Tiger Wall UL3 Bikepack

The Elixir is a great tent - is pretty tough while still being on the lighter side compared to standard or cheap tents. I’ve had one for 5+ years and taken it on portage trips and car camping trips and it holds up well. The 2 is a good size for one person and some gear, and I bought a 3 to camp with my gf. My only reason for changing tents was weight. I recently sold both of them and upgraded to a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3, a much lighter tent to make portaging and backpacking easier. They are a bit more delicate feeling than the elixir, so I am more gentle with them. The Elixir is the kind of tent people live in while tree planting for many seasons in a row. The single zipper door design on the Elixir is nicer / smoother to operate than the Tiger Wall. The fly also opens closer to the door, so it’s easier to get in and out, whereas the Tiger Wall you have to lean out pretty far to close or open the fly. My friend who is also a gear head bought the nature hike tent - he’s had it many years and it’s worked well. Basically an MSR quality tent without the brand name. Just make sure it’s not “used” and being sold as “new” - hold the fly up to the sky and loom through it to check the waterproof coating / pour water on it before your first trip to make sure. Use your footprint and it will last many years! TLDR; the Elixir is a great tent - buy it!

Also dad of a 7 and 10 year old. The tigerwall UL 3 is a spacious tent for 2 25-inch pads and a good tent for 3 20-inch pads. It’s a snug fit, but bumping up another size incurred a size/weight penalty that wasn’t worth it to me. I also have the copper spur 5 for when mom comes.  I have 3 of the previous model insulated nemo tensor, 20-inch, rectangular. The tigerwall fits those.

Always sharing. I have a three person tiger wall for me and a kid (or both kids). I have 3 20 inch pads (last model Nemo tensors) when it’s both kids. For one kid, we use two wide REI helix pads (25 inch). If all 4 of us go, then I bring a 5 person copper spur, and then it’s 2 helix and 2 tensors. I use a quilt, but my wife and kids are all in sleeping bags. Solo, I mostly stick to my plex solo (with wide helix and quilt).  I carry most of the gear under any group configuration. The 5 person tent is tough. I like the copper spur, but any tent that fits 4 is going to be a pain in the ass. The tiger wall 3UL is not too bad, poles and all. Be mindful of usable space. If you share a 2 person tent, it may limit your pad selection. 

I used tiger wall ul3 for our thru We loved it. Highly recommend this tent.

My husband (6'2", 160lb) and I (5'4", 130lb) had the same debate earlier this year before a 4 night walk in Kings Canyon area. Like you said, the weight difference is not so much, and you get to share the load for the food, cookware, etc. We had been in a 2p UL Nemo for years. Now we picked the 3p UL big Agnes Tiger Wall and were so happy with the decision. The extra space was really comfortable, and we didn't have trouble finding level spots. We also had a very wet, rainy day in the middle of our walk and the space was like a god send. Definitely get the 3p.

Don't go for a dual sleeping bag! Especially if one of you likes to hog blankets. After some trial and error we landed on: Individual bags/quilts and pads. We went with a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 tent and it is perfect for backpacking. Semi free standing so you can almost always make it work. I'd like to try hammocks at some point, but that's another decent investment to do it right. Plus, sometimes hammocks won't work at sites; especially alpine sites.

Big Agnes has two bike packing specific tents. They're both really good. As stated below, get the two person tent. You'll wonder how a second person could fit in it and it gives you a little space to throw clothes or bags.

I recently bought a Big Agnes "bikepacking" tent. the tent poles are shorter sections so its much easier to pack in side bags or strapped on top as it's shorter overall. BA is a top quality tent- buy the size you need. I bought the 3 person so I would have plenty of room with 2 people in the tent.

I would recommend checking the rei outlet. Since this is a holiday weeekend they will have a members only coupon that can be applied to outlet prices. I bought a great Big Agnes 3 man tent normal price of 300 for about 120. If you are not picky on a specific model it is a great way to get quality gear on the cheap. If you are not a member it's cheap to join and lasts a lifetime.