Wild CampingMSRBackpacking Tent
MSR Tindheim 2 review: a proper palace for rougher nights in the hills
Could this be one of the most comfortable ways to camp in poorer conditions?
✓ Top PickMSR Tindheim 2
Weight2.9 kgCapacity2-personPrice~£400
The good✓ Amazing performance in UK conditions
✓ Incredibly roomy — 1.4 m wide, 2.4 m long
✓ Beautiful design for the hill
✓ Super easy to pitch (under 10 mins)
✓ Solid in winds over 30 mph
✓ Cavernous vestibule
✓ 68D ripstop polyester fly — 100% waterproof
✓ Tunnel design = quiet in the wind
The not-so-good✗ Larger pack size at 56 × 20 cm
✗ 2.9 kg — not for fastpacking
Check price at Outdoor Action →
At a glance
| Brand | MSR (Mountain Safety Research) |
| Model | Tindheim 2 |
| Price | ~£400 RRP |
| Weight | 2.9 kg |
| Packed size | 56 × 20 cm |
| Internal dimensions | 2.4 m long × 1.4 m wide (at widest) |
| Flysheet | 68D ripstop polyester (100% waterproof) |
| Ideal for | Wild camping, backpacking, multi-day trips, all-season UK use |
| Not suitable for | Fastpacking, ultralight trips, anything where pack size is critical |
Buy the MSR Tindheim 2 at Outdoor Action →
Overview
When it comes to outdoor kit, few names command as much respect as MSR (Mountain Safety Research). Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, MSR has carved a reputation as one of the go-to brands for British backpackers who demand reliability in the harshest conditions. And the MSR Tindheim 2 is no different: praised for its rugged build and spacious interior, this tent has become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts looking for a balance between comfort and durability.
The Tindheim 2 is a three-season, two-person tunnel tent designed for adventurers who value both functionality and comfort. Weighing in at 2.9 kg, it is certainly not the lightest tent in its class, but its weight is justified by its robust materials and generous living space. The packed dimensions are 56 × 20 cm — compact enough to fit into most backpacks, though more comfortable when shared between two. At around £400, it is in direct competition with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and the Hilleberg Anjan 2. While it may not be the cheapest option, the combination of space, durability, and thoughtful design makes it a worthy investment.
One standout feature is the large vestibule, which provides ample space for kit storage, cooking, or simply sheltering from the elements. For added reliability in harsh weather, it comes with a super rugged 68D ripstop polyester flysheet that instils confidence the minute you put it up — all while the cavernous interior is wrapped in a high-quality polyester mesh to maximise ventilation while keeping the creepy crawlies out.
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How we tested
We took this tent out on a series of demanding adventures through all four seasons of 2024. We put it up against brutal and unrelenting winds on Dartmoor in winter, driving rain and beating wind on top of Crug Hywel in Bannau Brycheiniog in spring, a handful of group camps in still summer conditions, and a sub-zero long-distance backpacking trip back on Dartmoor towards the end of the year. And you know what? This tent killed it every time, consistently delivering a comfortable and reliable space to get our heads down after a long day on the trails.
When we first got our hands on a Tindheim 2 at the end of 2023, we were a little confused. By that point, the tent had picked up numerous awards and received huge praise in our circles, so we were expecting something game-changing. When it turned up, however, we were instead confronted with a standard-style tunnel tent — only way thicker, heavier and larger than we expected. As it turns out, this commitment to sticking to tech that works is exactly what makes the Tindheim 2 such a standout shelter. Everything about it is considered. Confidence and reliability are all that counts when you are out on the hill — and the Tindheim delivers both in spades.
Features and performance
Space
Seriously, this thing is like Aladdin’s cave. From the outside, it looks like any other tent, but from the inside you could be convinced you are in a circus tent. At its widest, the Tindheim is 1.4 metres wide — about as wide as a standard double mattress — and with an internal length of 2.4 metres, you could comfortably sleep next to Shaquille O’Neal and not feel cramped. That puts it up there with the Nortent Vern 2 as one of the most cavernous two-person tents on the market: perfect for whiling away long winter nights.
