Naturehike Mongar 2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba – What Is The Difference?
I am extremely passionate about my Naturehike Mongar 2 tent. Even though I reviewed countless waterproof tents, this is the model I kept for long term use. I can’t wait for the spring trout fishing season to start, so I can take it out to the woods. But what is the difference between the Naturehike Mongar 2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba Tents?
| MSR Hubba Hubba | Naturehike Mongar 2 | |
| Price | $449 | $119 |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.58 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Waterproofing | 1200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Click for Best Price | Click for Best Price |
Nothing beats the comfort my Naturehike Mongar 2 provides even during nights of extremely difficult weather. However there are other factors to look at. When deciding between the MSR Hubba Hubba vs Naturehike Mongar, I think the most important considerations are:
- Price
- Weight
- Waterproofing
Two popular backpacking tent options that often come to mind are the MSR Hubba Hubba and the Naturehike Mongar 2. Both are favoured by outdoor enthusiasts, but they have their own set of features and advantages. Some claim that the Naturehike Mongar 2 is just a cheap knockoff of the MSR Hubba Hubba. Is that so? Let’s find out!
Recommended reading: Naturehike Mongar 2 Review
Differences between versions of the Naturehike Mongar 2
Which One Should You Buy: MSR Hubba Hubba vs Naturehike Mongar 2?
Weight
One of the biggest perks of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its extremely light weight. I have not seen tents of this durability and design with such light weight. Obviously in the end you end up paying a premium price for the weight you don’t have to carry with backpacking tents.
Waterproofing
When it comes to waterproofing, my feeling is that the MSR Hubba Hubba could not merge its lightweight design with really great waterproofing. Unfortunately it is only 1200 mm HH rated, which I would consider barely water resistant.
On the other hand the better waterproof rating of the Naturehike Mongar 2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba is clear to see. Both the 20D and 15D models have a rating of 3500 mm HH. With almost 3 times as high waterproof rating, the Naturehike Mongar 2 is clearly superior than its competitor.
Actually, I have to praise both companies for the design of their rainfly. It reaches really low, covering the whole inner tent. I took my Mongar 2 up north in Sweden. This one evening I was facing sideways rain and 60 mph wind. However not a drop got inside. I know a lot of tents that would not have coped this well with the conditions.
Design
Both tents are designed with a true rectangular floor plan. This might not seem like a big deal, however it gives you the feeling that you have more inner space than ever.
Both the Naturehike Mongar 2 and the MSR Hubba Hubba has a Y shaped pole structure. This gives them an aerodynamic shape. I have been in tents before where the wind was basically tearing my shelter out of its place. However when I sleep in the Naturehike Mongar 2, there is nothing that can hurt me.
Each of these tents have 2 vestibules on each side. This increases the space under the rainfly and you can always store wet or muddy gear in there.
Ease of Set Up
When it comes to setting up both of them are really simple to deal with. The only tricky part is having the middle Y-shaped pole running in the correct direction. Otherwise it is impossible to get bogged down while assembling or taking apart either of these tents.
Recommended reading: Differences between the MSR Hubba NX vs HP
Price
The MSR Hubba Hubba has a reputation of being one of the best designed lightweight backpacking tents. To quote the company, the Hubba Hubba was ‘designed with serious and savvy backpackers in mind‘. Its price is in line with this reputation. The MSR Hubba Hubba costs three times as much as the Naturehike Mongar 2. Is it three times as good though? Personally I don’t think so!
One of the biggest selling points of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its durability. Basically if you invest this much money, you don’t want to buy another tent for the next 5-6 years.
Actually, I have recommended the Naturehike Mongar 2 as a budget option before. You get a very similar design as with the Hubba Hubba, but for a cut price. In the end there is no question, if money is an issue you have to go for the Naturehike Mongar 2.
Naturehike Mongar 2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba Comparison Table
| Feature | Naturehike Mongar 2 | MSR Hubba Hubba |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Fly Waterproofness (mm HH) | 4000 | 1200 |
| Tent Floor Waterproofness (mm HH) | 4000 | 3000 |
| Tent Fly Material | Rip-stop nylon | Rip-stop nylon |
| Inner Tent Material | B3 breathable mesh | B3 breathable mesh |
| Frame | Y Frame Structure | Hubbed Aluminum |
| Pole Material | 7001 aluminum | Aluminum |
| Weight (kg/lbs) | 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs | 1.58 kg / 3.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 82.7″L x 53.2″W x 41.3″H | 84″ x 54″ x 39″ |
| Capacity (People) | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 |
| Installation Type | Free Standing | Semi-Freestanding |
| Best For | Backpacking/Camping | Lightweight Backpacking |
| Price (January 2024) | $174 | $449 |
| Click For Best Price | Click For Best Price |
Breathability
My experience has been that both tents are identical in terms of breathability. They offer plenty of air flow. I had no problems with condensation either.
Material
Both tents are made of ripstop nylon rainfly. There is really no difference between the material makeup of these tents. Considering the price of the MSR Hubba Hubba this is a little surprising. Again, for me it makes no sense to pay the extra price over the Mongar 2.
All in all I feel that unless you are extremely hellbent on cutting down the weight of your gear as much as possible, I would go for the Naturehike Mongar 2 vs MSR Hubba Hubba.
