MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
MSR
MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint
Best for: Versatile, durable adventure camping basecamp.
Marmot
Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent
Best for: Versatile for car camping and backpacking.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the MSR Elixir 2 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 3'5"), giving you more headroom to move around.
The MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint also offers significantly more vestibule space — 24 sq ft versus 9 sq ft.
The MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint and the Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent are remarkably well-matched, both scoring 8.4 overall.
The biggest gap is ease of setup, where the Marmot Tungsten 3 Person Tent holds a clear advantage.
The MSR Elixir 2 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.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint
- Vertical walls create massive headroom
- Tough 68D fly handles abuse
- Color-coded clips make setup fast
- Heavier 6lb weight for backpacking
- Bulky 20x7 inch packed size
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 2 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 | 6 Lbs 3 Oz | 3 Lbs. 12 Oz. |
| Min Trail Weight | 5 Lbs 2 Oz | 3 Lbs. 8 Oz. |
| Floor Area | 29.0 ft² | 20.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 24 Sq. Ft | 8.75 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 41 | 53 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 84 X 50 In | 84 X 36/29 (L X W Head/foot) Inches |
| Pole Material | Aluminum | Velocity HD 9.0mm / Velocity 8.5mm |
| Floor Fabric | 70D Taffeta Nylon 3000mm Polyurethane & DWR | 68 Denier Polyester Taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | 75D Ripstop Polyester With 1500mm Polyether Urethane And PFAS Free DWR | 68 Denier Polyester Taffeta |
| Setup Time | 5 10 Mins | 10 Mins |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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