MSR Tents: Elixir 2 Overview

Ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities, the new MSR Elixir 2 backpacking tent offers more livability features than other leading tents while being as lightweight or lighter at 2.10 kg (4 lb 10 oz). Unlike many tents in its class, the freestanding Elixir 2 tent has two large doors, two large vestibules for storing gear and true-to-size capacity for two. The 3-season tent balances breathable mesh with solid fabric, and an included footprint allows for multiple setup options.

[gazzaclarkson]

Just arrived here in late 2019, having bought one of these tents in the UK last week. The UK version is green, but mine was actually the US version - red doors and grey outer. I like that colour, so no problem there. But note they HAVE to include a footprint, not because it's a nice giveaway, but because the floor of the inner tent inexplicably has a seam running right down the length of it ! I can't believe an inner tent floor is not made of a single piece of fabric, like every other tent I've used.


However, you can put up the outer first, then lay down the footprint, then hook up the inner, in that order, so that it can be erected in rain while keeping both the footprint and inner tent dry. It's just a bit tricky. This is also a HEAVY tent, not a light one - 6lbs (2.7Kg) is very heavy. But you get lots of usable room - the headroom and footroom at both ends is very good, and allows you to have a thick mat, big feet, and huge sleeping bag one on top of the other, without pushing through the inner to the outer. I am 6ft 3 inches tall, and this is a good 1-man tent for me. You can also fit 2 in it for sleeping, as the inner is roomy enough, and you have 2 porches for gear. Overall, I like the design. I don't like the curved zips though - they will not last long, I think. And although ventilation is good, you cannot open/close the outer (rain fly) ventilation from the inside, as there is no zipped/velcro-locked access from the inner - you have to do it from outside. Finally, you really do need to tie down the tent with the so-called "optional" guys - without these, the tent is not going to cope well in a moderate wind (i.e. normal summer/autumn in Wales, let alone winter).

[MSRGear]

+thestrid82 The Elixir has two guy points, one on either end of the fly.  In addition, there are toggles on the vestibules that can be used as guy points as well.  We’ve not tested the Elixir in 90mph winds as it’s not an expedition-level tent, but when guyed out properly the Elixir will perform well in windy conditions.

[pepsi]

The footprint should cover the whole area of the rain fly, if you put bags outside of the living space, they get wet

I bought a tarp (which was cheaper) and had it cut to size, worked pefect

[robertmosurinjohn]

Ventilation is very important, but tents with inner body mesh at head end should have roll up bug barriers to prevent bugs swarming head heat and carbon dioxide exhalation .. lots of annoying BUZZ at those times.  The roll up barrier should be at foot end also, in case a person sets tent wrong and has to switch head to foot end.

[williampifer]

Last MSR elixir we bought had a leaking fly, not seam sealed at the factory, and no sealant supplied in the package.
Very disappointed

[jeffmyers]

Can you set up the fly and footpring first (to stay dry)
 and then set the tent up?

[lenkiewitcz]

Recently bought this tent and have to say i love it, although i was wondering is there a way of adding a porch like with the Hubba? 

[pepsi]

How do you repair a broken pole on the MSR Elixir 2 ? the end of mine split, I can sleeve it unless I dismantle all the poles, I could cut he split end off, but then the pole will be shorter and there is no saying it wont happen againI thought there could be a small sleeve at the end of each pole where the other poles goes into it, it would strengthen the poles

[oudpadnimail]

I bought the MSR Elixir 2 tent in 2016. Since then, I have had it outside about 6 times, although I took care of the tent according to the manufacturer's instructions, after five years the tape on the seam completely disintegrated and the PU coating of the cannopy completely decomposed. So if you want to drop your overpriced MSR tent every five years and buy a new one, this is the way to go.

[wellingtonbomber]

Does anyone know what backpack he is using?

[johnsnyder]

The rounded door entrances are garbage. Zippers tend to break to easily