When thinking of the best MSR tents, precision engineering and careful craftmanship definitely come to mind. Founded in 1969, Mountain Safety Research was formed with the intent to make equipment that was safer and more reliable than that on the market at the time. From there, MSR have evolved into one of the most popular companies in the outdoor equipment industry.
Famous for specializing in high-performance gear, MSR tents are known for their top-quality construction and materials, mostly used for 3 and 4-season camping, and expedition worthy tents.
Many adventurers use their high-end lightweight backpacking tents for remote camping, and a lot of hardcore hikers and mountaineers camp with their expedition tents for scaling some of the biggest mountains in the world in the most treacherous conditions – a clear reason behind the pricing.
Table could not be displayed.From their ultra-popular Hubba Hubba NX range to the MSR Access expedition line, they offer such a massive variety of tents that all suit different needs.
It’s for that exact reason that we’ve created this review – with so many options to choose from it can start to get a bit muddled. In this review, we’ve reviewed the best MSR tents for sale on the market today, so you can find the perfect one for your next adventure, wherever that may be.
Page Contents:
14 Top MSR Camping Tents Available Online
1. MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 2.15lbs, (2p) 3.14lbs, (3p) 4.13lbs, (4p) 6.99lbs
The bestselling MSR Hubba Hubba NX comes in two capacities: the Solo and the 2 person. Below you’ll also find a rundown of the Mutha Hubba, which sports the Hubba name but instead houses 3 people.
Best for 3-season camping, it offers livable conditions in an ultralightweight and compact package, making treks or thru-hiking a breeze.
Interior size is maximized using Easton Syclone Poles, which are made of aerospace composite materials. This means they are highly responsive, bouncing back into shape in heavy winds. Both the floor and rainfly are covered in Xtreme Shield which is a waterproof coating – the waterproof rating is 3000mm and 1200mm respectively.
With 20D ripstop nylon for the canopy, 30D for the floor, 20D for the fly and 15D nylon for the mesh, you’re getting an excellent balance of resilience and weight, as the materials remain durable without creating excess bulk. 9 sq. ft of vestibule space keeps your gear out of the way, and you can partially roll it up for stargazing.
Key Features:
- Comfortable Head & Elbow Room with 18ft2 Floor & 36” Height
- 30D Ripstop Nylon Flooring with 3000mm Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating
- 18” x 6” Compact Pack Size with Compression Straps
Popular Questions:
No, it does not come with a groundsheet. You can either make your own footprint, or purchase separately an MSR Hubba Tent Footprint that is specially made for this line. Using a footprint is optional, however it’s recommended if your pack weight allows it. Footprints will protect the tent flooring from abrasions and holes, increasing its lifespan.
The rainfly has some built-in vents to enhance airflow. Each vent has a kickstand piece to customize and control air circulation and reduce condensation. Quite a bit of air can get through since half of the interior canopy is mesh, plus there are side mesh panels near the ground.
2. MSR Mutha Hubba NX Tent
Sizes Available: 3p
Packaged Weight: 4.13lbs
Here we’ve got the mother of the Hubba line, aptly named the Mutha Hubba. It’s made for 3 campers with full-coverage fly protection and increased storage space with dual vestibules. Much like the rest of the line, it features revolutionary Easton Syclone Poles that significantly enhance wind resistance using aerospace composite materials.
Ripstop nylon is used for the canopy, flooring, and rainfly, with 20D, 30D and 20D thicknesses respectively. Both the fly and flooring have an Xtreme Shield coating for high waterproof protection. Keeping a low profile with a 44” height, there’s still ample stretch-room thanks to the frame design – a center ridge pole pulls walls outwards to maximize volume without adding weight.
At 4.13lbs you can reduce the weight to 4.5lbs, or all the way down to 3.1lbs if you don’t take the inner canopy and use the Fast & Light framework (sold separately) which is perfect for hot summer camping.
