Huge Agnes Tiger Wall vs. NEMO Hornet vs. MSR FreeLite

Fashions We Examined

We’ve additionally examined – and actually like – the 3-person variations of those tents. This information focuses on the favored 2-person variations, however many of the execs/cons stay the identical for the 3P fashions. If you happen to normally backpack with a associate and like a bit extra inside area in your shelters, the 3-person variations of every of those tents are additionally glorious and are nonetheless very gentle.

Scoring

We ranked the Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 based mostly on a easy scoring system:

• 1 level for each part the tent wins
• 1 level for all tents if there’s a 3-way tie

The tent with the best rating wins.

Value

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 signify phenomenal worth for ultralight user-friendly shelters. These tents cater to hikers planning an extended trek or thru-hike however aren’t able to half with the comforts and middle-tier pricing of a double-wall tent.

There are extra reasonably priced double-wall tents available on the market, however they are usually fairly a bit heavier. There are additionally lighter shelters on the market, however they are usually single-wall non-freestanding tents that always use costly material like Dyneema Composite Material (DCF). These three semi-freestanding tents land within the center for pricing, however are nonetheless impressively gentle, straightforward to make use of, and supply excellent climate safety.

Try the worth comparability desk in our Finest Backpacking Tents Information to see how these tents stack up towards the opposite prime shelters available on the market. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 are priced within the mid to low 400s, which locations them just under common for value. They’re cost-effective for being so light-weight and feature-rich.

MSRPs

1. NEMO Hornet OSMO – $430
2. MSR FreeLite – $450
3. Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – $450

Winner: NEMO Hornet OSMO

The NEMO Hornet OSMO wins this class by $20, with a tie for second place. However we wouldn’t suggest making your alternative based mostly on value alone. As a result of these tent costs are so shut, take into account specializing in which tent options are crucial to you. On the finish of the day, an additional $20 will likely be cash effectively spent if the tent suits your wants higher in the long term.

Packaged Weight

These tents are impressively gentle. Check out the load comparability desk in our Finest Backpacking Tents Information to see how they evaluate to our different prime picks. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, MSR FreeLite 2, and NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 are close to the entrance of the pack for weight. That’s why every one earns a spot in our Finest Backpacking Tents Information or Finest Ultralight Tents Information: they’re straightforward to hold for prolonged durations.

To match tents, we use their packaged weight. Packaged weight is the whole mass of the tent because it’s offered by the producer. That quantity normally consists of the tent, rainfly, stakes, and guylines. 

1. MSR FreeLite – Packaged Weight – 2 lb. 5 oz.
2. NEMO Hornet OSMO – Packaged Weight – 2 lb. 8 oz.
3. Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – Packaged Weight – 2 lb. 8 oz.

Winner: MSR FreeLite

The MSR FreeLite wins this class by three ounces, with a tie for second place. Three ounces isn’t nothing in terms of backpacking gear weight, and that would issue into your shopping for determination. Nonetheless, remember the fact that three ounces is only a bit extra weight than a snack bar, so selecting a tent with the options you need might simply be extra essential.

Inside House

We expect the Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 usually work higher as solo shelters. As a result of all three tents prioritize low weight, we discovered their interiors had been small for 2 average-sized adults. If you happen to’re backpacking with a associate or a canine, we suggest sizing as much as the 3-person variations of any of those tents for extra room.

Inside area of the tents is measured as follows: L x W [head / foot] x H [peak]). Be aware that the Tiger Wall and Hornet each are wider on the head and extra slim on the toes, in order that they have two width measurements. The FreeLite is rectangular, so it has one.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – 86 x 52/42 x 39 in.

The Tiger Wall affords essentially the most inside area of the three tents. It has the longest forehead pole, which attracts the perimeters of the inside mesh almost vertical. Meaning you’ll have considerably extra headroom than the FreeLite or the Hornet to sit down up and transfer round. 

Due to this spacious headroom, the Tiger Wall is the one tent on this checklist we expect is affordable for 2 folks. It’s nonetheless a good area to share, however we discovered it was the least cramped of the three tents, particularly if customers are on the shorter or smaller aspect. For extra space, take into account sizing as much as the 3-Particular person model of the Tiger Wall.

MSR FreeLite – 84 x 50 x 39 in. 

The MSR FreeLite has extra inside area than the Hornet, however not as a lot because the Tiger Wall. One key distinction of the FreeLite is its absolutely rectangular ground, which affords extra space than the Tiger Wall or Hornet when mendacity down subsequent to a associate. We discovered the ground area of the FreeLite was just like heavier freestanding, 2-person backpacking tents. This design additionally offers extra space for inside gear storage.

