MSR Twing

“As big as a summer cottage!” raved one tester after packing four adults and a baby into this floorless, single-wall shelter, which offers a six-foot ceiling and a whopping 96 square feet of protected space. Two poles prop up the center, and seven stakes complete the superfast pitch.

The 168-inch length gives even the tallest campers roam-around space, and volume is palatial: Eight adults found it a pleasant, well-ventilated hangout during an afternoon shower near Utah’s Flaming Gorge. A floor-to-ceiling door on one end makes egress easy and you can roll up the sides to let breezes in. The 30-denier ripstop nylon has a higher-than-average tear strength, and the pyramid shape sheds snow, making the Twin Brothers a smart choice for high-altitude summers or year-round use.

During severe storms and 20- to 30-mph winds in Colorado’s Collegiate Range, the fabric flapped noisily but the structure never collapsed. It offers no bug protection, but for little more than a pound per person, it provides lavish living space for the right conditions.

> Floor 96 square feet

> Weight 4 lbs. 15 oz.

> Price $400

> Info msrgear.comPerfect for minimalists, this shaped tarp offers increased protection from wind and rain with great ventilation. Weighing less than 2 pounds (.85 kg), this superlight tarp offers an impressive 68 square feet (6.3 sq. m) of space, plenty of room for two people plus gear, or use as a group shelter. Use any trekking poles, walking staffs, or even paddle shafts to set up, or tie off guy cords to an overhead object. One end is sealed off from the elements, while the other end is open for ventilation.