Design
The Elixir 2 is MSR’s entry-level two-person backpacking tent, and MSR pitches it as a first tent for people
getting into overnight trips. It is fully freestanding on two 7000-series aluminum poles, with
color-coded poles and webbing to make pitching straightforward. The box includes the tent body, rainfly,
poles, a footprint, 10 hook stakes, guylines and a stuff sack.
Fabrics lean toward durability rather than low weight. The rainfly is 75D ripstop polyester with a 1500 mm
coating, the floor is 75D taffeta polyester with a 3000 mm coating, and the inner tent mixes 20D nylon
micromesh with 40D ripstop polyester. All carry a PFAS-free DWR. There are two side doors, each with its
own vestibule.
Size and weight in context
MSR lists a minimum trail weight of 5 lb 2 oz and a packaged weight of 6 lb 3 oz. The floor is 84 x 52 inches, for 30 sq ft, with 15 sq ft of total vestibule space
and 41 inches of peak height. It packs to about 20 x 6.5 inches.
That is more than double the listed minimum weight of the
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, which uses 15D fabrics and a
semi-freestanding frame. Other two-person tents on the site include the
MSR Hubba Hubba NX,
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P and
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. Compare them on the
tent comparison page.
Who it suits
The Elixir 2 fits beginners, scout groups, and anyone doing shorter trips where a sturdier, roomier tent
matters more than a few pounds. The listed floor is a full 84 x 52 inches with no taper noted, which helps
when two people share it. Hikers covering long miles will likely want something lighter. For notes on
season ratings, see 3-season vs 4-season tents.
Sources
- MSR (Cascade Designs) — Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent product page, specifications (manufacturer, accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- REI — MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint listing, technical specs (retailer, accessed Oct 7, 2026)