Nonetheless, the FreeLite’s forehead pole is shorter than the one on the Tiger Wall (though longer than the Hornet). Meaning the FreeLite’s partitions slant inward, reducing out treasured headroom that two folks want for livable area in a shared shelter.

For that cause, the FreeLite is extra snug as a solo shelter, fairly than sharing with a associate. It will work effectively for 2 smaller or shorter hikers who’re okay with much less headroom, and it’s a superb tent alternative for solo use. 

NEMO Hornet OMSO – 85 x 51/43 x 39 in. 

NEMO’s Hornet has the least inside area in comparison with the Tiger Wall and the FreeLite. NEMO makes use of brief forehead clips as a substitute of an extended forehead pole, so the partitions are slim and are available almost to some extent on the ceiling. This design eliminates many of the potential headroom that the Tiger Wall and FreeLite supply.

The Hornet’s ground space is the biggest of the three tents, which is okay whenever you’re mendacity down. Nonetheless, we discovered the slim partitions made it robust for 2 folks to sit down up with out brushing the aspect of the tent or bumping into the opposite particular person. You can match two folks in a pinch, however it’s tight.

Additionally, the Hornet is just not nice for backpackers over six toes tall. Our tallest hiker was 6’2”, and so they discovered the 2-person Hornet was too slim for consolation over an prolonged time, whilst a solo shelter.

We extremely suggest the 2-person Hornet for solo backpackers which can be below 6 toes tall. For taller hikers, we recommend the 3-person model of this tent. The truth is, we just like the 3-person NEMO Hornet OSMO a lot that we favor it over the 3-person FreeLite or the 3-person Tiger Wall. 

Winner: Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall is the clear winner of this part. Its longer forehead pole creates a much bigger inside area and affords considerably extra headroom than the opposite two shelters. The FreeLite is available in second place with a usable however narrower inside, and the Hornet is available in third as a consequence of an absence of headroom for 2 folks.

Flooring dimensions alone are usually not an effective way to measure how roomy a tent is. The construction of the tent poles defines how a lot headroom there will likely be. Nonetheless, the quantity of ground area remains to be essential. A beneficiant tent ground will present extra room for 2 folks when mendacity down, and as a bonus affords additional inside area for storing gear. 

To search out the sq. footage of every tent’s ground, multiply the size of the ground by the width. The Tiger Wall and Hornet have a tapered ground form, which means they’re wider on the head and extra slim on the toes. The FreeLite is rectangular.

1. MSR FreeLite – 29 sq. ft.
2. Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – 28 sq. ft.
3. NEMO Hornet OSMO – 27.5 sq. ft.

Winner – MSR FreeLite

The MSR FreeLite is the champion in terms of ground space. At 29 sq. toes, the FreeLite is a sq. foot greater than the Tiger Wall in second place, and a foot and a half greater than the Hornet in third place. The FreeLite’s rectangular ground form offers it a bit extra room than the opposite two, which taper from wider on the head to extra slim on the toes. Nonetheless, it is a small quantity of additional ground area and wouldn’t be sufficient to persuade us to decide on the FreeLite over the opposite tents.

Vestibule Space

The vestibule of a tent helps it really feel extra snug and livable. Vestibules present a dry designated place to retailer smelly footwear, tools, and hulking backpacks. It’s additionally important for offering climate safety by blocking wind, solar, and rain. A roomy vestibule lends extra versatility to a tent as effectively: it could possibly present extra seating, act as a non-public area to alter garments and supply shelter when cooking and consuming.

1. Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – 8 + 8 sq. ft.
2. MSR FreeLite- 7.5 + 7.5 sq. ft.
3. NEMO Hornet OSMO – 7.1 + 7.1 sq. ft.

Winner – Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall wins for the most important vestibule. It has the biggest vestibule space of the three tents, with nearly a sq. foot greater than the Hornet in third place. Although the Hornet’s vestibule area felt extra slim, these tents are all inside 6 to 12 sq. inches of one another. General, these tents supply average-sized vestibules for backpacking tents. We didn’t have hassle discovering area to retailer our gear. The Tiger Wall’s s additional vestibule area is good, however the barely smaller vestibules of the opposite tents wouldn’t be a dealbreaker in our purchasing determination.

Pockets

Shelter storage and group are important when tenting. Properly-designed tent pockets ought to differ in dimension and be strategically positioned all through the tent that will help you keep organized. Pockets make it straightforward to shortly entry necessities whenever you want them, whether or not it’s a multitool or a map, and might hold your shelter clutter-free whereas maximizing area. 

