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MSR Skinny Too Tent 2-Person 3- Season - 2009 BCS
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The MSR Skinny Too Tent handles a surprising amount of burly weather, provides tons of storage space, and does it all for well under four pounds. A large vestibule lets you get in and out without letting the weather in as well, and a foot-level vents keeps that air flowing even in bad weather. MSR’s fully taped SilNylon, single-wall design includes several guy-line points to increase structural support during those times when you find the weather to be worse than you expected.
Bottom Line: Light doesn’t mean featureless.
Talk shop with all the gear freaks out there: ask 'em questions, upload/browse photos, and give your 2¢.
Gotta love the tube technology
By:
Brandon Walters
February 4, 2011
It kinda looks like an old school covered wagon. I never had a non-freestanding tent before, but the extra room more than makes up for having to set up the guy lines. The first time I used it I had condensation problems, but if you open up the vents right it's a dream. Super light weight.
1 Comment Last Comment: February 11, 2011 by: jnclement1220357
By: jnclement1220357
February 11, 2011
Over 4-1/2# is super lightweight?
So, if you have weather like we get in the SE (hot, humid and
So, if you have weather like we get in the SE (hot, humid and rainy), is it like a sauna?
By: Robert Rhyne
December 5, 2010
MSR Skinny Too in Joshua Tree NP
By: Jason
January 16, 2011
The Skinny Too opened up to dry condensation.
Are you Skinny Too?
By:
Jason
June 16, 2010
My wife and I used this on a 5-day hiking trip in Utah. We are both small, so this tent worked really well for us. Lots of ventilation, easy to set up, lightweight. We both liked sleeping with our heads near the mesh end so that we could see the stars (through the mosquitoes). I would have liked some interior pockets along the bottom, similar to my beefier tent, the North Face Mountain 25. However, I realize that pockets add weight, so the choice was made to not include them. It didn't rain on us, so I can't comment about how well it works in wet conditions. As I mentioned we are both small (around 240 lbs between the two of us) and we fit perfectly in this tent. If you plan on using this as a two-person tent, and either or both of you are, um, of larger carriage, this might lead to cozier than desired conditions. For us though, this was a perfect combination of lightweight yet durable shelter. As with all tents, make sure you either buy the footprint or make your own.
*Update*
We took the ST on a 7 day backcountry trip in Joshua Tree NP in January '11. While the low temps probably pushed the boundaries of what should be expected of this tent, it performed well. The first night I forgot to adjust the vents so we had some condensation issues, but future nights weren't as bad. My guess is that with any single wall design condensation will be balanced with ventilation and warmth. Due to the cold temps (down to mid-20s) we ended up spending upwards of 12 hours in the tent/sleeping bags some days. I was wishing for a little more room then, but I appreciated the low weight when hiking.
i understand that the single wall design is sturdy (and apparently
i understand that the single wall design is sturdy (and apparently waterproof) , but what about the mesh window? does it have a cover, or is it in itself waterproof?
By: leggomylegoeggo
October 17, 2010
My Skinny Too was not waterproof. It leaked badly.
By: TM
December 27, 2010
The windows had a cover on the inside that zips to cover it. Most of the pictures don't show it but if you look really closes at one of the pictures you can see the cover where it is partially unzipped from the mesh window.
By: Donald Schmit
October 17, 2010
easy to use and light weight
By:
Ross
October 13, 2009
I got this early spring 2009 when it first came out. I mainly purchased this tent because i wanted a light single wall tent with good ventilation. I dont mind it being a non-free standing tent, I normally guy my tent out anyways even if it is a free standing. Setup is a breeze if you practice in your backyard a couple times before your first real use. With ventilation, the tubular setup allowed a breeze to constantly flow straight through. almost no condensation. The back window gives a great view of the sky at night and is easy to zip up if it starts to rain. The vestibule is roomy enough for two 40 pound packs and boots.
The inside of the tent has no storage, except for a little pocket in front by the door.
Do I understand correctly that this tent doesn't have and
Do I understand correctly that this tent doesn't have and doesn't require a separate rainfly?
By: Ray F
August 27, 2010
@Jeff: My Skinny Too (the fabric and the seams) leaked badly in the rain; it was neither excellent nor weatherproof. I returned it.
