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Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent

Marmot

Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent

★ 8.3 Backpacking
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 6.4 lbs Est. Price $379

Best for: Backpacking and weekend .

MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

MSR

MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

★ 8.2 Backpacking
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 7 lbs 2 oz Est. Price $390

Best for: Durable, spacious backpacking for two.

Our Take

Both are backpacking tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.

The MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.

Both score 8.3 overall, though the Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent wins more individual scoring categories.

The main tradeoff: the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint leads on intangibles despite trailing overall.

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

🏆 Our pick: The Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent scores higher overall.

Still deciding between these two?

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Score Comparison

Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent
MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint
Overall Score
8.3
8.2
Space & Comfort
8.5
8.0
Quality & Durability
8.0
8.0
Weather Resistance
9.0
8.0
Value for Money
8.5
7.5
Ease of Use
8.0
7.5
Intangibles
6.0
8.5

Pros & Cons

Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent

  • Pre-bent poles maximize usable headroom
  • Color-coded clips ensure fast setup
  • Dual doors streamline camp flow
  • Cramped for three actual people
  • Poles sag in high winds

MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

  • Unique geometry maximizes interior headroom
  • Includes footprint for added value
  • Color-coded poles make setup easy
  • Heavier than most backpacking tents
  • Zippers fail without special care

Full Specs

SpecMarmot Trailfin 3-Person TentMSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint
Tent Type Backpacking, Dome, 3 Season Backpacking, Dome
Capacity 2 people 2 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $379 $390
Weight 6.4 Lbs 7 Lbs 2 Oz
Min Trail Weight 6 Lbs 5.7 Oz 6 Lbs 1 Oz
Floor Area 42.0 ft² 41.0 ft²
Vestibule Area 17.22 Sq Ft 15 Sq Ft
Peak Height 45 43
Doors 2 2
Floor Dimensions 90 X 72 In 84 X 70 In
Pole Material Yunan SD70 PF 7000 Series Aluminum
Floor Fabric The Marmot Trailfin 3 Person Tent Has 100% Polyester Taffeta Floor Fabric. 70D Taffeta Nylon 3000mm Polyurethane & DWR
Rainfly Fabric Ripstop Polyester 75D Ripstop Polyester 1500mm Polyether Urethane & PFAS Free DWR
Packed Size 19.7" X 7.5" —
Setup Time 10 Mins 20 Mins
Warranty Limited Lifetime Limited
Made In Imported Imported

Ready to Buy?

Marmot

Marmot Trailfin 3-Person Tent

MSR

MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

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