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – The Tiger Wall has 4 complete pockets, essentially the most of all three tents. It options two handy rectangular pockets close to the top of the tent, excellent for storing necessities like a headlamp or chapstick. It additionally has a large overhead storage pocket helpful for storing gadgets like a hat or telephone.

What makes the Tiger Wall distinctive is the spacious loft pocket on the foot of the tent. It’s the one tent of the three that provides a pocket this huge and on this location. The loft pocket is positioned within the foot space that isn’t used to sit down up, so we discovered this vast, stretchy storage is ideal for stashing jackets or different garments with out leaving them piled on the ground or in a vestibule. 

MSR Freelite – The Freelite has 3 pockets. It options two distinctive triangular pockets on the head of the tent for neatly storing gear you need to hold shut. The triangle pockets have a handy characteristic: a gap on the backside to run a charging wire out of your energy financial institution to your telephone. We discovered the pockets had been simply sufficiently big to stash the vast majority of our small important gadgets. Nonetheless, when you want extra room, the Freelite additionally has two generously sized overhead pockets which can be sensible for stashing bulkier issues like gentle layers or stuff sacks. 

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet affords simply 2 medium overhead pockets. It doesn’t have low aspect pockets like the opposite tents supply, so that you’ll have to search out some place else to place your sun shades, earplugs, and toiletries. As a substitute, the 2 small overhead pockets supply the one storage within the tent, however they’re simply inside arm’s attain. These pockets are manufactured from a particular light-dispersing materials to transform your headlamp into an ambient tent lamp. We discovered this minimal pocket design offered restricted room for a handful of things, however nothing else. 

Winner: Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Tiger Wall wins first place for a considerate pocket format that we discovered very handy and helpful. With 4 pockets of various sizes, the storage within the Tiger Wall assured we’d have ample room for organizing gear. We particularly appreciated the big loft pocket to maintain jackets off the ground. MSR’s FreeLite pockets had been additionally useful and useful, however in third place, the Hornet was missing. Its minimalist storage choices left us wanting extra.

You’re sure to run into unpredictable and difficult climate when backpacking. Nonetheless, these tents will hold you as protected and dry from the rain, wind, and even gentle snow as any heavier freestanding shelter.

All three tents are constructed with ripstop, waterproof nylon blends and embody guylines to safe your shelter in excessive winds. All of them embody an extra remedy of DWR, silicone, and/or polyurethane to shed water.

Semi-freestanding tents created from nylon do have some downsides. They’re extra prone to excessive wind due to the minimal pole construction. As well as, all three tents are inclined to sag in chilly and moist climate due to their nylon development. Basically, nylon doesn’t maintain form in addition to a DCF shelter, sil-nylon, or a thicker, extra sturdy materials. As a result of the nylon utilized in these three tents is thinner and the foot of the tent is staked out, you’ll seemingly must re-tension your guylines and re-stake your tent as inclement climate strikes in and the fabric sags.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – The Tiger Wall excels in climate safety due to its full-coverage fly and lengthy forehead pole. The place the Hornet and FreeLite each have one aspect the place the rainfly is reduce out, the Tiger Wall’s fly extends to the bottom on all sides, guaranteeing moisture is saved at bay. The Tiger Wall additionally has six guylines, two greater than the others, for much more stability and resistance to robust winds. Due to Huge Agnes’ distinctive dying strategies, the Tiger Wall is UV resistant and received’t lose coloration as shortly because the Hornet or FreeLite.

We discovered the fabric of the Tiger Wall sagged many of the three tents when it got here to chilly and moist situations. We had been by no means involved that the fabric would fail, and the tent was superior at holding out moisture, wind, and the weather, however you might want to regulate the strain of the guylines as temperatures drop and the rain picks up. 

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet’s tent materials sagged the least. We discovered NEMO’s polyester and nylon material mix, referred to as OSMO, didn’t droop as a lot because the others in rain, snow, wind, or below-freezing temperatures. Just like the FreeLite, it affords 4 guy-out factors.

Sadly, the slim forehead clips on the prime of the tent don’t present a lot protection from rain when getting out and in of the tent. Meaning the vestibules and inside tent are susceptible to getting sprinkled when doorways are open throughout a storm. The 4 guyline attachment factors are useful for holding moisture out.

One other draw back is that just like the FreeLite, the Hornet has a single-wall part on the head of the tent the place the rainfly is reduce out, turning simply the foot space right into a single-wall tent. We discovered this was a uncommon difficulty and the tent dried shortly, however in moist and chilly climate, this lack of rainfly protection drew extra condensation than the remainder of the tent. 

MSR FreeLite – The FreeLite makes use of “rain gutters” on the rainfly. These are flaps positioned subsequent to the zippers that run from the highest of the tent to the underside of the rainfly to assist information moisture away. This may be particularly useful when opening the tent after a storm since water nonetheless on the rainfly doorways would roll in the direction of the zipper and into the vestibule. 