By: TM
December 27, 2010
To expand that a little, the Skinny Too uses 'tunnel technology' to divert air into the tent without compromising it's weatherproofness. The problem with tents that don't use w/b material (silnylon is not waterproof/breathable) is their need for proper ventilation. The Skinny Too was developed from an MSR 4-season tent (DragonTail) that has proven itself in the field. The other major benefit with this tunnel venting system is it gives the user one of the largest gear attics in any backpacking tent. The tunnel can be closed off if the weather starts to really kick up. It works well and essentially allows you all the benefits of a single wall tent (ease of set up, light weight, less expensive, larger living space) without sacrificing breathability. Brilliant!
By: Jason Livingston
August 27, 2010
Correct. No fly necessary. The "Silnylon" body provides excellent ventilation & weatherproofness. This is just one of many single wall designed tents on the market.
By: moroni
August 27, 2010
First Use.
By: Bkuti
April 16, 2010
cant go wrong with MSR
By:
Brenton Cook
June 2, 2009
good light wait tent, condensation problem in southern usa due to humidity as expected from single layer tent, all in all easy set up and good price
From other reviews and description it seems this tent is pretty
From other reviews and description it seems this tent is pretty durable without a even a rain fly, is that correct? even in a downpour you wouldn't need one?
By: 20MikeMike
August 6, 2010
@Dakka: Not weatherproof... My Skinny Too leaked badly through the fabric and the seams. It is the very last tent I'd want to have in (another) downpour. (Had enough of that.)
By: TM
December 27, 2010
Single-wall design provides super-efficient weatherproof protection.
By: Dakka
August 10, 2010
skinny two
By: Brenton Cook
June 2, 2009
Snow Leopard Gives a Thumbs Up!
By:
knmgreen
December 16, 2010
This tent goes above my expectations. I have owned 2 other single wall tents and this tent exceeds those. It is very roomy, light weight, well ventilated (for a single wall),and thoughtfully designed. I have used it in light snow, desert, and alpine climates and it did well in all three. It will build up condesation if you do not use the vents properly. This tent has held up in 45mph winds but make sure it is guyed down as it is not a free standing tent. I use this tent as a very roomy one man with 2 60 lbs dogs or a two man if the adventure is a multiday trek/climb to save weight. All in all, MSR put alot of thought into this design as the tube shape allows for more room. Thumbs up MSR and thank you!!!
hi, i don't see the packed size in the tech specs. this
hi, i don't see the packed size in the tech specs. this is relatively important to me, as i'll be packing it in a motorcycle saddlebag.
By: Jordan
April 30, 2010
Packed size: 7 x 20 inches
By: Cory Guru
April 30, 2010
Everyone else has it right...
By:
Mountain Man Dan
November 6, 2009
MSR has a sweet little tent in the skinny too. it is light, it is nice and roomy, and it is well-priced. i would say you can't go wrong with it. biggest beef i had is that it is single wall, so no stargazing through the ceiling, but when the weather rolls in you'll be glad you had this guy. longest i used it for was a pictured rocks through-hike, and i hardly even noticed it was in my pack. great buy!
By: Bkuti
February 7, 2010
Dude, why do you have it guide out like that? Serious wind or something?
Hey, just wondering if I am reading this right: is the vestibule
Hey, just wondering if I am reading this right: is the vestibule space included in the 123" of length? If it is, any idea how long it is? I'm assuming about 28", which still gives it 8' of sleeping length. Is that about right? The reason I ask is I am 6'6" and sick of sleeping diagonally.
Thanks very much!
By: Josh
March 15, 2010
The inside dimensions of this tent is 87" (7ft 3in) x 44" (3ft 8in). I'm 6'3" and fit comfortably with my 5'3" girlfriend, a 60 pound dog and a little bit of gear inside. The rest of the gear fits nice into the big vestibule. This tent is bigger/roomier than I expected when I got it. I'm very happy with it.
By: Bkuti
March 22, 2010
Josh,
Yes, the 123" length does include the vestibule. There is no specific information on the length of the vestibule, and since it is not square, you cannot use the width of the tent and the square footage to accurately figure it out. But based on the diagrams found here: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/MSR/Tents/Fast-And-Light-Tents
I'm willing to bet that you are correct, it must be in the neighborhood of 30" long. I will send them an email and see what their response is. I hope this helps!
