Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent
Best for: Year-round mountaineering and high alpine expeditions.
MSR
MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint
Best for: Durable, spacious backpacking for two.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent is a dome and the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
The MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent is noticeably taller inside (4'2" peak height versus 3'7"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 57 sq ft versus 41 sq ft for the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint.
Both score 8.2 overall, though the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent leads on build quality despite trailing overall.
The MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint also has a price edge — $1150 less at $199 versus $1350.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent
- Bombproof alpine construction
- Huge dry-entry vestibules
- Solid direct connection points
- Heavy 12-pound weight
- Condensation-prone ventilation
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
| Spec | Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent | MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome | Backpacking, Dome |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Seasons | 4 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $1,350 | $200 |
| Weight | 12 Lbs 12.4 Oz | 7 Lbs 2 Oz |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 6 Lbs 1 Oz |
| Floor Area | 57.0 ft² | 41.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 16 Sq Ft | 15 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 50 | 43 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 96 X 94 In | 84 X 70 In |
| Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Featherlite | 7000 Series Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | 70 Denier Nylon Taffeta, Rated 10,000mm Waterproof | 70D Taffeta Nylon 3000mm Polyurethane & DWR |
| Rainfly Fabric | 70 Denier Nylon Taffeta, Rated 10,000mm Waterproof | 75D Ripstop Polyester 1500mm Polyether Urethane & PFAS Free DWR |
| Setup Time | 20 Mins | 20 Mins |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
Ready to Buy?
Still not sure? Let us recommend the perfect tent for your adventures.
Find Your Perfect Tent →