Customer Reviews

MSR Zoid 2 Two-Person Fast & Light Tent

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

We decided to lighten our gear and chose this tent to replace our beloved Sierra Designs Meteor Light (which checks in at around 7.5 pounds.) The Zoid 2 was the only lighter weight tent we evaluated that was under 5 pounds and still had the qualities we wanted. Specifically, it was the only tent we tried where my 6'1" partner fit comfortably lengthwise and we had enough width for two thermarests.

Other features we appreciate: a door and vestibule on each side, a vent in the rain fly that can be opened via a clever zip from the inside, two easily reachable mesh pockets (no groping around for glasses or headlamps in the middle of the night), lightweight yet effective stakes.

Oddly enough for the Pacific Northwest, it didn't rain our first weekend out so I'm not sure how the tent will perform in bad weather. The tent ceiling seems to sag a bit by design so I believe that the fly when pulled taut won't touch it, but we'll have to see if that holds true. On the back of the fly, there's a spot where it seems like there should be a grommet so you could have a guy line to hold the fly away from the tent. We're planning to add this ourselves.

Please note that this is not a freestanding tent -- it must be staked.

I got tired of my friends teasing me for buying tents at walmart. But hey, I could buy big tents for cheap. Then I decided I needed something smaller and more reasonable (a 8 man tent for one person was a bit ridiculous) I went to an outfitter to see what they had and that is where I learned about the materials and better quality you can get with a higher end tent. I saw the Zoid 2 first and didn't even want to look at the others. It was light, compact when packed, and the design was well thought out.
While camping in hot areas and I wanted to take advantage of the winds I could aim the back of the tent into the wind and open the vent. If that wasn't enough I could aim the door into the wind and the tent would capture more wind thus cooling my tent. If it's cold, close the vents, doors and bring a warm sleeping bag.
The coolest thing I found about this tent was how the fly covered an area larger than the tent itself. This would make a dry spot just outside the door which was perfect for leaving my shoes which would stay out of the rain and I didn't have to track sand into my tent. the 2 person model was perfect for me to sleep comfortably and have my pack inside the tent to stay dry. I used the fly in rain on two occasions and it was fine, even in a torrential downpour. After that I chose to coat the fly with a can of waterproofing spray. I left the tent set up for one day in the sun for that to dry and I have never had a leak. I also use a folded tarp on the ground to protect the bottom of the tent from sharp twigs and also this avoids any seepage from puddles in a poorly chosen campsite. I've had this tent for 4 years and it still works awesome. Even the zippers are working fine, Zippers on poor quality tents tend to seize up within a year from the salt air and this tent is great.
One more thing. This tent, compared with other high tech expensive tents that magically open themselves by tossing them in the air, does require a bit of building and as with any high quality tent, it sets up fast. It only has two poles and you can always buy some larger stakes for sand. I like the stakes that came with it, nice aluminum and I actually pounded one into rock once. In sand thought I use a much larger stake.
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever buy another tent.