Key Features:
- Spacious 7ft x 5.7ft Floor Dimensions & 44” Height
- Compact 21” x 7” Pack Size with Wide-Mouth Bag
- 3000mm Flooring & 1200mm Fly Waterproof Ratings with Xtreme Shield Coating
Popular Questions:
3 campers can fit side-by-side in standard adult sleeping bags, although shoulders may be touching. If you’re a couple who enjoys a little more room to stretch, then we suggest going for this size, as 3 people can feel a little cramped if you happen to find yourselves stuff inside if the weather turned.
Assembly should take no longer than 10-15 minutes, even faster if one or more people were helping you. It includes the same unified pole-and-hub system that the other models in this line use, which means that each pole is already connected in its correct place with hubs.
3. MSR Elixir Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 4.1lbs, (2p) 6lbs, (3p) 7lbs, (4p) 9.6lbs
The Elixir series is all about maximizing as much space as possible inside, but there is also a big focus on durability with thicker, slightly heavier fabrics. Compared to the ultralightweight Hubba series, the Elixir falls in the mid-lightweight backpacking range and can be used in marginally cooler weather.
Great for multi-day trips, these models offer stacks of livable space considering the low-profile dome design. The geometric framework pulls the walls out straighter, giving lots more headroom. For added comfort, the fly comes with a kickstand vent that pushes fresh air through the inner mesh canopy.
Abundant vestibule space gives you more room inside as gear is kept out of the way, with 1 vestibule for the 1p and 2 for the rest. Set up is simplified with color-coding, external pole clips, and unique hub pole system. Conveniently, each model comes with a free footprint, which prolongs the life of the tent flooring.
Key Features:
- Rapid Pitch with Color-Coding, Pole Hub System & Free Footprint
- 3000mm 70D Nylon Floor & 1500mm 68D Poly Rainfly
- Floor Area: (1p) 20ft2, (2p) 29ft2, (3p) 39.5ft2, (4p) 54ft2
Popular Questions:
These models are quite compact when packed away, but not as small as the Hubba line which is why they’re more suited to multi-day hiking, trekking or touring rather than over very long periods. Another difference is that there are no compression straps on the pack for these models, instead it only has the drawstring at the top. Here are the pack size dimensions: (1p) 19” x 6”, (2p) 20” x 7”, (3p) 20” x 8”, (4p) 22” x 7”
They are designed for use in 3-seasons, however due to thicker materials, we believe they can be used in slightly cooler conditions. We certainly wouldn’t be taking them out in winter, but they have more solid fabric paneling to trap a little more heat in.
4. MSR Access Expedition Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 3.8lbs, (2p) 4.1lbs, (3p) 5.1lbs
Designed for backcountry camping during winter expeditions, the Access line is popular with skiers. Delivering lightweight pack weights with roomy interior space, the full-length rainfly offers cold-weather protection against the kinds of conditions you’d expect to experience at treeline.
Easton Syclone Poles made of composite materials are as lightweight as aluminum and offer the same strength benefits of carbon fiber. They’re extremely wind-responsive, making them virtually unbreakable in even the harshest blizzard storms. Set up is streamlined with pre-attached pole hubs and pole clips.
A new cross pole design optimizes space whilst strengthening the overall frame, allowing each model to hold 27lbs of snow. Rainfly vents increase airflow to stop condensation, and it has an Xtreme Shield coating along with the flooring for full waterproof protection.
Key Features:
- Easton Syclone Poles Withstand 27lbs of Snowloading
- Xtreme Shield Coating for 1200mm-3000mm Waterproof Rating
- Large Vestibule Space & Optimized Interior Space
Popular Questions:
Whilst each model has limited mesh paneling, the mesh panels that are there have been placed where the rainfly vent is positioned. This means you get the benefit of enhanced warmth with less mesh, but you can still reduce condensation and increase airflow by opening the vent, or even by staking out the rainfly further.
