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MSR FreeLite 2 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp is the lighter option — 681 g lighter than the MSR FreeLite 2 (83% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
MSR FreeLite 2
820 g
Ultralight 2-person freestanding tent. Excellent weight-to-livability ratio.
Full details →Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
139 g
Minimalist DCF tarp shelter at 139g. Provides 7x9 ft coverage with 8 tie-out loops. Best for experienced tarpers in fair weather.
Check price Full details →MSR FreeLite 2 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp wins — at 139 g it is 681 g (83%) lighter than the MSR FreeLite 2 (820 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest shelter page, or browse the full gear weight database.