Gear review: MSR FreeLite 1 Ultralight

Publication date: 13 Dec 2024

GearTents

I’m a big fan of the MSR tents and have been using the Hubba Hubba for years now. When MSR launched their new collection and models of the Freelite series, you can imagine I was pretty stoked to try it out. The MSR Freelite collection is designed for ultralight hikers, especially when you want an easy set-up when you’re familiar with MSR already.

The MSR Freelite 1 stands out in the ultralight tent market for its combo of low weight and functional design, making it a top choice for solo hikers who prioritize minimalism without sacrificing comfort. It’s a perfect tent for a long-distance trail or even a thru-hike. Although a lot of thru-hikes choose for even a lighter tent, this is still a great option if you want a bit more comfort.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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About the MSR FreeLite 1

The tent showcases a semi-freestanding design with a spacious interior, measuring 221cm in length, 84cm in width, and a height of 100cm, providing room for a comfortable night’s sleep. With its robust construction, it has a 15D ripstop nylon flysheet and groundsheet, both featuring a 1200mm hydrostatic head for weather resistance. However, the groundsheet’s water resistance isn’t the best on its own, and MSR recommends using a footprint with the tent. One of the best things is the large porch area, 66cm deep, which offers enough space for storing gear or cooking in tough conditions.

person holding out poles for the MSR Freelite tent

close up shot of person pitching MSR Freelite tent

I’ve taken this tent now on more than 1000 kilometers of hiking trails in Norway, Jordan, and England, and can truly say that this is my go-to tent for solo backpacking. It’s sturdy, lightweight, comfortable, and super easy to set up which makes it perfect for my solo thru-hiking trails in Europe. I know that a lot of hikers opt for even lighter tents, but for me, I’ll happily carry a few extra grams to have this comfort.

Specifications

MSR FreeLite 1 Ultralight
Minimum Weight (Metric)	0.74 kg
Packaged Weight (Metric)	0.89 kg
Floor Dimensions (Metric) cm	221 x 84 cm
Floor Area (Metric)	1.85 sq. m
Number of Poles	(2) DAC NFL 8.7mm
Interior Peak Height (Metric)	100 cm
Packed Size (Metric)	46 x 10 cm
Freestanding	Semi-freestanding
Rainfly Fabric	15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield™ polyurethane & silicone
Mesh Type	10D polyester micro-mesh
Floor Fabric	15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield™ polyurethane & DWR

pro's

The Freelite 1 is an ideal tent for long-distance hiking, thru-hiking, and other activities where every gram counts.

Its setup process is straightforward, typically taking less than a few minutes.

The tent's vestibule is spacious, providing lots of space for gear storage and protection from the elements.

The interior is designed to offer plenty of legroom and headspace, accommodating taller individuals comfortably and allowing you to sit up inside the tent.

Price quality: it’s worth the cost.

con's

While the MSR Freelite 1 is equipped with a 1200mm hydrostatic head on both the flysheet and groundsheet, the groundsheet's water resistance might be considered low for certain environments. MSR suggests the use of a footprint to enhance durability and protection, which comes at an additional cost and weight.

The tent's flysheet does not extend to the ground, which is ideal for ventilation during warmer weather but might not offer sufficient protection during wet or cold weather conditions.

Still a bit pricey with a suggested price of about 400 euros.

Time to wrap it up

In conclusion, the MSR Freelite 1 tent is a standout option for long-distance hikers and thru-hikers seeking an ultralight, functional shelter that doesn’t compromise on space. Its thoughtful design caters well to solo adventurers who need a reliable, easy-to-set-up tent that performs well in a variety of conditions, albeit with a few areas that could be fixed for even better performance and durability.

The MSR Freelite 1 is a top contender for solo hikers seeking a lightweight, durable, and reliable tent. Its minimalist design balances weight savings with essential comfort, making it an excellent choice for backpackers looking to cover long distances without sacrificing on quality.

While the MSR Freelite 1 comes with a premium price tag, its design, durable materials, and field-tested performance justify the investment for hikers. It’s a tent built to last, ready for countless long-distance trails.

Overall, if you’re after a tent that combines low weight, weather protection, and comfort for solo backpacking trips, the MSR Freelite 1 is a worthy addition to your gear list. Its reputation among seasoned hikers speaks volumes about its dependability and trail-worthiness.

Gear review: MSR FreeLite 1 Ultralight

About the MSR FreeLite 1

Specifications

Time to wrap it up

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Happy trails!