#3 on this list
Remote 2
MSR
The MSR Remote 2 is built for winter campers and expedition mountaineers who prioritize structural bombproofness and liveable interior comfort over ultralight trail weight. Reviewers across the board identify this double-wall shelter as an outstanding choice for extended storm delays and winter basecamp duties, providing a safe, reliable haven when gale-force winds and relentless snow roll in. At the core of the Remote 2's durability is its Easton Syclone pole system. These composite poles flex under intense snow loads and wind gusts, snapping back to their original form where traditional aluminum poles might bend or snap. The double-wall design creates an insulating microclimate that manages condensation effectively, routing moisture through ceiling vents while keeping the sleeping quarters dry and warm. Weighing in at nearly eight pounds, this is not a shelter intended for solo fastpacking or minimalist summit bids. It requires either split carrying between climbing partners or transport via winter sled. The setup process is deliberate, requiring multiple pole sleeves and clips that can be taxing with heavily gloved hands in sub-zero temps. **Highlights** - Easton Syclone composite poles offer superior bend resistance under heavy snow - Generous vestibule space built with snow flaps for gear staging - Double-wall construction minimizes condensation in humid sub-freezing weather - Central guyout points anchored directly to the pole skeleton for wind stability - Color-coded setup cues assist foul-weather assembly **Watch-outs** - Heavy trail weight approaching eight pounds - Multiple pole cross-sections demand extra setup time in severe winds - High packed bulk requires significant backpack volume
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#4 on this list
CrossBow 2
Slingfin
The Slingfin CrossBow 2 is widely celebrated among technical gear analysts for its brilliant structural engineering. Designed for year-round mountain use, it functions equally well as a burly four-season winter tent or an airy three-season shelter, thanks to its modular inner tent options and Slingfin's proprietary WebTruss pole sleeve system. The standout feature repeatedly praised by independent testers is the WebTruss. This system allows users to thread the poles into an exoskeleton truss before clipping the tent body or fly underneath, preventing the tent from blowing away during high-wind setup and creating an exceptionally rigid skeleton. Inside, internal guyline loops allow users to tie trekking poles or extra cords across the frame, dramatically reinforcing the structure against heavy snow loading. The primary drawback is the learning curve associated with its pitching system. Setting up the WebTruss, internal guylines, and fly requires familiarity and practice, making it less intuitive for casual campers. Additionally, while the interior is cozy and well-proportioned for standard pads, it feels snug when shared by two winter campers with bulky sub-zero sleeping bags. **Highlights** - WebTruss system enables safe, high-wind pitching without fly flapping - Internal guyline system allows reinforcement using trekking poles - Versatile architecture adaptable across four distinct seasons - Premium silicone-treated fabrics resist UV degradation and moisture sag - Dual doors and vestibules offer dedicated gear storage for two occupants **Watch-outs** - More complex setup process than standard clip-on dome designs - Tight floor dimensions when using broad winter sleeping pads - Upper-tier price point near $790
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Remote 2 | CrossBow 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-person | 2-person |
| Shelter Type | Double-wall 4-season | Convertible 4-season double-wall |
| Packaged Weight | 7 lb. 13 oz. | — |
| Pole System | Easton Syclone composite | — |
| Vestibule Design | Hooped front vestibule with snow flaps | — |
| Approximate Price | $860 | $790 |
| Minimum Weight | — | 5 lb. 2 oz. |
| Frame System | — | Proprietary WebTruss exoskeleton |
| Entrances | — | 2 doors / 2 vestibules |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Remote 2
- Resilient Easton Syclone poles flex under snow loads without snapping
- Spacious double-wall design minimizes interior condensation in sub-zero temps
- Expansive front vestibule with snow flaps offers ample gear staging
- Direct guyout attachments to the pole frame maintain high-wind stability
- Heavier trail weight near eight pounds demands splitting between partners
- Complex sleeve-and-clip pole system takes effort to pitch in storms
- Significant packed volume occupies large amounts of backpack capacity
CrossBow 2
- WebTruss design delivers outstanding high-wind structural stability
- Internal guylines can integrate trekking poles to support snow loads
- Competitive pack weight of 5 lb. 2 oz. for a true four-season shelter
- Silicone-treated fabrics offer superior longevity and UV resistance
- Pitching the WebTruss requires practice and is slower than clip systems
- Interior floor width feels snug when pairing two wide winter sleeping pads
- Substantial financial investment with an MSRP hovering near $790
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.