The MSR Elixir 4-person tent offers a compelling blend of spaciousness and weather resilience, making it an attractive option for group camping trips, particularly in challenging conditions. This review delves into the tent's key features, examining its weight, build quality, and overall usability. We'll explore whether its substantial weight is offset by its exceptional performance in harsh weather and its thoughtfully designed interior. Expect an honest assessment weighing the pros and cons to help you determine if the Elixir is the right fit for your camping adventures.This in-depth look at the MSR Elixir will cover its performance during rigorous testing, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. From its ability to withstand extreme weather to the convenience of its storage solutions and ventilation, we analyze every aspect to provide a comprehensive understanding of this four-person tent. Ultimately, we aim to provide you with the information you need to decide if the Elixir’s robust construction and ample space justify its considerable weight.
Pros And Cons
- Very strong and reliable
- Lots of ventilation
- Two doors
- Star pattern vent on ceiling for stargazing
- Two massive pockets on side panels
- Four additional pockets on ceiling for quick access to items
- Withstood wind, rain, and a helicopter landing nearby
- Heavy (9 lb 4 oz)
- Side panels bow inward, leading to moisture buildup
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Weight and Setup
The MSR Elixir 4-person tent boasts a weight of 9 lbs 4 oz, which is considerably heavy for a backcountry tent. This makes transporting it a two-person job at minimum, with one person carrying the tent body, one the poles and ideally another person for the flysheet.
While it might be a bit of a burden for backpacking, the spacious design makes it worth the weight for multi-person trips. The additional space is particularly useful for hanging clothes after a wet day.
This extra capacity outweighs the extra weight carried especially in situations where you need more room. A well organized packing system and a strategic approach to load sharing makes this a manageable issue.
Weather Resistance and Stability
The MSR Elixir truly shines in its weather resistance. During testing in Tombstone, it withstood strong winds, rain, and even a helicopter landing nearby without budging. It’s incredibly sturdy and reliable.
This makes it a superb option for those who venture into areas with unpredictable weather conditions. Even if not in extreme weather conditions, it provides a reassuring sense of security.
The stability and resilience of the tent is a very important factor when assessing its overall worth.
Ventilation and Features
The tent features two doors and ample ventilation. Removing the fly sheet reveals a star-pattern vent on the ceiling, perfect for stargazing on clear nights. This thoughtful design ensures excellent airflow throughout the tent.
It also includes multiple pockets—two large ones on the side panels and four smaller ones on the ceiling for quick access to gear like headlamps or phones. This thoughtful storage solution enhances overall organization.
These extra details makes this tent very user friendly, providing useful features that elevate the camping experience.
Drawbacks and Overall Assessment
The only notable drawback is the side panels, which bow inward slightly, leading to some moisture buildup. Improving this area would make the tent near perfect.
Despite this minor issue, the MSR Elixir 4-person tent is a sturdy, reliable option with excellent weather resistance and features. The spacious interior and numerous storage pockets are significant advantages.
However, its weight requires careful consideration of load-sharing among users. Although a little heavy, its durability and comfort outweigh the carrying difficulty for serious campers.