Elixir 3 Person Tent & Footprint

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The MSR Elixir 3 Tent is the most liveable 3 person backpacking tent in it’s class, although this does mean it’s a little heavier compared to similar sized tents. All Elixir models have been updated to make them more comfortable and even easier to set-up. 

MSR says

With all the features you expect from MSR, the freestanding Elixir 3 tent offers campers and backpackers an extremely livable backpacking tent at a great value. The tent design provides plenty of headroom and space for three full-size adults and their mats, two large doors for easy entry, and new larger vestibules with 35% more storage space.

Balancing breathable mesh fabric with solid canopy fabric, the 3-season Elixir 3 tent provides ventilation, warmth and privacy, while the included footprint offers multiple setup options, including a freestanding Fast & Light pitch with rainfly.

Our Verdict

All MSR Elixir Tents have been updated with larger vestibules, built-in gear lofts, glow-in-the-dark zippers and an easy-to-find red vestibule door (grey model only). They now also feature laser-etched, directional pole-end grommets and colour-coded poles for a fast and easy set-up.

The Elixir Tents combine MSR design and quality with lightweight rather than ultra lightweight materials to produce a series of tents that perform well but are heavier and less costly than MSR’s leading edge products.

The tents are still all MSR in terms of its quality of materials, design and construction, there’s no compromise on performance but there is on weight. The Elixir series is heavier than similar sized MSR tents because they’re made with slightly heavier materials, heavier also means cheaper (in our world), so MSR have produced an excellent and relatively inexpensive tent where the only compromise is its weight.

Overall an ideal option for backpackers seeking easy-to-assemble tents at a great value.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Livable: Unique pole geometry optimizes headroom and fits three mats; adaptable rainfly allows for excellent views; built-in gear lofts and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls enhance livability.
• Fast & Light Setup: Includes an MSR Elixir Footprint that allows for a lightweight Fast & Light setup with rainfly.
• Easy Setup: Freestanding system features color-coded poles, clips and webbing, plus red vestibules for fast and easy setup.
• Privacy: Mesh and solid fabric panels offer ventilation, warmth and privacy.

Specifications

• Capacity: 3 person
• Floor & Vestibule area: 3.67 + 2.22 sq m (29.5 + 24 sq ft)
• Livable volume: 1784 + 708 L (63 + 25 cu ft)
• Interior peak height: 1.04m (41 in)
• Poles: 2 x 7000 Series Aluminium poles

Weights

• Flysheet weighs: 914g
• Inner weighs: 890g
• Poles weigh: 696g
• Total weight: 2500g
• Pegs x12 weigh: 188g
• Footprint weighs: 252g

Fabric

• Flysheet: 68D ripstop polyester, 1500mm HH Polyurethane & DWR
• Inner Tent: 40D ripstop nylon DWR / 20D Micromesh
• Floor: 70D taffeta nylon, 3000mm HH polyurethane & DWR
• 12 MSR Hook Tent Stakes

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
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• About MSR
• MSR Tent Buying Guide