MSR FreeLite 3 Person Tent –

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The updated Freelite Series shaves even more weight without compromising livability—all at an even greater value for those seeking the best of both worlds. These ultralight tents are the ideal choice for anything from a weekend backcountry trip or two-week thru-hike, when going light is mission-critical.

MSR says:

Backpacking groups who want to keep the shared load light will love the 3-person Freelite, an ultralight and spacious 3-season shelter that nearly disappear between three packs.

The Inside: Even with a generous 43 inches (1.09 m) of headroom, 4 inches more than the previous version, and the true rectangular floor (no foot taper like most other tents), the FreeLite is now nine ounces (255 g) lighter. The micromesh tent body provides excellent ventilation (and stargazing) and has a waterproof bathtub-style floor to protect from the elements. Two no-curve tent doors keep you from having to crawl over your tent partner in the middle of the night, and feature zippers that are easy to use with one hand. They also zip closed to a single point so you always know where to open the door, even in the dark. New tech-friendly pockets feature cable ports at the corners for headphone and charging cords. Overhead gear loft pockets are perfect for headlamps, sunglasses and other quick-access items.

The Outside: The semi-freestanding design of the FreeLite is easy and quick to set up. Super strong DAC NFL tent poles, a DuraShield™ waterproof coating and taped seams keep the weather where it belongs—outside. The cutaway rainfly saves weight and features large vestibules for storing any gear you don’t want inside. Easy in-and-out vestibule doors have StayDry™ rain gutters to keep water from dripping onto you and your gear.

The Bottom Line: The semi-freestanding FreeLite will give your backpacking trio the camp comfort you need after a long day on the trail at a weight you won’t even notice.

Our Verdict

MSR has been back to the drawing board and the new Freelite is lighter (255g lighter in fact) with more headroom than its predecessor (4 inches). It has a semi freestanding design and is very easy and quick to pitch. It boasts an impressive bathtub, made of a 15D ripstop nylon, that has a true rectangular floor, unlike most tents, that tapers in at the legs. The bathtub is pegged out at one end with semi ridged corners, meaning you get a taut pitch every time, which I was very impressed with.

The inner of the tent is mainly composed of a micromesh polyester and provides excellent ventilation, and impressive vistas if you choose not to attach the rain fly. Plenty of storage space has been crammed in, with pockets and over headgear lofts; for head torches, power banks, sunglasses, etc. The rainfly is made from a 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield, the same as the bathtub, has two doors, so no disturbing your tent buddy at the night, and 2 vestibules that are of a good size, as are the Two no-curve tent doors that are more durable and easier to open with one hand.

At just over 1k, this tent packs a lot in for 3 people, good for one or two nights away, equally good at a multi week trek, like the Coast to Coast. However, this tent is more susceptible to wind, than say the MSR Hubba Hubba NX, as it only has 3 points of contact with the poles, so some degree of caution must be used when finding a pitch. That said, unless summit camping, this tent will perform well if you camp lower or in sheltered spots. On a first trip out with this tent, I would make sure I took some extra guy rope (and pegs) to attach, as not all guy out points have been provided for, this would give extra stability and more ventilation, especially at the head end of the tent.

An impressive, lightweight 3-man tent, that I look forward to taking out again.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Lightweight: Minimum weight is 2 lbs. 6 oz (1.07 kg) 
• Livable: True rectangular floorplan and 43 in. (1.09 m) of head room; two large side-entry vestibules to store gear; interior pockets and overhead gear lofts 
• Waterproof: DuraShield™-coated rainfly and floor and taped seams keep the elements outside where they belong 
• DAC NFL Poles: Super strong, lightweight aluminum tent poles stand up to use and the elements
• Tech-Friendly Pockets: Cable ports on all pockets for easy cord management 
• Easy Setup & Packing: Unified hub-and-pole system and symmetrical design make setup super quick; ultra-compact stuff sack 
• Maximum Airflow: Micromesh tent body minimizes condensation, keeps out the bugs, and lets in the stars on clear nights 
• Durable Details: Reinforced patches, stitching at guy points and locking anodized stake loop grommets for extra strength 
• Includes: Tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guy lines, stuff sack, setup instructions

Specifications

Our Weights

• Flysheet weighs: 431g
• Inner weighs: 364g
• Poles weigh: 262g
• Total weight: 1057g (excludes pegs & bags)
• Pegs x8 weigh: 75g

Brand Specs

• Capacity: 3 Person Tent
• Minimum weight: 1.07 kg (2 lb 6 oz)
• Packed weight: 1.23 kg (2 lb 11 oz)
• Floor + vestibule: 3.57 + 1.4 sq m (38.5 + 15 sq ft)
• Interior peak height: 1.09 m (43 in)
• Packed size: 48 x 13 cm (19 x 5 in)

Material & Construction

• Poles: 2 x DAC NFL 8.7mm
• Rainfly: 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield™ polyurethane & silicone
• Canopy: 10D polyester micromesh
• Floor: 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield™ polyurethane & DWR
  

Help & advice:

• About MSR
• MSR FreeLite Range
• SR Freelight Range
• MSR Tent Buying Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?