If you’ve been eyeing the NEMO Dragonfly and the MSR Hubba Hubba, you’re already in the upper tier of backpacking tents. Both are ultralight, both are popular with thru-hikers and serious adventurers — but they’re not the same.
I’ve used both. I’ve slept in storms, cooked in vestibules, froze at 3AM, sweated in the heat. So I’m gonna lay it out for you — what’s worth your cash, and what you need to watch out for.
Quick Comparison: NEMO Dragonfly vs MSR Hubba Hubba
| Feature | NEMO Dragonfly | MSR Hubba Hubba |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (2P) | 1.36 kg / 3 lb | 1.54 kg / 3.4 lb |
| Interior Space | 29.0 sq ft (wider headroom, tapered foot) | 29.0 sq ft (more symmetric layout) |
| Vestibule Space | 22.8 sq ft combined | 17.5 sq ft combined |
| Pole System | DAC Featherlite NFL | Easton Syclone composite poles |
| Waterproof Rating | 1200mm fly / 1200mm floor | 1200mm fly / 3000mm floor |
| Pack Size | 48 x 14 cm (18.9 x 5.5 in) | 46 x 15 cm (18 x 6 in) |
| Price (2P) | ~£460 | ~£490 |
NEMO Dragonfly: Lightweight, Roomy, and Feature-Rich
This tent is one of the best ultralight options out there that doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping in a glorified tarp.
It’s made for real backpackers — the folks who hike 20 miles, crash hard, and need shelter that can handle rough weather without adding bulk.
What I Love About the NEMO Dragonfly
✅ Roomy Interior for an Ultralight Tent
- Wider headspace = less of that coffin feel.
- Asymmetrical design puts more volume where you actually need it (shoulders, head), and tapers off at the feet.
- Feels way bigger than it looks in spec sheets.
✅ Massive Vestibules
The vestibules are HUGE. You can easily stash two big packs and cook in one if the rain kicks in. Way more livable than most ultralight shelters.
✅ High-Low Ventilation System
Built-in vents at both top and bottom help cut condensation. Works way better than other tents I’ve used at this weight.
✅ Divvy Sack = Genius
The stuff sack splits in two. Your partner carries the poles, you carry the fly and body. It’s small, but it’s brilliant for weight sharing.
Where the Dragonfly Falls Short
❌ 1200mm Floor = Wet Ground Problems
The fly is fine, but the floor has a low waterproof rating. If you’re camping on soaked ground or in a storm, bring a footprint or polycryo sheet, or your sleeping pad’s gonna get tested.
❌ Fabric Feels Delicate
It’s 20D nylon, which keeps the weight down but it feels fragile. Treat it carefully. No cowboy camping. Sharp sticks? Bad news.
Who Should Get the NEMO Dragonfly?
- Ultralight backpackers who want livable space
- Pairs who want separate storage and breathing room
- People who camp in moderate climates
- Fast-packers who split gear with a partner
MSR Hubba Hubba: Bombproof and Balanced
The Hubba Hubba is one of the most iconic tents ever made. It’s not just popular because of marketing — it works. Everywhere.
It’s built to last, keeps you dry, and doesn’t sacrifice livability, even when the weather turns sideways.
What Makes the Hubba Hubba Stand Out
✅ More Durable Floor
This is the biggest functional difference. The floor is 3000mm, which means it can handle puddles, soggy ground, and saturated soil like a champ. No footprint? No problem.
✅ Balanced Interior Design
Unlike the Dragonfly, the Hubba Hubba has a symmetrical layout — straight sides, high ceiling, and vertical walls. This makes it feel roomy no matter where you sleep.
✅ Full Side Access
Both doors open wide and roll back easily. That means no crawling over your partner to pee at 2am. Hallelujah.
✅ Solid Weatherproofing
It just works. The materials, pole tension, and fly design shed rain and wind better than most other lightweight tents in this weight class.
Where the Hubba Hubba Slips a Bit
❌ Vestibules Are Smaller
They’re only 8.75 sq ft each, which is fine for one pack and some boots, but forget about cooking under cover or stashing gear if you’re fully loaded.
❌ More Expensive
Usually £30–£50 more than the Dragonfly. Worth it if you value ruggedness, but harder to justify for a fair-weather hiker.
❌ Not the Lightest Anymore
At 3.4 lbs / 1.54 kg, it’s still light — but newer ultralight models beat it on weight. If you’re an ounce counter, that matters.
Who Should Get the Hubba Hubba?
- Hikers who camp in wet or variable conditions
- People who want reliability over ultralight obsession
- Pairs who value a more symmetrical, classic interior
- Anyone willing to pay for long-term durability
Key Differences in Real-World Use
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Interior space | Tie | NEMO has better shoulder/head space; MSR is more uniform |
| Weight | NEMO Dragonfly | About 200g lighter |
| Floor durability | MSR Hubba Hubba | Way higher waterproof rating — no footprint needed |
| Vestibule size | NEMO Dragonfly | Much more gear space + better for cooking |
| Ease of setup | MSR Hubba Hubba | Slightly quicker, easier tensioning |
| Packed size | Tie | Practically the same — both compress small |
| Storm protection | MSR Hubba Hubba | Handles high wind and rain slightly better |
| Ventilation | NEMO Dragonfly | Better high-low vent system reduces condensation |
| Durability (long-term) | MSR Hubba Hubba | Proven to last years, tougher materials |
| Price-to-performance | NEMO Dragonfly | Cheaper, lighter, still solid performer |
Which One Should You Buy?
Let’s make it simple.
Go with the NEMO Dragonfly if:
- You want a lighter tent with great livability
- You hike in dry or mild weather and value weight savings
- You like more vestibule room for gear + cooking
- You’re splitting gear with a partner
Go with the MSR Hubba Hubba if:
- You camp in wet climates or alpine zones
- You want a tougher floor and better storm protection
- You’re okay carrying a few extra grams for peace of mind
- You want a symmetric, easier-to-set-up structure
Final Verdict
If you want lightweight comfort and clever features for fair-weather trips — the Dragonfly is a dream.
If you want a rugged tent that can take a beating in wild weather and still be your best friend after 5 years — go with the Hubba Hubba.
There’s no bad choice here. Just the one that fits how you hike.
