I've been using the Elixir 2 to shelter a single client on our multi-day Alaska raft trips. The pole design is a reconfiguration of that developed many years ago by Moss tents and dropped from use when MSR purchased Moss. I was happy to see MSR resurrect this approach: It's STRONG, much stronger and more wind resistant than a simple "X". The color coded clips make this baby a snap to set up. Best of all are the sturdy fabrics; 68D rain fly, 70D taffeta floor and 40D canopy make this a sturdy ...and long lasting shelter. Sure, it weights a couple pounds more than a "fast and light" tent, but it won't shred in a high wind and so far I have gotten 3 years of heavy use out of our first batch of the Elixir 2's, and they are going strong.
Picked up the MSR Elixir 2 at the beginning of 2018. Spent 3+ weeks backpacking through Utah for a photography expedition this winter and another 3 weeks backpacking around Colorado for the remainder of the winter and start of spring. It has been a very windy, cold last few months while out backpacking, and the tent has performed beautifully. Very easy/ quick to set up and tear down. Very easy to shake clean during tear down, with poles and ground tarp attached to the body. Has put up with ni...ghts of rain and ice to snow with no leak problems yet. (Still have not been through a summer thunderstorm in it yet) Feels strong enough to take some decent top weight in a snow storm. Vents well with both gear vestibule half open on warmer days. Not the tent to hang out in on a hot day, but it is a 3 season. I love the different tie options for the gear vestibules. Stays anchored in high winds VERY VERY well. While exploring canyons one day away from camp the winds began to roar through the canyons, immediately turned around and bolted back to camp. Gusts in the upper 50s to 60s, tents were anchored on super fine sand, I thought there was no way our camp would be intact. When we got back Buddies REI half dome 2 was hanging on by the last thread, gear bunched in one spot on the side wall and one stake left in the ground with half the tent in a bush. In the MSR Elixir 2, my bag and gear were in the gear vestibule, with only sleeping pad and bag in the tent. It hadn't budged an inch. Both vestibules, and all guide lines were all still taught and holding perfectly. Great piece of mind as for the next 3 days we were stuck in our tents as the winds raged and sand blasted everything. I was comfy other than the non-stop flow of fine dust flowing through the mesh parts of the tent. Would wake up to clear the dust out of my nose and the entire inside of the tent was a reddish orange color of fine dust. Only Complaint is height of mesh at top and bottom could be taller.
Introducing the new 2018 MSR Elixir 2, the ultimate two-person backpacking tent designed for comfort, convenience, and performance. This tent is the dream dwelling for adventurers who value quick assembly, spaciousness, and quality at an unbeatable value.
The Elixir 2 stands out in its class, offering a freestanding design with real two-person capacity, featuring two expansive doors and enlarged vestibules that provide 35% more space for your gear. The balance of breathable mesh fabric and solid canopy fabric ensures ventilation, warmth, and privacy, creating a cozy refuge in any weather conditions.
With the included footprint, you have versatile setup options, including a freestanding Fast & Light pitch with rainfly - perfect for those looking to minimize weight without compromising protection. The Elixir 2 is the perfect remedy for every backpacking adventure, whether it's your first or your next!
Livable: Unique pole geometry optimizes headroom and fits one large mat; adaptable rainfly allows for excellent views; built-in gear lofts and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls enhance livability.
Fast & Light Setup: Includes an MSR Elixir Footprint that allows for a lightweight Fast & Light setup with rainfly.
Easy Setup: Freestanding system features color-coded poles, clips and webbing, plus red vestibules for fast and easy setup.
Privacy: Mesh and solid fabric panels offer ventilation, warmth and privacy.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.