MSR Twin Peaks Review

"First, to keep the "confusion factor" to a minimum, there are two models of MSR Twin Peaks on the market today:
1) 2003 Model Twin Peaks is a tarp/hybrid which is designed to be used with your trekking poles and weighs around 2.5 lb. It is olive/tan colored [they call it "Chincilla"] and is constructed of a high-grade polester. It comes with MSR Ground Hog stakes.

2) 2005 Model Twin Peaks is of the same design as the 2003 model, but is a constructed of Blaze Orange Sil-Nylon and is issued with MSR Needle Stakes. Some would argue the minimal weight savings of the newer model is mostly from the switch to the lighter stakes.

BOTH MODELS:
- Have no floor, but the Black Diamond Betamid Floor and the Beta Bug match the Twin Peaks fittings and design exactly
- Are single-walled tarps with one door and a small covered vent on the opposite wall at the top to minimize condensation and to theoretically allow their use as "ski cooking shelters" (risky in my opinion)
- Require the use of two trekking poles or similar devices, which sit between the two occupants, or the occupant and his/her gear
- All seams are factory sealed [unlike their brothers the Betamid and Beta Light, which might require up to six days of sealing by hand... been there, done that too]
- May be tied to trees as substitutes for poles by MSR doctrine, but I've never seen this actually work in the field
- Provide bomb-proof, quickly pitched, lightweight shelter, but no vestibule space [for that you should look at the MSR Trekker Tarp(2003)/Tent(2005), which also made the switch from Chinchilla to Orange]
- Work almost as well as 2-person hybrids, but they fit into tighter spaces on the trail than does the MSR Trekker Tarp/Tent [9' long versus the Trekker's 12']

I don't believe that on today's backpacking market they're very good sellers, and for that, I'm sorry, but I've used mine [both models] regularly and I think they're great. I also like them better than my Betamid because there is less of a dip between the poles (and loss of headroom) than with the Betamid.

Having said all of this, however, I prefer the 2003 Model Twin Peaks even though it's slightly (6 oz.) heavier by factory specifications. Yes, I use a mix of Ground Hog and needle stakes so there is little difference in pack weight and I REALLY prefer the less obtrusive color of the old one, which also makes a better sun shade than does the newer Sil-Nylon version.

Having said all of that... campmor.com has 35 of the old ones left for $79.00 and after they're gone, you'll probably be stuck looking for them on Ebay or in an outfitter's back closet.

Yes, I generally combine my old-style MSR Twin Peaks with a Black Diamond Floor and an REI Mombassa Insect Net (the Double size). It was said the Insect net from the old-style Trekker Tarp would fit Twin Peaks, but it had the door on the side and the pole placement was mismatched between the two models, so it was a less than perfect match in my opinion. If you want a pre-fabricated insect liner for Twin Peaks, use the Black Diamond Beta Bug instead.

Hey, it's my money and I can mix and match brands if I want to...

Otherwise, Twin Peaks makes a great lightweight trail shelter, dog house, ATV cover, dining fly, or backyard playhouse for the kids. I recommend it as part of your kit."