MSR

Elixir™ 2-Person Backpacking Tent

MSR Elixir™ 2-Person Backpacking Tent

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Overall

#144 in

Camping Tents

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Sentiment score74% positive
14
1
4

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Last updated: Jun 17, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconaerial_hedgehog
2 months ago

I have that tent and use it for car camping. It is a very high quality tent, and comfortable for two people. Have been using it regularly for about 4 years now and it is holding up well. The tent weighs 5-6 lbs, which is fairly light and small as a car camping tent (doesn't take up much space in the car), but is quite heavy for a backpacking tent. It still could be used as a backpacking tent, but it is worth considering if you can find something a bit lighter. There are good options out there for sturdy freestanding tents in the 3 lb range. You'd likely be happier carrying one of those, rather than the Elixir.  Big Agnes makes some nice backpacking tents that are popular, but the lighter weight ones tend to be a bit more expensive than the Elixir. See if you can find one on sale? Cost vs weight is a factor to consider, depending on your budget and use case.

Reddit IconAncient_Total_7611
8 months ago

I have an elixir 2 and hubba nx 1 and rarely use them. Subpar tents where you’re paying for the brand name. I have a xmid 1 solid which I much prefer but it’s by no means a 4 season tent. Maybe look at the new Fjern Stormgrotta when it’s back in stock. It looks like it can take a beating and you can’t beat it for £160.

Reddit IconBuildWithClouds
10 months ago

Hi, I’m new to Reddit (first post), so sorry if this doesn’t follow some rule I don’t know. TLDR: I need a new tent that fits the requirements at the bottom, any advice, I’m thinking of the Nallo 2 by Hilleberg. Life story: I am a semi-beginner to camping (sub 40 nights in a tent) and even newer to wild camping (though quite experienced at walking/navigation etc) I am looking to get properly into it. I managed 2 successful trips this summer (total of 3 nights). However, I attempted to go up more recently in stronger winds (partially as a test). My tent is an MSR elixir 2. Unfortunately it was no where near strong enough for the wind, and despite being pitched well, a pole bent and the whole tent collapsed in on itself. While it popped back up again after the gust, it was no longer standing properly and also was now weaker to future wind. I therefore decided to abort and walked the few kilometres back to my car. While I never felt that I was in danger (always had an easy escape option) I want to be able to camp in high winds. I therefore am looking for a decent tent (happy to spend a decent amount of money) that can survive whatever the UK can throw at it. I am presently thinking of a hilleberg Nallo 2, but am undecided. Requirements: - able to take anything the uk has to throw at it - reasonably light (ideally less than 3kg) - actually a 2 man (not like 1 and a tiny person) Thankyou in advance for any help :)

Reddit IconFluffy-Steak4475
10 months ago

The MSR Elixer 3 would work and has a unique yet intuitive pole design that is incredibly strong in high wind. I have an Elixer 2 and it has held up without fail in many wind and rain storms.

Reddit Iconkaur_virunurm
10 months ago

MSR Elixir 2 person version. I have one and I love it. I also have a very experienced friend (has done 8k and 7k summits, and trekked pretty much all over the world) who claims that this is the best overall tent for mountain hiking. It ticks all your requirements. MSR has many rather similar models. I also have Hubba Hubba and we like it, but it's not higher altitudes - it is lighter but less sturdy (different pole setup) and colder (more mesh).

7 months ago

I have MSR Elixir and I think this is suitable. Trekking tents are always a compromise - weight vs space vs strength. We are going to Sarek in February / March. What is your destination...? The more visited trails (Kungsleden, Helags-Sylarna area) have the luxury of retreating to a STF cottage in case of a serious storm or incident.

7 months ago

MSR Elixir has double pole structure and is thus rather sturdy in winds. Double entrance comes handy in blizzards. The setup is reasonably easy. It is not very lightweight though. I have done Abisko-Nikkaluokta three times in winter. Here is some advice: \- Take more time than suggested. 8 days is ideal in my opinion. More than that and you will get bored with the snow. Less than that and you cannot do the interesting side trails. \- Start from Katterjokk or Riksgränsen, not Abisko Tourist station, and spend your first two days in the valley west from Kungsleden, at the border of Norway and Sweden. Why so? Less crowed. No snowmobile track. Much more serene. \- Do a detour to Nallo. Either from Alesjaure (Alesjaure - Vistas - Nallo - Sälka) or from Tjäktja (Tjäktja - Nallo - Sälka). \- Do a detour to Tarfala, from the Kebnekaise base station. \- Explore options to summit Kebnekaise - I have not been at the summit in winter, but it should be possible, the Kebnekaise mountain station would know. \- Spend one night in a STF house with sauna. This is part of the Lappish experience that you cannot get in tents. Unna Allakas, Vistas, Sälka have saunas IIRC. Part of the fun is making the firewood yourself and heating the place up. The main route (Abisko - Singi - Nikkaluokta) has become so popular that skiing on it does not do the neighbourhood proper justice. Side valleys give you the real feeling. No snowmobile tracks, no large guided groups, just you.

Reddit Iconli_greeny
11 months ago

I have the MSR Elixir 2 which is right in the line for your budget. I've found it to do really well in some very wet conditions and a reasonable amount of wind in the UK (Scafell). It's not super lightweight but manageable, as others have said here I've also looked at Robens and recently bought their Klondike for the family. I really like their stuff. Otherwise, Snugpak does a good single person Bivvi coupled with a lightweight DD tarp and some trekking poles it's quite the setup. I've used that in the winter down to -5°C in the snow.

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