MSR FreeLite 1 Tent Durston X-Mid 1P
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
MSR
MSR FreeLite 1 Tent
Best for: Ultralight solo three-season backpacking adventures.
Durston
Durston X-Mid 1P
Best for: Top-tier choice for ultralight backpacking.
Our Take
Both are backpacking tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The Durston X-Mid 1P is noticeably taller inside (3'11" peak height versus 3'3"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Both score 8.2 overall, though the Durston X-Mid 1P wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the MSR FreeLite 1 Tent leads on ease of setup despite trailing overall.
The Durston X-Mid 1P also has a price edge — $170 less at $269 versus $439.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Durston X-Mid 1P scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
MSR FreeLite 1 Tent
- Ultralight weight saves your back
- Quick semi-freestanding setup saves time
- Spacious interior allows sitting upright
- Semi-freestanding design requires staking out
- Low 1200mm waterproof rating concerns
Durston X-Mid 1P
- Featherlight 26 oz trail weight
- Spacious 93 inch floor length
- Rock solid in high winds
- The large footprint requires space.
- Pitching takes some practice.
Full Specs
| Spec | MSR FreeLite 1 Tent | Durston X-Mid 1P |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Ultralight | Backpacking, Trekking Pole, Ultralight |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $440 | $269 |
| Weight | 1 Lb 15 Oz | 1.6 Lbs |
| Min Trail Weight | 1 Lb 10 Oz | — |
| Floor Area | 20.0 ft² | 20.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 8 Sq. Ft. | 10.2 Sq Ft X 2 |
| Peak Height | 39 | 47 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 87 X 33 In | 93 X 33 In |
| Pole Material | DAC NFL Aluminum | Trekking Poles (not Included) |
| Floor Fabric | 15D Ripstop Nylon | 15D Sil/PE Polyester (3500mm HH) |
| Rainfly Fabric | 15D Ripstop Nylon 1200mm Polyether Urethane And Silicone | 15D Sil/PEU Polyester |
| Packed Size | 4 X 18 In | — |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
Ready to Buy?
Still not sure? Let us recommend the perfect tent for your adventures.
Find Your Perfect Tent →