In-depth review
MSR Elixir 2 Review (2027)
In-depth review of the MSR Elixir 2: rectangular floor space, peak height, setup, weather protection, and who should buy it.
MSR Elixir 2
MSR's do-everything two-person tent with a true rectangular floor and a footprint in the box.
Our verdict
The Elixir 2 is the most versatile two-person tent in its price tier. Its true rectangular floor uses all 30 square feet honestly, the two-door layout removes the classic two-person tent annoyance, and MSR includes the footprint most rivals sell separately. It is not an ultralight tent, but as a do-everything shelter for car camping and real backpacking alike, it is the easiest recommendation in this guide.
What we like
- True rectangular floor plan uses every inch of its 30 sq ft
- Two doors and two large vestibules eliminate crawl-over-your-partner exits
- Footprint included in the box, a rare mid-tier inclusion
- Mesh and solid fabric body balances airflow with wind and dust protection
What to watch out for
- Heavier than ultralight backpacking rivals
- 40 in peak height is average for the class
- 30 sq ft floor is snug for two larger sleepers
What owners report: MSR Elixir 2
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- A true rectangular floor uses corners that tapered tents waste, so pads fit without overlap
- Separate vestibules give each person a place for boots and a pack
- Having the footprint included makes the first pitch on rough ground less worrying
Common complaints
- Carrying it on long backpacking trips reminds owners it is not an ultralight tent
- Peak height is serviceable rather than spacious for taller campers
- Two broad sleepers will find the rectangular floor snug despite its efficient shape
Who it is for
Car campers, festival goers, and backpackers who want one tent that handles weekends at the campground and multi-day trips on the trail.
Space and livability
The Elixir 2's floor is a true rectangle, 84 inches long with a 30 square foot area, so the space at your feet is the same as at your head, unlike tapered designs that quote width only at the shoulders. The 40 inch peak height lets most campers sit up to change, and two doors with two large vestibules give each sleeper private entry and gear storage, a layout that matters more every night of a trip.
Setup and weather protection
The freestanding pole architecture clips together intuitively, and the included footprint enables a fast-pitch setup with fly and footprint only. The tent body mixes mesh with solid fabric panels, a balance that ventilates on warm nights and blocks wind-blown dust and spindrift better than full-mesh rivals. Guy out all points in exposed sites, as with any three-season design.
Weight and value
The Elixir 2 is a mid-weight tent: light enough to split between two backpackers for genuine trail use, heavy enough that solo ultralight hikers should look at the 3 lb 2 oz Copper Spur HV UL2 instead. At its list price with the footprint included, the value equation is strong, since the footprint alone is a separate purchase with most rivals.
Key specifications
- Capacity
- 2-person
- Floor area
- 30 sq ft
- Floor length
- 84 in
- Peak height
- 40 in
- Doors / vestibules
- 2 doors, 2 vestibules
Also consider
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The backpacking benchmark: full two-person livability at barely 3 pounds.
Why consider it: Far lighter for backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
- Capacity: 2-person
- Trail weight: 3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg)
Coleman Sundome 2
The budget car-camping tent that outsells everything else for a reason.
Why consider it: Costs far less if you only ever camp within sight of the car.
- Capacity: 2-person
- Weight: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can two large adults fit in the Elixir 2?
Yes. The rectangular 84-inch floor fits two standard pads without the foot-end squeeze of tapered tents, and the 40 inch peak height accommodates sitting up. Broad sleepers will still find it cozy, as in any true two-person tent.
Is the Elixir 2 good for backpacking?
Yes, especially split between two people. It is a genuine three-season backpacking tent, simply not an ultralight one; ounce counters should step up to the Copper Spur class.
Does it come with a footprint?
Yes, the footprint is included in the box. It enables a fast-pitch setup with fly and footprint only, and protects the floor on abrasive ground.