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Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 MSR Access 2 Person Tent

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

★ 7.5 Dome
Sleeps 3 Seasons 3-season Weight 4 lbs. 12 oz. Est. Price $400

Best for: Three-season backpacking and wild camping.

MSR Access 2 Person Tent

MSR

MSR Access 2 Person Tent

★ 7.9 Backpacking
Sleeps 3 Seasons 4-season Weight 4.1 lbs Est. Price $800

Best for: Lightweight ski touring and snowshoeing.

Our Take

Worth flagging before you compare: the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 is a dome and the MSR Access 2 Person Tent is a backpacking, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

On scores, the MSR Access 2 Person Tent edges ahead — 7.9 overall versus 7.5.

The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the MSR Access 2 Person Tent holds a clear advantage.

The Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 also has a price edge — $400 less at $399 versus $799.

For most buyers, the MSR Access 2 Person Tent is the stronger all-round pick — but check the full specs below before deciding.

🏆 Our pick: The MSR Access 2 Person Tent scores higher overall.

Score Comparison

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
MSR Access 2 Person Tent
Overall Score
7.5
7.9
Space & Comfort
7.0
9.0
Quality & Durability
6.0
8.0
Weather Resistance
8.0
8.0
Value for Money
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use
8.0
8.0
Intangibles
7.0
8.0

Pros & Cons

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

  • Quick swivel hub setup
  • Dual 9.2-sqft vestibules
  • Recycled ripstop nylon fabric
  • Cramped interior space
  • Limited wind stability

MSR Access 2 Person Tent

  • Lightweight 4 lb 1 oz design
  • Unbreakable Easton Syclone composite poles
  • Two doors with dual vestibules
  • Fiberglass poles lack long-term durability
  • Too short to stand inside

Full Specs

SpecBig Agnes Crag Lake SL3MSR Access 2 Person Tent
Tent Type Dome, Backpacking Backpacking, 4 Season, Ski Touring, Dome
Capacity 3 people 3 people
Seasons 3 Season 4 Season
Est. Price $400 $800
Weight 4 Lbs. 12 Oz. 4.1 Lbs
Min Trail Weight 4 Lbs. 4 Oz.
Floor Area 38.5 ft² 29.0 ft²
Vestibule Area 18.4 Sq Ft 17.5 Sq Ft
Peak Height 44 42
Doors 2 2
Floor Dimensions 88 X 66 X 60 Inches 84 X 50 In
Pole Material 7000 Series Aluminum Easton Syclone Composite
Floor Fabric High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon 30D Ripstop Nylon 3000mm Polyether Urethane & PFAS Free DWR
Rainfly Fabric High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon 20 Denier Ripstop Nylon With 1,200 Mm Polyether Urethane And Silicone
Setup Time 8 Mins 5 Mins
Warranty Limited Lifetime Limited
Made In USA Imported

Ready to Buy?

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3

MSR

MSR Access 2 Person Tent

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