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MSR Zoid 2

rated 4.0 of 5 stars

The Zoid 2 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best three-season tents for 2024.

photo: MSR Zoid 2 three-season tent

I've owned my Zoid 2 since 2002. I absolutely love this tent. I have taken it with me on camping and backpacking trips all over California, Montana, Idaho, Utah and Washington. I have used it for backpacking and even car camping, because it is lightning fast to set up (5 minutes max), light weight, and very comfortable. I love the fact that it will fit easily inside of my backpack, and once you figure out how to put the tent away, it's a snap (takes me less than 5 minutes).

The only drawbacks are that you need semi soft ground to drive in the stakes, otherwise it will not stand up, it does collect condensation on the rain fly, and the floor is pretty thin (though I have never used it with a tent pad or had anything puncture the floor).

The vestibules are large on this tent. A friend and I were backpacking in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and we were able to fit both packs under the vestibules, along with our boots. It's spacious inside as well. Both of us fit in the tent with my Australian Shepherd. I'm only 5'1" but I can sit up inside and get dressed with plenty of room to spare.

This tent is awesome in wind storms! Never once did it bend over on me or did I have to worry about it blowing away while I was not in it. It's still rainproof after all these years. It's definitely a three season tent (spring, summer, and fall), I have stayed nice and cozy warm on cold fall nights up north, with the rain fly on.

If I ever have to buy another backpacking tent, I will get another Zoid 2.

Design: Three season hoop fixed tent
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Really easy with practice
Weight: 3lbs 6oz
Price Paid: $199.99

I have been using this tent for four years in Michigan's weather. It has held up well, kept the weather and bugs out, and has plenty of room for one 6' 200# adult plus gear. The reason for 4.5 is when sealed up you get some condensation and it is not freestanding (which I knew when buying).

Pros

  • Roomy
  • Sturdy
  • Nice inside color

Cons

  • Some condensation

Setup: Pitches very fast.

Stability: Great especially in the wind. I added bungee to the tieouts on the fly.

Weather resistance: Excellent

Ventilation: Average, some condensation

Room: Plenty for one, tight for two

Packability: Actual weight on my postal scale was 4#7oz, pack the poles outside and you will be fine.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $200

Couldn't decide between 4 or 5 stars. It serves its purpose well. A very lightweight, very well made two-person shelter. Waterproofing is second to none, ventilation is outstanding, twin doors allow easy access. Avaliable fast and light setup with the use of the unincluded footprint and included fly provide minamalist protection at a LARGE weight savings.

ONLY real complaint is headroom, but the Zoid 2 makes up for that with weight savings, and durable construction.

Price Paid: $199

I had this tent out on the West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park) on Vancouver Island. It was my first trip with this tent. Only two out of 6 days did we not have persistent downpours of rain and this little lightweight tent proved to keep me and my gear dry the entire trip.

Plenty of room for one person and a 60 lb back pack. Easy set up. The clipping system of the fly to the main dome is soo fast and simple.

Only thing that keeps me from giving it a total of 5 stars is that it is not a free standing tent. You have to peg it out. Therefore in places like the Mantario trail heart of the Canadian shield where the top-soil is shallow, pegging can be difficult.

Could be a little higher inside but all in all I am completely satisfied. I would recommend this tent to anyone.

Design: Two poles and must peg it out.
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Easy and quick!
Weight: 4.2 lb
Price Paid: Can't remember

I have had my Zoid 2 for over ten years now and it still looks like new even though I camp out in it every year. A super three-season lightweight quality backpacking or motorcycle tent.

Pros

  • Build quality
  • Ease of pitching
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Needs good ground to pitch on as it’s not free standing

Background

Lots in my 65 years of life. I am a keen camper (every year) and instruct on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Not sure now (under 200 Euros)

Once I was able to get it taut we had great luck with it. There was some condensation on the fly but it stayed away as long as I could keep my 6 year old from standing up in the morning. As far as room goes we were able to fit a 6 year old, an 18 month old and myself (5'11" 170lbs) as well as all our clothes bags. The two doors were great, a necessity. It poured then froze the last night of a three day and we were well protected.

Sleeps: 2
Weight: 4lb 1oz
Price Paid: $199

Love this tent! It vents very nicely, and is light as can be. I'm of small stature, and so is my lady. We sleep very well inside, but if you're taller it may be cramped. The needle stakes are super light, and super easy to lose. Pre-bent poles make pitching it a dream. You can pitch it with just the fly and footprint also, a great added bonus. The only real down fall for me is the petite size of the vestibule area. Very small indeed.

Design: not sure what the shape is called
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Easy
Weight: 4lbs 1 oz, or 2lbs 13 oz w/just footprint and fly
Price Paid: $219 / $236 w/taxes and shipping

The Zoid design makes for cramped quarters. It is difficult to change inside during rainy weather without pushing against the rainfly and bringing moisture through. It is not a free-standing tent so don't plan on moving it once it is pitched, and it will get damp during the heaviest rainstorms if you don't tie out the guidelines securely.

It is very lightweight and still my choice for camping by myself or only with my dog.

Design: three season zoid
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Easy
Weight: Full packed weight less than 5 pounds
Price Paid: $199

I have had this tent for several years in all kinds of weather and it has served me well. The down sides however have finally convinced me to buy something different.

Although touted as a two person tent it is extremely cramped for two people. I am tall so headroom is a problem and when there is a lot of moisture one tends to hit the roof often while trying to manoeuvre or change clothes.

Not being free standing with a rounded shape it is difficult to get everything taut and the rain fly doesn't completely reach the ground on the ends so they tend to get wet in heavy rain. The odd shape and being hard to get taut has it flap in heavy winds. Unlike a free standing tent it takes a while to set up and get as taut as possible.

The quality of the material and manufacturing is really good and I have never had a problem in that regard.

Price Paid: $199

notre tente a pris l'eau par le dessous lors d'une averse de grèle. Il faudrait la réimperméabilisée, mais comment et avec quel produit?

merci de me répondre.

Sleeps: 2
Weight: 2

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $159.95-$229.95
Reviewers Paid: $199.00-$219.00

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