Released in 2023, the Tindheim was MSR’s first ever tunnel tent. It can be pitched outer first or all-in-one, which was another first for the brand. This is ideal for wet weather, as you can get out of the elements fast while keeping your inner tent dry.
It’s a big beast for a two-person tent but is quick and easy to pitch. Robust hooped poles, sturdy guy lines and multiple pegging points ensure good stability. The cavernous internal dimensions ensure superb liveability.
There’s also a big porch with side entry, which is spacious enough to sit upright. An extended optional footprint is included with the tent too, so you can even keep the porch area dry. Large, covered vents at both ends ensure good airflow to minimise condensation.
The mesh inner sections also have secondary fabric panels, so you can zip them up to keep out draughts and boost warmth in colder conditions. This adds versatility for use across the seasons.
All in all, we think this is an excellent addition to the MSR range and well suited to UK camping from early spring through to late autumn, thanks to its stable and weatherproof design, huge interior space and practical features. It gets a big Gear of the Year 2024 thumbs up from us.
Gear of the Year 2024 winner
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Pros
- Very spacious two-person tent
- Easy to pitch
- Very well made
- Stable weatherproof design
- Inner-first pitching
Cons
- Not the lightest or most compact
Why the MSR Tindheim 2 won Gear of the Year 2024
Liveability
We took the Tindheim 2 on the 268-mile Pennine Way in autumn. Although the Tindheim 2 is a little bulkier and heavier than our usual choice for a two-person tent, we felt it was worth carrying for the extra space you get – particularly since we were also sharing it with a boisterous Border Collie.
And for two backpackers and a dog, it proved the ideal shelter for two weeks on the trail.
Easy to pitch
Arguably the Tindheim’s best feature is the choice to pitch it outer first or all-in-one – very practical for setting up camp in wet weather.
But the tunnel design also means it goes up really quickly, despite the fact it isn’t freestanding. It’s easy and intuitive to peg out and the poles slide neatly through their sleeves.
With the guy lines fully tensioned, it’s also very stable and robust – perfect for 3-season use.
Build quality
The main fabric is a high-denier (68D), PU-coated polyester. Though this means the Tindheim is slightly heavier and bulkier than a sil-nylon tent, it’s also less likely to sag or flap in rain and wind.
The inner is fabric taffeta (also 68D) with zippered panels for ventilation. Again, this ensures good lifetime durability while adding adjustable warmth and airflow. All in all, it’s an impressively well-made tent.
How we tested
We tested the MSR Tindheim 2 on a two-week trek along the Pennine Way in autumn, in addition to comparing it with all the other hiking tents we've tested over the last 12 months (there are a lot) when creating our shortlist of Gear of the Year candidates.
Our Gear of the Year award winners are, what we consider, the best products in their category that we've tested in the previous 12 months. The products have all been used in tough real world conditions by members of our rigorous and experienced team.