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Reliable, spacious shelter with improved durability and a genuinely practical layout for three
MSR says:
The perfect adventure basecamp or palatial backcountry shelter for three (or two plus a pup), the Elixir 3 tent is durable and fully featured for maximum camp comfort.
The Inside: The interior is a roomy 41 sq. feet (3.79 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: Feel cramped no more with the Elixir 3, which has plenty of space and features whether you’re camping with your crew or a furry friend.
Our Verdict
The MSR Elixir 3P Tent continues to prioritise comfort and durability, with the latest update further refining its long-term performance. The updated fabrics and coatings are designed to improve longevity, extending the lifespan of the fly and floor. In real use, that brings more confidence in damp conditions, where PU coatings have traditionally been a weak point.
The true rectangular floor is a clear strength. It accommodates three wide mats without awkward overlap, and the added width makes it easier to organise kit inside. The internal space feels open, with good headroom across the tent and enough room to sit up and move around. Storage is well thought out, with multiple pockets and overhead space helping keep smaller items organised. Dual vestibules give separate areas for gear, while the included footprint helps protect the floor over time.
Pitching remains straightforward. The colour-coded system and updated fly attachments create a more stable pitch, with less adjustment needed to get everything properly tensioned. It is still an inner-first design, but once it's up, the structure feels solid and well-supported.
Ventilation is well balanced. The mix of mesh and solid fabric allows airflow without feeling too exposed, and the updated kickstand vents improve air movement through the fly. Condensation is well managed in this style of tent, though conditions will always play a role.
At 2694g for the fly, inner and poles, it is not aimed at saving weight. The focus is on durability, usable space, and straightforward setup, and the updates reinforce that without altering the tent's overall feel.
- 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: 1038g
- Inner weighs: 963g
- Poles weigh: 693g
- Total weight: 2694g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x 10 weigh: 164g
- Footprint weight: 301g
Dimensions:
- Floor + Vestibule: 3.8 + 1.41 sq. m (41 + 15 sq. ft)
- Interior Peak Height: 109 cm (43 in)
- Capacity: 3
Material & Construction
- Poles: (2) 7000 series aluminum
- Rainfly Fabric: 75D ripstop poly 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
