MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
MSR
MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint
Best for: Durable, spacious backpacking for two.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4
Best for: Versatile three-season family car camping.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking and the Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4 is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
It also adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.
The Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4 is noticeably taller inside (4'7" peak height versus 3'7"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 66 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 biggest gap is intangibles, where the MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint holds a clear advantage.
The MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint also has a price edge — $349 less at $199 versus $549.
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
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
Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4
- No footprint needed
- Eight mesh pockets
- Durable Oxford polyester
- Hefty 12-pound weight
- Stuff fly doors
Full Specs
| Spec | MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint | Big Agnes Sheep Mountain 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Backpacking, Dome | Dome, Motorcycle, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $200 | $550 |
| Weight | 7 Lbs 2 Oz | 11lb 13oz |
| Min Trail Weight | 6 Lbs 1 Oz | 11lb 3oz |
| Floor Area | 41.0 ft² | 66.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 15 Sq Ft | 12ft² + 12ft² |
| Peak Height | 43 | 55 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 84 X 70 In | — |
| Pole Material | 7000 Series Aluminum | Polyester Ripstop And Nylon Mesh |
| Floor Fabric | 70D Taffeta Nylon 3000mm Polyurethane & DWR | Polyester Oxford With 1500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Rainfly Fabric | 75D Ripstop Polyester 1500mm Polyether Urethane & PFAS Free DWR | Polyester Ripstop With 1500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Setup Time | 20 Mins | 10 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | USA |
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