#8 on this list
Front Range
MSR
The MSR Front Range is an ultra-versatile, four-person floorless pyramid shelter designed to bridge the gap between lightweight mountaineering and four-season backcountry travel. Highly capable as a spring ski traverse shelter or an alpine basecamp, the Front Range offers a classic square mid profile that pitches quickly using ski poles, trekking poles, or a dedicated accessory pole. Constructed from MSR’s durable Xtreme Shield-coated polyester, the Front Range resists fabric sag when wet and provides robust water repellency over prolonged use. The steep roofline sheds heavy snow accumulations with ease, while the zippered door features an integrated peak vent to encourage airflow and minimize condensation buildup. At its size, it provides an exceptional ratio of sheltered square footage to packed weight. While it can sleep four adults tightly, it functions most comfortably as a luxury shelter for two or three with extensive alpine gear. Like all large mids, pitching in heavy winds requires securing all corners firmly before erecting the center pole, and it lacks an integrated floor unless paired with MSR’s modular inner insert. **Highlights** - Spacious four-person interior with exceptional vertical ceiling clearance - Xtreme Shield coating resists long-term fabric breakdown and morning sag - Steep pyramid architecture easily sheds blowing snow and torrential rain - Packable design rolls down surprisingly small for a four-person alpine canopy - Steeper wall angles optimize usable edge space for cots or thick pads **Watch-outs** - Massive footprint can be challenging to pitch in cramped forest sites - Inner bug and floor shelter must be purchased separately for summer use
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#9 on this list
Supermid
Mountain Laurel Designs
The Mountain Laurel Designs Supermid is considered the gold standard of full-sized group pyramid tarps. Sized to accommodate up to four adults—or two to three with ample space for winter gear, pulks, or dogs—the Supermid takes MLD's bombproof shelter design and scales it up to expedition proportions. It is a favorite among winter backcountry travelers, river runners, and long-range wilderness guides. Crafted from heavy-duty silnylon or premium DCF, the Supermid uses an oversized apex cone reinforced to handle massive downward tension from tied-together trekking poles or specialized central poles. Its square geometry makes establishing a symmetrical, wind-shedding pitch straightforward, while extensive perimeter and mid-panel guyouts allow the shelter to be anchored firmly against gale-force gusts. The challenge with the Supermid is purely a function of its size: finding an unobstructed nine-by-nine-foot area in dense woods or rocky ridges takes scouting. For alpine plateaus, sandbars, and snowfields, however, few shelters offer this much livable stormproof space at such a low carry weight. **Highlights** - Enormous interior volume easily sleeps four or shelters large groups in storms - Square base geometry provides straightforward, predictable pitching - Heavy-duty apex and tie-out reinforcement engineered for high snow and wind loads - Exceptional headroom allows most adults to stand or kneel comfortably - Fully modular with optional inner mesh tents and floor liners **Watch-outs** - Requires a very large footprint clear of trees and boulders to pitch - Demands heavy-duty staking hardware to hold its large surface area in high winds
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Front Range | Supermid |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 person | 3 to 4 adults |
| Canopy Fabric | 30D ripstop polyester | — |
| Waterproof Coating | 1500mm Xtreme Shield PU & silicone | — |
| Minimum Weight | 1 lb 10 oz (740 g) | — |
| Floor Area | 81 sq ft (7.52 sq m) | — |
| Peak Height | 64 in (162 cm) | — |
| Weight | — | 18-24 oz (512-680 g) |
| Base Price | — | Around $405 |
| Shelter Type | — | 4-sided pyramid tarp |
| Base Dimensions | — | Approx. 9 x 9 feet |
| Structure Support | — | Dual trekking poles strapped or single pole |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Front Range
- Polyester fabric resists stretching and sagging when saturated with rain or snow
- Extremely spacious for two to three occupants with winter expedition gear
- Pitches easily with strapped ski poles or trekking poles without specialized hardware
- Steep pyramid walls shed snow loads and high alpine winds reliably
- Massive footprint requires large, flat clearings that are scarce in dense forests
- Floorless configuration requires separate accessory mesh insert for bug protection
- Four-person rating is tight with thick winter sleeping pads and personal gear
Supermid
- Vast interior volume shelters up to four adults or two with winter gear
- Exceptional aerodynamic stability and snow shedding from steep pyramid walls
- Heavy-duty apex and tie-out reinforcement engineered for high-tension pitches
- High livable clearance allows adults to kneel and change comfortably
- Nine-by-nine-foot footprint is hard to site in forested or rocky terrain
- Requires joining two trekking poles or packing a dedicated long center pole
- Large surface area demands heavy-duty stakes in high-wind conditions
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