Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent MSR FreeLite 2 Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent
Best for: Perfect for solo ultralight backpacking.
MSR
MSR FreeLite 2 Tent
Best for: Ultralight, versatile three-season backpacking adventures.
Our Take
Both are backpacking tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The MSR FreeLite 2 Tent also offers significantly more vestibule space — 15 sq ft versus 4 sq ft.
The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent and the MSR FreeLite 2 Tent are remarkably well-matched, both scoring 8.3 overall.
The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the MSR FreeLite 2 Tent holds a clear advantage.
The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent also has a price edge — $79 less at $420 versus $499.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent
- Incredible lightweight sub-two-pound trail weight
- Fast three-minute intuitive pole setup
- Tear-resistant double-silicone rainfly construction
- Thin floor needs a footprint
- Opposite doors make entry cumbersome
MSR FreeLite 2 Tent
- Ultralight 32-ounce weight saves energy
- Rectangular floor fits wide pads
- Fast, intuitive one-pole setup process
- Tight for two larger hikers
- Thin fabrics need extra care
Full Specs
| Spec | Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent | MSR FreeLite 2 Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Ultralight, Semi Freestanding | Backpacking, Dome, Ultralight |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $420 | $500 |
| Weight | 1.9 Lbs | 2 Lbs 5 Oz |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 2 Lbs |
| Floor Area | 19.7 ft² | 29.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 3.9 Sq Ft | 15 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 38 | 39 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 86 X 38/28 In | 84 X 50 In |
| Pole Material | DAC Featherlight NFL Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | 40D Nylon Ripstop Ether Type Sil/PU 1500mm 100% Nylon | 15D Ripstop Nylon 1200mm Durashield Polyurethane & DWR |
| Rainfly Fabric | 20 Denier Ripstop Nylon With 1,200 Mm Silicone/silicone Coating | 15D Ripstop Nylon 1200mm Durashield Polyurethane And Silicone |
| Packed Size | — | 18" X 4.5" |
| Setup Time | 3 Mins | 2 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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