The MSR Access 1 is a one-person ultralight tent designed for solo hikers and backpackers who want to keep weight to a minimum without giving up basic shelter. It’s aimed at those who need a simple, compact shelter for multi-day trips or fast-packing adventures.
Built around a single-wall design, the tent body and fly are both made from 20D ripstop nylon treated with MSR’s Xtreme Shield polyurethane and silicone coatings, while the floor uses slightly heavier 30D ripstop nylon with the same coatings plus a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This combination helps keep overall weight down (1.36 kg packed) yet still wards off damp ground and light moisture. Inside, there’s 84 cm of width and 213 cm of length—enough space for a sleeping pad and a bit of gear at your feet. The package also includes lightweight aluminium stakes, guylines, and a stuffsac for tidy storage.
In terms of materials, “20D” and “30D” refer to the denier of the nylon threads, with lower numbers meaning lighter fabric and higher numbers offering more durability. Ripstop nylon is woven with a reinforcing grid that helps prevent small tears from spreading, and the DWR finish makes water bead up on the surface rather than soaking in. The polyurethane and silicone coatings add further water resistance and strengthen the fabric against abrasion and UV exposure.
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MSR says about the Access 1
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.