On paper, it is a nice characteristic. In follow, we didn’t discover that the rain gutter was any extra environment friendly at shedding water than the Tiger Wall or Hornet.

Just like the Hornet, the FreeLite additionally has 4 guy-out factors and a single-wall part on the foot of the tent the place the rainfly is reduce out to save lots of weight. We discovered this space gathered extra condensation than the remainder of the tent, nevertheless it wasn’t a big difficulty. The FreeLite saved out rain and blocked wind.

Winner: Three-Means Tie

This can be a three-way tie. We discovered all three tents had been comparable and really dependable in rain and wind. They every stand out for a distinct cause: the Tiger Wall has a full-coverage rainfly, the Hornet sags much less in chilly and moist climate, and the Freelight provides a gutter designed to assist shed water. These tents have saved us reliably dry, and our gear protected within the vestibules, it doesn’t matter what the situations had been exterior.

These tents prioritize low weight over sturdiness. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 are usually not burly by design: they use slim aluminum poles and skinny material to supply main weight financial savings for ounce-conscious backpackers. 

Denier is a method to measure not solely how thick or dense a cloth is, however how robust it is going to be. When a denier quantity is excessive the tent material is stronger, tougher to see by, and heavier. At decrease denier values, material is lighter, extra clear, and fewer sturdy.

All three tents use 10 and 15 denier ripstop nylon (or a coated nylon mix) for the ground and rainfly, and polyester for the mesh. 15D is simply barely extra sturdy than 10D, however each are ultralight and impressively weather-resistant. It’s value noting these supplies are as gentle and skinny as you’ll be able to presumably go with out sacrificing all sturdiness, and 10D and 15 materials are commonplace on most ultralight tents.

It’s true {that a} motivated critter might chew by the fabric on any of those tents to succeed in a late-night snack in your shelter. We’ve additionally discovered {that a} rogue department or sharp rock can do some actual injury when you don’t choose a transparent campsite. We extremely suggest buying the coordinating footprint or a sheet of Tyvek residence wrap for all three fashions so as to add an additional layer of safety between you and muddy, moist, or tough terrain. If you happen to’re laborious in your gear or on the lookout for an excellent sturdy backcountry shelter, these tents will fall brief. 

Nonetheless, we’ve discovered that with common upkeep and preventative care, all three tents can and can final a few years. To increase the lifetime of your shelter, see our information How To Care For Your Tent: Cleansing, Restore, & Storage Suggestions.

MSR FreeLite – The FreeLite felt safe in all climate due to a thicker tent materials. Just like the Tiger Wall, it makes use of 15-denier nylon for all elements of the tent:  rainfly, partitions, and ground. That is an incremental distinction in materials thickness that provides a bit extra sturdiness.

The FreeLite additionally options 4 guylines, one for every nook, so as to add stability in excessive winds. Moreover, MSR makes use of steel grommets for the tent pole ends to nestle, whereas the Hornet and Tiger Wall use plastic. We’ve by no means had a problem with plastic grommets, however it is a small aspect that would add longer life to the FreeLite.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet is sturdy due to its proprietary OSMO materials. This can be a mix of polyester and nylon that outperformed the FreeLite and Tiger Wall in moist and chilly climate. The ten rainfly and 15D inside OSMO material held its form one of the best and sagged the least of those three tents, making it really feel extra sturdy and reliable in storms. Just like the FreeLite, the Hornet additionally has 4 guyline attachment factors. Just like the Tiger Wall, it makes use of plastic grommets for the tent poles. Plastic grommets work effectively and sure save an incremental quantity of weight, however in principle, plastic is extra more likely to break or deteriorate than steel.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – We discovered the Tiger Wall’s materials was the least sturdy of the three tents.  Huge Agnes makes use of 15D ripstop nylon, which needs to be akin to the FreeLite for efficiency in chilly temperatures and rain. It has 6 guyline attachment factors for additional safety throughout storms. 

However in our expertise, the Huge Agnes material sagged the many of the three tents throughout moist climate. We had issues that the rainfly – which is sort of see-through – was too skinny, nevertheless it nonetheless carried out effectively towards moisture and wind. We’d extremely suggest a floor material or footprint so as to add longevity to the Tiger Wall specifically. Although it nonetheless labored effectively in all climate, we query the long-term sturdiness of The Tiger Wall’s materials.

Winner – MSR FreeLite

The winner for sturdiness is the MSR FreeLite. Its barely thicker 15D nylon development and use of steel grommets put it forward of the competitors, guaranteeing an extended lifespan within the outside. The Hornet is in second place and the Tiger Wall is in third.

