Here is how these two tents compare on the numbers. The FreeLite 3 leans on low weight while the Dragonfly OSMO 3P answers with floor space, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| MSR FreeLite 3 | NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 79✓ | 77 |
| Capacity | 3 | 3 |
| Packed weight | 38.0 oz✓ | 54.0 oz |
| Floor area | 38.5 sq ft | 41.2 sq ft✓ |
| Space-to-weight | 16.2 /lb✓ | 12.2 /lb |
| Peak height | 43 in✓ | 42 in |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Vestibules | 2 | 2 |
| Price | $570✓ | $620 |
| Type | Ultralight | Ultralight |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: FreeLite 3 in blue, Dragonfly OSMO 3P in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full tent comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The MSR FreeLite 3 against the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P is a study in priorities. The FreeLite 3 wins on low weight and space-to-weight, and the Dragonfly OSMO 3P pushes back on floor space.
The FreeLite 3 is 1 lb lighter, better space-to-weight, and taller (43 vs 42 in peak). The Dragonfly OSMO 3P is more floor area (41.2 vs 38.5 sq ft). On the default GearScore the FreeLite 3 leads 79 to 77.
Pick the FreeLite 3 if you care most about low weight and space-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Dragonfly OSMO 3P if floor space matter more to you, or you are focused on comfort and room to move.
The MSR FreeLite 3. It is 1 lb lighter than the Dragonfly OSMO 3P.
The NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P. It is more floor area (41.2 vs 38.5 sq ft) than the FreeLite 3.
The MSR FreeLite 3, 79 to 77 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the FreeLite 3 for low weight, or the Dragonfly OSMO 3P for floor space. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.