixir 1 and own 2 x Elixir 2's. At the moment our second Elixir 2 inner is being converted to a 4 season inner. So basically they're our go to tents. I did the CWT with the Elixir 1 and it withstood some really shocking weather. Love them!👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@sonnymiles-currey9195]

Interested into how you’re converting it to a 4 season inner? Thanks

[@greyhikes5236]

@@sonnymiles-currey9195 I will be putting up a video on my channel pretty soon 👍

[@SUPMyRace]

Great video comparison. Would be great to see the breakdown in weights for each part of the tent, fly, inner, poles, pegs. footprint and then bags. Maybe that's just me 😉I am wondering what weight the Elixir would come in at without the footprint (if that was included in your comparison weight) and with the same pegs as the Hubba or upgraded to groundhogs, maybe. It would be good to see a comparison between one of the cheaper copies and the bigger brand version, Monger V Hubba Hubba for example.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ll put the weight of the groundsheet in the description 👍

[@IvanDP1967]

Great video Andy, as always Weight, durability, comfort and price are all personal preferences If people want the lighter, more expensive options and can afford it, good luck to them. But I do think there is a lot of snobbery among the camping/backpacking community regarding kit at times.

[@BackpackingUK]

I don’t think people realise that sometimes cheaper tents can be better!

[@rodoutdoors]

I would have already done it if I could hah. I really don't need an upgrade. I'm not a thru-hiker but it'd be nice to try a Zpacks Plex Solo, Tarptent Dipole Li, Durston Xmid Pro, Big Agnes Tigerwall UL, MLD Duomid, etc etc. Always nice to shed weight.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I upgraded last year from a Marmot Tungsten 2P which weighed 4+ lbs. to a Tarptent Double Rainbow Li which weighs just under 2 lbs. Came across a "used once" Zpacks Plex Solo the other day which weighs under 14 oz. Yes, I'm a gear whore, but I met a newbie hiker recently and I can totally outfit him for a backpacking outing this spring. Of course, he will be toting the heavy stuff.

[@davt8615]

Heard to many stories about the msr tents leaking, so it put me off, shame as there nice looking units. Will stick with my terra nova SC1 👍

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

I have the Msr Hubba Hubba nx2. Absolutely loved it when I pitched it in the garden but winter arrived then bought a soulo. So I’m still to get out in it. 🤣 I really rate MSR gear, lots of attention to detail compared to some other tent manufacturers..

[@vvs3796]

Very good topic.and i do agree. When you said cheaper tent is more durable did you mean these 2 tents? I maybe wrong but i seen somewhere that thin nylon is actualy stronger than thick polyester when we talk tent fabric..

[@BackpackingUK]

You’re right, like-for-like Nylon is better for everything apart from sagging. However, this specific tent has really thick materials (hence the weight!).

[@illtudjames]

Enjoyed your video. I have the MSR Elixir 2 which suits me fine. Which pegs would you suggest as an upgrade?

[@BackpackingUK]

You could stay with MSR and get their Groundhogs (mini or standard).

[@kwaddell2830]

Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

Wow, thanks! 🙏

[@fog360]

I like the cheaper one a lot better , weight does not bother me on tent or sleeping bag , I make my weight saving on food and water by experience only taking what I need , great video bud

[@BackpackingUK]

Never scrimp on food! 😂

[@Im_With_Stupid]

A lot of weight questions are answered by choice of backpacks. If you're using a lightweight backpack, you're probably also going to want to use a lightweight tent. While some lightweight packs are better than others, they typically have a low weight capacity and aren't known for their comfort or weight distribution, so you have to always be conscious of how much weight you're carrying. If you're using a Baltoro or an Aether backpack, you're not going to know the difference between a 3 pound tent and a 6 pound tent because they support and distribute weight so well.

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s hard convincing people heavier packs can be more comfortable!

[@KS2Khype]

Have a nice walk up kinder scout, nice to see you out

[@BackpackingUK]

😁 👍

[@chrisjwoodall]

Do you think the Elixir footprint is compatible with the hubba poles for flysheet first pitching? The current ‘universal’ footprint is such a disappointment for the hubba, the old one had the fittings for the pole ends whereas the universal doesn’t have these so doesn’t facilitate fly first pitching. I’ve got the hubba hubba and I can take it down inner first from inside, but suspect erecting it fly first would be a different world of pain!

[@BackpackingUK]

That makes no sense!! I’ve no sure if it would as the dims are slightly different.

[@Tom-hp4bq]

Last week I found the Hubba on offer for £100 in the Go Outdoors clearance section. Definitely can't be beaten for that price.