5. MSR Carbon Reflex Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 1.13lbs, (2p) 2.3lbs, (3p) 2.1lbs
Ideal for 3-season trips, the Carbon Reflex line is the lightest, double-wall full protection tents that MSR sell. These are absolutely perfect for those who like travelling ultralightweight, but want more protection than if they were using a tarp. In fact, these models give the protection and durability of a tent with the weight of a tarp – the 1p even packs almost as small as a water bottle.
The non-freestanding design is quick and easygoing to pitch, with telescopic poles and bright-red grommets, clips and stakes for easy visibility. An additional cross-pole significantly boosts interior space without adding much to the weight. Vestibule space leaves more room inside the main area, and a full-mesh body makes these a top choice for warm weather.
With the featherweight carbon fiber poles and zipper-free vestibule, each and every feature is designed to decrease the weight as much as possible, without compromising on resilience or protection. Each model comes with wide-stretching D-doors, 1 entrance on the 1p and 2 on the others for easier access.
Key Features:
- Featherweight Design with Lightweight & Strong Carbon Fiber Poles
- DuraShield Rainfly & Xtreme Shield Flooring with 1200mm HH
- Zipper-Free Vestibule with Lightweight Velcro & Metal Hooks
6. MSR FreeLite Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 2.8lbs, (2p) 2.15lbs, (3p) 3.7lbs
The FreeLite tent series is sort of in-between the Carbon Reflex line and Hubba tents. These models fall in the ultralightweight range, but have slightly more paneling at the bottom to trap in a little extra heat through eliminating ground drafts.
Perfect for biking in the warmer months, these models offer full rainfly protection with Xtreme Shield waterproof coating. Easton Syclone Poles resist breakage in extreme winds, and they’re straightforward to set up thanks to the hub systems.
Livable and comfortable, the pole geometry maximizes headroom, whilst the floor plan ensures you have enough room to comfortably sleep without feeling crammed. Micromesh boosts ventilation, and dual opposite-face D-shaped doors create easy access.
Key Features:
- Semi-Freestanding Design with Easton Syclone Poles & Hub System
- Xtreme Shield 1200mm Waterproof Coating on Floor & Fly
- Convenient Stuff Sack with Compression Straps for Easy Packing
7. MSR Zoic Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 3.12lbs, (2p) 4.13lbs, (3p) 5.14lbs, (4p) 7.4lbs
The Zoic line offers the strength and reliability of a dome, with increased space thanks to a geometric framework and cross-brow pole. Generous head and shoulder room make these feel more spacious than traditional backpacking tents. Even the floorplan is roomier, with the 2p accommodating larger 25” mattresses than what we’re typically used to.
Great for 3-season campouts, a full micromesh canopy means you get the breathability and condensation control to ensure a dry, comfortable night. We like how the fly is adaptable, so you can roll it back to stargaze whilst remaining protected from bugs. Steep sidewalls allow a spacious feel inside, plus you’ve got vestibule space to store gear.
Set up is hassle-free with a unified hub system integrated into the poles. The fly is made of thick 40D ripstop nylon with a waterproof column of 1500mm, while the flooring is extremely durable made from 70D taffeta nylon and a waterproof rating of 3000mm.
Key Features:
- Spacious Floorplan with Near-Vertical Side Walls
- Robust Yet Lightweight Aluminum Frame with Hubs for Easy Pitch
- Durable Nylon Build with Xtreme Shield 1500mm Fly & 3000mm Flooring
Popular Questions:
There are two doors on all models, even the smallest 1p. The doors sit opposite each other on the steepest walls, making entry and exit comfortable and quick. With a wide D-shape, they’re seamless to zip and unzip, plus you can roll them back and tie them out of the way with toggles.
Apart from the outer vestibule/s (you get one for the 1p and two for the rest) there are multiple interior storage options. You’ll find side stuff pockets, gear mesh pouches, and a gear loft. These allow fast and easy access to all your valuables.
