MSR Elixir 3 Tent with Footprint

What We Think

The Elixir 3 is MSR's answer to a common backpacking question: what if you want real livable space without paying ultralight prices?

It scored a 8.2 overall, earning that mark through genuinely usable interior volume and a bundled footprint that sweetens the value proposition.

At 7 pounds 2 ounces, this is not a tent for thru-hikers counting grams, but for weekend warriors who value comfort over speed, it delivers.

User Reviews

Owner feedback on this tent is remarkably consistent, which is why it scored a 10.0 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on that unique geometry: owners repeatedly mention being able to sit up comfortably and change clothes without contorting themselves.

The color-coded poles earn frequent callouts from first-time buyers who appreciated not fumbling through a confusing setup.

A recurring theme in negative reviews, however, is zipper reliability: multiple owners report failures after a season or two, often attributing it to dirt and debris buildup.

Space & Comfort

With 41 square feet of floor area and a 43-inch peak height, the Elixir 3 genuinely fits two adults and their gear without the usual dome-tent shoulder squeeze.

That geometry owners praise is not marketing fluff: the walls are more vertical than typical domes, which translates to usable space rather than just floor dimensions.

Two doors mean neither sleeper has to crawl over the other for a midnight bathroom trip, and the 15 square feet of vestibule space per side keeps muddy boots out of your sleeping area.

It scored a 8.0 in Space & Comfort.

Features & Extras

The included footprint is a genuine value-add: most competitors charge $50-80 extra for floor protection, so MSR bundling it here matters.

Internal gear lofts, glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and tech-friendly pockets with cable ports round out a feature set that scored a 8.5 in Features & Extras.

The StayDry door design with integrated rain gutters is a thoughtful touch that keeps water from dumping inside when you unzip during a storm.

Quality & Durability

The 70D taffeta nylon floor with a 3000mm polyurethane coating is substantially burlier than the 30D floors common on ultralight tents, which matters if you camp on rocky or root-covered ground.

The 7000-series aluminum poles are the same grade MSR uses across their lineup, and they flex predictably under wind load without taking a permanent set.

Here is the honest weakness: those zippers require maintenance.

Owners who keep them clean and lubricated report years of reliable use, but neglect them and you will be dealing with stuck or failed zippers by season two.

It scored a 8.0 in Quality & Durability.

Weather Resistance

The 1500mm hydrostatic head rating on the rainfly handles typical three-season conditions confidently, and the 3000mm floor keeps ground moisture at bay.

The NEMO Dagger OSMO 3 offers comparable weather protection at $650, but at nearly three pounds lighter, so the Elixir's value here is solid for the price.

It scored a 8.0 in Weather Resistance.

Ease of Use

MSR lists a 20-minute setup time, which is realistic for a first pitch but drops significantly once you know the tent.

The color-coded poles and clips make the learning curve gentle, and owners consistently report confidence pitching it solo.

It scored a 7.5 in Ease of Use.

Value for Money

At $390 with a footprint included, the Elixir 3 sits in a competitive middle ground.

The Big Agnes Blacktail 3 comes in at $300 and a full pound lighter, making it the better choice if weight matters more than interior volume.

It scored a 7.5 in Value for Money, reflecting that you are paying a premium for MSR's build quality and that bundled footprint.

Who It's For

This tent suits the couple or duo who backpacks a handful of weekends per year and values actually enjoying their shelter over optimizing pack weight.

If your trips involve shorter approaches or car-accessible trailheads, the extra pounds disappear as a concern.

Solo campers should look at the MSR Elixir 1, while those splitting weight with a partner might prefer the Elixir 2.

The Bottom Line

The MSR Elixir 3 scored a 8.2 by delivering what most backpackers actually want: a roomy, durable shelter that does not require a second mortgage.

Keep those zippers clean, accept the weight penalty, and you have a tent that will serve you well for years of weekend adventures.

For campers who measure success in comfort rather than ounces saved, this is the right call.