Two tents worth lining up side by side. On the data the ProTrail Li is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the FreeLite 1 still fits your budget or priorities.
| Tarptent ProTrail Li | MSR FreeLite 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 80✓ | 70 |
| Capacity | 1 | 1 |
| Packed weight | 15.9 oz✓ | 26.0 oz |
| Floor area | 21 sq ft✓ | 20 sq ft |
| Space-to-weight | 21.1 /lb✓ | 12.3 /lb |
| Peak height | 45 in✓ | 39 in |
| Doors | 1 | 1 |
| Vestibules | 1 | 1 |
| Price | $499 | $440✓ |
| Type | Ultralight | Ultralight |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: ProTrail Li in blue, FreeLite 1 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 Tarptent ProTrail Li and MSR FreeLite 1 take different routes to the same job. The ProTrail Li is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the FreeLite 1 makes its case on price.
The ProTrail Li is 10 oz lighter, more floor area (21 vs 20 sq ft), and better space-to-weight. The FreeLite 1 is $59 cheaper. On the default GearScore the ProTrail Li leads 80 to 70.
Pick the ProTrail Li if you care most about low weight and floor space, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the FreeLite 1 if price matter more to you, or you are focused on getting the most for your money.
The Tarptent ProTrail Li. It is 10 oz lighter than the FreeLite 1.
The Tarptent ProTrail Li. It is more floor area (21 vs 20 sq ft) than the FreeLite 1.
The Tarptent ProTrail Li, 80 to 70 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The ProTrail Li is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the FreeLite 1 if price is your priority.