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Gear Review: MSR E-wing 2011

A lightweight two-person tarp with multiple setup options.
Photos and text by Joe Flowers
«
  • When I first tested this versatile, hexagon-shaped tarp over 2 years ago, I loved it for its light weight and clever end walls (tarp on right). I love the 2011 version even more: It's twice the size (134 x 78", tarp on left) and can be pitched two ways..
  • In the lean-to pitch (my favorite; use trekking poles, trees, or sticks) there's plenty of space to shelter 2 campers (with about 6 inches of wiggle room between bags) and ample length for tall guys (up to 6.5 feet). It can also be pitched as an A-frame.
  • The best part: The triangular "wings" at each end. This shot shows them deployed perfectly over each end of the shelter, boosting weather tightness. During a light storm in North Carolina, I was was able to hunker back into the lean-to and stay dry.
  • Want more head room? If there's an overhead branch present, a third guyline can be used to pull the roof up from a loop in the center of the tarp. There are 6 webbing loops (one at each corner). Bring extra cord to attach it to trees.
  • For a more weather-worthy pitch, use an A-frame configuration. At a campout on the Little River in NC, my gear and I stayed totally dry under a hammering storm.
  • Classic tarp problem: No door means wet dogs barge right in. Still, it served me well on a 25-mile AT hike, allowing me to camp in between the permanent (and crowded) trail shelters.
  • The tarp is made of a light but tough 30-denier ripstop nylon with a new and improved Durashield polyurethane coating.
  • Reinforced stitching on the corners make it more durable and versatile than the old E-Wing, which was designed as an emergency shelter. I've used this version dozens of times over 5 months as a gear drying area, dining tarp, and as my primary shelter.
  • Six of these cool, square, aluminum stakes come standard. They proved virtually bend-proof, but the dark red color makes them hard to find in the ground.
  • Two 68-inch lengths of cord are also standard. The metal guyline tabs work, but I use a tautline hitch making tarp adjustment simple. Setup is easy when you figure it out, but take it for a test run in the yard first.
  • The new E-wing (top) packs into a 10 by 3.5-inch stuffsack. Respectable, but definitely not Pepsi can- sized anymore (like the old version, that took forever to get back in its tiny bag, bottom).
  • Bottom line: Of all the tarps I've tested, this is my favorite so far with its combination of set up styles, the wing features on the lean-to, and the weight-to-space ratio. Twice as big as the old version, and, in my book, twice as better.
  • <b>The Stats</b><Br> Price: $150<Br>Weight: 1lb. 3oz. (manufacturer spec, as packaged) <br>Packed size: 10 inches by 3.5 inches <br> cascadedesigns.com
>
»
When I first tested this versatile, hexagon-shaped tarp over 2 years ago, I loved it for its light weight and clever end walls (tarp on right). I love the 2011 version even more: It's twice the size (134 x 78", tarp on left) and can be pitched two ways..
Image 1 of 13

When I first tested this versatile, hexagon-shaped tarp over 2 years ago, I loved it for its light weight and clever end walls (tarp on right). I love the 2011 version even more: It's twice the size (134 x 78", tarp on left) and can be pitched two ways..

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

Wow, that is a real heavy tarp (7+ lbs)! I'm surprised that you took it backpacking.
— Alan Moore

This review says the weight is 7 lbs 3 oz. I believe the correct number is 1 lb 3 oz.
— Dick

Is the weight on that thing correct?! 7lbs 3oz? If it is, why in the world would anyone carry it? My not-so-light 3 man Sierra Designs tent only weighs 6lbs 5oz. I'm curious. Anyone?

-Mike
— AthensTrailMike

What is the best ground cloth to use with a tarp tent like this?
— "Maps"

Thanks for point that out guys, sorry about that. It weighs 1lb 3oz.
— Joe Flowers

Novel idea and good weight/space saver, but also necessary to have a ground tarp unless camping in very dry conditions. For another 1-2 lbs, you can get a lightweight tent with bathtub floor and insect protection, which seems to be the better deal IMO.
— Aaron

Novel idea and good weight/space saver, but also necessary to have a ground tarp unless camping in very dry conditions. For another 1-2 lbs, you can get a lightweight tent with bathtub floor and insect protection, which seems to be the better deal IMO.
— Aaron

It looks fine for camping on a mowed lawn, how about some real world, rocks, sticks, pits and mounds
— NH TrailSnail

$150??!!!???
Are we that inept that we can't take $30 of raw material and stitch it ourselves? I am gluing my $ to my wallet to keep it from buying stuff like this. And, this tarp's an invitation to bugs to suck me until I cave in.
— jeff


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