MSR Holler Tent
The MSR Holler, 3 person tent, is a decent tent with some short comings. The MSR Holler Tent is the tent that could be great, but is held back by a bad design when it comes to ventilation, or the lack of it. With there only being one band of mesh around three quarters of the way to the top, it really makes this tent unlivable during the summer, and when you present it with the challenge of limiting condensation it fails time and time again. We have guy'd out this MSR Holler Tent different ways on different days with no positive outcomes. Time and time again we have had condensation issues and had to let this tent dry out for a considerable amount of time in the morning before moving on sometimes. Now I have seen other reviews of this tent that mention this condensation issue, so I know it is not singular to my experience.
The construction and structure of the MSR Holler Tent is tops, it is made with DAC poles which are super easy to assemble and disassemble and are incredibly strong, as our tent has been through many storms, with the wind and rain beating on it with little issue. With the proper design, this tent could be tops in the 3 person market, it is the little tent that could. Awesome structure with great space and height. This tent provides tall people with a huge amount of height in this tent to move around and live. Compared to most other tents, this one dominates in the height department. For what it lacks in the condensation issue, it I guess to some would make up for in the space and height of the tent area. The materials used with this tent are great, with the floor being made of 40D ripstop nylon 3000mm Durashield TM Polyurethane & DWR coated. I have never had issues with moisture through the floor of this tent. The canopy material is made of 20D ripstop nylon, with the mesh being 20D nylon. Which makes this a solid tent as far as materials are concerned. The vestibule really gives you ample room for a 3 person tent, and is another high point.
The MSR Holler is over 6lbs in weight, and is a great weight for 2-3 people to disperse among st each other on the trail and is a fabulous weight and size for car camping. We use this tent for the kids, and for two kids there is more than enough room. Another high point with the materials is the zippers, which have proven to be durable and easy to use. Anyone with children know how hard and unconcerned they are with breaking things, and the zippers and all other materials have withstood many camping adventures. Now the ease of assembly must be talked about, with the rainfly being the easiest thing to throw over the tent. It is connected onto the base by quick buckles, which make for easy adjustment to make the rainfly tight. The reflective MSR logo on the side of the tent also makes it easy to see at night. I wish MSR would put some more engineering into the condensation problem, and ventilate this tent some more, until they do that I cannot recommend this tent, mostly due to the high price tag associated with it. I am let down, as in my region condensation is part of the outdoor game part of the year. We also have a Marmot Limestone 4P, and I will look to Marmot for the tent that will be replacing this one, unless MSR reconsiders it's tent offerings and their lack of ventilation.
Specs:
Capacity: 3 Minimum Weight: 6 lbs / 2730 g Packed Weight: 6 lbs 9 oz / 2976 g Body weight: 2 lbs 2 oz / 962 g Fly weight: 2 lbs 1 oz / 937 g Frame weight: 1 lbs 13 oz / 832 g Floor Area: 47 sq. ft / 3.7 sq. m Vestibule Area: 17 sq. ft / 1.58 sq. m Tent Volume: 114 cu. ft / 3229 liters Vestibule Volume: 13.5 cu. ft / 382 liters Interior Peak Height: 45 in / 114 cm Packed Size: 18 x 8 in / 46 x 20 cm Number of Doors: 2
