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MSR Elixir 4 Backpacking Tent

About This Item
Capacity icon

Capacity

Sleeps 4

End Use icon

End Use

Backpacking

Trail Weight icon

Trail Weight

7 - 8 lbs.

DESIGN & DETAILS

  • The MSR Elixir™ 4 Backpacking Tent comes equipped with a polyurethane waterproof coating, enough room to fit four mats, and two doors
  • Pole geometry optimizes headroom with an adaptable rainfly to adjust your outside views along with built-in gear lofts
  • Simple fast-and-light setup with Elixir footproot and rainfly
  • Set-up features color-coded poles, clips and webbing,and red vestibules to aid in a fast setup
  • Solid fabric and mesh panels offer warmth, ventilation, and privacy
  • Includes: Tent body, rainfly, (2) 7000 series aluminum poles, footprint, stakes, guy lines, stuff sack, and setup instructions
  • Rainfly Fabric: 68D ripstop polyester 1500mm Polyurethane & DWR
  • Canopy Fabric: 40D ripstop nylon & DWR
  • Floor Fabric: 70D taffeta nylon 3000mm Polyurethane & DWR
  • Mesh Type: 20D polyester micromesh
  • Web ID: 21MSRULXR4XXXXXXXCAT
  • SKU: 22401700
Sleeping Capacity:4
End Use: Backpacking & Hiking
Season:3
Minimum Trail Weight:7 lbs. 15 oz.
Packed Weight 9 lbs. 6 oz.
Floor Dimensions:88 x 88 in. inches
Peak Height:48 in.
# of Doors:2
Design Type:Freestanding Dome
Packed Size:22 x 7 in.
Floor Area:54 ft²
Vestibule Area:24.5 ft²
Footprint Included:Yes
Number of Poles:2
Pole Material: 7000-series aluminum
Canopy Fabric:Ripstop nylon/nylon mesh
Floor Fabric: 70-denier coated nylon
Rainfly Fabric: 68-denier coated ripstop polyester

REVIEWS

3.3
80%
Recommended

38 Reviews

Want To Love It - But Could Be Improved

I bought these tents for our Outdoor Education Program. I also tested one on our 10-day backcountry canoe and hike family trip (family of 4 and a dog) this summer. They are excellent as a 4 person tent, and the vestibule offers essential extra storage space and shelter to keep gear and boots dry overnight. I like the dimensions and the pockets inside the body of the tent, and the general shape/height and design. The tent needs more ventilation built in to handle 4 warm teenagers, lots of condensation build-up. We have been getting condensation build-up, or water seeping through which starts to drip inside the tent. I have tried adjusting the pole set-up and increasing ventilation - but in cooler temperatures where condensation collects or freezes - a lot of dripping occurs. We have had this occur during a rain event - but I can't figure out if it is condensation or water seeping through. I would alter the fly zipper location - so instead of being along the side of the tent it is one panel out from the tent (where the peg would be to peg out the vestibule). I am also concerned that the zipper quality won't last very long with multiple teenage users (who aren't very delicate with gear, even when taught). I have an older version and have just had a student group break one of the pivot joints (as the main tent poles are connected by two pivot joints that allow for more stability with a two-pole system). Is it possible to replace these joints?

Leaks Like A Sieve

The first time we used our tents it was fantastic! Easy use and rode out a thunderstorm in style. A few years later, we broke out the tent again and all of the tape on the fly seams had completely delaminated and crumbled! We have several tents by other brands which held up way better than this! We liked the design of the tent but if it won’t keep you dry, the tent is worthless - a lot of money to spend for a single-use tent. I reached out to support two weeks ago and am still waiting for a reponse…hopefully they can help.

Lots Of Room For Two

Lots of room for two 6 foot plus guys. easy to set up.

Chris N

MSR sent me a new tent fly. I’m very happy with the tent.

Tent Fly Deamination/lost Water Repellence

I purchased the MSR Elixer two seasons ago ... it is roomy and vestibules hold plenty. My concern is with the delaminating fly seams and the localized lost water repellence I wrote to MSR customer care almost six weeks ago with no response to date but would like to know my options regarding either the replacement of the fly or where I could purchase of a new one so I can continue using the tent. Given my warranty experience/request you might consider looking at other tent companies ( I am hopeful MSR will get back to me). Thank you

Very Light For A 4-person Tent

Super light, but spacious. Clearly, a well designed tent that has stood up to bad storms with no issues thus far.

No Support

I need to purchase a new rain fly. I have tried to contact them thru customer support and no one responds. Very disappointed.

Good....for The Most Part

Bought it and immediately took it on a backpacking trip. There were some minor leaks in the tent from a mild rain storm, and a whole lot of condensation too. I expected more out of this brand, and frankly, what i paid for it too. I'm hoping that it's better than this cause I've always liked this brand.

Leaked Like A Sieve

During a very light rainfall, the water dripped through the rain fly.

Up Date On My 08-20-22 Review

In my previous review, I complained about a leaking rainfly that subsequently ripped in two places. The warranty/repair service contacted me two weeks later and offered 3 solutions : replacing the defective pannels, buying a new rainfly or sending me a list of places that could repair the rainfly in Canada. The costs of the first two solutions were reasonable and we opted for buying a new rainfly. Although the problem with the rainfly was frustrating (my score for the tent is still 2 stars), I feel that the warranty/repair service was efficient and compassionate. The proposed solutions seemed fair to me.

Fly Leaked

We bought the tent a few years ago. Last weekend was the first time we used it in the rain. It started sprinkling lightly and you could see the water just dripping right through the fly and then right through the screen. The coating on the fly has flaked off. We packed up and left. If we were farther out in the woods or if it were really pouring, we would have been in a jam. It was very disappointing.

Does Not Stay Water Repellent

After less than a year the rain fly failed. Soaks thru even with light rain.

Great Only For Good Weather Camping

We have the hubba hubba 2 person backpacking tent which has been great, so decided to get the the Elixir 4 to have a little more space for car camping. We've used it several times for camping, ranging from totally dry good conditions to pouring rain. It's quick and easy to set up and provides plenty of space for 2 people, a queen air mattress and 2 small dogs. A little light rain is fine, but in heavy rain the fly starts leaking and water starts dripping in. We've even used dwr waterproof spray over the entire fly and resealed all of the seams just in case, and even that didn't help. Putting another tarp or extra shelter over the tent in heavy rain storms helps keep you dry, but it's frustrating that you need to carry one more piece of equipment when the fly is supposed to keep out the rain.

Solid Tent

I see alot of bad reviews for this tent, but I've honestly never had any problems with it. First issue I hear alot about is that it leaks. I've never had any leaks with this tent. I remember I ended sleeping in probably an inch of water one night, and not a single drop made it into the tent! Another issue that I heard of was that the poles were attached together. I can see why someone would find it annoying l, but I like it like that. I like the way they're attached because I find it easier to set it up by myself. Overall, a pretty solid Tent that I would recommend!

Verified Purchase

Good Size, Great Features

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this tent because I wanted a light weight tent with 2 vestibules. The tent uses quality materials and when set up properly will withstand the elements. The only thing I didn't like about it was the main poles are permanently attached at 2 points which makes setting this tent up on your own virtually impossible. If you don't bend the poles at the correct angle you risk damaging them which seems to be the biggest issue other users have reported. Once you get past the small learning curve on pole angles the tent is great!!

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