MSR FreeLite 2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent - Overview & fly pitch mod

[@PaulMessner]

We have another gear giveaway over on our website www.messner.co.uk/competitions-giveaways Best of luck to all who enter.

[@monsieurfoupierre]

You're back Paul. What I like most about your videos is actually how laid back and calm your voice is. It helps me wind down from my day and informs me.

[@captainshakesbeard2453]

kissing ass here pal

[@nickphiggins]

You took the words right out of mouth……😀

[@Edwards_photography22]

You said in your last video most the people watching u would be in there 40s or 50s well I'm 24 and I love your channel your probably one of the few people who are actually honest and open about everything I would love to camp and hike England and that and your channel content is one of the reasons why I want to do it

[@keithshwalbe6981]

Hello Paul, just wanted to let you know, you are not without friends who think fondly of you. We all wish you well, and hope you take your time to find your way. You are a good decent man Paul, and you have enriched many lives with all you contribute thru your channel. Take it easy, take your time, and smile as you see the fog clear, and the bumps in the road fade to nothing. Have faith in yourself good fellow. You are a good decent caring man. More than capable of breaching these barriers. Take care now, you will find your way. You can be sure of it. Best wishes from Keith Shwalbe ( a 71 year old fart, who has been a wild camper for the last 60 years) Take care my friend xxx

[@wilsonsworld02]

Welcome back Paul. Hope you are well and only do what you feel you want to. No pressure as don't forget that we get this content for free so really will not judge you

[@primus7776]

Good to see you back Paul. At age 66 , and as a lifelong camping enthusiast, I find inspiration from your postings. Great work as ever Buddy.

[@PrettyGreenMonk]

Keep it coming son. At ur own pace of course 🙏

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

Yes Paul, gwarn lad, you got this! Nice review, good to see you back in action! 😊😊😊 ATB 👧&🐕

[@massirati1]

Brilliant to see a smile Paul! All the best!

[@nevetsre7001]

Wow, back to your old self 😀 I'm sure all your viewers missed you. Once I saw your video on Bamford Edge I thought you were through the worst and back to the Paul we know and love. I like to get out to Baslow, Stanedge, Curbar, Froggatt edges if I'm get a bit of cabin fever. Bamford edge down to Ladybower is a great walk; my dog loves the hope Valley area, as have I ever since Uni in Sheffield in the 80s. If ever you're out waking in the white peak and fancy some company give me a shout

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

MSR are fabulous tents, made well and spacious but no good for hills in the Uk, Only the other night I tried to erect my Hubba Hubba in the wind, inner tail end to the wind, as soon as the fly was on, the wind flattened it and I just saved It from wrecking the poles, great for sheltered spots and as their web site says up to the tree line. My experience only and loads of people love em, Thanks for your test

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

@Genghis kharnage thanks, last time I moaned about mine when the wind bent the poles, there was a lot more support for the tent ! Mine will go if I could get a good price, honestly it’s a great tent if we had no wind !

[@janedoe-ch4hv]

Great to see you uploading!! Keep it up, or should I say just keep on enjoying it!! Nobody likes a try hard, but we all gather around the quiet experts in life!

[@dav6131]

Great to have you back Paul (and I need a new tent)

[@michaelheyes7324]

Great video, I'm just about to do your modification now with cord. Thank you for this, great little tarp

[@JUSTWILDNZ]

Good to see you are back into it. The down times in life when we lack motivation are there to test us and to make saw we don't take the life for granted. keep rocking on brother from NZ

[@andrewlawry6980]

I'm in NZ too and we envious of them going camping while we mid winter. Roll on our summer. Cheers.

