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MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing

photo: MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing tarp/shelter

The MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing can be used with a shelter or by itself to create a spacious two-person environment. Two trekking poles or sticks are required to set this product up.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Easy to pitch by itself
  • Affordable
  • Massive

Cons

  • Requires a learning curve
  • Tough to pitch
  • Can easily become drafty

The MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing is a great tarp option to use by itself or with a shelter like the MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 2This tarp is ideal for arid climates where you won't have to worry about the spitting rain. It's compact, easy to carry, and great in a variety of different setups. 

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Camping with the MSR Thru-Hiker Wing 100

Cost & Weight

The MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing costs $189.95 and weighs just over a pound, making it barely noticeable when packed down to its 9 by 4.5-inch size. Compare to competitive three-person tarps, it’s right in the middle of the cost window. But it’s probably a few ounces lighter than other tarp options, making it great for ultralight backpackers. Whether you're camping by yourself and you love your space, or you occasionally camp with someone else, this tarp is an option that will work for both scenarios. 

Material Type & Weather Resistance

This product is made with 20D ripstop nylon, making it puncture resistant and somewhat elastic. You can expect a material like this one to be durable, reliable, and consistent. It’s also coated with a long-wearing Xtreme Shield DWR treatment to protect you from the elements. And boy, does it ever! After several sopping wet storms under this tarp, all of my belongings and I remained completely dry. It also didn’t take long for the tarp to dry out once the sun emerged. 

Tarp Setup

My main drawback with this tarp is the setup process. It requires a substantial learning curve and a few tries to determine how to effectively set up your tarp. But this isn't necessarily a critique of this MSR product. Instead, it's a comment about the difficulty of fending off intense and windy storms while camped under a tarp. 

Testing Process

I camped with just this tarp on several occasions and found myself totally content and protected. In fact, I was awestricken by the square footage of this tarp. Featuring 100 square feet of material, you can easily fit three people and your belongings under this tarp.

In Colorado, I appreciated the breathability of this tarp. In Arkansas, I paired it with my Thru-Hiker Mesh House 2 to keep the tics and rain at bay. And in my parent's backyard, I gave myself a bedroom in the backyard where a sibling could visit me if desired. After about a year of testing, I appreciate the functionality and versatility of this tarp. 

Background

I reviewed this tarp in Michigan, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Colorado over the course of the year. Overall, it has probably seen a few hundred miles of use. This was my first tarp, and it performed impressively well.

Source: tested or reviewed it for the manufacturer (Kept It)

Disclosure: The author of this review received a sample of the product from the brand or its representative in exchange for a review.

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Specs

Price MSRP: $189.99
Current Retail: $209.95-$239.95
Historic Range: $119.95-$239.95
Capacity 2-3
Minimum Weight 1 lb 1 oz / 0.49 kg
Packaged Weight 1 lb 4 oz / 0.57 kg
Floor Dimensions 126 x 114 in / 320 x 289 cm
Packed Size 9 x 4.5 in / 23 x 10 cm
Freestanding No
Rainfly Fabric 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane & silicone 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane & silicone
Origin Imported
Product Details from MSR »

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