Six Moon Designs Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter

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So compact and light, it’s hardly noticeable in your pack, the Front Range tarp shelter lets parties of four move faster on giant alpine days, with the all-season protection you need.

MSR says

So compact and light, it’s hardly noticeable in your pack, the Front Range tarp shelter lets parties of four move faster on giant alpine missions and ski traverses, with all-season protection from the elements. Supremely versatile—it makes a featherweight dining hall too—this ultra-simple shelter is boosted with our Xtreme Shield™ coating for long-term durability. Whether you’re taking advantage of spring’s longer days or building a winter basecamp, the ultralight Front Range makes these sufferfests a little more Type 1 fun. The optional Bug/Floor Insert adds protection for mud and mosquito season.

Our Verdict

MSR’s Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter is a huge shelter capable of sleeping up to four people at a very low weight. Weighing just 714g (excluding pegs and extras) you have a low weight for starting point. It is a low enough weight for solo traveller looking for a huge, spacious shelter or for use by groups as a communal space. With a set of pegs and a couple of walking poles you’re good to go. The simple frameless and floorless design is easy to use. Access through the zippered door can be made easier by rolling the sides back. 

The tarp has a large square base with enough guy and peg points to pitch and adjust depending on the conditions. It comes with a set of straps that can be used to combine two walking poles so you can put the shelter up to its full height at 5’4″ (164cm) and get it taught. There are optional inners available depending on your needs but it works perfectly well as it is. The canopy naturally sheds rain and snow with the steep angles and if it is well pitched it can handle pretty poor conditions with ease.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Featherweight: Hyper-efficient tarp shelter sleeps four but is ultralight even for two, with a 5’ 4” peak height for gearing up easily.
• Quick Setup: Frameless, floorless design pitches with ski/trekking poles or 5-foot accessory pole (sold separately); ski straps included for easy assembly. Easy Access: Zippered door rolls back completely on both sides for sweeping views and easy entry.
• Versatile: Light enough to carry as a solo shelter, dining hall, or emergency shelter. Optional Bug/Floor Insert available for wet & buggy terrain.
• Durable: Steep canopy sheds snow and water and features Xtreme Shield waterproof coating for long-lasting durability.

Specifications

Tech Specs

• Weight: 714g (excludes pegs, storage bag & extras)
• Pegs x6 weigh: 84g
• Capacity: 4
• Doors: 1
• Pack size: 30cm X 13cm (12 x 5in)
• Floor: 7.52 sq m (81 sq ft)
• Livable volume: 4078 L (144 cu ft)
• Interior peak height: 1.62m (64in)

Materials & Construction

• Poles: Not supplied
• Rainfly: 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm XtremeShield polyurethane & silicone

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
• MSR Extreme Shield Coating