By: TJP
March 17, 2010
great light tent
By:
jacob
July 22, 2009
I bought a MSRskinny too tent early this summer. I must say i am impressed. For an ultra-lite tent, it is very roomy. I slept alone most of my trip, but one night during my climbing trip, my buddy, Josh, who was asleep in an eagle's nest, woke me up at three a.m., geting in my tent. Ihad a full foot gap between us. For a single wall tent, it is super dry. The vestibule is capable of holding the gear of two men for a short trip. The only thing I don't like about this tent is that it is not free-standing. However, this makes the tent lighter and I was drawn to the weight for this reason. This tent holds up great in 30 mph plus wind. Make sure you have your guide wires up on the sides or it will slap you in the face. Overall, this is a great tent.But but i would suggest the use of a footprint.
Are there any flashlight or gear loft loops inside?
Are there any flashlight or gear loft loops inside?
By: Bkuti
February 5, 2010
To answer my own question, there are 5 plastic loops inside the tent. Two in rear and three in front (I use two for the Sierra Designs Coffee Slings). I don't like using the zippered mesh ceiling as a gear loft (maybe something light like glasses) because it weighs down, sagging the ceiling and losing head room.
By: Bkuti
March 22, 2010
Actually the whole top of the tent is one big gearloft. This is good because you can set a flashlight or headlamp in this gear loft (made from no-see-um netting) so it is out of the way. The best way to look at it is more of an attic. This is also how the tent breaths.
There is a zipper access in the middle of the tent which may allow you to hang a light source. I think it is one of the best features I've seen in a tent in a long time...
By: Jason Livingston
February 5, 2010
Great Tent, Great Price
By:
afg100290653
June 27, 2009
Great two person, three season tent. It is a great performing one layer tent. It does more than just get the job done. It keeps you dry and its got room to keep your gear dry too. I recommend using "Permanent Water-Gaurd" to increase its waterproof ability. Though it is good. I still need a four season tent, but this one is a great summer tent for lightweight backpacking. It isn't as free standing as a dome tent, but once the guy lines are tied, you're all set. For 200 bones, you get what you pay for....Yet another great product from MSR.
Is the back of the tent just a large window / door? Is there
Is the back of the tent just a large window / door? Is there any way to cover it in case you have nosy neighbors?
By: lov2789542
April 12, 2009
Hello! Yeah the images are a bit tough to decipher. As a three season tent, you can be sure that once this is fully set up with the fly, it will be all closed up. Gotta keep the rain out, ya know?
By: Elias Littenberg
April 13, 2009
Not Waterproof
By:
TM
December 27, 2010
I bought the Skinny Too for a four week summer trip in the Arctic. I needed a tent that was light, easy to set up, compact in its stuff sack and waterproof.
It was all those things except waterproof. It leaked a lot. It leaked through the roof, the windward walls, and the lame air vent which, owing to MSR's use of cheapo velcro fasteners instead of zippers or snaps, doesn't close tightly enough to block wind-driven rain.
Worse, and I guess appropriately, water collects on the bathtub floor.
I wish the Skinny Too were waterproof as MSR claims it is. If it were, it would be a truly great tent. But it's not.
Change me.
Out of Stock
2009 Model No Longer Available
We have a lot more 3-Season Tents than that
3-Season TentsGotta love the tube technology
It kinda looks like an old school covered wagon. I never had a non-freestanding tent before, but the extra room more than makes up for having to set up more...
Are you Skinny Too?
My wife and I used this on a 5-day hiking trip in Utah. We are both small, so this tent worked really well for us. Lots of ventilation, easy to set up, more...
- Material:
- [fly] SilNylon; [floor] SilNylon
- Freestanding:
- no
- Doors:
- 2
- Poles:
- 2
- Pole Material:
- aluminum
- Pole Attachment:
- clip, sleeve
- Floor Space:
- 25 sq ft
- Floor Dimensions:
- 312 x 110 cm
- Interior Height:
- 96 cm
- Vestibule Space:
- 8.5 sq ft
- Ventilation:
- vents
- Trail Weight:
- 2090 g
- Recommended Use:
- lightweight backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime