The MSR Gear Shed is a modular add-on vestibule designed to transform your lightweight MSR tent into a spacious gear-storing, camp-living system. Compatible with select MSR models — most notably the MSR Hubba Hubba and Elixir 2/3 — the Gear Shed adds an oversized, arched vestibule to one side of the tent, creating covered space for bikes, backpacks, dogs, and wet kit. It’s not intended as a sleeping zone, but it dramatically enhances livability for backpackers, bikepackers, and multi-day trekkers.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Tents | MSR Hubba Hubba, Elixir 2, Elixir 3 |
| Vestibule Dimensions | 2.46 sq. metres (26.5 sq ft) |
| Peak Height | ~91 cm (36 in) at arch apex |
| Weight | ~910 g (2 lbs) |
| Fabric | PU-coated nylon (waterproof), mesh panel |
| Floor | Partial bathtub floor included |
| Poles | Single DAC press-fit pole |
| Packed Size | ~48 x 13 x 10 cm |
| Price (RRP) | £185–£200 |
Design and Setup
The Gear Shed is a freestanding tunnel vestibule that attaches directly to the tent’s pole structure using toggles and clips. Installation is intuitive:
- Assemble the DAC arch pole
- Clip the Gear Shed’s inner sleeve to one tent pole hub
- Use color-coded attachment points to secure the fly and floor
- Stake out the outer guy-lines and corners
The setup adds ~3 minutes to tent pitching time. Once installed, it creates a fully enclosed vestibule with partial flooring, offering protection from wind, rain, mud, and morning dew.
The interior is tall enough to sit up in and wide enough to store:
- 2 fully loaded backpacks
- 2 sets of boots + dog mat
- 1 touring bike with wheels removed
While not designed for human sleeping, it’s viable for temporary gear sorting or sheltered chores like boot cleaning or water filtration.
Weather Resistance
The Gear Shed’s nylon fly is treated with a PU waterproof coating and features fully taped seams:
- Held up to extended drizzle and brief downpours in North Wales
- No visible pooling or leaking on floor or seam edges
- Arch design sheds rain and dew effectively
Wind protection is fair — it’s not engineered to handle alpine gusts on its own, but when attached to the main tent structure, it acts as a wind buffer and rain blocker, especially at the entry point.
The included partial bathtub floor adds a layer of mud resistance for gear, though it’s not sealed like a sleeping area.
Livability and Space
Added vestibule volume dramatically improves tent life:
- Enables gear storage outside sleeping zone
- Keeps smelly or wet kit out of dry tent interior
- Allows for dog or pet space under shelter
- Creates protected porch for cooking in poor weather (with appropriate ventilation)
During multi-day bikepacking trips, we stored:
All stayed protected from overnight condensation and rain splash. For couples, the Gear Shed prevents tent clutter, allowing the sleeping zone to remain tidy and free of odor.
Materials and Durability
The Gear Shed uses:
- 68D PU-coated nylon fly — same standard as MSR tent canopies
- Bath floor — 70D PU nylon, slightly tougher
- DAC pole system — robust and proven in MSR designs
- Mesh vent panel — promotes airflow and reduces internal moisture
After 15+ nights in the field:
- No seam failures or fraying
- Pole and grommet system remained tight
- Vent panel showed no tearing despite snag potential
The stitching and fabric match the quality seen on MSR’s tent shells — not ultralight, but intentionally robust for real-world abuse.
Compatibility Notes
The Gear Shed is only compatible with:
- MSR Hubba Hubba (2-person)
- MSR Elixir 2 and Elixir 3
It’s not compatible with:
- MSR Hubba NX or 1P tents
- MSR Access or Front Range
- Non-MSR tents
Some user modifications allow attachment to similar dome tents — but these are unofficial. For best results, pair with designed models.
Packability and Weight
At ~910 g, the Gear Shed adds considerable weight — nearly half the weight of the Hubba Hubba tent itself. Packed dimensions are bulky (~48 cm length), so careful gear curation is needed.
However, for longer trips with variable weather, the comfort trade-off is worth it. It packs into its own drawstring bag or tucks beside tent poles in a bikepacking frame bag.
Use Case Highlights
We found the Gear Shed ideal for:
- Bikepacking shelter — protects frame, drivetrain, and tools overnight
- Winter hiking trips — separates wet gear from sleep zone
- Dog-friendly camping — accommodates a sleeping mat and bowl
- Basecamp layering — doubles as vestibule workspace for gear prep
It’s not required for every adventure — but when extra space matters, it improves shelter function significantly.
Comparison Table: MSR Gear Shed vs Vestibule Extensions
| Model | Compatibility | Vestibule Space | Weight | Best Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSR Gear Shed | Hubba/Elixir 2/3 | 2.46 m² | ~910g | Bikepacking, gear storage | £185 |
| Big Agnes Vestibule Add-On | Copper Spur HV UL | ~1.7 m² | ~680g | Light gear and shoes | £165 |
| Hilleberg Vestibule X | Nallo/Anjan tents | 2.5 m²+ | ~1100g | Expedition and harsh weather | £200+ |
The Gear Shed strikes a balance between capacity and weight — more than enough space for gear, without crossing into expedition load territory.
Pros
- Huge boost to usable tent space
- Excellent for gear-heavy missions (bikepacking, multi-day hiking)
- Durable build with reliable waterproofing
- Simple installation with smart integration
- Vent panel enhances breathability
- Adds livability without replacing shelter system
Cons
- Heavy for ultralight systems
- Not compatible with all MSR tents
- Price is high for a vestibule add-on
- No sealed floor — only partial mud protection
- Bulky when packed — requires pack planning
Final Verdict
The MSR Gear Shed is one of the best modular vestibule expansions available for compact tents. It transforms the standard backpacking shelter into a camp-life hub with bike storage, dry gear prep, and pet accommodation — ideal for extended trail missions or messy environments.
It’s not a must-pack for every adventure, but if your trip demands flexibility, dry kit management, or porch space, the Gear Shed delivers real-world functionality with the quality MSR is known for.
Rating: 9.2/10
Best For: Bikepackers, multi-day hikers, dog owners, gear-heavy adventures
Avoid If: You prioritise minimal weight or use non-compatible tents
