MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
MSR
MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint
Best for: Versatile, durable shelter for backpackers.
Marmot
Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent
Best for: Versatile for car camping and backpacking.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking and the Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
It also adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.
The Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent is noticeably taller inside (4'5" peak height versus 3'3"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Both score 8.4 overall, though the Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint leads on space and comfort despite trailing overall.
The MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint also has a price edge — $139 less at $199 versus $339.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint
- Spacious interior fits wide pads
- Color-coded poles ensure easy setup
- Durable fabric provides great privacy
- Heavy pack weight
- Inner-first pitch in the rain
Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent
- Color-coded fast setup
- Near-vertical spacious walls
- Included protective footprint
- Low 37-inch ceiling
- Limited water resistance
Full Specs
| Spec | MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint | Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Dome | Dome, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $200 | $339 |
| Weight | 5 Lbs 5 Oz | 3 Lbs. 12 Oz. |
| Min Trail Weight | 4 Lbs 1 Oz | 3 Lbs. 8 Oz. |
| Floor Area | 18.0 ft² | 20.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 12 Sq. Ft. | 8.75 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 39 | 53 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 X 30 In | 84 X 36/29 (L X W Head/foot) Inches |
| Pole Material | Aluminum | Velocity HD 9.0mm / Velocity 8.5mm |
| Floor Fabric | 75D Taffeta Poly 3000mm Polyether Urethane & PFAS Free DWR | 68 Denier Polyester Taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68D Ripstop Polyester 1500mm Polyurethane And DWR | 68 Denier Polyester Taffeta |
| Setup Time | 10 Mins | 10 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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