You’ve now got extra room on your camping trip for the third wheel you didn’t invite with the MSR Carbon Reflex 3 from MSR. This non-freestanding tent is double walled for extra protection and has the added bonus of being the same weight as most 2-person tents.
Featuring Easton® carbon fibre poles, zipper-free vestibules and ultralight materials – this tent will trim the fat off your pack. Featuring two doors and vestibules, you can get in and out easily, whilst still having plenty of room to store your gear. This tent has exceptional airflow and moisture control thanks to the micromesh canopy, which also keeps insects out. Updated for 2019, the fly features MSR’s DuraShield™ waterproof treatment, while the floor has an Xtreme Shield™ waterproof-coating for protection from the elements.
The structure of the tent means there’s plenty of headroom, and the stress points have been reinforced to protect it from wear and tear. Providing the livability you want, without the weight and bulk – the Carbon Reflex 3 from MSR is ideal for adventurous couples or trios.
Non-freestanding
Zipper-free vestibule
2 Large doors
DuraShield™ treated waterproof fly
Waterproof Xtreme Shield™ treated floor
Easton®carbon fibre poles
Micromesh canopy for air circulation and moisture control
Hi, looking for a lightweight 3 man tent to replace our Spartan 2. We plan to use this tent for Overland Track this summer, but also local trails around Cairns and Tropical North QLD. Will the Waterhead rating on the MSR Carbon Reflex survive a tropical downpour? Will the fabric hold up in the humidity of FNQ? Is there another tent you recommend more? We aren't die-hard ultralight hikers, but everyone appreciates less weight on their back. Thanks
Tahlia - Edmonton(2 years ago)
There is always a trade-off when it comes to lightweight, as I can imagine you would appreciate, Tahlia. I have always considered 1500mm to be the minimum all-round Waterhead rating, but many tents are creeping in with ratings less than this in favour of lesser weight.
In my opinion, this tent would withstand a short downpour, but you may find yourself getting damp in extended heavy rain periods. You would also want to consider using a groundsheet if you are bunkered down for any period of time in very wet conditions, which will add to the weight.
As for the humidity, this always seems to affect the longevity of tent fabrics, just try and keep it stored as dry and aerated as possible.
Assuming you are looking at a 3p tent, for the balance of weight and protection, the Carbon Reflex tents are amazingly light, but you pay a pretty penny for them. The MSR Elixir is more favourably priced and has a higher waterhead rating, but it is three times the weight. The only other tent I can think of immediately that may balance things for you is the Marmot Tungsten UL 3P tent which boasts a 1500mm waterhead and is sub 2kg in weight (https://www.snowys.com.au/tungsten-ul-3p-hiking-tent-wasabi).
