X-Treme X-Training: Fall Camping: Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent

Cozy Camping for two! Easy to carry, compact & quick to set up, the Morrison 2 from Mountiansmith

I just love this time of year! No bugs, the ground is dry and the trees are losing their leaves. I've been looking for a compact tent that I could carry along for a bicycle tour. Something portable that would ride on the bicycle itself. I was so happy to find that one of my favorite backpack makers also has a line of well made camping tents to fit in them!

The Morrison 2 packs down to fit in this women's day pack! Trail weight is only 4lbs 11 ozs or 2.3 kgs

The Morrison 2 - Setting it Up
Since my intended use for this tent is for a day camp or at the most, overnight stay-over along a bicycle tour, I wanted something quick and easy to set up. Bringing a tarp or footprint along would take up more space but there are very thin pads I would recommend putting down before you set up. Other than that, the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent is VERY simple and easy to "pitch" as my friends from Mountainsmith will demonstrate below:

How It Worked for Us
I looked at this video at least a couple of times before setting it up but even for me, it was intuitively simple. The printed directions on the stuff-sack were equally genius. The only thing we didn't do is secure the guyouts to make the tent fly (cover) nice and taunt like the video. All the same it didn't cause any real problems. This tent has been updated for 2013 with increased space at two vestibules so each person has their own entryway. The bathtub floor design and fine mesh screens are extra comforts along with little storage areas within the tent. We added a Sea to Summit Mosquito Net because there were still quite a few mosquitoes out but the fine window screens did their job.

Weight Watchers
As a woman cyclist and hiker, weight was a major factor in choosing just the right tent for both applications. I was pleased to find the Morrison 2's trail weight is only 4lbs 11oz (2.3 kgs) and the compact pack down size makes it a perfect fit. By the time you add your mess kit, food, clothing and camping supplies you're pressing your maximum trail limit but the lightness of the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent gives you a bit of leeway.
Here are more of the Morrison 2's features:

Two door / Two vestibule layout
Two person layout
Three season, free standing tent
Tent fly ventilation windows
Bathtub floor construction
Taped floor seams
No-see-um mesh wall panels
Detachable ceiling loft pocket
Interior mesh storage pockets
Clip-pole attachment for lighter weight and better breathability
Reflective guy lines with tension lock cord adjustment

Details:

YKK® Zippers
3M™ Reflective Cord
Set-up instructions printed on stuffsack (once again-GENIUS!)

Stretching out in the Morrison 2

Sizing Matters
With inner dimensions for the floor area coming in at 35 ft² / 3.25 m², this tent may prove to be a snug fit, I think for two medium to large men. We two women fit fine but we're both about a size 5 and 6. However, that may be a minor trade off considering its ability to fit in your daysack with room to spare.
This tent is PACKED with features and you can't beat it for the price. So for the outdoorsy boyfriends and husbands on your Christmas list, I've included the Morrison 2 in my Lucky Gift Guide this year. Camping is for Lovers and here's a gift you BOTH will love to get cozy with.