What is the Access 1?
The Access 1 is a lightweight four-season tent for backpacking, ski touring, trekking and just about any activity below the treeline which still requires durable protection from the elements. It's lighter than a mountaineering tent yet warmer and more durable than a three-season backpacking tent, making it ideal for those who aren't summiting peaks but are out in just about all weather conditions.
What is it made of?
The flysheet is made using a lightweight yet durable 20D ripstop nylon with MSR's Xtreme Shield polyurethane and silicone waterproof coating. The inner uses a similar 20D ripstop nylon while the floor is made from a more durable 30D ripstop nylon to deal with additional pressure. The floor is constructed in a 'bathtub' shape to limit water ingress and the inner uses a small amount of mesh to trap more warmth inside on cold nights. Even without the mesh, the entire tent weighs just 1.6kg.
How is it constructed?
The Access is incredibly easy to set up and takes no more than 5 minutes with a bit of practice. There's just one pole, so simply connect the pole sections, attach the poles to the inner and pop the flysheet over the top. The pole, despite being singular, overlaps in the centre of the tent for greater stability from snow loading. The poles used on the Access are thicker and more durable than in their 3 season tents, meaning it's also more stable in adverse conditions.
What are its features?
The Access isn't a feature-packed tent; its main priority is weight and durability, but you do get some creature comforts. There are ventilation points in the flysheet to reduce condensation build-up, one pocket inside to store your headtorch, phone, gloves or other small bits and pieces and a generously sized vestibule to leave your rucksack and boots in. Both the inner and outer doors can be pinned back in less severe conditions. The tent packs away into a duffle-style stuffsack which is a huge improvement on the usual 'stuff-it' type.
- Lightweight
- Tough Easton Syclone Poles
- Strong overlapping pole design
- Quick to pitch
- Rainfly vents increase ventilation
- One internal pocket
- Doors can be pinned back
- Duffle-style stuffsack
- Four-season suitability