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The FreeLite series gets a makeover and is now lighter than its predecessors.

• Poles weigh 226g
• Flysheets weigh 416g
• Inner tent weighs 338g
• Total weight 980g

The tent I was given to test has a dark flysheet but this didn’t seem gloomy in any way. We camped in high summer and the weather was good so the tent hasn’t had a long term test nor tested in stormy conditions. That said however it does have all the features I would hope to see on this type of tent design to ensure stability and performance in windy conditions.

The  FreeLite series sits between the Carbon Reflex and Hubba Hubba ranges and saves weight by having a wishbone pole set at one end and a single hoop at the other, so it isn’t freestanding and this design sometimes suffers in high winds. However by providing extra guying out points and having Velcro loops to fasten the flysheet to the pole structure such issues are mitigated and having used this design type in very windy conditions I know it works, providing the above features are used.

Likewise, some Brits will be worried about the cut-out section at one end, this saves more weight by having an effectively single skin at this end. Again, having used this type of design in wet and windy conditions I have found it to be perfectly fine and I didn’t suffer any issues with water getting in, although with a completely mesh inner the wind whistles through if it's strong enough.

So, the tent is a 3 season and I think it will perform well under all 3 season conditions. Best suited to summer camping with its mesh inner it will help you remain as cool as possible in warm weather. Its sub 1Kg, is spacious, with a good head height, 2 doors and 2 porches – what’s not to like?

The porches aren’t as big as on some tents but at this weight, it would be churlish to complain. Internally there are four small mesh pockets and loops on the ceiling for attaching a gear loft or hanging a light. The doors have two zippers each and are triangular in shape rather than the ubiquitous single zip opening, this is a bit retro but  MSR says it saves weight and they are easier to open. They work perfectly well anyway, although the door opening itself is relatively modest and is set forward on the tent sidewall, this just means it’s a little less convenient to get at items in the porch or to get in and out. But you come back to the overall weight and appreciate that it’s a small compromise in the scheme of things.

With the advent of thick ultralight sleeping mats it's good to see a tent at this weight with decent head height, I’m 5” 11” and was nowhere near touching to top of the tent when sitting on my  Thermarest Uberlite mat.

The fabrics are 15D for the flysheet and inner floor, and 10D for the mesh. Waterproof ratings are 1200mm and the flysheet has MSR’s Durashield treatment for longevity.

Overall it’s a big improvement on its predecessor and I would have no hesitation in buying one if I was looking for a spacious, yet very light 3 season tent with two entrances and two porches offering relaxed tent life over a long trek.

Mark Richardson
Mark was the founder of Ultralight Outdoor Gear back in 2006 and has completed long distance backpacking routes in some of the remotest parts of the world. His favourite hikes have been Torres del Paine (full circuit), the John Muir trail and the Markha Valley trail (Ladakh, India). Although semi-retired Mark has not lost any enthusiasm for minimalist backpacking and is tackling Scotland’s Munros choosing multi-day backpacking routes over the more usual guide book excursions. Read more from Mark Richardson