How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
MSRÂ Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The 3-season MSR Elixir 2 tent combines generous living space with lightweight backcountry performance to create a durable, comfortable wilderness shelter for you and your backpacking buddy.
Shop newer version- Lightweight design weighs in at just 4 lbs. 10 oz.—or set up a minimalist shelter with the rainfly, poles and included footprint for only 3 lbs. 9 oz.
- Unique pole geometry optimizes head and elbow room for livable space and fits two 25 in. wide mats (sold separately); adaptable rainfly allows for excellent view
- 2 large doors and vestibules offer easy access
- Freestanding system features color-coded poles, clips and webbing for fast and easy setup
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 3 lbs. 9 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 13 oz. |
| Packed Size | 7 x 20 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 84 x 50 inches |
| Floor Area | 29 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 8.75 + 8.75 square feet |
| Peak Height | 40 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 3 |
| Pole Material | DAC aluminum |
| Pole Diameter | 9.3 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | 20-denier nylon micromesh / 40-denier ripstop nylon |
| Floor Fabric | 70-denier coated nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68-denier coated ripstop polyester |
| Footprint Included | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
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cjp0826
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Great tent
7 years ago
Love this tent, I've had it for a little over a year now and it's pretty much seen everything from dust storms, heavy downpours to 30-40 mph wind gusts and it's still standing. I carry a two person because I enjoy the extra space and for now I don't mind carrying the extra weight, but it will fit two comfortably specially with the vestibules. My only complaint would be is that I wish the rain fly had a little bit better ventilation, its adequate but not great, I've had some moisture on really cool nights.......but I've have yet to find the perfect tent.
Yes , I recommend this product
Nicholas
Québec, Canada
Excellent tent!
7 years ago
I purchased the Elixir 2 two years ago and after a lot of use (40+ nights) I can say it is a great tent! It went through intense windstorms (90 km/h wind gusts, that was no fun, but it held), heavy downpours, light snow, high humidity hot summer nights... Overall it performed well over my expectations! It never leaked, nothing ever broke and condensation was never an issue. I've been using it on a roadtrip around iceland, on multiple bicycle tours, on backpacking excursions and thru-hiking trips and I am now looking to upgrade to it's lighter sister the Freelite 2 because the Elixir is a bit on the heavy side for backpacking and bicycle touring.
Yes , I recommend this product
Northern States Backbacker
Minneapolis, MN, United States
The pole broke!
10 years ago
When I first got this tent, I put it up twice in the basement and twice in the back yard with no problem. But the first time I put it up in the field, the male joint ripped through the female joint in the middle section of the red tube, leaving a 1.25 inch lengthwise tear. Luckily, I was able to make it work with the stent provided, otherwise, the pole would not have maintained its arch and the tent would not have stood up. I compared these poles to poles on my older tents and saw that the new poles are made of a thinner metal, with no reinforcements at the joints. The tent is not really freestanding, as stakes are needed for the vestibules. The weight is not really as low as reported: I needed to add 2 stakes and 2 guy ropes to pull out the ends of the rainfly with vents; and to add inside pockets. On the plus side, the tent stayed dry during rain; it was nice to have extra space in the two vestibules; I could close the vents to keep the tent warmer.
No, I do not recommend this product
ChazC
Alabama
Great design, leaky rainfly
9 years ago
I bought this tent about 10 months ago and it's only been on 4 trips with a total of 8 nights spent in it. However after my most recent trip to the Smokies, the rainfly started to leak and absorb water when it rained for about 12 hours, not badly but enough to make the interior damp. I called Cascade Designs customer service today and was told I could send the rainfly in to be tested, but that would put me without a tent for a month...A FRIGGIN' MONTH!!! That is unacceptable since my goal is to visit at least 20 national parks this year and my next planned trip will be in less than a week.
No, I do not recommend this product
ThatTentGuy
Kansas City, MO, United States
Better than most, far from best
9 years ago
I purchased this tent 6 months ago. It was my first MSR tent. My first expensive tent. I was ecstatic. After taking quite a few backpacking trips a few things dawned on me. This tent is heavy. With the included footprint it is almost 5 pounds packed. The tent has a very hard time getting taught. If you overtighten the rainfly the doors on the inside of the tent are impossible to open and close. Ventilation with the rainfly is very poor and claustrophobic. The stitching thread pops up everywhere. I was constantly pulling off strings. With that all being said. This is an entry level tent for an entry level price. Way better than the coleman you used on a couple trips a year. This tent will last, and it can hold up to severe thunderstorms better than any I have experienced.
Yes , I recommend this product
stoj
Nashville, TN
Fits 2 Giants!
9 years ago
Setting up literally took under 5 minutes the first time, and its so extremely simple and easy. After the first set up, its hard to forget, so it now barely takes 3 minutes to pitch. Its all color-coded, the red poles into the red pole mounts and the gray poles into the gray pole mounts. It is free standing as well, so staking it down and attaching the fly is a breeze. At 6'7", 230 lbs - and my girlfriend at 6' and about 80 lbs lighter than me, we typically do not fit into most places (due to height, not width). Any backpacking two person tent would be a tight fit for the both of us, but this little guy has been good. We use 1.5 inch thick sleeping pads and we slept very comfortably. My feet just touch the walls when laying down, but with my size I don't expect them not to. During winter camping, some condensation appeared and a few drops of water got on the sleeping bags. This is not a complaint, just stating the obvious. Condensation will always occur in the cold temps, so its more about managing it versus trying to eliminate it. This tent fly has two vents across from each other which allow cross draft to help reduce the condensation build up. The fly vestibule doors open from the top or bottom, so you can even create two more cross-vents at the top openings if you prop them open with something such as a stick or twig. The more you open, the more you allow in colder air, so be sure you are equipped with warm gear if you plan to camp in the winter time and utilize these features (common sense). Space is great, and anyone who complains about space in a two-person tent shouldn't be camping. As i already stated, I'm 6'7" and don't fit most places and make do with what the normal-sized-person-world gives me. If I can fit, then you can fit unless you dwarf me in size. If you want some Taj Mahal space then get an RV, backpacking is about the outdoors and not lounging in a tent. I had ample space to change, sit up, and lay down. Thats all you need. If you're backpacking, then space and size will typically have to be sacrificed. This isn't the lightest tent, but for the price, size, and performance you can't beat it. I have not camped with just the fly and footprint, but I have set it up and its obviously much faster than using the entire set-up. This is a great tent by MSR!
Kootr
2 years ago
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product