8. MSR Thru-Hiker Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 14oz, (2p) 1lbs 2oz, (3p) 1lbs 4oz
Dubbed “the ultimate shelter for long-distance soloists” the Thru-Hiker range is pretty much as light as they come. The 1p even packs down as small as a 32oz water bottle, with the 2p and 3p not much bigger. With a drawstring stuff sack, you can save as much space and weight in your gear as possible.
Inspired by traditional A-frame tents, each model delivers excellent ventilation with a full-mesh canopy, and enough livable room to stay comfortable for weeks or months at a time. Assembly is effortless, and you can shave off even more weight by using your trekking poles for stability.
This is a highly adaptable line as you can use these for protection against bugs in hot conditions, but can also pair it with the Thru-Hiker Wing Canopy Camping Shelter. This shelter gets suspended over the top and keeps you protected from winds and rain.
Key Features:
- Extremely Featherweight Design with Pitch Using Trekking Poles
- Durable 15D Ripstop Nylon Flooring with 1200mm Extreme Shield
- Configurable with Thru-Hiker Wing Canopy with 1200mm Waterproof Rating
Popular Questions:
When using your own trekking poles, here are the following minimum weights you can achieve for the ultimate ultralightweight pack: (1p) 10oz, (2p) 14oz, (3p) 1lb If you don’t wish to use your trekking poles, then you can purchase optional accessory poles or use tree branches.
9. MSR Habitude Tent
Sizes Available: 4p, 6p
Packaged Weight: (4p) 12.1lbs, (6p) 14lbs
A top pick for family camping, the Habitude line offers the comfort of standing-height, making getting changed or navigating gear a breeze. What’s more, a wide vestibule offers even more storage space.
A combination of mesh and solid-fabric paneling provides the ideal balance between privacy and ventilation. The fly gives full-length coverage as well as versatility, as you can remove the vestibule to create an awning over the door for effortless entry and exit. An integrated porch light is a handy added feature that makes using the tent easier at night.
Featuring thick 68D ripstop polyester with a PU and DWR coating throughout, these models can handle the rigors of camping with kids as well as remote or backcountry conditions. The floor has an incredibly high waterproof rating of 10,000mm, making this line perfect for camping along river banks.
Key Features:
- Geometric Frame Boosts Head & Shoulder Room with 6ft Height
- Hubbed Poles & Color-Coded Clips Allow a Fast & Simple Pitch
- Tough 68D Ripstop & Taffeta Polyester with 1500-10,000mm Waterproof Rating
10. MSR H.U.B (High Altitude Utility Basecamp) Tent
Sizes Available: 5p-10p
Packaged Weight: 49lbs
Built specifically for professional alpinists to use as a basecamp, the H.U.B fits up to 10 people with leftover space for gear storage. A 79” peak height enhances comfort inside, whilst detachable door panels and small mesh windows let you customize protection and airflow.
Double large D-doors offer standing-height entrance and exits. These doors feature a second mesh door, awnings, and closable windows. Transparent side windows allow natural light inside as well as outdoor views when you’re stuck inside during a storm.
Materials include 75D polyester mesh, 150D taffeta polyester for the fly with a 3000mm waterproof rating, and 70D nylon taffeta with a massive 10,000mm of waterproof protection for the floor.
If you’d like to create more space and stretch-room inside the tent, you can purchase the H.U.B Gear Shed separately. It acts as a large vestibule, but can also be used to extend the tent to create an additional sleeping area. This frees up quite a bit of space for the team to work more efficiently.
Key Features:
- Premium Materials with 3000mm Rainfly & 10,000mm Durashield Floor
- Comfortable 79” Height with 108ft2 of Spacious Interior Room
- 30” x 18” Pack Size
Popular Questions:
This tent is particularly expensive because it is specially designed and constructed for professional climbing, mountaineering and hiking teams who need an extremely high-quality shelter to camp in at basecamp. It is built to withstand the most extreme winter conditions. Expedition-grade materials have been used, and it has been proven to withstand the rigors of the Himalayas, Antarctica and other similar environments.
