When you’re climbing alpine peaks and hauling a bunch of cold weather gear, you want a tent that weighs as little as possible – but still manages to stand up the absolute onslaught that alpine conditions tend to throw your way. Enter the MSR Advance Pro 2.
This 2-person ultralight tent is so simple, you might not realize that it is intended for serious alpine treks. It’s built from a two-ply, waterproof-yet-breathable fabric combined with 20d nylon ripstop, that keep snow and moisture out without weighing you down. The poles are made from Easton Syclone, an ultralight but ultra-tough composite blend meant for tough weather. And they are light; all together, the tent, reinforced guylines, and poles weight just 2 pounds. Including the stuff sack, stakes, etc, it’s only 3 pounds and 2 ounces. The floor is coated with a Durashield polyurethane to keep water out, too.
The MSR Advance also uses a unique pole-sleeve and clip design, that allows it to be set up easily by one person in limited space; much simpler than your regular camping tent, and very appreciated when you’re high up, in the bitter cold. Setup is a breeze, and you can do it in place, without moving your body at all.
The tent is very compact and low-profile – 44” tall – but still comfortably fits two for sleeping. It just seems a bit narrow at times, but that’s the tradeoff with weight. There’s a single door on the front, and front and rear vents to keep humidity and condensation from building up to uncomfortable levels.
The Advance Pro 2 isn’t cheap, but that’s a good thing. It’s an awesome, ultralight tent for alpine peaks and blustery conditions, and well worth the investment; it’s still cheaper than a heavy-duty, extreme condition tent, and a heck of a lot lighter and more comfortable.
