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MSR FreeLite 1 Person Tent

Posted by Trail Magazine on Aug 18, 2022

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review

This tent defies the expectation that small, lightweight solo backpacking tents are cramped and coffin-like. It's got great headroom and a generous rectangular inner footprint with good length and width. This makes it extremely liveable, aided by a generous porch area that means gear doesn't have to be stored in with you. The exceptional space-to-weight is achieved via a design that incorporates steep walls and a clever overhead spreader bar, combined with ultralight yet weatherproof fabrics. All extraneous features are omitted, so it lacks things like storage pockets. There are
hanging tabs for a gear line or loft though, and a clever door design means the two zippers always meet in the same place - no fumbling around in
the dark needed. The mesh inner ensures ventilation for good airflow and minimal condensation. The fly also provides good all-round coverage except at one end of the tent, where only a single fabric inner guards against water ingress. But on test in drizzly north Wales, we stayed dry. Though it's worth noting that the inner pitches first - less practical if it's already raining when you set up camp.

IF WE'RE BEING FUSSY

We'd like greater flysheet coverage at the foot end. The groundsheet is very thin - use a footprint and one side of the tent has a steep wall that can catch a wind