Mutha Hubba Tent

Yesterday I saw an ad for a 37-pound three-room tent that sleeps six people and costs $39. Now, that's the tent you want if you plan to car-camp with the masses, but if you're venturing farther than the KOA parking lot, take a look at the MSR Mutha Hubba—it's a three-person tent that weighs far less: 7 pounds, 13 ounces including the stakes, poles, footprint, and rain fly.

There's a lot to like about the Mutha Hubba. Assembly was fast and easy, and the tent has two full entrances rather than a "main" entrance and a smaller zip at the other end. The interior has two long mesh pockets to hold books and small stuff. The vestibules extend a good three feet, leaving plenty of room for packs and shoes. We wished there were more stakes, though.

The 40-square-foot interior is roomy in length but will be snug in width for some—that is, three big guys will definitely be spooning, but a man, woman, child, and a 90-pound dog fit inside very comfortably. Lightness isn't cheap, but if you're going to camp for real, you can't take a 37-pound beast. $450; msrgear.com.