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MSR Carbon Flex 2
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Home › Forums › General Forums › General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion › MSR Carbon Flex 2
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Jun 18, 2009 at 11:32 pm #1237197
It caught my eye, of course so did the $499 price tag. However, I have $1000 worth of REI gift cards, so while its a hefty price, if I did end up buying it I wouldnt lose as much sleep over matters.
What do you experts out there thing of it? I was debating between the Big Agnes Seedhouse 2, Big Agnes Copper Spur, and the Rei T2 Quarterdome. I am open to other alternatives as well, but I want the tent to be under 4lbs when fully packed and made for two people.
While id love to hear your opinions on all four tents, Id be equally satisfied to know what you think of the MSR Carbon Flex 2 on its own.
I realize there is a Member article review on this posted, however, I am still in debate mode about becoming a member. Thanks.
Jun 18, 2009 at 11:47 pm #1509233I think the majority of the members on here would be more familiar with recommending the offerings of Tarptent, SMD, MLD, etc. And carbon poles don't have the greatest track record.
Someone will chime in on it though.
Jun 18, 2009 at 11:49 pm #1509234Membership is well worth it. I just renewed a couple of days ago. BPL reviews are done by extremely experienced hikers who have used a lot of gear over the years. The articles are far more in depth than any other site's reviews, and gear is tested using a scientific method.
As for those tents, I'd go for the copper spur or the seedhouse. Quarterdome also gets good reviews if you are under 6'. Apparently the length specs are wrong. Similarly for the Carbon Reflex 2, the width is *much* less than advertised (around 40 inches I think!).
Other tents to consider: the tents made by tarptent.com (they now have some double wall versions too) and six moon designs, plus the Big Sky line of tents, and pyramids from Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD). All of these are lighter and/or roomier than the ones you have mentioned. Particular favourites around here are the SMD lunar duo and the Tarptent Double Rainbow. The double wall Scarp 2 has recently been released too (tarptent). If you are interested in pyramids check out the MLD duomid and the golite shangri-la 3… both are popular.
Do some googling of the forums on these tents… there have been plenty of discussions and comparisons.
Cheers, A
Jun 19, 2009 at 3:31 am #1509253Hi Joe
There are CF poles and CF poles. The pultruded stuff is flakey, but the stuff with a 2D wrap is bomber imho. I don't use Al poles at all, even on my winter tents.
Cheers
Jun 19, 2009 at 7:35 am #1509281Carbon Reflex is fine, but narrow. Also a lower return on investment, meaning that the 3# weight costs you $500, whereas a Big Sky at 3# costs you $350 (and has a lot more room inside). I'm a big fan of the Copper Spurs, fair bit of internal volume, more vertical walls than the Seedhouse. Personally don't think the Seedhouse is a reasonable 2-person option b/c of steep wall slope and relatively narrow footprint anyway. Copper Spur 2 is 3.5 pounds, $400, great tent overall. I'll chime in on membership: pretty silly not to sign up. It's the cheapest investment you can make in gaining gear knowledge and gaining guidance toward outfitting yourself well.
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