First look: MSR Tindheim tent

US gear maker MSR has built an enviable reputation for its lightweight backpacking tents, which are highly regarded on both sides of the Atlantic.

Stateside, thru-hikers tackling some of the longest and toughest trails in the US often go for the minimalist Mesh House trekking pole shelter, or the ultralight FreeLite tent. Meanwhile, bestselling models like the Hubba Hubba NX and the Elixir have become much-loved options for a host of three-season wild camping and backpacking adventures here in Britain. It’s no surprise that they’re such a common sight on campsites across the UK as well as in our hills and mountains.

This year, however, the brand has launched its first-ever tunnel tent, the Tindheim. This new model shares many of the characteristics of existing MSR tent designs – such as durability, space and ease of pitching – but also adds additional practicality, even in challenging conditions.

Tunnel tents have long been a favoured design amongst many backpackers, as they offer an excellent space-to-weight ratio and superior internal headroom to many other designs. Available in both 2- and 3-person models, the Tindheim maximises these attributes in a robust tent that is built to handle the rough stuff.

Unlike a lot of other MSR tents, a storm-pitch construction means it can be pitched outer first or all-in-one. This makes it a great choice for wet weather trips, enabling you to get out of the elements quickly whilst keeping the inner tent dry.

The Tindheim has generous proportions and offers an impressive amount of internal space. The design incorporates twin hooped poles, resulting in near-vertical walls and over a metre of headroom throughout the tent. As such, it’s a very liveable shelter, with a rectangular floorplan that provides enough space to fit two large camping mats side-by-side. This ensures ample space to stretch out and makes for more comfortable camping if you’re forced to sit out a storm.

All-round liveability is further improved by some clever added features, such as an internal gear line for hanging up a tent lantern or drying out damp clothes. The included full-length footprint also extends into a generous covered vestibule or porch area. This gives you a dry and weatherproof space that is ideal for storing packs, boots and camp cooking kit.

MSR has always understood that reliability is critical to performance. So, as well as being roomy, the Tindheim is also very robust. It uses strong, sturdy poles made from aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, plus highly durable waterproof fabrics and locking guy lines. The design also optimises airflow through the tent via customisable vents and a double-layer zip door, which allows users to configure the ventilation during changeable weather. This ensures minimal condensation build-up inside the tent, keeping you and your kit dry.

With this first entry into the tunnel tent market, MSR looks to have delivered a strong and stable tent that is suitable for full 3-season conditions, from early spring right through to late autumn. As such, we can see its appeal for hardy backpackers and wild campers. However, the generous interior, easy-pitching design and solid build quality all ensure this is also a good option for novices and newcomers to the outdoors who are looking for a tent that offers a great balance of space, comfort and value.

MSR Tindheim 2Price: £450Colour: GreenSleeps: 2Weight: 2.48kg (minimum), 3.2kg (fully packed)Floor Area: 3.11 sq. mVestibule Area: 1.49 sq. mInterior Peak Height (Standard): 101cmPacked Size (Standard): 56 x 20cm

MSR Tindheim 3Price: £550Colour: GreenSleeps: 3Weight: 2.91kg (minimum), 3.73kg (fully packed)Floor Area: 3.67 sq. mVestibule Area: 1.76 sq. mInterior Peak Height (Standard): 109cmPacked Size (Standard): 58 x 20cm

Materials: 2 x 7000 series aluminium alloy poles, 68D polyester fly (1500mm HH polyurethane & DWR), 68D taffeta polyester & DWR inner with 40D Nylon Micromesh, 68D taffeta polyester bathtub groundsheet (3000mm HH polyurethane & DWR)

Competition terms and conditions

The prize draw opens on 12.05.23 and closes at 23:59 on 12.06.23 any entries submitted after this time will not be valid or counted..

This competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over.

There is 1 prize consisting of MSR Tindheim 2-person tent.

1 winner will be picked randomly from all valid correctly answered entries who have answered during the prize date. The winners will be contacted shortly after the closing date and notified by email and have 7 days to respond before an alternative winner is chosen.

Only one entry per person will be counted.

Prizes will only be delivered to an address within the UK. Should a prize winner's contact details change, it is their responsibility to notify us, or the contact person(s) detailed in the Competition’s Specific Terms.

No purchase is necessary. To enter for free visit https://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/camping/tents/first-look-msr-tindheim-tent/

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html

The prize is provided by Cascade Designs. We are not responsible for any aspect of the prize, including unsatisfactory quality or the entirety of the prize due to their own circumstances or restrictions. Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative will be offered.

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H Bauer Publishing is the promoter of this Competition, see: http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/ for details of our registered office and company number.

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