[@louishansen2370]

@@andrewlawry6980 You learn not to complain when you walk a Great Walk off-season, no tourists or crying children at huts, winter is easily my fav season here in NZ now. Sure, it's cold, but it's peaceful out there

[@MrDavidh37]

Used this tent for the WHW great weight and very comfortable with two doors. No condensation. I made a system out of some guylines and picture hooks so I can put the poles in and pitch flysheet first if it rains.Simple and weighs nothing. I have the older version which I prefer as the fly is all covered in and the doors zip in the middle no rain leaking in. I picked it up cheaper as well last year. Yes this is a 3 season tent obvious by the mesh inner weighs 1300grams my version and been in winds up to 25 mph coped well. Good to see you back Paul love your reviews of kit atb Dave 😁👍

[@DJVOutdoors]

I have the msr access 1 used it on the WHW

[@liannislam9006]

You only use a tarp underneath ground sheet if the tent has walls. I use bivi and these type of tents with net cause it saves room in my bag than carrying a ground sheet 🙏

[@expatbiker6598]

Nothing stops this ship. Thanks to Captain Paul Messner. 🤣🤣🙏🏾👍🏾

[@andreasweber7828]

Just got a message from a friend of mine. He used the exact same tent when he was bike travelling across Europe. He mentioned the he was in trouble in medium windy conditions when his tent leaned over like crazy. At one situation it was completely flat on the ground . No visible damage recorded but wobbly

[@Dudley-x2c]

That answers my question!

[@freddiehill28]

I assume that's why pauled mentioned putting extra guys on it? Did your friend have a guy on every tie out?

[@Zak_McKracken]

The MSR tents are summer camping tents, not made for really harsh conditions. But they are light.

[@freddiehill28]

@@Zak_McKracken Sounds like my kind of camping

[@louishansen2370]

If he's in Europe he'll have the carbon pole version - they bend a LOT more in wind (I've got them), but they spring back up without damage. I've had the situation you described, tent bending down and touching my nose while I slept etc., but it sprung right back into place It genuinely surprises me the UK version is still using the DAC aluminium poles. They may have more initial strength, but once they bend, that's it. The new carbon poles are the way to go

[@jetwalking]

Thank You Paul- running cord to the structure to enable fly pitching first is genius. This will solve my problem with my MSR Hubba Hubba NX to solve the pitch fly first issue. I am watching this video as I want a lighter tent for my backpacking adventures. The materials, quality not to mention the height are all top notch with the MSR's.

[@jimmyfish5388]

Great to have you back. Take it easy and watch your mental health. You only have one life though and they say you should live it. Thanks for another great vid.

[@sddarktides]

I've got a Hubba nx and a mate has an older freelite 1. We've camped all over the UK in every season of the year and all weathers from torrential storms, snow and heavy winds. I'd use either all year round no problem. Best tent I've ever owned.

[@jamiebassnett]

Great to see you back! 👍 I love MSR tents especially my Elixir, but I'm still not convinced by this cutting big areas off the fly sheet in England. I suppose if it's summer but it rarely is. Ha Ha

[@SashaS2art]

Glad you’re back. Lovely vid for me as I’m no longer fit enough to go camping. Feel much better for watching you and your calming voice. Good job sir.

[@northofenglandoutdoors6557]

Great to see you back old pal. Yours was the first wild camping video I saw on YT. The one on 1st Jan at Malham. I have been wild camping for a number of years but didn't start watching other people do it until I saw yours.... You're to blame!! Great work pal. Billy

[@johnfiler6448]

Looks a great tent Paul. Hope you are feeling better. You and Jo e make a great couple. Thank you and Stay Safe.

[@tarmacgorilla]

Glad your back Paul, I genuinely know what you were feeling. Hope your feeling better. Dig deep and remember not to over think things, your content is solid.

[@ktb6979]

Ingenious modification to allow the outer to be pitched first! 👍Katie

[@ChristianGustafson]

Verdict: best tent ever. It needs a Tyvek ground cloth, but it's tip-top, love it.

[@tommyd6968]

Paul u crafty bugger! Excellent solution to a difficult problem. Remember this "empty vessels make the most nose" so don't listen to them. Keep up the great work pal, its good stuff 👍

[@Dibble.officer]

Great to see you back mate. Usual honest non biased review which is the way you roll. Nicely done..tents a bit pants though. Putting up the inner pre outer in the UK just means wet kit.. except for those amazing days which have zero rain..!! Congratulations again for the review.

