Review
The MSR Freelite 1 is an ultralight 1 person solo tent. The MSR Freelite 1 weighs in at just 1 lbs 10 oz, or 0.74Kg and packs down to just 46 x 15 cm. Although the size and weight are small, the main body of the tent is completely freestanding, only the vestibule area requires securing with stakes, a rock or vegetation. Also, the corners of the foot end also require stakes to pull them appart. This floor area is plenty long enough for a 6 footer at 2.18m (86 inches). Because the floor area is square and we found that the width (30 inches) was a little narrow at the shoulders compared to the Big Agnes UL1.
Outside this main tent area the single doored, MSR Freelite 1 has a good sized vestibule area. This has plenty of room for a pack, shoes etc.. The rainfly and tent floor are made from 15D Ripstop Nylon 1200mm Durasheild and the construction feels strong and durable. We especially like the draw string bag which makes packing and unpacking the tent easier than most. I used this on the Mt. Tamanos summit hike and it stood up really well.
Features
The MSR Freelite 1 is a great solo backpacking tent. It is ultralight, easy to unpack and erect and feels strong and sturdy. The stakes which come with the tent are light weight square cross sectioned aluminum. These looked like they would bend easily and so alternatives are recommended by JollyTrails for at least 4 stakes. The tent is usable without the rainfly and has a few hand pockets. MSR do nor include a footprint/ground sheet with the tent, however, one is available to purchase separately. We used a JollyTrails made Tyvek sheet.
Likes
- Lightweight
- Freestanding
- Can be used without rainfly
- Bag
Dislikes
- Cost
- Stakes
jollytrails.com 