When it boils right down to sturdiness, none of those tents are an awesome alternative. Their light-weight design and high-performance supplies are usually not constructed to final for many years. However the place you sacrifice sturdiness, you acquire portability, and these tents are as gentle because it will get.

Versatility

A flexible tent enhances a variety of out of doors adventures. It’s not straightforward to discover a shelter that retains you simply as snug within the wild backcountry in a single day as a reserved frontcountry web site. Semi-freestanding tents straddle the road between freestanding and non-freestanding choices on this regard.

Freestanding tents – Freestanding tents are essentially the most versatile for sleeping close to an alpine lake or subsequent to your automobile bumper. The load of most freestanding tents makes them useful sufficient for backpacking, particularly when splitting the load with a associate, however feature-rich sufficient for automobile tenting due to ease of use and velocity of setup.

Non-freestanding tents – Non-freestanding tents are the least versatile. They’re designed so simple as doable for backpacking, which is strictly what you want for a low base weight. However for tenting nearly anyplace else, you sacrifice comforts like pockets, headroom, and sturdiness. Non-freestanding shelters don’t make sense anyplace besides the backcountry: they’re costly, essentially the most time-consuming and difficult to pitch, and are identified to fill with condensation in a single day. In addition they have a big footprint, since all man strains should be staked out, to allow them to’t be arrange in as many areas. 

Semi-freestanding tents – Semi-freestanding tents land in between the 2. Like freestanding tents, their small footprints and few guylines make them straightforward to arrange anyplace there’s room. In frontcountry and automobile tenting conditions, they received’t present as a lot sturdiness, consolation, or inside area as a typical freestanding tent, however they provide related options like pockets, headroom, and climate resistance for versatility past the backcountry. Semi-freestanding tents are straightforward to make use of due to their easy pole construction, in order that they’re quick to arrange for a first-timer. And like non-freestanding tents, they provide very low weight. 

Winner: Three-Means-Tie

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 are designed firstly for light-weight backpacking, however they’re additionally versatile sufficient for the frontcountry. Because of their distinctive mix of low weight, wealthy options, and ease of use, every tent is flexible sufficient to deal with essentially the most punishing months-long thru-hike, however would additionally thrive close to a picnic desk and a hearth pit.

For ease of use, semi-freestanding tents are the right stability between freestanding tents and trekking pole tents. 

Freestanding tents are nearly at all times the quickest and best to pitch since they are often arrange on most terrains. Freestanding tents use acquainted designs and have handy options like color-coordinated buckles and clips that make the shelter setup a breeze.

Trekking pole tents are essentially the most troublesome and time-consuming to arrange. They don’t have a devoted framework of tent poles and depend on your trekking poles because the assist level. Meaning the steps to realize the “excellent” pitch with guylines and pressure will be advanced and gradual relying on the slope, obstacles, and area out there.

Semi-freestanding tents are quick to arrange since they require being staked out on the foot of the tent. Like a freestanding tent, the uncomplicated pole construction is straightforward to grasp, and the rainfly attachments are intuitive for quick setup or tear down. Not like Trekking pole tents, you’ll be able to pitch semi-freestanding tents in additional areas due to the smaller footprint. 

Winner – Three-Means Tie

This can be a three-way tie. We discovered the Huge Agnes Tiger Wall, NEMO Hornet OSMO, and MSR FreeLite tents had been remarkably straightforward to pitch. Semi-freestanding tents nonetheless require selecting a campsite rigorously, particularly when they’re ultralight like these tents, however their small footprint, easy design, and minimal stakes make them nice for each learners and seasoned campers.

Having a tent that packs small is essential for portability. The much less area your tent takes up, the extra room you’ve got for different necessities. Plus, a smaller backpack profile is extra snug and maneuverable. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall, NEMO Hornet OSMO, and MSR FreeLite tents pack down very small. If packed dimension is your prime precedence, any of those tents might work.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – 12.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 in.

The Hornet packs down the smallest. At a mere 12.5 inches, the Hornet’s pole segments fold into considerably smaller sections than the 18-inch poles of the Tiger Wall or FreeLite. Most tent poles are too lengthy to be packed contained in the backpack, so they’re saved on the surface whereas climbing – however not the Hornet. It packs so small, we match your complete tent and poles simply within our backpacks. Your complete package deal suits effectively horizontally and vertically.

We don’t suggest storing poles inside your bag long run to stop damaging different gear, however having the choice opened up invaluable exterior storage that’s devoted area for the FreeLite and Tiger Wall. This type of dimension versatility is exclusive to the Hornet and an enormous benefit for backpackers.

