MSR Tindheim 2 vs Klymit Maxfield 2 Tent

Here you have my comparison MSR Tindheim 2 vs Klymit Maxfield 2 Tent, both built as tunnel type shelters, so which is better? Keep reading.

Why this comparison

There are several reasons for this comparison.

• These are tunnel tents and with a similar shape. So you have an inner floored area plus a large vestibule.
• Both tents have one door and one vestibule.
• Both have aluminum poles.
• Ventilation in both tents is very good.
• From what I know, the MSR Tindheim is the first tunnel type tent from this tent.
• As you probably know, Klymit as a brand is best known for its sleeping pads. Only a couple of years ago, they started selling tents. So in a sense, both brands look like novices with these tunnel tents.
• The tents are expensive. But these are globally known brands, and it makes sense comparing their top class products.

In this video you can see a bit more about the MSR Tindheim tents:

The Klymit Maxfield is described in detail in my full text. In this video you can see more:

Important differences

I wish to stress that the MSR Tindheim is built in two sizes, as MSR Tindheim 2 and MSR Tindheim 3. On the other hand, the Klymit Maxfield is available in three sizes, so you have a solo version, a 2-person, and as a 4-person tent. 

So to make a reasonable comparison, I shall focus on the 2-person tents from both series, as indicated in the title of this post.

Comparison table with some parameters

Here are some parameters and features summarized side by side:

 

Before I continue, just to say a few words about some of the features mentioned in the table. 

Weight

The MSR Tindheim 2 tent is considerably heavier. But this is because of the following reasons that are all well-justified:

• This is a true 2-layer tent where the inner tent is a taffeta. So this is a tent you can use year-round, in all seasons. On the other hand, the canopy in the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent is all mesh which is naturally lighter.
• The weight of the MSR tent is with the footprint which is included. The Klymit Maxfield 2 tent comes without the footprint.
• Both the inner area and the vestibule are larger in the MSR Tindheim 2 tent. The total protected space is 4.6 square meters as compared to 4 square meters in the Klymit tent. So you have around 15% more in the MSR tent.

Freestanding features

The Klymit Maxfield 2 tent is freestanding without the fly. This is achieved by adding one extra ridge pole that crosses the two main loops, and it attaches to the canopy. The tension in the fabric makes the inner tent completely freestanding.

This is not so with the MSR Tindheim 2 where you have two standard loops, so the tent must be staked to stay upright.

But with both tents, when you put the fly, you have to stake everything down to have the tent functional and vestibule in use. So in this sense, none of them is truly freestanding, as usual with tents that have vestibules.

Dry setup

This is a big difference between the two tents. It may be totally unimportant if you plan to use the tent in a dry area.

But it is worth mentioning here that with the MSR Tindheim 2 tent, the inner tent may remain attached to the fly all the time. So if you are in a situation to pitch the tent when it rains, the inner will remain completely protected.

Layers

Both tents are formally two-layer type. However, as mentioned above, the Klymit tent canopy is all mesh. In the case of the MSR tent you have a taffeta used for the inner tent, so the difference is big.

Ventilation

Both tents are nicely ventilated. But there are differences related to materials. As mentioned, the canopy of the Klymit tent is mesh so vapor can escape everywhere.

The canopy of the MSR tent is a breathable taffeta, so again, it will allow vapor to escape, but not as effectively as in the case of mesh. But it has a double-layer door which you can keep with mesh all the time if you wish. They have also added a closable inner vent on the inner tent, it is in the feet area. 

Regarding fly vents, there are three of them in the Klymit tent, so this is plenty of options for vapor to escape and to reduce condensation. 

In the case of the MSR tent, you have one large vent on both of its narrow sides, so this is more than enough for proper ventilation.

My rating

The table below shows how I would rate these two tents, I give + where one or another in better:

 

Weight: I already described the reasons for differences. However, I do not think that any of them is optimal for backpacking.

Note that at MSR’s site, their tent is under the name Tindheim 2-Person Backpacking Tunnel Tent. But it is too heavy for this purpose. So if you use it in any other way where you would not carry it yourself, then the weight is not so important. 

But the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent is indeed lighter and this makes it more versatile, you can carry it on the trail.

Packed size: This parameter is important no matter how you use the tent, and here the Klymit tent is better.

Protection & durability: I give advantage to MSR Tindheim 2 tent because of the following:

• The fabric is thicker and stronger. You have a combination of 60D and 68D polyester used for the fly and the floor, respectively. Compare this with 15D and 40D nylon in the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent.
• The waterproof rating of the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent is 1200 mm and 3000 mm for the fly and the floor. In the case of MSR Tindheim 2 tent, you have 1500 mm and 3000 mm. 
• There is also the footprint with the MSR Tindheim 2 tent. This adds to protection and durability because you have an extra layer on the ground, and this protects the tent’s floor and protects you from the ground water.

Seasons: The MSR Tindheim 2 tent is a 3-4 season tent. You have two real fabrics layers here. On the other hand, in the case of Klymit Maxfield 2 tent, the inner is all mesh. So if you need a tent for a warm weather, you should go for the Klymit, otherwise choose the MSR tent.

Area & comfort: I think this is obvious, you have it more in the MSR Tindheim 2 tent, and this is both in the inner tent and under the vestibule. Note also that the footprint extends all the way through the vestibule, so your gear is not directly on the ground.

But observe that the MSR Tindheom 2 tent is lower, this may be important for very tall people.

Price: Both tents are expensive, but as of the moment of writing this text, it seems that the MSR Tindheim 2 tent is more expensive. 

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Summary

In conclusion, the comparison between the MSR Tindheim 2 tent and the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent reveals several key differences.

The MSR Tindheim 2 tent is heavier and larger, offering better protection and durability with its two-layer construction and thicker fabric. It is suitable for 3-4 seasons.

On the other hand, the Klymit Maxfield 2 tent is lighter and more compact, making it convenient for backpacking. Both tents have their merits, and the choice depends on individual preferences and camping needs.

Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Bookmark this site and keep as a reference, you will always have new texts added here.