MSR Elixir 4 Person Tent & Footprint

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The MSR Elixir 4 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

Featuring generous headroom and an optimized floor area that sleeps four comfortably, the Elixir 4 tent offers the livability you want for the whole group, whether you’re taking your friends backcountry camping or your family on a wilderness canoe trip. Two large StayDry^™ doors provide easy access, while new larger vestibules let you store lots of gear. Breathable mesh fabric is balanced with solid canopy fabric to provide more privacy, and storm-ready, adjustable guy lines are pre-attached on the rainfly to offer extra stability when needed. The easy-to-assemble, freestanding tent comes with plenty of extras, including an MSR Footprint and built-in attic gear lofts.

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 four 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: 4 person
• Floor & Vestibule area: 5.02 + 2.27 sq m (54 + 24.5 sq ft)
• Livable volume: 3285 + 850 L (116 + 30 cu ft)
• Interior peak height: 1.21m (48 in)
• Poles: 2 x 7000 Series Aluminium poles
• Packed size: 56 x 17 cm

Weights

• Flysheet weighs: 1168g
• Inner weighs: 1182g
• Poles weigh: 1034g
• Total weight: 3384g (excludes pegs, bags & footprint)
• Pegs x12 weigh: 186g
• Footprint weighs: 336g

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:

• Choosing a Tent
• Hydrostatic Head
• About MSR
• MSR Tent Buying Guide