Shoulder Room
The MSR Carbon Reflex 1 loses some points in this category due to its commitment to being as light as possible while still having sturdy weather resistance. It has good vestibule area (7 square feet), but ties for the lowest peak (34 inches), and is near the bottom for total floor space (17 square feet). This tent is not meant to be a roomy glamping accessory, it is for moving lightly through the backcountry and getting through all the challenges that are faced while doing so. 

Packability
The Carbon Reflex packs down into a very small, tight cylinder, the smallest in this test set. It’s long, thin sack favors external storage over internal, but it’s small enough to fit anywhere. In both Trail Weight and Package Weight it is the second-lightest overall, behind the ZPacks Altaplex. The tent, pole, and stake bags all strike a good balance between lightness and toughness, and the first has a water-resistant flap that folds over the opening to protect the contents. 

Setup
First time setup for our tester took 4:00. The four corners of the body must be staked down before the poles go in, since it is not freestanding and relies on the tension between the fixed corners and the flexible carbon fiber pole. Rather than a (heavier) zipper, the fly is clasped with a series of velcro strips and a clip. A flap of waterproof material hangs over this joint and keeps the interior dry.  

Weatherproofness
This tent has the best wind profile among the non-freestanding tents, by far. The arc of the ridgeline is low, which doesn’t help with peak height, but allows this tent to withstand gusts that would blow others away. The corners of the body, which take much of the strain of wind, are reinforced and well-sewn. One area of concern are the plastic clips that connect the body to the pole, where light weight has been more of a focus than durability. 

Features
The Carbon Reflex 1 has a medium-sized cargo pocket on the inside of the tent body. The fabric of the bathtub floor strikes a good balance between being light and being durable enough to not tear every time you roll over in your sleeping bag. Besides the floor, the body of the tent is all mesh, which allows a good amount of ventilation. 

Additonal Product Specifications
Minimum Trail Weight: 1 lb 2 oz

Max / Packaged Weight: 1 lb 13 oz

Interior Floor Area: 17 sq ft

Vestibule Area: 7 sq ft

Peak Interior Height: 34 in