Logo
    • Login
      • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Backcountry Skiing Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
        • Callaghan Valley
        • Coquihalla Highway
        • Cypress Provincial Park
        • Duffey Lake
        • Elfin Lakes Squamish
        • Howson Range
        • Shames Mountain
        • Smithers
        • Vancouver Island
        • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • Interior Mountains
        • Bonningtons Traverse
          • Copper Hut Routes
          • Grassy Hut Routes
          • Huckleberry Hut Routes
          • Steed Hut Routes
        • Goat Range
        • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
        • Kokanee Glacier Park
        • Kootenay Pass
        • Red Mountain Resort
        • Revelstoke
        • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
        • Rossland Range
        • Rogers Pass
        • Trout Lake
        • Whitewater Ski Resort
      • Rocky Mountains
        • Banff National Park
        • Bow Yoho Traverse
        • Fernie
        • Jasper National Park
        • Kananaskis Country
        • Kootenay National Park
        • Lake Louise Ski Resort
        • Sunshine Village Ski Resort
        • Wapta Traverse
          • Balfour Hut Routes
          • Bow Hut Routes
          • Peyto Hut Routes
          • Scott Duncan Hut Routes
        • Yoho National Park
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Gregory Targhee 32 Pieps Micro Transceiver Scott Freeguide Boots ZAG SLAP 104 Skis

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Marker Duke PT Bindings Salomon Shift Pro Boots Black Crows 2020 Skis Dalbello Quantum Boots Atomic Shift MNC Binding Scarpa F1 LT Boots New G3 2020 Poles

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    Elan Ripstick Skis
    • Home
    • »
    • REVIEWS
    • »
    • Off-Season Gear
    • »
    • Camping
    • »
    • Tents
    • »
    • MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    We were looking for a good, light, robust tent for a couple week-long backpacking trips this Summer and the Freelite series of tents (the Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent, in particular) seemed like a good option. If you are a fan of the site, you know that we have reviewed many MSR tents over the years.

    To place the Freelite in the range of MSR offerings, maybe check out our review of the the MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent  in the lightweight category and the MSR Nook 2-person tent, because it's the same size (ish) as the Freelite 2, and, just for grins, check out our review of the MSR Hubba Bubba NX 3, because it's a great tent.

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    The Freelite has remained pretty much the same as when introduced, and shot in this video, 5 years ago.  Noteable upgrades are the Easton Syclone poles and the Xtreme Shield weather proofing. 

    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Though we've had the Freelite 2 out on bakcpacking trips, this series of photos were taken on a paddleboard adventure. Another time when lightweight and dependability are welcome. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Light colour fly so the tent doesn't bake when it's hot out. The Xtreme Shield treatment in on the fly and floor of the tent—the two areas exposed to the most weather. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    This year, MSR seam sealed the seams on the fly, as you can see here in this photo. They also include a little bottle of fast cure seam sealant with the tent. Nice touch. This may have been the result of many people complaining about the weatherproofness of the first iteration of Xtreme Shield-treated tents. Looks like the extra seam seal solves the problem.

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Simple toggle tie-back on the vestibule doors. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    The floor is a bathtub style, meaning it rises along the side and you step into it. Good for keeping the wet out.  

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Pull-through tensioners at the doors and two of the four tent floor guy points.

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Fabric pull-through tensioners for the fly. These are super handy and work with grommet fasteners (in red) to let you get your fly nice and taught. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    The interior is pretty bare bones—what you'd expect from an ultralight tent. See here the one interior pocket. The tent works best for occupants to orient themselves head-to-head; space is more conducive to this orientation than people being in opposite directions. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Here's the junction that makes it all come together. So far, so really good. The single pole design makes for an easy, and speedy, set up.

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent
    Fly-free to give you and idea of what's what. Tents like this make sleeping under the stars in good weather, while keeping the bugs away, a reality. 
    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Here are two shots from either end of the tent to give you an idea of the interior space. These are 3- and 4-season sleeping bags, respectively, but you still get the idea. This 2-person tent is pretty cheek-to-jowl. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent
    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Monkey in the middle. At left, the MSR Hubba Bubba NX 3, Freelite 2 in the middle, wine for perspective only. Which one would you rather have in you backpack for five days? Of note: both tent bags contain a footprint as well. 

    MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent

    Materials:

    Rainfly: 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Xtreme Shield™ polyurethane & silicone
    Floor: 15D ripstop nylon 1200mm Xtreme Shield™ polyurethane & DWR
    Mesh: 10D polyester micro-mesh

    Features:

    • For 2020, MSR updated the fly with a waterproof sealant along the seams.
    • Xtreme Shield waterproof coating on fly and floor.
    • Full mesh canopy for ventilation.
    • Easton Syclone composite poles.
    • Interior mesh pocket and loops for an optional gear loft.
    • For ultralight missions, pitch with just the rain fly and the Fast & Light Body or MSR Universal 2 Regular footprint (both sold separately) to save weight.

    Verdict:

    I usually go for 3-person tents to have a little extra space when there arere 2 of us. This time around, I'm being a bit of a weight and size weenie for a couple longer backpacking trips, so I went with the Freelite 2. At 1.33kg it's considerably lighter than the 1.95kg Mutha Hubba NX3.

    With the lightness comes smaller interior space. I am 6' 2" and I can't sit up straight in the Freelite 2. Because of this, I wouldn't want to wait out a storm for three days in this tent. If you share the weight with your hiking partner you only carry a little more than a pound. In other words, the Freelite is more about the hike than it is about the comfort and space. This kind of trade-off is typical of light-weight gear like this.

    Because the Freelite 2 uses a 15 denier fabric, it's probably not going to last forever. This also is to keep the weight down. I'd recommend getting a footprint to protect the tent bottom from sticks, stones and all things pointy.  Other reviews of earlier MSR tents with the Xtreme Shield treatment complained of poor waterproofing. I think MSR sealing of the seams is in reaction to this. We've had the Freelite 2 out on rainy nights and were bone dry. 

    The set-up is very fast and simple—great news after a long day on the trail. I love the all-mesh interior for star gazing and the materials seem durable for a lightweight tent. I recommend the Freelite 2 if weight is your main factor. The Freelite 2 has, and will continue to be, my tent of choice for long backpacking trips where every OZ counts. Even if I can't sit up straight in it.

    PROS:

    • Very lightweight
    • Sealed seams as well as the Xtreme Shield treatment
    • Simple set-up
    • Climbing rope style bag

    CONS:

    • Not much headroom
    • Floor fabric may not last without a footprint
    • Spendy

    SPECS:

    Price: $559.95 CAN, $489.95 US
    Capacity: 2
    Minimum Weight: 1.14 kg/2lbs 8oz
    Packed Weight: 1.33kg / 2lbs 15oz
    Floor Area: 2.69sq m / 29sq ft
    Vestibule Area: 1.62sq m / 17.5sq ft
    Tent Volume: 850 liters /30cu. ft
    Interior Peak Height: 91cm / 36in
    Packed Size: 46 x 15cm / 18x 6in
    Number of Doors: 2
    Colour: Red

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Interior Space   1.5/2
    Design               2/2
    Features            1.5/2
    Weight              2/2
    Quality/Price    1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    Leave a Comment:

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this web site and value the content we create for you, then please support Backountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2020-21 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved. 

    Website by: FROLIX DESIGN