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Reliable, spacious shelter with improved durability and a genuinely practical layout for two
MSR says:
A spacious and durable backcountry shelter, the Elixir 2 is the perfect first backpacking tent or versatile adventure basecamp.
The Inside: The interior is a roomy 30 sq. feet (2.82 sq. m) so you can stretch out in camp. It easily accommodates modern wide sleeping pads without overlap thanks to the true rectangular floor. The tent body is a mix of mesh and solid fabric for the perfect blend of breathability and privacy. The no-curve tent doors feature zippers that are easy to use with one hand. They also zip closed to a single point so you always know where to open the door, even in the dark. Tech-friendly pockets feature cable ports at the corners for headphones and charging cords. Large overhead gear loft pockets are perfect for headlamps, sunglasses, and other quick-access items.
The Outside: The color-coded pole and clip design makes setup easy. Strong aluminum poles, a PFAS-free water-repellent coating and taped seams keep the Elixir stable and dry. The rainfly features large vestibules for storing any gear you don’t want inside. The easy in-and-out vestibule doors feature StayDry™ rain gutters to catch any drips, while the updated kickstand vents add even more airflow. Premium metal corner hardware is easy to use and super durable for years of use.
The Bottom Line: With more than enough room for you and your adventure partner, the Elixir 2 will feel like a backcountry mansion wherever you set up camp.
Our Verdict
The MSR Elixir 2P Tent remains a comfort-focused option, and the latest update refines what it already does well. The updated fabrics and coatings are designed to improve longevity, extending the lifespan of the fly and floor. In real use, that means better reliability in damp conditions, where PU coatings have traditionally been a weak point.
The true rectangular floor is a clear highlight, accommodating two wide mats without overlap, which. The internal space is very livable, offering consistent headroom and enough width to organise gear. There are plenty of pockets to help with organisation. Dual vestibules provide separate storage, while the included footprint helps protect the tent floor.
Pitching remains straightforward. The colour-coded system and updated fly attachments create a more stable pitch, requiring less adjustment to achieve a tort pitch. It is still an inner-first design, but once up, the structure feels stable and well supported.
Ventilation is well balanced. The mix of mesh and solid fabric provides airflow without feeling too exposed, and the updated kickstand vents improve airflow through the fly. Condensation is well managed in this style of tent, though conditions will always play a part.
At 2276g for the fly, inner and poles, it is not aimed at cutting weight. The focus is on durability, usable space and straightforward setup, and the updates reinforce that direction without changing the overall character of the tent.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- So Much Room: Bring your pack inside, roll around, sit up, and sleep on a 25-inch (63.5-cm) mattress, no problem at all.
- Privacy & Ventilation: A mix of solution-dyed mesh and solid fabric panels offers a balance of ventilation, warmth, and privacy.
- Easy Setup: Freestanding design, color-coded poles and webbing, and included footprint make for fast and intuitive setup; easy-to-find, no-curve door zips for quick entry and exit.
- Premium Luxury: Large StayDry™ door, kickstand-vented fly, large side-entry vestibule, and premium metal corner hardware for lasting performance.
- Stay Organized: Large gear loft for overhead storage and cable ports on all pockets for easy cord management.
Specifications
Weights:
- Flysheet weighs: 876g
- Inner weighs: 780g
- Poles weigh: 617g
- Total weight: 2276g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x 10 weigh: 164g
- Footprint weight: 236g
Dimensions:
- Floor + Vestibule: 2.8 + 1.41 sq. m (30 + 15 sq. ft)
- Interior Peak Height: 104 cm (41 in)
- Capacity: 2
Material & Construction
- Poles: (2) DAC NFL 8.7mm
- Rainfly Fabric: 75D ripstop polyester 1500mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR
- Canopy Fabric: 20D nylon micromesh / 40D ripstop polyester & PFAS-free DWR
- Floor Fabric: 75D taffeta polyester 3000mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR
