MSR Zoid 1 Review

"In my expereince, I don not know of a more well balanced tent for the solo hiker.
1- roomy vestibule and roomy interior.
2-Excellent weather protection and ventilation
3- under 3 pounds
4- only 3 stakes required
5- compact
There are lighter solo tents out there but they all have trade offs. This tent does not compromise."

"This is a great solo tent. It has those new feather light poles and lots of room. It packs great and it is probably my favorite tent in the whole world"

"Great tent. Surprising amount of interior space. A big plus to this tent is its narrow footprint, ideal if one has to overnight in "tight" spaces."

"just used this for 4 days(so far). Can't wait to get out there and really test it. Am impressed with ease of set up, interior space (for being a 1 person tent at under 4 pounds), and the ventilation was great. Wish it was just a tad bit taller but better than bivy, for sure. Not sure if it's weather tight yet as I only had a small drizzle one night. Not sure if the seams on the floor are well sealed even with my own weather sealing. A risk that is always taken when you try to place a ten in a good spot that will hopefully not become a pool."

"I bought my Ziod 1 after using an 8-pound, 3-man tent on a 4-day, 22-mile solo hike in Olympic National Park’s coastal strip. After I got back from that trip, I felt like I should definitely start looking for a solo tent. I started looking at every make and model of solo tent. I was immediately impressed with the Zoid 1. First, the door is on the side, which makes a huge difference getting in and out. If you have ever tried “backing” into a solo tent that has the door in the front, then you know what I mean. Second, the amount of room inside is surprising. There is enough room for a full size sleeping pad, some gear, and even room to sit up. Third, is the big vestibule. Most solo tents have little or no room for gear under the rain fly. Not so with the Zoid 1. There is lots of room for gear. Also, the vestibule can be configured four different ways to adjust the ventilation and the rain fly has a great eyelid vent at the top with a kickstand to keep it up which can be accessed from the inside of the tent via a small zippered hole at the top of the tent. Fourth, is the overall weight of the tent. At less than 3 pounds (minimum weight), it’s about the lightest solo tent out there. AND if you want to go super-light in the summer, you can use the fast-and-light set up with just the footprint and the rain fly. Fifth, well, I wouldn’t say that price was exactly a factor. I found out that most solo tents are pricey. But, if your going to pay $130-$180 for a solo tent, you should get one that has a solo hiker’s needs in mind. For me, the Ziod 1 had everything I needed. So far, I haven’t been caught in any really nasty weather, but I can’t wait to put this tent to the test over the next few seasons."

"Such a great tent. Light, easy to set up, and more room than it looks. I use to pack a bigger tent "so everyone could sleep together". Now, even when hiking with a group, I always bring the Zoid (I get a better night's sleep that way). My favorite tent so far."

"I believe that MSR is leading the way in lightweight tents. They have so many, it was hard to pick. I ended up with the Zoid 1. The Micro-Zoid looked a little too small, the Missing Link requires trekking poles which I don't use and is really a two person tent, and the Hubba, although freestanding, was heavier than I wanted (but not by much). I have put the Zoid 1 to the test on mountains, on wilderness coast, in the rain & wind, and it has always come through. Keep it up MSR!"

"I got mine 2 years ago. It's the best solo shelter out there. Roomy, well ventilated, plenty of gear-space under the fly, easy to pitch. Even with the footprint, mine weighed in at only 3lbs 9oz!"

"I bought an MSR Zoid 1 in early 2004, and after spending 10 nights in it so far - from balmy to seriously stormy - I can report that the MSR Zoid 1 is one sweet ultralight tent. I’m 6’2” and 180 pounds and I fit into it with a little room to spare. My head brushes the top of the tent when I sit up, but that’s no big deal. I’ll happily trade mussed up hair for the lightweight protection this tent gives. Construction was excellent, ventilation is outstanding, rain protection is complete, the vestibule has plenty of room for my pack and boots, and the side entrance is easy to get in and out of. I gave away the needle stakes the tent comes with and substituted some titanium ones in their place (stronger and easier to grip), and I carry it in a stuffsack that’s about half the size of what it came with, but other than that I have no gripes. I’ll be using this tent for many years to come."

"It is a great product for the light backpacker, It holds up to rain and everything you put up to it. the only downside is that it is a little small to put medium sized stuff in the pockets because it gets in the way. Great size, great weight. Just another alround great product from MSR"

"Good space to weight ratio, porch big enough to cover pack. Side door great for stargazing in comfort! Cool looking pegs supplied, though need v-shaped pegs for soft ground. Difficult to avoid getting mesh inner covered in condensation drips when opening the door. Fairly stable but noisy - flaps a lot in high winds. Replaced it with a stronger but heavier tent for camping at high level in normal (windy) UK conditions. Fine for more sheltered locations."

"Matt here again (see my 10/08/03 review). I thought I'd give a follow up report on my Zoid 1. Almost 3 years ago, I bought the Zoid 1. I have pitched this tent on every type of terrain and in every kind of weather condition except snow. I have also used the "footprint & rain fly" setup on several week-long hikes. My Zoid 1 is still going strong and in great condition. I'm worried that MSR will stop making the Zoid 1 by the time I'm ready for another one. I would recommend this tent to anyone who is ready to pack light and go far."

"I have used my MSR Zoid 1 for two years. It fits my 5'9" frame perfectly. I have slepte in some atrocious weather in this tent and always remained secure and dry. The vestibule is a bit small and I wish the fly would tie out in an awning. The fast pack fly/ground sheet set up is functional but barely enough protection for anything but light showers. Overall, this is an excellent tent with enough room to sit up in. The materials are durable and the workmanship is superb."

"I'm a light duty backpacker and motorcycle camper. My Zoid 1 was damaged by wild animals in the Sierras and I replaced it with a MSR Waypoint...MISTAKE! See my Waypoint review. I sent the Zoid 1 out to the very excellent MSR repair service and am now back to enjoying my Zoid. Good interior space and function. Dry in the rain and good ventilation in the humid conditions. I enjoy the left opening door, no crawling just step in and lay down. No room in here for dining or board games just sleeping. I love the perfectly located pockets for my Petzel Tikka and eyeglasses."