User Review: MSR MicroZoid

MSR MicroZoid
Above: The current MicroZoid, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed February 27, 2006 by FLyfishermanMike

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: Small, two pole, just bigger than a bivy design
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Two poles threaded through two small sleves then a few quick clips. I has to be staked out but goes up quick
Weight: Mine weighs 3.19 (body, fly, poles, stakes and guy lines)
Price Paid: $140

I've been using the MSR MicroZoid for the last three years. I needed a small, light, rainproof tent. I paid $140 at the time. When the salesperson brought it out to me I was shocked and impressed at the size of this bag he just handed me. The bag as seen in the pic is the red one on the bottom.

My measurements are: 15" long and 18" around, pulled tightly on the thickest part. That's with tent body, rain fly, poles, stakes and guy lines in the sack. On my scale it weighs 3.19 pounds. I've used it in the middle of the summer and the middle of the winter. For summer camping there are large mesh panels on the tent that enable a nice breeze to flow through the tent. During the winter and rainstorms I never had a problem with condensation. The trick is staking the tent out tight and guying it out. When done correctly the rain fly is never close to the tent wall.

One great feature is the ability to adjust the fly as needed. The weather conditions can greatly affect the stretch of the material so MSR built adjustable straps onto the rain fly. A few simple pulls, where the rain fly connects to the stakes, and suddenly your tent is taut again. There is a vent at the apex of the tent and rain fly to help ventilate.

The tent's length is 100" and width is 35". Floor Area = 15.9 sq ft. Unfortunately, all that space is not usable. Due to the quick taper to a sharp point design of the tent, space near the feet and head isn't big enough to use for sleeping space. I'm 6'1" and couldn't be much bigger and fit in this tent. The vestibule is 5.8 sq. ft, comes off the door and forms a large triangle. It fits a smaller pack and boots but I usually use a pack cover and use the vestibule for other gear.

Because the tent isn't very tall (Interior Height 26") the vestibule slopes to the ground fast and a bigger pack can make contact with the fly and isn't good when it's raining. The door is big and zips along almost the whole side of the tent. This really makes getting in the tent possible. One doesn't "get" into this tent, they "roll" into it.

There is an option for a lighter fly/footprint pitch. It saves over a pound but I never saw myself in a situation were I'd use it. If there weren't bugs then there was going to be weather. Overall I've been very, very pleased with this tent. I don't hesitate recommending it to a friend or giving it raving reviews.

Pros:
Quality materials and construction
Light weight
Packs small
Watertight
Field repairable polls
East to pitch

Cons:
Not Free-standing
Very little headroom\can't sit up\hard to dress in
Small vestibule

Where to Buy

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