How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent

Apr 10, 2024

All your outdoor gear is important; that’s why honing a perfect kit tuned to your adventure style is what it’s all about. However, the value of a good backpacking tent can’t be overstated in the unpredictable—and sometimes unforgiving—backcountry. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current backpacking tent or are picking out your first, choosing the best tent for your needs is a big decision. There are a lot of factors, features and technology that go into each tent, all with the intention and purpose to best suit a specific range of conditions. Below, we break down the critical aspects of backpacking shelters to help you make an informed decision. Step 1: Be Honest with Yourself The question of choosing the best backpacking tent means choosing the right tent–for YOU. Think…

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Gear Up for Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide To Bikepacking

Mar 20, 2024

Bike touring has been around as long as bikes have. Bikepacking, on the other hand, is relatively new—at least by definition. Discerning the difference between the two might seem a bit esoteric at first; they both share some fundamental similarities of taking your bike on multiday adventures, but backpacking is generally accepted to be the more adventurous, self-reliant type of fun, made possible by the latest, minimalist gear that can all be fit on just the bike itself, without racks or trailers. “Bikepacking consists essentially of riding considerable distances and crossing vast expanses of wilderness in full autonomy on gravel roads, dirt tracks, and trails with a strong emphasis on minimalism,” says Pierre Bouchard, who may well be one of the best authorities on the subject. Along with his partner…

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Cycling Around the World: Lessons from Living a Nomad Life

Feb 22, 2024

Oscar Wilde said, “If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment.” Long before living a nomad life, I had wanted to be a software engineer. But when I became one, it felt like a punishment. It is not to say that a Ph.D. in computer science and a software development career in Germany were not dreams that came true. But those dreams were no longer mine. Now, I have no career, permanent address, fixed phone number, bank balance, spouse or kids. Everything I own fits inside my bicycle panniers. Every day is a new adventure. Despite all the uncertainties and difficulties I face on the road, I find a new home, a new…

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The Evolution of the MSR Hubba Hubba Tent

Feb 14, 2024

Over the last 20 years, it’s arguable that MSR Hubba Hubba tents have helped make more dreams come true than any other. From epic thru-hikes on the world’s longest trails to that life-changing first of a “trip out west”, the Hubba Hubba has been one of the world’s best-selling tents since its inception in 2004. In this anniversary year, let’s look back at the legendary Hubba Hubba tent’s history to discover why it was such a game-changing design, and why it remains one of the most popular tents in the outdoors today. Backpacking Tents—The Beginning The first tents designed for pure outdoor recreation had some significant hurdles to clear from the earliest tents designed for more utilitarian pursuits like field work, hunting and military use. Rarely carried on your back…

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4 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Outdoor Gear 

Feb 7, 2024

When fall wraps up, many outdoor adventurers tuck their gear away in a closet for the winter. But did you know that improper gear storage can reduce the life of your gear? Failing to take steps like letting gear dry before sticking it in a closet can cause issues like premature deterioration of fabrics. Packing your tent or sleeping pad with lingering debris can cause rips as well. Fortunately cleaning, drying and properly storing camping gear can greatly extend the life of your beloved outdoor gear.    1. Keep Your Outdoor Gear Clean Outdoor gear is made to withstand harsh environments, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the cleaning process when you get home from your trip. Packing your gear away with debris and sediment can cause premature wear and…

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The Ultimate Guide to MSR Tents

Jan 24, 2024

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 reliability and condition-specific design, delivering just what you need for any adventure. However, 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 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 in the right…

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