spoke with msr
person and they said it has a spot to put guy out cords if not using the poles. It may be a loop of some sort - he didnt fully explain as he didnt have it in front of him and checked with someone else i guess. I requested some sealant to use on it as it has a spot that could use some silnet according to others by an untaped window area.
here’s some info about the guy out areas
MSR Missing Link:
additional photos
Front view of the MSR Missing Link with front door closed and mesh window opened. The mesh window pictured above can be closed with a solid fabric panel.
The shelter includes 5 guy points (not used in the setup for the photos): 1 at center rear, 1 each on each side of rear, and 1 each at top of poles.
3/4 view of the Missing Link.
The tent is supported by two treking poles (not included). In the setup above, 7 stakes were used: 3 at rear, 2 at front (next to pole base) and 2 at front of awning.
Rear view of the Missing Link. Under windy conditions, it would be best to face the rear of this shelter into the prevailing wind. That will allow the shelter to shed wind best and it will allow the low-rear-low and high-front vent system to function best.
View of the Missing Link with front door open and 5’11" model on the inside. The blue arrows are pointing at the a strip of mesh at the top front of the Missing Link which provides ventilation. The top mesh strip is always open but protected by the front awning…
View of two Therm-A-Rest Standard Long sleeping pads in the interior of the MSR Missing Link.
Same two pads as in picture at left.
Note the mesh strip at the rear of the shelter between the floor and the rear wall. This mesh strip is always open but protected by the rear tent fabric.
Missing Link
The main issue I have with the missing link is the condensation which was very serious. If you’re using it as a Bothy, that issue doesn’t really mater, but as a tent I found it confining, wet, and the only advantage it had over a tarp was bug netting. For the weight there are better tents. But the price you picked it up for isn’t shabby.
have read that
reviews mention the condensation especially since a single walled tent. I am looking for something of a quick shelter for short time useage (hopefullly not to sleep) or as a cover such as the emergency covers. I have no idea how it would work until I pick it up. Yes its just a bit more than a tarp with bug netting which is great! as i hate bugs !!! thanks for the heads up (on another note - for an lightweight kayakable overnight tent for 2, preferably with a rainfly, any suggestions?
Overnight
Sounds like the MSR will work just fine for what you’re looking to do with it.
I have a couple of light rainflied tents. If you like the style Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 is nice. I could be talked into selling mine because I don’t use it much. I like a tarp except during bug season.
The SD Lightning is a very nice tent if you don’t mind climbing over or having your paddling partner climb over you in the middle of the night to head to the privy.
I haven’t seen the 2009 lines yet, so I don’t know if anything is coming out that may be better.
Found another option
Hilleberg Windsack. Its price goes up $30 on Jan 1 09!! It is nylon but only water resistant but it has loops for poles/skis to prop up and a 4 way zipper across the top so 3 of you can have your heads out (or not) This company makes good stuff but never seen this. Anyone have one of these???
sounds like this is the kind of thing
that you need: http://virginiaseakayakcenter.com/catalog.php?item=32&catid=Safety%20Gear
The only thing I don’t like about the NRS Missing Link (and other tents like it) is that it’s not free standing. It looks nice for what it is, but I often wind up camping in camp grounds with a gravel substrate impervious to tent stakes. In such a place, a free standing tent with poles is far more convenient.
For the use i want it for
I was thinking of it more of something to put over us as it has the silnylon coating as does the Expedition Essentials but at a much less price. I havent received it yet but that is what I hope it can be used as. By the way, I also ordered the MSR Fling which is freestanding (115 on sale) to see how much heavier it is by my feel so once i get them I will decide which (if any) to keep. (the fling could do double duty as it has poles) I know these aren’t the greatest tents but price comes into effect also and really its more of a quick warm up/dry kind of need. The Hilleberg has no water protection like the valley one but it does have some nice features but I am not the right candidate for it - i wont be skiing off in the wilds. I wanted one for kayaking use.
painters coveralls
At work some people use white plastic painters coveralls with hood, booties and zip up front. I often carry them in the boat with a towell because they are so warm but only about half a pound. Also the old brown polypro from army surplus is so warm and light when wet. Also a neoprene hood is a must
I have a Hilleberg
tent and friends of mine have several but I have never seen the Windsack.
If it is made from the same material than the tents rest assured that it is the most tenacious and waterproof material you can commercially buy today.
Their tent fabric can practically not be torn with bear hands, seriously.
Hilliberg windsock material
is unfortunately different than their tent material - it doesnt have the silicone impregnated into it - it is a type of ripstop nylon for wind protection not water protection. I received the MSR little tent but it has more material than i thought but with xmas and we are heading around 4am to Toronto, Ont. for a family xmas (snow snow snow)i havent had a chance to really study it. This tent is well made and would be waterproof to some extent especially for a temporary shelter but bigger and weightier than i was hoping. I am not a good judge of weights listed on things until i pick it up! Havent decided yet…