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A four-season backpacking tent that is light enough to carry year-round
MSR says
An ultralight, four-season solo tent, the Access 1 winter touring tent was built to meet the needs of backcountry skiers, splitboarders and snowshoers. Lighter than a mountaineering tent, but warmer than a three-season backpacking tent, it offers ample comfort on cold winter nights, yet remains light in your pack while skiing or hiking. The tent features a central-support frame that withstands overnight snow loading, and offers generous space inside for bulky gear. Ideal for the protected winter conditions found near tree-line, the Access 1 tent strikes the perfect balance of winter-grade warmth without the weight.
Our Verdict
MSR's Access 1 is designed for backpackers who want one tent that can carry into winter without the weight and bulk of an expedition shelter.
The freestanding structure uses MSR's hubbed pole system with an additional transverse pole to increase stability. In contrast, the Easton Syclone poles are designed to flex under heavy wind loads rather than simply resisting them. The mostly solid inner cuts down draughts, helps retain warmth and provides much better protection from spindrift than a mesh-heavy three-season tent.
At just over 1.3kg, what stands out to us is how practical it remains for long-distance backpacking. It can handle snow, strong winds, and cold camps while still packing down small enough to carry day after day.
It is worth understanding the distinction, though. The flysheet does not extend as close to the ground as a heavier expedition tent, so this is not intended as a summit or high-altitude storm shelter. It is a four-season backpacking tent, with a firm emphasis on balancing winter protection against weight.
Flysheet vents improve airflow and help manage condensation, addressing a main criticism of the earlier Access design.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Ultralight Warmth: Limited mesh on the tent body keeps in all that hard-earned warmth on cold nights, while the tent’s light design keeps you nimble while on the move.
- Easton® Syclone™ Poles: Cutting-edge composite materials resist breaking in challenging winter conditions.
- Robust Frame: Central-support frame optimizes interior space and resists snow loading.
- Quick Setup: Unified hubbed poles make tent quick to pitch in cold environments.
- Additional Features: Rainfly vents reduce condensation; Xtreme Shield™ waterproof coating for long-term durability; one door; one internal pocket; multiple guy points.
- Includes: Tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guy lines, easy-load, wide-mouth stuff sack, setup instructions.
- Suitable Footprint: MSR Universal 1 Large Footprint (sold separately)
