I've Received More Complaints About This Company Than Any Other - MSR - Outdoor Company Review

The #1 rule so many manufacturers seem to either forget or ignore: "A happy customer tells his friends, an unhappy customer tells the world."

I own a "MSR Elixier 2" tent for more than 2 years now, had it with me on several longer bike tours and never had an issue, whatever weather conditions i used it in. Last year i had to spend 3 whole days and nights in it in very heavy rain and it didn't leak at all. Maybe i'm lucky, but i like that tent and think the 400 Euros were spent well. Greetings from Germany, thx for your videos.

this really surprises me, they've been one of the best brands I've used - including top notch customer service all three times I've required it. they even shipped me parts, across an international border, free of charge, free shipping, and gave me more pieces than i needed.

I have an MSR Solo Hubba NX tent and their pocket rocket 2 stove - never fails me. My sister has an MSR Elixer tent too. We love their products. Well designed and a pleasure to use. In my mind, they are top notch. Maybe I'm just lucky.

I've had the same "hit and miss" experience with MSR over the last 20+ years. The one thing that has NEVER let me down is my Hubba-hubba tent. Days of heavy downpour and not one drop got through. Mine has lasted me through 2 AT though hikes and many small weekenders. Some say that they wear out, but mine is going strong after 12 years of regular use. Downside: very expensive.

One thing I've always appreciated about MSR products (stoves, filters, etc) is their field repairability. everything can totally be disassembled, repaired/cleaned, and reassembled, even when out in the woods. i've never tried their tents - perhaps they're not as good in that area. But be careful about saying a company is bad just because you've seen more bad posts about it than good - people that have good experiences with gear and customer service are a lot less likely to make noise and speak out than those that have had a bad experience.

This is the most recent video, so I'm including it here. I just wanted to say how wonderful your videos are, aside from how clean, wholesome, and relaxing they are, you have some sweet taste in music. There is no doubt that you seem to have a talent for the choice and use of music. So many times I have just had your videos on a loop on a side screen. However, I have found myself drawn to the video by the impeccable choice and timing of your choice of music. And many times I have ended up googling a lyric just to add a tune you are playing to my favourites list. Keep it up, always appreciated.

Love the subject, Luke. I have purchased many, many products over the years, and I'm a bit of a gear junkie. The only MSR product I own is the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes. I've owned them for about 5 years, along with the extensions and storage bag. No issues whatsoever and I use them every winter in New England. Thanks for a great subject and for your channel!

I have an original hubba that is going on 20 years old. Still lighter and tougher than most new age backpacking tents on the market. It's awesome. I spray and seam seal it every couple years, so no leaks. A lot of people complain about condensation with their tents, but it's really all about keeping the fly up off the ground and general site selection.

For the past five years only purchased 3 MSR products, with generally good results. 1) Pocket Rocket stove. Not sure the model, the one with the Piezo lighter. No problems. 2) MSR Snowshoes. No problems. 3) MSR Trail Shot. No QC problems, but it just wasn't designed well for more than light use (e.g. taking a quick sip while trail running) and wasn't good for backpacking. FWIW, still have a Whisper Light stove from the 1980's that works well.

glad to see you doing the comparison/overview of outdoor companies. I had an old original thermostat the small one develop a leak that I couldn't find after many years of use. they replaced it no charge with a new blemished one, it's still going strong. another larger thicker thermostat had a leak I couldn't find I returned it, it was repaired for a fee, no complaints. I own one of their 200 ft Wing tarps, it's about 10 years old, no problems, love it. it's the old Moss design of a heavy polyester, but not rip stop material is my only complaint. I hear people complaining about the newer lighter versions. for car camping it's great for our family

Great subject for a series! There's been many companies that have started out great in the beginning but after they change ownership, the 'recipe for success' gets tinkered with in the interest of increasing profits by eliminating redundant personnel and manufacturing cost cutting due to a new corporate structure that's now the real boss and things change internally at the company, as well as in the final product we buy. Same brand on the package but different people with different objectives behind it now.

Great subject material. I have had great experience with MSR over the years. I have seen their Lightning ascent snowshoes in action for 13 years now. Lots of use in the mountains of New England. Those shoes have made hundreds of ascents over the years. Still going strong. Been using the pocket rocket 2 for about 10 years. Never let me down. Bought the FreeLite 1 solo tent last year and love it. I hope for continued good experiences with the gear. I have been considering getting the Access 2, been doing a lot of research on it, that is actually why I watched this video. I am a bit surprised by your findings. I guess that is what happens to companies that get bought, reworked and sold for a profit. Quality tends to suffer more often than not. It is unfortunate. Another great video Luke

I have the MSR freelite 2 and had no issues so far after about 18months. I will say if i'm lazy/sloppy with how i pitch the tent it makes a difference (of course) and could see how it might be compromised in extreme conditions. But, they are premium products, and if you sell premium it should come with premium service. That's warranties, customer service, replacing faulty gear etc. I would hesitate from buying more of their products after seeing/reading numerous reviews like this regarding customer service. Really good vid as always thanks.

Great video idea and a great discussion. I have always viewed MSR as rock solid. I own the Whisperlite Universal, PocketRocket 2, Groundhogs, and several pairs of EVO Trail and EVO Ascent snowshoes. My experience with these products has been extremely positive. I opted for a JetBoil MiniMo over the Windburner, I love the MiniMo, but sometimes have some buyers remorse. The only issue I have had with MSR is with the bindings of my EVO Ascents. I have wore them out at the hinge point and the rubber is thin. I wanted to replace them, but they are having supply issues through COVID. It looks like they are now transitioning to the Paraglide binding on the Trail series. Hopefully, I will be able to replace them. FYI, the Ascents are. 10+ years old and have seen 100's of hard miles. On a side note, I had to field repair a binding after a fall using the televator heel as a pin. It is genius how they make the gear field replaceable. I am looking for a tent and the MSR Hubba Hubba 2P is on my list. I am looking for durability. Many of the lightweight tents are pretty delicate (BA Copper Spur is also on the list) But have seen reports of the Easton poles not being polished correctly and causing splinters. People that sanded them with fine grit paper report "no more splinters" and love the tent. MSR has not failed me in very cold conditions in the Adirondacks. The comments on this thread are very helpful. It will be interesting to see how other companies stack up. See you outside!

I have an MSR Hubba Hubba and its been great, held up perfectly in an ice storm once. I also like the MSR windburner stove and groundhog stakes. So my luck with the company has been good so far

Very nice idea Luke! I've never had any MSR products but always looked up to the brand considering it top notch, now that I know about the service I'll take my cautions, I stay with companies that solve the customer's doubts and issues, they're the ones that know s** happens in the outdoors and know that gear failures sometimes are nobody's fault. Stay safe, take care!

My MSR Hubba purchased in 2016 has been a great tent; Ive only had to replace the elastic cord that runs through the tent poles last year and no other impactful wear. No leaks in a day of thunderstorms and rain. Great design. I've heard complaints about modern iterations however.

You're in a great position Luke to dish out the hard truth of product performance and customer service. I'd really love to see which companies are doing the best for both especially with budget in mind. I've got quite a bit of gear off Aliexpress and since most is just copies or more expensive brands I can't complain for the price, the quality has been good and customer service, well I ordered two down hoods/hats and only one turned up, the refund for the missing item was sorted in 2 days over a weekend.

I think it was the pocket rocket 2 that got me into MSR and I've used it for about 3 years, in the US and in 2 trips to Indonesia. It's always been a phenomenal stove for me.