[@BackpackingUK]

Whaaaat?!?! Bargain of the year!

[@Tom-hp4bq]

@@BackpackingUK I couldn't believe it when I saw it haha, definitely a huge upgrade from my oex phoxx 1

[@kinoahrossi6110]

What are you views on the Outwell tents Earth 2 and Cloud 2. Both a bit heavy, but seem both very good value with plenty of usable space?

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d say they’d be perfect for site camping, but they really are big and heavy for backpacking.

[@awoodstick]

Good vid thanks. I’m in the market for a new tent. I like the msr…but am put off with pitching inner first in uk weather. Am I overthinking this, is it actually a big problem? Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

I won’t lie, it’s not ideal in the rain. However, both these tents are quick to erect (Hubba is a bit quicker).

[@shadowf3883]

There are ways to overcome this problem with some DIY

[@tonnynijholt7090]

What a great comparison. I've one question about the fly. If I check the MSR website for the Elixir 2, there are a lot of complaints about the fly. That the seems start leaking after a few times camping. I"m trying to figure out if MSR fixed that issue and when. The reviews are pretty recent but the people talk about buying the tent 4/5 years ago. I've found a nice used one but the fly is completely white, no red vestibule. I'm not sure, that's the only thing that keeps me from buying it atm.

[@BackpackingUK]

MSR are quite well known for leaks. We’ve got 2 Elixir’s and they’ve never leaked though.

[@tonnynijholt7090]

@@BackpackingUK Cool, good to know. It seems to happen the most with people that used it a few times, stored it for years and then unpack a fly screen with bladders all over the seems.

[@davidhudson7590]

I have exilir 2 I was joiner retired now and wouldn't say over 300 ish is cheap myself I'm happy with my exilir 2 and hope lasts years spose Andy depends if free marketing gifts or saved up to buy

[@BackpackingUK]

I purchased these myself, the Hubba from Go Outdoors and the Elixir off eBay.

[@MarkventuresNE]

Brilliant video. I think it all just comes down to the individual, if your not camping summits, in terrible weather, or on huge hikes, is there any need in spending fortunes?

[@BackpackingUK]

Exactly!

[@Pasequale100]

could you please make a conparison between the hubba bikepack version and the hubba backpack version? Concerning the bikepack version i am most concerned about the 20D floor. The backpack version has 30D.

[@Im_With_Stupid]

According to MSR, both versions have 20D floors, which is plenty.

[@stevedaddy5707]

Had the msr elixir 2 and moved to the wild country helm compact 2 never looked back will be selling the elixir 2.

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s interesting. I like both but I know they’re quite different, would do you prefer on the Helm 2?

[@christopherlucas892]

Interested to know why you prefer the helm 2 over the elixir. I bought a helm 2 which I use when I go camping with my wife. I later bought an elixir for solo camps and I much prefer the elixir to the extent that I wish I'd bought an elixir 2 instead of the helm.

[@johnkenny694]

Elixir poles crack easy and takes years getting fixed. Hubba poles have been ok on my nx 1.

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s not our experience at all. We’ve got 2 and they’ve survived storms many times.

[@dlawrence3187]

As demonstrated here, the cheaper tent is stronger and better materials and the only key factor on price is weight. If you’re not multi-day trekking then the difference isn’t so important.

[@BackpackingUK]

Exactly!

[@blahblah5750]

Why did you switch comments off on last video?

[@BackpackingUK]

Can’t be bothered with the classic expensive jacket comments. It’s boring!

[@therainbowgulag.]

The amount of mesh in the hubba make it a no no for the UK.

[@BackpackingUK]

And that’s not a bad one. More and more North American tents are being promoted in the UK with next to no mesh 🥶

[@owenhughes380]

Msr hubba nx solo is the worst tent I've ever owned, not fit for mountain use. Had a little bit of wind one night and it's bassicly folded the tent over and bent the poles. Shocking

[@polarbear109p2]

Ive owned the hubba solo for a couple of years. Camped on many a mountain in Scotland with it. I’ve had some rough nights worrying about the poles snapping. Even had to abandon camp at 4am. I bought it because it was very light. I’m seriously considering selling it and getting a better tent for the wind. Even if it weights over 2KG. Also done a camp a few weeks ago and I’m starting to feel claustrophobic in it. I’m falling out of love with this tent for summit camps 🙁

[@owenhughes380]

Yep spent many a night worrying about the tent failing, had no confidence in the tent at all. I do like the look of the elixir 1 it looks a much better pole structure amd solid tent

[@BackpackingUK]

😬