11. MSR Guideline Pro Tent
Sizes Available: 2p
Packaged Weight: 6.13lbs
The Guidline Pro 2 person tent is designed to withstand tough conditions for 3-season camping. Compared to consumer-grade tents, this model is made to last three-times longer with extra-strength oversized Easton Syclone MAX Poles that resist breakage in heavy winds.
Dual wide-length teardrop-shaped doors provide seamless entry and exit. Overall, there is an even combo of solid-fabric and mesh paneling for customizable ventilation and privacy. Stainless steel YKK zippers are long-lasting after constant use, and an Xtreme Shield waterproof coating on both the fly and flooring offer a waterproof rating between 1500mm to 3000mm.
A 42” peak height allows comfortable crouch-room, with 55” of floorspace to easily fit 2 oversized camping pads with a little leftover space for gear. You’ve also got two roomy side vestibules, though, giving ample storage space for two campers.
Key Features:
- Comfortable 33ft2 Floorplan with 42” Height Fits Oversized Mattresses
- Extra-Sturdy Easton Syclone MAX Poles Resist Fierce Windstorms
- Streamlined Freestanding Pitch with Color-Coding, Clips & Webbing
12. MSR Remote Tent
Sizes Available: 2p, 3p
Packaged Weight: (2p) 7.2lbs, (3p) 8.13lbs
This 4-season sanctuary is made to keep you dry and warm amongst the rough winter elements, with a unique central-support framework using robust Easton Syclone Poles to endure heavy snowloads. A spacious floorplan is paired with a 44” height for both models, delivering comfort when you need it.
Reinforced guyline points and double-wall construction ensure reliable protection in the toughest winds. The flooring is made from durable 40D ripstop nylon with a 10,000mm waterproof column to prevent leaks. The canopy is also made from 40D ripstop nylon, while the fly is thicker made from 68D ripstop polyester.
15D nylon micromesh reduces condensation, where you can control airflow through upgraded kickstand fly vents. Dual internal pockets provide added storage solutions, apart from the gear storage available with the two vestibules.
Key Features:
- 10,000mm Waterproof Rating for Floor & Double-Wall Nylon Protection
- Easygoing Pitch with Color-Coded Pole Clips
- Ultra-Durable Easton Syclone Poles & Reinforced Guyline Points
Popular Questions:
The 2p version offers 33ft2 of floorspace, while the 3p accommodates to three campers with 46ft2 of floor area. While both have the same head height at 44” and near-vertical door walls, the 3p has a rounder dome shape than the 2p. This is because the 3p needs to accommodate one more camper, making it easier to fit an additional sleeping bag or mattress.
13. MSR Hubba Tour Tent
Sizes Available: 1p, 2p, 3p
Packaged Weight: (1p) 4.7lbs, (2p) 5.4lbs, (3p) 6.4lbs
The Hubba Tour line is an extension on the Hubba Hubba NX series, made specifically for touring. Each model is designed to provide additional space for increased comfort, plus a unique exoskeletal framework ensures the interior remains dry if it’s raining during setup.
A highly durable Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating delivers a 1200mm waterproof column for the 20D ripstop nylon fly, paired with the 30D ripstop nylon 3000mm flooring, for 3-season protection. A large front vestibule provides tons of space for changing or storing dirty gear, keeping everything protected from the elements.
When it comes time to pack up, the stuff sack compresses the tent and all accessories using dual compression straps, making it easier to fit in your bag. Apart from the vestibule, there are several mesh pockets inside, including a gear loft.
Key Features:
- Space-Optimizing Exoskeleton Frame & Unified Rainfly Eliminate Leaks During Setup
- Xtreme Shield Coating on Fly & Floor Delivers 1200-3000mm Waterproof Rating
- Extra Spacious Front Vestibule with Wide Entrance
14. MSR Advance Pro Tent
Sizes Available: 2p
Packaged Weight: 3.3lbs
The Advance Pro model is another ideal choice for expert alpinists, supplying 4-season protection against extreme conditions. One of the biggest things that stands out is the fact that it’s quite a lightweight option thanks to the single-wall design, weighing in at just over 3lbs or 2.14lbs at the minimum weight.
