MSR  Reflective Utility Cord Kit

I felt the need to add additional tie downs to my new Kingdom 8 tent and ran across this MSR reflective cord kit. I had seen the CamRing's before and thought they were clever but pricey for an unnecessary impulse purchase. With the need for additional tie downs and knowing kids were going to be running around the tents at night The reflective stripes were another clever idea, with the addition of the CamRings I had to give this kit a try. The reflectiveness of the cords did not meet my expectations but was noticeable. The CamRings work well (a bit better than the standard stops) Overall I am pleased with the perches and will probably buy more. I also made one other modification, I added small carabiners to the reflective cord ends for quick takedown more versatility and less puncture points when tent is packed.

I bought these to upgrade the non-reflective guylines that come on REI's Passage 2 tent. They were exactly what I expected and hoped they would be. Flawless cinching and adjustment with the round thing, and highly reflective lines so people stop tripping over my tent, lol.

I use this system to guy out my lightweight tarp. The cord is slim and lightweight, and lights up like a Christmas tree when even a dim light is shined on it (comes in handy on moonless nights in the backcountry after a midnight potty run). The CamRings are great--super easy to use even with gloves on. You have to really pay attention to how you put them on, but once installed correctly they work very well. The worst thing about the line and CamRings is that they're very easy to get tangled when the tarp is stored, and almost impossible to untangle in the field. It might not be such a problem with a larger tent but a small tarp is murder with the tangling issue. You have to be very careful with the way you wrap the cord around the tarp. Taking the cams off the cord for storage would solve the problem but it's not really a practical solution. But the benefits of the system far outweigh the difficulties.

I have these cam rings and 3MM cord set up on my 2007 MSR Fury and MSR Storm King (pre orange) both for use in winter and Mountaineering applications. I also added the Exped cordage flags on each guy line. They prevent tangles and make set up quicker as well as enhance guy line visibility. All guy lines are attached to the tents. It adds a little weight but makes these full pole sleeve tents into outdoor winter fortresses. With proper stakes they are not going anywhere. I like the new MSR snow stakes called tough stakes also available through REI. I wish I could test it in a wind tunnel. These cam rings do not slip when properly attached, even when the tent gets wet. Photo to follow.

I don’t normally review products until I have had them for at least a year and used them under a variety of conditions. I am suspending my policy on this occasion because I have tried many kinds of cord tensioners and wanted to let you know that these are thus far the best ever. Purists may scoff, but tensioners are a blessing when exhausted and fumbling with 2-3 millimeter cord with numb, frozen fingers during a mountain storm. But only if they are small, light, simple, and absolutely reliable. These cam rings from MSR touch all bases. Attach to cord as instructed, fit the resulting loop to your anchor and slide to optimal tension. Readjust with ease as needed. No similar device I have used applies as simply or adjusts so easily. Do not confuse these with the larger cam rings sporting two holes and a slot. They are larger, heavier and more applicable to car or raft camping when you’re using heavier line and not carrying everything on your poor, beleaguered spine. The rings under review are the diameter of a penny and weigh even less. They are what all climbing/backpacking gear aspires to be: packable, feather-light, nothing-to-go-wrong simple, and dependably functional. The one ring to rule them all. (The accompanying cord is standard MSR high quality. Bright: yes. Reflective: no.)

Avid car camper here. I purchased two of these for a trip that was to be attended by many novice campers (aka guy-line oblivious). Regrettably, we ended up resorting to hanging water bottles and glow sticks from the lines used to hold up our Kelty Noah's Tarp as the lines were impossible to detect at night, even with multiple lanterns and a fire. The cord itself is fine though no better than 550 paracord that comes at a fraction of the price. If you are purchasing this cord for the safety benefits of reflective fibers, I suggest looking at the Nite Ize alternative.

Despite being very thin, this cord is good and strong. It definitely feels like a higher quality product than regular, cheap paracord. The ring locks are a simple and elegant solution that work incredibly well. It is also very helpful at night that this cord is very reflective, which makes getting into my tent less of a risky adventure after a few drinks by the fire.

I have the MSR Hubba Hubba NX which I love.(Just purchased the footprint on sale from REI, it is a good product). I bought this utility cord kit also. The Hubba Hubba comes with 4 guy lies and I want to carry 2-4 more. The cord is labeled as 300, but feels like 550; it is very stiff and tangles constantly (this might be due to it being new). Definitely to heavy and thick for backpacking tent guylines. I am going to get some Paracord Planet 1.8 mm reflective cord and will use the rings that came with this cord to guy out my tent.

I was tripping all over my rain fly guides if I had to get up in the middle of the night. Now I see them clearly! Also, the tightener that come with the cord work very easily and well.

Bought this to tie off the rain fly. It doesn't take much light to see this reflective cord. Skipped the CamRing and used it with Nite Ize Figure 9 Carabiner.