MSR Elixir 2 tent review: the do-it-all backpacking tent
A good tent is the difference between weathering a wet, windy night and cutting a trip short. The MSR Elixir 2 is the shelter we point committed backpackers to when the entry-level tents start to feel limiting: freestanding, genuinely weatherworthy, and shipped with a footprint in the box.
The verdict
A durable, weather-ready two-person tent that pitches fast and comes with a footprint most brands make you buy. Two doors and two vestibules make real-world nights livable. It is heavier than an ultralight shelter — that is the trade for the toughness.
What it does
The Elixir 2 is a freestanding, three-season backpacking tent built around an interlinked pole set with a floating spreader that opens up head and shoulder room. It has two doors and two vestibules, so two people are not climbing over each other, and it ships with a matched footprint — a custom-cut groundsheet that goes under the tent to shield its floor from abrasion and punctures. The rainfly and bathtub floor are built to shed weather, and colour-coded poles and clips make setup quick even the first time.
What verified buyers say
Across verified-purchase reviews, the themes are consistent:
- Built to last. Owners repeatedly praise the burly materials and stitching, calling it a tent that shrugs off seasons of use where cheaper shelters wear out.
- Holds weather well. Buyers report staying dry and stable through rain and wind, crediting the full-coverage fly and solid pole geometry.
- Fast, foolproof pitch. The colour-coded poles and clips draw specific praise — it goes up quickly and correctly even for newer campers.
- Footprint included. Reviewers note the bundled footprint as real added value, since most competitors sell it separately.
Worth knowing
The honest trade-off is weight: at roughly five to six pounds packaged, the Elixir is a durable tent, not an ultralight one. Gram-counters on long thru-hikes will want something lighter and pricier. As with any double-wall tent, pitch the fly taut and vent it to keep condensation down on cool, damp nights.
Who it is for
If you have outgrown a bargain tent and want one shelter to trust for years of weekend and week-long trips, the Elixir 2 is the sweet spot of durability, weather protection, and value. Ultralight backpackers counting every ounce should look elsewhere, and first-timers on a tight budget can start with a simpler tent — but for the committed hiker, this is a buy-once shelter.
Specs at a glance
Type: freestanding 3-season, 2-person · Doors: 2 doors, 2 vestibules · Included: matched footprint · Packaged weight: ~5–6 lb · Best for: durable weekend & multi-day backpacking
The Verdict
The MSR Elixir 2 is the tent to grow into: tough, weather-ready, and easy to live with, with a footprint already in the box. Carry the weight penalty happily in exchange for a shelter that will not quit. Newer to backpacking or on a budget? Start with our Kelty Discovery Trail 2 review, then read how to choose and set up a safe campsite and stay warm through a cold night.
Wilderness Experts is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.
