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    • MSR Elixir 3 Tent

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    We’ve enjoyed testing quite a few products from MSR (Mountain Safety Research) and the parent company, Cascade Designs, over the years. The MSR Elixir 3 is our third tent from them. To read what our experience has been with the MSR Nook Tent and the MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent models, click on the links. MSR is a stalwart in many backcountry essentials, including the super-duper WhisperLite Stove we looked at a couple years back and are still running today. Within the Cascade group, you’ll also find Hummingbird, Thermarest,  SealLine and a couple other brands that you likely see in the woods (and on city streets).

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    It’s been an excellent learning experience to have tested a few tents from MSR because it enables us to understand where the Elixir-3 fits into the spectrum of what’s on offer. It’s positioned as a lightweight backpacking tent—rather than the Carbon Reflex 3, which falls into the ultra-lightweight rubric. Because the Elixir 3 is made of materials that feel a little beefier, it weighs in at 5 lbs 10 oz / 2.53 k, rather than the Reflex’s 4 lbs 9 oz / 2084 g. The pegs are a little less high-tech and also heavier. Guess what, though? It’s also about half the price. Good-on MSR for providing a range of tents for users, though. The three tents we’ve had over the years are in the “Experience” category. There’s also a fast ‘n light “Essentials” category and “Explore” for more expedition style shelter.

    Let’s drill down to some feature photos, shall we?

    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEO

    This shot from the inside-out, shows how the poles line-up with the fly and the mesh areas of the tent.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    And here’s a shot from the outside-in, showing one of two points at which the poles meet (it’s a fixed position, actually). You can also see how the poles are colour coded to match with the grommets holding the tent to the ground—and the fly to the tent. This colour coding is super helpful. Without it, the tent’s somewhat asymmetrical design could complicate set up.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    Here’s the pole into the grommet shot. Colour coded, thankfully. See also the shepherd’s hook peg design—a bit of a downgrade from those provided with the Nook or the Carbon Reflex-3 tents.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    Here’s the pole design, in all its glory. Two poles with two fixed points, and one smaller pole across the top. Note that the tent itself isn’t mostly mesh the way some lighter versions might be—and I am OK with this. It makes you feel a little more protected and private from the outside, while enjoying maximum ventilation.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    Here’s a full shot of the Elixir-3 in no-fly mode. Note the raised entryway to minimized incoming water. A groundsheet/footprint is included, BTW.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    With fly on. Note the little ventilator window just to the right of the logo. The doors also roll up easily to provide a cross breeze. Double vestibule for gear and more space.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    For an idea of size, here’s the Elixir-3, next to the Nook, next to the 750ML bottle of Jamieson. Sláinte.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    Here’s the Elixir-3 in its element—Whitewater Canyon, Central Kootenays, BC. No grizzly bears were harmed in the shooting of this photo. Again ~ warm temps and no rain? Fly off.

    MSR elixir 3 Tent

    Features:

    Number of Doors: 2
    Freestanding: yes
    Number of Poles: 2 7000 series aluminum
    Number of Stakes: 6 Aluminum

    Fabrics:

    - Rainfly Fabric: 68D ripstop polyester 1500mm Polyurethane & DWR
    - Canopy Fabric: 40D ripstop nylon
    - Mesh Type: 20D nylon micromesh
    - Floor Fabric: 70 taffeta nylon 3000mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR

    Features:

    At $285, the Elixir-3 is a good value tent which will comfortably fit two people, or three in a pinch. I’m not an unintelligent person (no comments, please) but I sometimes am challenged with tent set up-- especially if it’s dark, I’m exhausted, it’s raining, or all three. The Elixir-3’s colour-coded poles and grommet fasteners make it an easy set-up for all but the most brain-dead of campers. Yes, the tent isn’t as light as the Reflex-3, but if you split the weight between two people (as I did on a recent trip) it’s totally manageable.

    The 40D ripstop nylon, that the tent proper is made out of, feels sturdy and durable. Sometimes, with the faster and lighter models, it feels like the material is more likely to tear if caught on a twig or sharp rock. It all comes down to thickness, and in many cases, the Elixir-3 material is twice as thick as what you’ll find in an ultra lightweight tent, like the Reflex. 

    I appreciate the dual, two-fixed-position pole program for ease of set-up, and I also am thankful for the included footprint. Having tested a number of tents, I often wonder what it is that manufacturers use to determine price. I love the Carbon Reflex-3 but my love isn’t proportionate to its price tag—which is twice as much as the Elixir. I’d recommend the Elixir-3 to non-weight weenie, value conscious shoppers. 

    PROS:

    • A very livable tent
    • Excellent bang for your buck
    • ‘love the rain gutters on the doors to keep the interior dry
    • Colour coding for easy set-up
    • Sturdy and durable​  

    CONS:

    • It’d be great to get a few more guy lines in the package
    • Same goes for pegs. There aren’t enough provided to thoroughly stake out the tent for a high wind
    • The fly is difficult to put on at first, due to the asymmetrical design—but you’ll figure it out after a couple tries
    • On the heavy side for a 3 person tent.​

    SPECS:

    Price: $285 CAN
    Capacity: 3
    Minimum Weight: 5lbs 10oz / 2.53k
    Packed Weight: 6lbs 13oz / 3.1k
    Fast & Light® Minimum Weight w/ footprint: 4lbs 4 oz / 1.92k
    Floor Area: 39.5sq ft / 3.67sq m
    Interior Peak Height: 41" / 104 cm
    Packed Size: 20x8 in / 51x20 cm

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Interior Space    2/2 
    Design               1.5/2
    Features            2/2
    Weight               1/2
    Quality / Price    2/2

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    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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