There's a frustrating gear gap between three-season tents (brilliant until November arrives) and expedition shelters (bombproof but heavy enough to ruin the hike in). The Access 2 bridges that gap with its lightweight, all-season design. Built for those who head into the hills when the forecast is cold and wet, it delivers four-season protection at a weight two people can split without complaint. The mostly fabric inner retains more warmth than standard backpacking tents – critical during long winter nights in the Scottish Highlands or Lake District – whilst still managing ventilation and condensation. The Easton Syclone poles use advanced composite materials that won't snap in gusty conditions, with an extra central pole adds structural strength to handle weather loading. Dual doors and vestibules mean both people get proper access and gear storage. The unified hubbed poles make setup quick even when your hands are freezing and you're racing the light.
A staple of multiple expeditions for more than 50 years, MSR gear is trusted by climbers, mountaineers, explorers and researchers in some of the highest and coldest places on earth. The brand has earned an enviable reputation for turning out reliable, durable, high-performance kit – and has come a long way since its founding by Seattle engineer and lifelong mountaineer Larry Penberthy in 1969. Back then, MSR – or Mountain Safety Research, to use its full moniker – was solely focused on improving the safety of climbing equipment. Why? Because Larry knew that better equipment meant greater adventures.
Since then, the product range has grown hugely, but the core ethos remains the same. That’s why MSR gear is characterised by its user-led design that prioritises functionality, simplicity and reliability, wherever you roam in the great outdoors – whether you’re on a weekend camping trip, or perched on a portaledge 2,000ft up one of the world’s big walls.