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Speedy Summary Review

The MSR Mesh House 1 is a really lightweight solution for Thru-Hikers and Adventure Trail runners who are looking for protection from biting insects at night and potentially damp ground. By using one of your own trekking poles (or tying the top cord to a tree) this mesh house comes in at under 10oz and doesn’t take up much space. The base and low sides and foot/leg area are waterproof and there is a little pocket inside for when you are sleeping. You can pair up with the MSR Thru-Hiker Wing Tarp for more rainy weather options too. Well made, high quality bit of kit that is super versatile.

PURCHASE $149.95

In Depth Review

When I camped in the United Kingdom is was damp and cold. Brits opt for a waterproof tent to help us keep warm. Since I’ve moved to New England I’ve found a Tarp and Mesh House combo a much better and more versatile solution because sometimes I don’t need the tarp at all so I can sleep cool at night with a breeze, but still get protection from biting insects.

Whats in the pack?

The stuff sack contains the mesh shelter and a small mini bag with 5 matching red tent pegs to use to pitch the mesh house. All in the Mesh Tent and accessories weighs less than 10 oz.

The 2 Minute Pitch

Putting this shelter up is really quick and easy. You simply tent peg out the 4 corners into a tight square with the Mesh House laid out where you want it.

I would suggest if there is a breeze coming from one direction to put the feet area towards the breeze to stay warmer, and put the mesh end towards the breeze to keep cooler.

Once the Square Mesh House is pegged out you simply grab the cord attached to the top of the black mesh section and run it over an extended trekking pole or tie the cord off to a tree that’s nearby.

Mesh House Supported by your Trekking Pole of a Nearby Tree

I would recommend tying the cord round one of the segments of the grip on your pole rather than over the top as MSR suggest as I found mine had a tendency to slip off even under tension.

Once you’ve run the cord round the top of the trekking pole continue the line outward and peg the final cord into the ground under tension. There is a little red ‘widget’ on the cord that you can pull towards the Mesh House to easily increase the tension on the cord and make the structure tight and stable.

Zip Entry Mesh

There are 2 zips to gain entry to the inside once its up. There is also a small velcro tab to help secure the mesh section when the door is open.

Inside the Mesh House

Inside you’ll find a small pouch mesh pocket. I tend to put a torch and a contact lense for the morning in mine as well as my phone and charger pack. The base and sides are fully waterproof so even if it rains (as long as you have a tarp) or the ground is wet you wont get damp.

Space Inside

The large floor plan has ample space for you and your gear. I would actually say that at a push and on an extreme adventure or ‘Fastest Known Time’ multi day run or fastpack you could probably get two people in here as long as you are good friends.

Care and Washing

Its sensible if you wash this on low temperatures WITHOUT detergent. Its why I try pick all my technical gear in black if possible. It hides the dirt and stains. I strongly suggest using a mild soap based cleaner instead or a specialist tec gear wash such as Nik Wax tec wash. If you do this and leave the Mesh House to hang dry you will massively increase its lifetime of breathability and water repellency. I also suggest using Nik Wax waterproof spray on it from time to time to keep the fabric beading properly.

Gripes

One small gripe. I would rather there was an option to have this mesh tent in dark green or black so that I can be a bit less obvious when I’m camping. The red is VERY bright and noticeable.

Verdict

The MSR Mesh House 1 is a rally lightweight solution for Thru-Hikers and Adventure Trail runners who are looking for protection from biting insects at night and potentially damp ground. By using one of your own trekking poles (or tying the top cord to a tree) this mesh house comes in at under 10oz and doesn’t take up much space. The base and low sides and foot/leg area are waterproof and there is a little pocket inside for when you are sleeping.

PURCHASE $149.95

I review the MSR Thru-Hiker Wing Tarp here which is perfect to provide shelter from rain and wind for this Mesh House.