How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

A spacious and durable backcountry shelter, the MSR Elixir 2 tent has plenty of storage options. It's a great first backpacking tent or a versatile adventure basecamp for you and your plus one.
Imported.
View all MSR Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 2 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 6 lbs. 3 oz. |
Packed Size | 6.5 x 20 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 84 x 52 inches |
Floor Area | 30 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 15 square feet |
Peak Height | 41 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | 7000-series aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 20-denier nylon micromesh; 40-denier ripstop polyester with a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) |
Floor Fabric | 75-denier taffeta polyester with 3,000 mm polyether urethane and PFAS-free DWR |
Rainfly Fabric | 75-denier ripstop polyester with 1,500 mm polyether urethane and PFAS-free DWR |
Footprint Included | Yes |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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Bought the 3 person version of this tent several years back and have been extremely impressed with the durability and strength of the tent. Have used it in rain, wind and heavy snow and has never let me down. Got caught in a bad windstorm of around 50 mph winds and somehow the poles did not break. They were bent slightly but the are still usable with no issues. Very impressed with the space it offers as well. Has to be one of the best let tents in the market.
A sturdy tent with innovative features. It can take a little time to set up but I think it pays off with regards to quality. The same is true for the weight/size - I had a much lighter 2 person tent from MSR before this but it was rather delicate whereas this one could survive a small hail storm. Before purchasing, just consider which tradeoff you're willing to go for. If you're looking for quality, this is a strong option.
I just purchased this tent a little over a week ago, and little bugs kept getting into the tent. I searched and discovered that when you zip the tent doors closed, there is still a small amount of open space at the bottom left corners where the two zippers meet up. I’m really surprised that MSR didn’t catch that flaw when they designed this tent.