MSR FreeLite – 4.5 x 4.5 x 18 in.

The width of the FreeLite when packed is 4.5 inches, nevertheless it’s tied with the Tiger Wall for the size of poles at 18 inches. You can scale back it much more with a distinct stuff sack and the poles saved individually.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – 5.5 x 5.5 x 18 in.

The Tiger Wall has the most important packed dimension of the three tents, measuring an inch wider than the FreeLite.  Think about using a distinct compression sack and storing the poles on the surface of your backpacks to cut back the quantity of inside area used.

Winner – NEMO Hornet OSMO

The NEMO Hornet OSMO handily takes the prize for the smallest packed dimension. We’re impressed with how small the Hornet can get, making it essentially the most versatile for carrying in your backpack or storing at residence. With poles nearly six inches longer, the FreeLite is available in second, and the Tiger Wall is third as a result of it packs the widest. Nonetheless, we expect all of those tents supply a remarkably small packed dimension and would complement most backpacking kits.

We favor tents with two doorways. Whether or not climbing with a associate or exploring trails solo, tents with two doorways are useful for coping with restricted campsite area, orienting to a particular view, and providing another exit in an emergency. Two doorways can even enhance air flow by permitting air to maneuver by the tent. Twin entrances make a tent extra livable and versatile for sharing area with a tentmate and organizing gear.

For the Doorways and Zippers class, we ranked exterior rainfly doorways and inside tent doorways individually to find out the winner.

RAINFLY

MSR FreeLite – We discovered the FreeLite’s rainfly doorways had been straightforward to open with a single zipper and easy to maneuver by. The medium-sized forehead bar helps hold the door flaps off of the inside tent, so lingering rainfly condensation by no means leaves the vestibule. The FreeLite’s rainfly tie-backs are in an intuitive and useful location that hold the doorways out of the way in which and permit a bit extra air flow.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet’s massive rainfly doorways additionally characteristic a single zipper. We like the position of the Hornet’s door tie-backs over the Tiger Wall, however lower than the FreeLite. The tie-backs are positioned low, which typically causes condensation to drip on us or gear whereas making an attempt to pin the door again. The Hornet’s doorways might additionally flap into the vestibule and towards the inside of the tent, a problem when the doorways had been moist with condensation or rain. We just like the triangular form and dimension of the rainfly doorways for ease of use.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – The Tiger Wall is available in final place due to the situation of the door tie-backs and clasps: they’re very low on the tent. This uncommon design means when you’re inside making an attempt to get the rainfly flap out of the way in which to exit, you’re more likely to brush towards condensation or a soaked rainfly, dousing each you and your gear. We additionally discovered the door design was too low. We needed to duck rigorously when getting into the tent to keep away from brushing or bumping our heads on the tent. The Tiger Wall rainfly doorways have two-way zippers, the one tent of the three that provides this configuration. Two-way zippers may also help with air flow, however this wasn’t sufficient to maneuver the Tiger Wall out of third place.

Winner – MSR FreeLite

The MSR FreeLite wins for one of the best rainfly door. A mixture of well-placed tiebacks and good design put its massive doorways on the prime. The Hornet is available in second, and the Tiger Wall in third.

INTERIOR DOORS

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall The Tiger Wall has two zippers on inside “L”-shaped doorways. One zipper runs vertically, the opposite runs alongside the bottom, and so they meet on the nook. This design makes for simple, one-hand door opening and offers the pliability to entry the vestibule by simply opening the zipper on the backside, even whereas mendacity down. The Tiger Wall additionally has the most important inside doorways. The inside door tieback is ready excessive, which retains it fully out of the way in which to make getting out and in straightforward.

MSR FreeLite – The FreeLite’s inside door is triangular and L-shaped, however the is smaller and at a sharper angle than these of the Tiger Wall. Tiebacks are intuitively situated in the course of the door and maintain again the tent materials. Just like the Tiger Wall, the FreeLite additionally affords two zippers that meet on the nook for simple open-and-close with one hand or accessing gear exterior.

NEMO Hornet OMSO – We discovered the Hornet’s doorways had been extra cumbersome and fewer useful than the opposite two tents. The Hornet’s inside doorways are a half-circle form and solely have one zipper. We discovered the doorways are laborious to open with one hand due to their form and the design of the tent. With out utilizing two palms, material bunches up and prevents a clean zip. The tiebacks are lengthy and positioned effectively to maintain the door out of the way in which when wanted.

Winner – Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall has one of the best inside doorways of those three tents. They’re huge, straightforward to open with one hand, and the 2 zippers are handy and useful. The FreeLite is available in second and the Hornet in third.

