How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Engineered to meet the needs of professional alpinists, the 4-season MSR Advance Pro 2 tent features an ultralight construction and a small footprint for easier pitching on high-altitude ledges.
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Imported.
View all MSR Backpacking TentsBest Use | Mountaineering |
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Seasons | 4-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 3 lbs. 3 oz. |
Packed Size | 6 x 18 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 82 x 42 inches |
Floor Area | 24 square feet |
Peak Height | 44 inches |
Number of Doors | 1 door |
Number of Poles | 1 |
Pole Material | Easton Syclone composite |
Pole Diameter | 9.3 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 20-denier ripstop nylon 2 ply breathable 1,000 mm |
Floor Fabric | 30-denier ripstop nylon 3,000 mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane and durable water repellent (DWR) |
Footprint Included | No |
Ultralight | Yes |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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Easy and quick to set up. It's packs tight and doesn't add much weight to your pack. Ideal tent for backcountry expeditions in any season. It breaths well in dry/cold conditions. I did end up with condensation and water collecting in the corners during a couple of humid days at altitude in the snow. Bring a sponge for those days. The light self-supporting frame makes it easy to shake out dirt.
I've camped on dirt, gravel, and snow with this tent--each time it proves to be exceptional in keeping out water, wind, and the cold. It's light and packs well and provides good ventilation to cook in during rainy days (I'd keep the door 3/4 open if I'm cooking multiple meals to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning). There are some small things I did not like, for example, I'm not a fan of how the door opens. The top-down opening causes a lot of snow and water to drip into the tent. It is small for a 2-man, but perfect for an alpine 1-man. I'm also wondering whether its possible to buy an add-on vestibule. Overall an exceptional tent. I'd recommend it.
This was the perfect tent for a multi day ski mountaineering trip. To echo the previous reviews: super light weight, fits on the tiniest of sites, sets up and takes down in an instant, this is where you want to be when the weather is blowing, the floor space is exactly two foam pads side by side: fine for two 5' 9"" slim guys who don't mind rubbing shoulders, traps warmth but also moisture (a camp towel was handy for wiping down the walls).
For your reference, here is Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. Advance Pro 2 Tent, Hubah Herba NX Tent, Reactor, etc. Always satisfied and in use. Not long ago (within a year) I used to have the best tent Advance Pro 2 for backpacking alone I suffered from internal condensation difficulties. It is fine on a very clear day, but I was embarrassed to know that there was condensation inside even if there was a slight change in the weather. I wonder how the countermeasures of this advantage can be achieved. Next, a little while ago, my carelessness and strong winds caused the bottom of the tent to be seriously damaged. I am going to do A / S. It is so troublesome and strong. Please do not think it is annoying and wait for quick reply.
I really love this tent for multi day climbs where I know I'll want a tent, but it needs to be as small and light as possible. It's a super fast setup and has a tiny footprint, so even small ledges or platforms work. Sheds snow like crazy. I've been in this tent during some crushing wind, and it was solid. It's not huge, and it's a single wall, so it's best for cozy partnerships and colder weather when the condensation will be minimized. Venting is super helpful with the condensation if the weather will allow you to leave the door cracked at the top.
For a basic tent design spanning over 30-35 years (anyone remember the Jansport Trail Wedge?) this MSR model is the best yet, from any maker. SO fast and simple to set up (especially in horrible weather) due to the ingenious pole design, and the poles being connected have less chance to loose one on any icy ridge. Other features and materials/ construction are top in their class. Of all the leading tent makers, MSR is the best IMO. Wish there was an additional vent, and wish there was an accessory vestibule....Maybe in another iteration someday?
It's a great 4 season tent for short people. I'm 6'2"" so I have a 6'6"" inside length winter sleeping bag. Consider 8 inches of down insulation for a winter sleeping bag. 78 inches for the inside of the bag plus 16 inches (2 x 8 inches) for insulation is 94 inches. 94 inches or the sleeping bag is squished against the tent wall and it's cold. This tent is 82 inches long. Not even close. Does anyone make a light long 4 season tent like this for taller people? C'mon MSR help us out!
I have not used the tent for it’s true purpose of mountaineering, but it has served as a great all around tent. I’m 6’2” and it’s not very roomy but I make it work with my pack and my boots. I think MSR nailed it with the design and the simplicity of the pitch. My only complaint is that they don’t have any vestibule add ons like the black diamond single wall tents have, otherwise this tent is a great bare minimum all around shelter that’ll keep you safe in any conditions.
Recently used the Advance Pro 2 on rainier and was caught in 75mph sustained winds for approximately 6 hours. The tent was the only one still standing at the end of the night. A majority of the guy lines snapped but once I replaced them with dynema runners (temporarily) it was bomber. My wife and I slept in a tent while the rest of our party had thousand dollar bivies.
My daughter and I were thrilled to purchase two of the Advance Pro tents. We are small women and not overly muscular and we were very careful setting them up. However, both of us had splitting of the carbon poles the first time we used our tents. We were very, very disappointed! The poles should be strong enough for normal use!