Gear Guide 2009: MSR Skinny One Tent Review

This huge, livable solo tent is also a killer deal.

Killer Deal

Don’t be fooled by the name: This hoop-style tent could have been called the Sumo Special. “It’s the most livable solo tent I’ve ever used,” raved one tester after a trip in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. That’s because the floor is 28 inches wide and 86 inches long, with no odd-shaped corners to diminish real-world space. Also, the vestibule stores a pack and boots with space to spare. Only the peak height (30 inches) is below average, but headroom still feels adequate since the walls and ceiling don’t have a steep taper.

It isn’t freestanding, but it pitches in a flash with four stakes, and strong winds barely rocked the aerodynamic shape. Single-wall warning: Testers reported a minor amount of condensation on calm nights. $200; 3 lbs. 3 oz. Msrgear.com

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