2016 MSR Carbon Reflex 1 – Insights Please

I haven’t used a tent with poles since 2007 when I last used my BA Seedhouse SL but while the Reflex only has two points of contact may not make it a freestanding tent, I don’t see any reason not to use it in the rain other than it might be kind of small.  The fly looks like it would give excellent protection from the elements.

That is an excellent weight for a major manufacturer and even approaching the cottage makers.  I wonder how the carbon poles would hold up in high winds?

Looks like there’s one on EBay:

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/291669091087

Thanks Matt, but that is the older version. The new 2016 Carbon Reflex 1 is about 11 oz lighter. I just noticed Backcountrygear now has the 2016 version (and the new Freelite) with a 5 – 7 day backorder. And as of today a 20% off can be applied. They both have the grey rainfly though.

Anyone have any updates on this, or especially the 2-person version?

I plan on getting the 1-person. I’ll report back.

I laid in one recently and the newest version is going to be too short for someone 6’1″ on a 2.5″ mat.  It feels wider than previous versions but certainly not roomy.

Look forward to reading it Brad.

David – Ha! I’m 6’2″ and use a 3in mat.

Was this the 1 or the 2?

Brad, it was the 1P.  I touched the ends but I wasn’t pressing on each end to the detriment of shape of the inner tent.  Because it is double walled, I wouldn’t worry about condensation issues at say, the foot end.

FWIW, it was a very well made shelter.

That is crazy light, it would make me consider taking that rather than a pyramid shelter if I had to deal with bugs. Do you think there are any disadvantages or compromises when making a tent that light? Could it survive bad weather?

justin …

generally very light fly and single (non trekking) pole tents have a few compromises

• pole breaking … the old carbon reflex had some folks with this issue if you search
• the very thin (7D) fabric not lasting as long … the 15D ground fabric probably merits at least a polycro ground cloth
• i cant speak for the carbon reflex, but some of these tents dont have many tie outs to hold it down in high winds, the new MEC UL spark for example …

the standard mid styles and extended mid (SL2 style) are proven designs that are made to withstand decently harsh weather … not to mention that your pole will probably collapse before breaking

;)

The tent is basically a smaller, lighter, double wall TT Rainbow, which is great company to be in IMO.

I have a Hubba HP (green version, purchased in Britain), which I absolutely love. I’m hoping the new CR1 will be a worthy summertime addition to the more stout Hubba HP. I’m 5′-10″ (with socks on) so the OAL of the CR1 shouldn’t be a problem for me. I noticed MSR increased the tent width, while reducing the vestibule space. I’m looking forward to seeing what I think of this change.

I’m not sure what I think of the zipperless fly on the CR1, but I’m willing to give it a try. I also wish the tent had some sort of “beak” vent or one like that found on my EU version of the Hubba… I suspect condensation will be a minor challenge with a tent of this volume, but undoubtedly will not prove insurmountable. I found condensation a pretty tough challenge with the TT Rainbow.

Wow, rambling on this fine morning…

Zipperless fly?

Quote JCH: Zipperless fly?

Yes, if you read the MSR literature and look closely at the fly, it is indeed zipperless.. it’s a hook and loop/velcro closure.

From MSR’s website:

“Carbon fiber poles, lightweight fabrics and a zipper-free vestibule make it ideal for ultralight backpacking at .66 kg (1 lb 7 oz)”

Indeed it is zipperless Gear Review: MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Ultralight Tent (Updated 2016 Redesign)

I called MSR right after I started this thread back in late January and they told me that the green rain flies (Euro Green) are only available in Europe. You can only get the grey rain flies here in North America.

I guess stealthy colors are more desirable over there because I notice there’s a lot more dark green tents coming out of Europe. I figure since it’s so much more densely populated, there’s less available land to camp on, thereby increasing the need to be sneaky and not be seen. Just a theory mind you.

ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk has the green Carbon 1’s for $420. Shipping isn’t that bad, it just takes awhile. I’m tempted to pull the trigger.

Yes, if you read the MSR literature and look closely at the fly, it is indeed zipperless.. it’s a hook and loop/velcro closure.

Well I’ll be damned. Duly noted, however I’m totally not sure about that closure.  Looks like about a 3/8″ fabric overlap. My experience with the Duplex’s overlapping doors makes me very skeptical of the storm worthiness of the MSR’s  design.

The green fly is sweet, and in my eyes worth the extra $ and/or wait.

From the review Link posted: “We had this tent up in hurricane force winds and it didn’t go anywhere”. Laughed so hard I almost peed myself.

Backcountrygear.com has them for 25% off by the way. I actually ditched the plan and went for s Nemo Hornet. Looking at the section hiker review it is only 1.3oz more on the base weight, should require less pegs to put up, uses a 10d instead of 7d and has zips instead of velcro.

Didn’t MSR come out with a new tent called the Freelite recently?  It is supposed to be under 2lbs for a 1P tent.

A friend of mine has the Nemo 1P Blaze.  Very light…very thin, and unless you really get the hang of setting it up, it has a terrible sag problem where the bottom of the walls sag inward because there isn’t much support.  I don’t know if it could withstand hard rain and wind.

Richie, thanks for pointing out the Hornet.

It looks like it’s been modified for 2016, in that it no longer has a single wall at the sleepers head with partial rain fly? Is the fly full, to the bathtub floor… is this the case?

I never liked the Nemo’s that have the partial fly at the head (condensation). Now you’ve got me looking at the Hornet, if in fact it has a full fly.

I agree, I prefer a zipper fly, and that’s a good overall weight. I also have more confidence in aluminum poles, though undoubtedly the CR poles are good.

On the down side, it doesn’t appear the fly goes quite a low to the ground as I’d prefer…

I may have changed direction… maybe. Teton Mountaineering here in Jackson has one and I’ll likely pop over and look at it today.

Here’s a pretty comprehensive review of the hornet 1p.

And sectionhiker.com has a detailed review of the 2p.

It seems like there is the high cut fly near the head end of the 2p, though sectionhiker describes it as a huge benefit to airflow and reduced condensation, so we will have to see.

I’m waiting for mine to arrive btw. Lots of places seem to have Nemo on 25% off sale if you find it.

The Blaze and Hornet are very similar.  On the Blaze, the fly did not go down very far and sleeping bag foot end hit the end of the tent. Everything about the tent is delicate. My friend just clipped a hook and it broke. I personally don’t think it would stand up to a storm.  Just my opinion.

I think that’s one of the compromises with such a lightweight product.

Well, I looked at the Hornet 1p in person, got in it, etc. I think it’s exactly what I’m looking for as a summer highcountry tent. Ordered one from Moosejaw for $239. If I want to lighten it more I’ll have Fibraplex make up a carbon pole set.

As far as storm-worthiness, I’d have no issue with the tent above timberline in heavy wind and rain/light snow based on what I looked at. All in all seems like an excellent bit of engineering that strikes that fine balance between function and weight.

Thanks again for the head’s up Richie…