Basically, semi-freestanding tents don’t supply nice air flow in comparison with freestanding fashions. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2, and MSR FreeLite 2 don’t supply luxurious options typical of freestanding tents like kickstand roof vents or adjustable rainfly heights that may assist mitigate condensation even higher. The mesh uppers of the inside tent definitely assist with airflow, however air flow is proscribed as soon as the tent is absolutely zipped up.

Because of the lack of air flow, condensation can construct up in a single day in all three of those tents, particularly throughout moist and chilly climate. We’ve by no means discovered condensation to be a significant difficulty as a result of the double wall design manages this moisture effectively. Not like a non-freestanding tent, the air hole between the inside mesh and the rainfly successfully retains condensation away from you and your gear. These tents are made with skinny efficiency materials that maintain a stunning quantity of moisture however dry shortly within the solar.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – The Tiger Wall affords two zippers on the rainfly, so you’ll be able to open the highest part of the fly for airflow whereas sustaining some privateness. Nonetheless, this isn’t sensible throughout moist climate. Just like the FreeLite, the inside tent additionally affords two zippers, permitting campers to depart one open for a bit extra air flow.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – On the foot of the Hornet, the rainfly is reduce out. This protects weight, nevertheless it creates a single-wall part on the tent. Although this space is susceptible to condensation as a result of it creates a big nylon part as a substitute of mesh, this single-wall part of the tent helps with breathability.

MSR FreeLite – Identical because the Hornet, the FreeLite has a single-wall part on the foot of the tent the place there’s no rainfly. This helps incrementally with air flow. 

Winner – Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Tiger Wall’s double zipper on the rainfly and double zipper on the inside tent supply only a bit extra air flow than the FreeLite and Hornet. It’s value noting that it is a small quantity of additional airflow. All three tents use skinny, breathable materials, however are in the end missing in air flow options.

Eco-Pleasant

The outside trade will be extremely wasteful. Manufacturing tents usually requires uncooked supplies like petroleum to supply artificial materials and aluminum for tent poles. The method of producing textiles is resource-intensive, creating huge quantities of water waste. As well as, Material therapies use chemical coatings and sealants that may be dangerous to the surroundings. Transporting merchandise all around the world provides to carbon emissions.

It’s a paradox: the very gadgets we use to benefit from the outside can hurt the surroundings throughout their manufacturing. Firms that target sustainable materials sourcing, recycled materials, accountable and humane labor practices, home manufacturing, and utilizing much less vitality and water could make a optimistic impression on the native and world surroundings.

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – In 2021, Huge Agnes modified the way in which it dyes all of its tents with a technique referred to as answer dying. It dyes supplies earlier than they’re processed, as a substitute of afterwards. This dying approach reduces vitality consumption by 80% and water use by 50%. Meaning the Tiger Wall is produced with as few carbon emissions and chemical compounds as doable. And, its tent poles are absolutely recyclable.

Huge Agnes services run on 100% electrical vitality. The corporate doesn’t use any flame retardants in its merchandise, makes use of licensed Accountable Down Commonplace for sourcing down, and prioritizes 50-100% recycled insulation to be used in its jackets and sleeping baggage. Huge Agnes has additionally decreased its variety of poly baggage for gadgets like furnishings and stakes. Try its lengthy checklist of eco-friendly initiatives.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet makes use of OSMO material, a mix of polyester and nylon that’s free from perpetually chemical compounds like hearth retardants, PFAs, and PFCs. The tent is Blue Signal authorised and assured freed from poisonous supplies.

NEMO pledges to chop its emissions in half by 2030. Their workplace runs on 100% renewable vitality. NEMO affords a lifetime assure and repairs, so when your Hornet wants a contemporary zipper or the ground requires greater than only a patch, you’ll be able to restore your tent as a substitute of including it to the landfill. NEMO has launched various 100% recycled and recyclable merchandise. The corporate launched its Infinite Promise Program, which is a dedication by the corporate to make gear extra recyclable and scale back waste with a closed-loop system: recycling, repairing, and reselling supplies and merchandise.

MSR FreeLite – Each the nylon material and aluminum of the FreeLite are created from recyclable supplies.

MSR’s manufacturing and workplace services are powered by a minimal of 25% renewable vitality. All merchandise are freed from BPA, PFAs, and harsh chemical compounds. MSR sources all packaging supplies native to its US-based manufacturing services. Home manufacturing makes their environmental footprint a lot decrease versus producing internationally. It additionally has a sturdy restore program for its tents, backpacks, and a few garments, and boasts an 85% or larger price of restore for all merchandise returned to them for fixing. Learn extra about their dedication to sustainability. 