[@PierreFarrugia]

Glad you are back Paul, you are one who inspired me to start my youtube channel ❤️❤️❤️🇲🇹

[@markmclellan7146]

Good to see you back 👍

[@mrpauljcasey]

Great to see you back where you belong, Paul. 👊

[@andreasweber7828]

I like your videos ‘cause you look into products without any presumption but with honest curiosity. I trust your judgement although I’m not going to be able to purchase most tents or products you’re testing. Cheers for now

[@Nickydo111]

It's good to see you Paul. I watched your recent video describing your difficultes making content and it rang very true to me. I started a KZbin Channel called Curious Cumbria in January, I was living there at the time and greatly inspired by yourself and Haze Outdoors, in fact I mentioned you in my first video. It was mainly for myself and I really enjoyed the learning process of editing and creating the best I could with what I had. I was really pleased with my achievement but although I used the channel to chronical my own experience I found myself checking back on my videos to see how many views I got, which got me thinking what I could do better moving forward. I genuinely think my videos were high standard as im a stickler for detail but as soon as i started thinking in terms of views and validation it ground to a halt. I got 100 views on my first video which astounded me in this gaping hole of KZbin content, and I just wanted people to see that I was capable of doing a good job. It's is a very lonely place if you choose to commit. You have a very well established viewer base due to your hard work, dedication and continuity but if I can lose faith so quickly after three videos, you have to commend yourself for getting where you are today Paul. A crisis of confidence is one thing, I think you are going through deeper than that much like I have and I know your family are with you and jumped on it the moment you opened yourself up just enough for them to help you, to make you feel some worth. Not your fault mate. KZbin can make or break, find your path in it but not to the detriment of what drove you there in the first place.

[@tommybrxb]

Well done PM, the dream still has to be lived.. and you can live it.

[@phil.f.9930]

Good to see you back on the track.. .

[@UnkemptBushell]

Good to see you back, Paul. I bought the MSR Hubba NX recently and I love it. Wouldn't have minded a freelite but found them hard to come by for a reasonable price. Just wanted to let you know that your videos were a huge source of entertainment and inspiration for me during lockdown. Like many, being stuck indoors gave me a great appreciation and yearning for the outdoors again and I loved watching your channel, and still do, for tips and inspiration.

[@Bokooda]

Great tip re using the guy-line as a 'footprint' shape to allow you to pitch outer first. Some tentmakers expect you to pay an extra £20 - £40 for one, they only provide minimal protection anyway as they're so thin but make the tents outer-pitch first.

[@matthewfrostmedia3286]

Glad to see you back doing what you first set out to do, video of camping. Personally your relaxed vibe in the videos add to the joy of watching them. No 'Crash Bash Look At Me' video, just you and your tents and your thoughts and views. Bloody genius with the cord to hold the frame is shape. My bike packing has just gone up a level. As you say makes a really good tarp. I have the MSR Elixir 1 & 2 so will be pitching them in the garden tomorrow and getting the cord out and tying the loops of to hold the frame up.

[@robcrusoe]

Keep 'em coming mate👍🏽

[@apollo12329]

He's back, bloody brilliant Paul, great share.

[@nialloutdoors]

Great to see you looking relaxed and happy in front of the camera again 🙂 Tent took second place this time unfortunately 😉😆

[@DaveyL1954]

Excellent Paul. A great review as always.

[@garnzaonthenet]

All good buddy, keep up your passion and continue what you love, being natural and a good honest guy is why we support you! Too much falseness theses days with all the rubbish media! You make it real and possible for all of us that follow. Atb

[@AshOutdoorsUK]

Mate, that’s a quality little hack! I’ve got the older version of this tent and I’m definitely going to make myself this rig for outer 1st pitch! Thanks for the video! Ash

[@jonathanayres9370]

So good to see you back Paul, and thank you for being so vulnerable sharing your ups and downs. The black dog follows us all around from time to time, best to talk about it. Keep being yourself, don't compare yourself to anyone else. Your videos are amazing and I look forward to each trip you do and each time you tell us about gear. Hello from down under.

