Why & How: Using the MSR® Tent Footprint

Who needs a tent footprint? You do. MSR® tent footprints are one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tent, adding an extra layer of protection between floor and ground. A footprint will not only help reduce wear and tear when sleeping on rough surfaces, but it will also add a layer of waterproof protection if things get miserable out there. How to Choose a Tent Footprint While it’s true that just about anything between your tent’s floor and the ground is a good thing, using MSR Tent Footprints with MSR tents is the best choice for overall efficiency. Our custom sizing assures you get the coverage you need without any wasted weight or space in your pack, and they’ll do exactly what you need them to…

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The Ultimate Guide to MSR Tents

Whether you’re climbing the biggest peaks on earth or planning a campout with the family, MSR has the perfect tent for you. MSR tents are built on a foundation of lasting performance and targeted design, delivering just what you need for any adventure. But with so many specialized tents to choose from, picking the right one can seem daunting. In reality, finding the right tent is pretty straightforward when you have the right information and a basic understanding of what makes each tent tick. Thus, we present to you the Ultimate Tent Guide as a beacon to light your way through it all. Below you’ll find all of our tent offerings laid out by category. This is your first step in locating the right tent for your needs. Once you’re…

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Hubba Hubba vs. FreeLite: Which Backpacking Tent is Right for You?

All MSR tents are engineered and built to stringent standards of quality and performance. With decades of tent design under our belts, we can say with confidence that you can’t go wrong with any MSR tent, as long as you get the one that’s built for your needs. We offer numerous options within each category of tent, dialed in for specific users who demand certain things, and our backpacking tents are a great example of this variety. Whether you’re choosing your first backpacking tent or your tenth, the trick is knowing what you need in a tent. Answering a few simple questions can help narrow down the specs and features you should look for. If you’re here, you know you want a tent for backpacking, so let’s break down the…

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Best Backpacking Snacks for Thru Hikers 

Every step felt harder than the last, like I was hiking through a pool of thickening molasses. The Georgia mountains drained me, pulverizing my small frame until a friend told me I was probably “bonking” – or losing steam from inadequate nutrition. As soon as I stopped to cram a granola bar into my mouth, I felt alive again, like a newly-watered plant. My energy returned. And the looming climb no longer towered over me, laughing at my inadequacy. Instead, I felt confident in my ability to keep going – at least until I bonked again.   One of the biggest challenges of my thru hike was learning how to properly fuel myself. Since long-distance backpackers have been known to burn as many as 6,000 calories per day, it seemed…

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