Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person VS MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint

Worth flagging before you compare: the Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person is a dome and the MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

The MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.

The MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint also offers significantly more vestibule space — 24 sq ft versus 8 sq ft.

The Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person and the MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint are remarkably well-matched, both scoring 7.8 overall.

The biggest gap is build quality, where the MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint holds a clear advantage.

The Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent 2 Person also has a price edge — $180 less at $159 versus $339.

Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.