Pitching and the flysheet
The pitch is incredibly easy. Roll out the tent, insert the tunnel poles at either end, peg out the corners. For added strength, peg out as many of the six extra guy lines as necessary. To do everything — including all the guy lines — you only need 16 pegs, and the result is astoundingly strong. Even camped in winds well over 30 mph, the Tindheim 2 just rolls with the punches, barely buckling and surprisingly quiet throughout. Packing away the next morning is just as simple: remove both poles, pull out the pegs, roll it all together and it fits back into the oversized stuff sack.
Another thing that grew on us the more we used this tent was the 68D ripstop polyester flysheet. In a world of Cuban fibre and silnylon, polyester just feels cheap — and on a tent that costs nearly £400, you do not expect to be greeted with materials that feel anything less than top-of-the-line. But polyester does have real advantages: unlike silnylon, polyester flysheets are 100% waterproof, repelling every drop that lands on their surface. This means they do not sag in the same way, nor do they wobble as much in the wind. During numerous nights out in disgustingly heavy rain, it was for exactly these reasons that we grew to love the durability.
“This tent killed it every time, consistently delivering a comfortable and reliable space to get our heads down after a long day on the trails.”
Pack size and weight
At 56 × 20 cm and 2.9 kg, the Tindheim 2 is on the larger side for a three-season tent. When you share the load between two, however, we never found this to be a major drawback, even on trips covering up to 20 miles in a single day. If your priority is ultralight backpacking, this tent might not be the best fit. For trips where extra space and protection are more important, we think you would be hard-pressed to find something better — and consider the slightly bulkier pack size to be a fair trade-off for the added comfort and resilience it provides.
3-season+ UK performance
One thing we kept coming back to throughout testing was MSR’s insistence on this tent being considered 3-season. Granted, the flysheet does not come all the way to the ground, and the interior comprises a lot of mesh. But for the UK, we would argue this checks a lot of 4-season boxes — more than some tents that market themselves as 4-season. The only real caveat is that the tunnel design means the tent would not hold up well against dangerously heavy snow load — but that is a super rare problem even during our long British winters. For us, the Tindheim 2 is definitively a 3-season+ tent: more capable than most 3-season tents of keeping you comfortable in winter, while also being a cracking option for spring, summer and autumn.
Buy the MSR Tindheim 2 at Outdoor Action →
Our verdictThe most comfortable two-person tent we’ve ever tested in poor conditions — and hard to fault for the price.The MSR Tindheim 2 stands out for all the right reasons. At around £400, it represents a significant investment — but one that is well-justified for those who demand quality and reliability from their kit. Its spacious interior, reliable weatherproofing, solid construction and incredibly generous living space make it one of the best shelters available for backpackers who prioritise comfort and durability over ultralight performance. For trips where extra space and protection matter, we think you would be hard-pressed to find something better.Buy the MSR Tindheim 2 at Outdoor Action →
FAQs
How does the MSR Tindheim 2 perform in the summer?Very well. The polyester mesh interior allows good airflow and prevents condensation build-up. The large vestibule provides ample space for kit storage and cooking. Not the lightest summer option, but excellent for multi-day adventures.
How does the MSR Tindheim 2 perform in the winter?Despite being marketed as a three-season tent, it holds its own in winter conditions — withstanding wind with ease and remaining spacious enough for layering inside. The flysheet does not fully reach the ground, which can allow some cold air to creep in, but we rate it as a genuine 3-season+ tent.
How does the MSR Tindheim 2 perform in the wind?Excellently. The sturdy tunnel design, reinforced guy lines and 16 peg-out points keep it stable in gusts over 30 mph. During testing on Dartmoor, it barely buckled — and remained remarkably quiet throughout.
How easy is it to pitch the MSR Tindheim 2?Surprisingly easy for its size and strength. Two main poles, straightforward pegging, and it is fully pitched in under 10 minutes even in challenging weather. For two people, it is effortless.
Is the MSR Tindheim 2 worth the money?At around £400, yes — for those who want durability, space and comfort. The large vestibule, strong flysheet and excellent wind resistance make it ideal for backpackers who need a tent that handles a wide range of conditions. Not for fastpackers or ultralight trips, but for those seeking comfort and reliability, it is money well spent.