A side and rear kickstand vent enhance ventilation, allowing you to personalize airflow levels depending on the conditions. Easton Syclone Poles made from innovative composite materials and strengthened guy out points ensure the structure remains stable in harsh windstorms.
Set up is incredibly simple, and is specifically designed to pitch with ease on the side of a mountain with limited space to move around. A unique pole sleeve and hybrid clip system allow this model to assemble in less than a minute. A wide front door stretches from the roof down to the floor, letting you get in and out effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Ultra-Durable Easton Syclone Poles Withstand Severe Weather
- Single-Wall Design with 3000mm Xtreme Shield Fly & 1000mm Rainfly
- Unique Hybrid Clip & Pole Sleeve Design for Streamlined Pitch
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are MSR Tents Made?
Most of their gear, including their tents, are designed and made in their manufacturing facilities using local suppliers in both Seattle, USA, Reno USA, and Midleton, Ireland. Their Seattle site use the same factory they’ve operated in since the brand’s establishment in 1969.
They are quite vocal about their dedication to manufacturing and social responsibility, which they have outlined in detail in their full Manufacturing and Social Responsibility Report.
They are a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group, which is devoted to “addressing our most important sustainability challenges”. They hold themselves to stricter standards when managing waste and water usage, which leads to an overall lower impact on the environment.
Where Can I Buy MSR Tents?
Seeing as they’re extremely popular with an array of different kinds of campers, you can buy these tents from a wide variety of places. Here are some examples:
- MSR’s official website
- Certified sellers
- Camping retailer stores
- E-commerce giants like Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, and so on.
Are MSR Tents Worth It?
Some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve seen going around include whether the tents from MSR are any good, whether they’re worth the money, and why they are so expensive.
Seeing as they’ve been on the scene since the late 60s and are hugely popular in the backpacking community and beyond, we definitely believe that MSR tents are some of the best on the market.
Their use of premium materials and high-end workmanship are what make them rank among the best in remote and backcountry camping, mountaineering, expeditions, thru-hiking and more.
In our opinion, one of their biggest appeals is the fact that their streamlined set up systems are user-friendly enough for beginner backpackers, but don’t compromise on structural integrity. This means their range isn’t limited to expert campers, making them more accessible and appealing to anyone who’s passionate about the outdoors.
It’s important to take their tents and their brand for exactly who and what they are. Their tents are constructed with top-quality materials that are made to withstand the harshest of conditions, so they aren’t intended for budget-conscious campers.
From 4-season winter expedition tents to ultralightweight carbon fiber models, MSR cover a wide range of needs using high-grade materials and carefully engineered designs.
Conclusion on the Best MSR Tents
Whether you’re a first or longtime backpacker, you can’t go wrong with one of the best MSR tents on our list. After diving deep into every detail, it’s pretty clear that this brand take their quality and craftmanship seriously.
From kicking it in the backcountry, to skiing down alpine meadows, to hiking through national parks, there are a plethora of tents to choose from that suit different needs, conditions, and pack weights.
Their range offers a variety of tents, from ultralight models like the Carbon Reflex or FreeLite for those who want to carry the least possible weight, to more casual multi-day backpackers who can spare an extra pound in their pack for added protection, like the Elixir or Zoic.
While their price range isn’t for everyone, the quality, durability, weatherproofing, and level of comfort you get with geometric frameworks are what set these apart from tents within the low to mid-cost range.
Other standout features we’ve noticed include consistent ventilation, ample vestibule storage, large doors, and fast set ups – all elements that make an outdoor experience that much more comfortable and enjoyable in every sense.
Sources that helped provide some information for our research:
- MSR’s Official Website Tent Comparison Guide
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX Guide from OutdoorGearLab
- MSR History and Company Background on Wikipedia