[@jayrock3035]

Good to watch you again brother. Thanks for not giving up. I wanna thank you as well for teaching me. That little trick with the rope and just using the rainfly is mind blowing. 🤠

[@tmeeten3195]

Love your fly first hack for a rainy day. Our tents in NZ are mainly inner first so this could be a rainy day saviour!! Thanks and great to see you back again. We look forward to watching your videos each week.

[@soggz4246]

Great idea with the fly first. Glad you’re back on form! All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@TheGearHunter]

Paul, it’s great to see you back!

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

Nice lightweight mod Paul. Alternatively buy the custom footprint as it does the same thing and protects the base. Great if you keeping weight and costs down tho 👍

[@OmarGearReview]

i have a similar tent in that it's also a pitch inner part first, love the hack using cord to set up the fly first when it's bad weather! I'll be using that for sure! Glad to see your back posting!

[@sewwilson4185]

Like the video. Plus the fact that like me you think a 2 person tent is a one person tent and so on. That's why when my son and his fiancee were looking for a tent, I told them to get a 3 person tent.

[@robertpower6695]

Great to see you back, hope your doing well

[@BradleyHoward]

I have the MSR Hubba Hubba NX and it's a fantastic, lightweight tent. I love the twin doors, build quality and storage. Thoroughly recommend MSR tents.

[@shropshirecycle]

Is the hubba hubba nx2 worth the upgrade, in looking for bikepacking tent & initially looked at the elixir 2 as its way cheaper?

[@errbud]

@@shropshirecycle I recently upgraded to the Hubba Hubba NX and imo yes its worth it

[@BradleyHoward]

@@shropshirecycle I can't comment on the upgrade because I only have the NX. Its a great tent though, with no compromises to get rhe weight down. Very packable. Top tip: get a deal with the footprint, to protect the inner tent. If you're expecting windy weather, MSR sell a strengthening 'sleeve' tool to repair snapped poles.

[@johnmcgrath2616]

That's the way Paul,you're a natural. Great mod. ATB

[@chriswellstead776]

Great video Paul, back to your old self, do what you do best and life will return to normal!! whatever normal is.

[@gavinstewart4574]

I can get me head around the inner-first but . . . . . . . cutting off half a panel for Scottish horizontal rain just won't work 🙄. Great video Paul.

[@jameshoward8391]

good to see you back doing what you do best

[@hoser7706]

Hope you are doing well. Glad to see you back. Thanks for the continued excellent reviews.

[@johnpeterlaycock2660]

Good to see you smiling and doing what you do best a good honest review

[@deancalvert3418]

Good to c u back Paul,keep them videos coming ,the best on KZbin.👍

[@leew4145]

Keep 'em coming mate. We love your uploads.

[@alistairscott6651]

Great to see you back.

[@simongreenwood4914]

Nice to see you back, mate; please keep up the excellent work; you'd be surprised how many people your posts help.

[@ChristianGustafson]

Just assembled in my living room, sans stakes. Brilliant use of materials. Si coated nylon is pretty bombproof, just need to protect the floor with a groundsheet.

[@charlycassel1007]

Paaaaauuuuullllll!!!! So glad you're back! Keep on trekking in the free world🤟🤘

[@ceriroberts3427]

Keep up the good content mate. Keep moving forward no matter what. Keep looking for that high after any loss!

[@ItsOnlyAid]

Good to see you back on form Pal! keep up the good work

[@NelsonParz]

Super happy to see this video Paul! Can’t wait to check it out.