Winner – Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

The Tiger Wall is the winner for eco-friendliness due to its Resolution-Dyed Material. The dramatic discount in sources used to supply such a top quality tent, mixed with Huge Agnes’ dedication to lowering emissions throughout all services and merchandise, makes it distinctive. 

However none of those firms are slacking in terms of excited about their environmental footprint. Huge Agnes, NEMO, and MSR have all made important strides during the last decade to cut back vitality consumption, deal with recyclable merchandise, and transition to eco-friendly dyes, chemical compounds, and manufacturing practices. Every firm has its personal academic initiatives and conservation partnerships. Huge Agnes, NEMO, and MSR are on the forefront of the dialog round reuse or repurpose outside merchandise as a substitute of sending them to the landfill.

Winner

Our winner within the comparability of the Huge Agnes Tiger Wall, MSR FreeLite, and NEMO Hornet OSMO tents is the Huge Agnes Tiger Wall.

1. Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – 8 factors
2. MSR FreeLite – 7 factors
3. NEMO Hornet OSMO – 5 factors

General Winner – Huge Agnes Tiger Wall

Backside Line

The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall, NEMO Hornet OSMO, and MSR FreeLite tents are a few of the finest ultralight tents out there. All three tents are tied for excellent climate safety, versatility, and ease of use. We expect every tent affords a reliably dry and protected shelter in moist climate and excessive winds. They’re exceptionally gentle, easy to arrange, and versatile sufficient for many tenting conditions. 

Huge Agnes Tiger Wall – The Tiger Wall is our favourite tent general due to its roomier dimensions and beneficiant pocket construction. Inside area issues in a backpacking shelter, and the Tiger Wall affords essentially the most headroom. It’s the one possible choice on this checklist for 2 campers. The Tiger Wall additionally has the biggest vestibule area and largest inside door, and we like that the rainfly covers all sides of the tent. Its distinctive loft pocket makes it straightforward to stash cumbersome gear like jackets. Huge Agnes’ dedication to eco-friendly initiatives is a bonus.

The Tiger Wall’s material doesn’t really feel as sturdy because the Hornet or the FreeLite as a result of it sags essentially the most in chilly and moist climate. Its rainfly door design may very well be improved by placing tiebacks in a greater location. It additionally packs the most important of the three tents. Nonetheless, the Tiger Wall affords nearly all the things we wish in a semi-freestanding and ultralight tent, making it the winner.

MSR FreeLite – The FreeLite works finest as an ultralight solo shelter. It weighs the least of the three tents however nonetheless has handy pockets. It feels essentially the most sturdy due to the mix of steel grommets and 15 nylon materials. We just like the rainfly on the FreeLite due to its intuitively positioned tie-backs that hold the doorways out of the way in which. It affords essentially the most ground space to unfold out gear and get snug on its vast, rectangular ground and stayed in second place amongst these tents for packed dimension, inside area, and vestibule dimension.

The FreeLite has much less headroom than we want. Its rain gutters are a pleasant characteristic, however they don’t appear to assist shed moisture higher than the opposite tents. We discovered the triangular pockets are useful, however not as spacious or dynamic because the Tiger Wall.

NEMO Hornet OSMO – The Hornet is a superb choice for single hikers below 6 toes tall who need an ultra-packable, no-frills tent. We like that the brief pole sections, at ⅔ of the size of the Tiger Wall or FreeLite, make the tent so small that we might stash your complete shelter and poles in our backpacks. The Hornet is snug and units up shortly. We’re impressed that the fabric doesn’t sag as a lot because the FreeLite or the Tiger Wall in chilly and moist climate. The Hornet can be essentially the most reasonably priced of those three tents.

However the Hornet is available in third place as a consequence of an absence of pockets and inside area. Two ceiling pockets aren’t sufficient to remain organized and declutter the tent, particularly in comparison with the Tiger Wall or FreeLite. The Hornet additionally has the smallest vestibule area, ground area, and inside of the three tents. The slim headroom and a good pole construction are small for 2 folks. Additionally, the inside door form and single zipper are usually not as straightforward to make use of as the opposite tents.

All three semi-freestanding tents are distinctive, feature-rich shelters. They’re extra reasonably priced than a trekking pole shelter however lighter than a freestanding tent. The Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, MSR FreeLite, and NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 are on our Finest Backpacking Tents Information for the suitable causes.

When the competitors is that this stiff, take into account your private priorities. Whether or not you’re after the tiniest packed dimension, the most important doorways, or essentially the most headroom, considered one of these tents is tailored in your subsequent backcountry journey. Irrespective of the place you’re headed subsequent, these shelters will hold you protected, dry, and comfy – with out the additional weight.