How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Building on the popularity of the Morrison 2, the 3-season Mountainsmith EVO 2-person tent steps it up a notch with increased head space. Use the included footprint for a lightweight fast-fly setup.
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Imported.
View all Mountainsmith Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 9 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 4 lbs. |
Packaged Weight | 6 lbs. 9 oz. |
Packed Size | 8 x 17 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 93 x 56 inches |
Floor Area | 36 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 9.5 + 9.5 square feet |
Peak Height | 45 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 3 |
Pole Material | 7000-series aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 68-denier x 185T polyester |
Floor Fabric | 68-denier x 190T polyester, 5,000mm polyurethane coating |
Rainfly Fabric | 68-denier x 185T polyester, 2,000mm polyurethane coating |
Footprint Included | Yes |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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I have owned and used this tent for 5 years. Many backcountry trips with my son's Boy Scout Troop. I selected this tent due to the longer length as I am 6'-4" Most all of the tents now are too short. Plenty of room for me and other adult and it has never leaked. Zippers on doors work very well with one hand. It is a pound or so heavier than I would prefer, but the shorter pole sections allow this to pack easily inside my internal frame pack or underneath my external frame pack. Hardly any wear to speak of! I would recommend this tent.
Owned this tent for 17 months, maybe 40 nights camping total. In the middle of a camping trip to New Zealand one of the poles snapped and pierced the fly. Pretty poor quality.
I have used this tent hundreds of times in the field from the Mojave to the Rockies. It’s spacious, easy to set up, and keeps the bugs out. I also left my eyebrow pole at a campsite in California and inquired about the size in order to buy a new one and the company sent me one free of charge.
I love this tent. It might not be for everyone, it is sturdy, well made, and I have never had any issues with leaking or tears. It has ample pockets inside for storage, the vestibules are large and allow for air flow if left open, and I can hang a light and small fan from the top. I've been across the country twice with this tent - it's seen over 50 national parks and countless state parks. It has held up in windy conditions and complete downpours. Comes with a footprint, seams are sealed, and it's easy to set up. I can sit up easily in it with room to spare (I'm 5 foot 9). The only caveat is that I have "bend down" to get in and out of the tent, but once in, it's roomy and tall enough. I like the lower profile compared to the taller 'walk-in' tents and it makes it easier to put a tarp above if I'm around trees. I travel solo, but I can imagine that two people would not feel overly cramped - I have a double Exped Megamat pad that I use on car trips and it accommodates the length. There is room to spare for width. I have a few other tents, including another from Mountainsmith, but this is my go-to. Love it.
First set-up was pretty tough - everything was a little tight....