[@oliverlindsey1363]

Great to see you back at it Paul! Great video. Thank you! I've got the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2. Just completed a 3 day, 2 night trek in Georgia (the country) in the mountains. There was a storm and it held up pretty well! But it was all of your advice, tips and tricks that helped me to make the tent weather proof and stable. Thank you so much for providing such helpful, insightful and detailed videos!

[@scottjackson458]

Looks like a great lightweight option. That hack you did was genius. 👍

[@andybrown6179]

Looks decent this tent. Nice to have you back Paul 👍🏻

[@anthonymcdonald8444]

Glad your back to your best and looking happy and relaxed Paul. I opted for a msr hubba nx1 it's become my go to tent. I love it. Fab video again.

[@mrd4721]

Great to see you and your enthusiasm back Paul. Looking forward to seeing your video on it being used. 👍🏻

[@garycowan7445]

Spot on Mr Messner great straight talking review. It's what we luv about ya mate 👍

[@kingragealot1876]

Love that Paul! Good lad! 👌🏻 solid video

[@aa-qx7je]

Great idea for pitching the outside first! I have a similar one, I'll give this idea a shot. Thanks!

[@northernswedenstories1028]

What i like about fly's separated from the poles is that you can get a good right pitch. On the other hand if it rains then things can get problematic.

[@jacktyler5241]

Paul… I thought my Hubba Hubba would last a few years, but now you’ve shown me this!

[@ianstewartoutdoors]

Well done Paul enjoyed the Video glad to see your back smileing

[@angletarian002]

Great review - good to see you back 👍👍👍👍

[@paulchattington5940]

Genius with the flysheet...welcome back...

[@tomcady29]

Welcome back Paul. Love your videos! Always learn something new.

[@Steve72Outdoors]

Great to see you back with a smile and hopefully in a better place 🙏 Great little hack on the MSR tent. 👌All the best mate 👍

[@Rallygupta]

Great to see your mojo is back Paul.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Excellent Paul, glad you’re back pal.

[@bigjoebob]

Great to see you back making videos mate

[@TerryWindell]

BRILLINAT idea on how to pitch the outer first! Gonna use that on a non-MSR tent I have as well. THANK YOU!

[@alandavis9180]

Used a MSR Carbon Reflex 1 for a few years. Erecting it on a ledge below the Raglan Range (S.I. NZ) the fly rent from its apex point above the door for about 30cms. Was able to do a temporary repair with a patch, double sided tape and a small tube of seam sealer which allowed me to finish the trip. Based on that I wouldn't buy another MSR. Looking at this Freelite tent it appears to be for summer use only. With all that mesh on the inner, you'd freeze in cooler weather. Like others have mentioned this is a tent for well protected below the treeline conditions.

[@biagiosadventures7204]

Hi Paul. good to see you back on the channel. nice tent!

[@diceyjr2384]

Awesome to see you back Paul 👌

[@malcoppock4255]

That mod is a game changer.

[@freddiecampbell]

Back in Spades. Nice one Paul

[@thewanderlustadventurer5665]

Great to see you back Paul doing what you do best, really good vid. I myself have an MSR hubba Clone the Naturehike Mongar 2 , cracking tent & under £200 but I too use it for just an inner in Summer gazing up at the stars.

[@macinthewild8116]

Boom!! And you’re back in the game ! Nice one Paul , look after yourself mate.

[@Bikepacking]

got that tent 5 years ago just get ground sheet or the ultra light base ground sheet tub so you can setup outer first

[@AloneAdventures]

Glad to see you back Paul great review and brilliant little mod for pitching the outer first!

[@andrewmoseley-packer5132]

Good to see you back in full swing Paul, nice job. I have the MSR Elixir 2 tent and love it. It's a bit heavier at around 2.2kg but once set up it feels pretty bomb proof. It has more solid fabric making up the inner than the Ultralight that you've reviewed here and the fly is a heavier weight (40D) material too. Otherwise, very similar except it's well over £100 cheaper than the Freelite so if you're on more of a budget and don't mind carrying a few more grams then the Elixir comes highly recommended.