Two-person tents have a bit of a reputation. Most of the time, they’re barely big enough for one person and a backpack – never mind two humans and their gear. I once found myself crammed into a budget tent in the Lake District, elbow-to-elbow with my mate and soaked kit. It wasn’t pretty.
That’s why I was curious about the MSR Elixir 2. It promises comfort, weather resistance, and just enough space for real campers, not just product photos.
In this review, I’ll walk you through how it holds up in the field, what it’s great for, and who it’s actually best suited to. If you’re thinking about upgrading your setup, read on.
The MSR Elixir 2
The MSR Elixir 2 is a freestanding tent aimed at campers who want proper space, not just a marketing slogan. This model gets loads of buzz in hiking groups and outdoor shops because it bridges a tricky gap: it’s not ultralight and flimsy, and it’s not a lumbering basecamp palace either.
If you’re moving up from bargain tents or want something that won’t let you down in a downpour, the Elixir is firmly in the running. Now, let’s take a closer look at this tent, so you can get familiar with all that it offers.
MSR Elixir 2: Checking the Specs
Here’s what you really get:
- Packed weight: Around 2.77kg (about 6lbs), counting pegs, poles, bags, and extras.
- Floor space: 213 x 127cm (7ft x 4ft 2in), so you actually get a rectangle you can both stretch out in.
- Peak height: 1.02m (40in) at the highest point – you can sit up, which your back will thank you for.
- Floor area: 2.8 square metres (30 square feet).
- Vestibules: Two, with plenty of room for boots and bags outside the sleeping zone.
- Fabric: 40D ripstop nylon for the inner, 68D ripstop polyester fly, and a tough 70D nylon floor with a 3000mm waterproof rating.
- Footprint included: Yes – no need to shell out another £30-40 for groundsheet protection.
- Price: Usually £270-£330, depending on sales and colour choices.
Those numbers matter. For backpackers, under 3kg for a weatherproof tent is reasonable, not a featherweight but not a brick either. Floor space is noticeably wider and longer than most “2-person” rivals, so you don’t end up spooning by necessity.
Setup and Pitch Experience
Here’s where you learn if a tent is your mate or your nemesis after a long, wet walk. The Elixir 2 uses a colour-coded pole system. There’s a main Y-shaped pole, then a cross (brow) pole for extra headroom. It’s a simple system once you’ve got the hang of it, but the first pitch can baffle people, especially if you don’t check which end’s which in poor light.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve put up tents in sideways rain, usually with freezing hands and midges closing in. The Elixir isn’t the quickest, but after a few tries, you’ll have it sorted in 6-8 minutes. The colour tabs help, though the pole connectors feel a little fiddly if you rush. Just pay attention to aligning the narrow and wide ends.
In very strong wind, have your mate hold the fly close while you feed the poles – classic teamwork tip. On softer ground or sand, angle the pegs and guy lines more than you think.
Looking at Comfort and Space
Here’s where the Elixir 2 smashes the standard for “two-person” tents. Two adults fit with room to spare. You can roll over, use wide mats (up to 64cm), and not end up pressed against clammy tent sides.
The upright sidewalls, thanks to that brow pole, mean you can both sit up without bonking heads. If you’ve ever tried to get changed in a sloped-walled tent, you’ll know why this matters.
There’s enough floor space for two, with kit stored in the vestibules. I’ve chucked a 60-litre rucksack and muddy boots out there with no bother. If you want to bring a small dog or a kid, it’s doable – just not with all your gear indoors. Pockets are dotted around, but some users say they sag when stuffed. Personally, I stash a torch in one and my phone in another, no dramas.
Features That Stand Out
MSR didn’t scrimp on practical touches:
Two doors and vestibules: You don’t have to climb over your mate for a midnight wee. Vestibules easily swallow boots, stoves, and packs.
Roll-back rainfly: With or without the fly, you can stargaze, then close up in seconds if rain threatens.
Included footprint: Protects your tent floor from rough ground. I tore a cheap tent floor near Brecon once because I skipped this – £30 saved, £100 lost.
Ventilation: Big mesh panels, plus rainfly vents you can tweak even when it’s stormy. No more waking in a sweaty puddle.
Fast and Light setup: You can skip the inner and use just footprint + fly for an ultra-minimal shelter. Never my choice in midge season, but handy for hot weather elsewhere.
These things matter on tough trips, keeping kit dry, quick venting in muggy conditions, and not fighting with zips in the dark.
Handling Weather and Real-World Use
So, how does it actually survive what Britain throws at you? The Elixir 2 shrugs off heavy rain. Multiple trips in Wales and the Peak District, storms have come and gone, and I’ve stayed bone dry inside, even when the ground pooled water.
Wind is handled surprisingly well for a mid-weight tent, thanks to the geodesic pole design and low profile. Peg it down tight and add all the guy lines if a blow is coming. In really howling storms (think Scottish highlands, not your average campsite), check that guy lines are taut. I had one night battered by gusts near Dunstanburgh – the tent flexed, but never threatened to take off.
Condensation? It’s rare. The mesh keeps air moving, and if you pitch sensibly (not right under a tree or in a ditch), you’ll avoid drips.
Sand? No trouble on the Dorset coast, though always shake it out afterwards unless you like gritty zips.
MSR Elixir 2: Weight and Portability
Here’s the trade-off. At 2.7kg packed, this isn’t a “count every gram” ultralight. For car campers, or those splitting tent and poles between two packs, the weight is easy to manage. For solo adventurers, especially over long distances or steep fells, you may notice the bulk.
Packed size is 51 x 17cm. That’s a decent fit in most rucksacks, but not tiny. I usually strap it horizontally under my pack if I’m carrying extra food or a wet kit.
If you want a tent under 2kg, you’ll lose livable space or pay twice as much. For general UK backpacking and classic wild camping, the Elixir 2 hits the sweet spot of balance.
Pros and Cons List
Let’s cut to the chase:
Who Should Buy the MSR Elixir 2?
The Elixir 2 is ideal for:
- Couples who want to backpack together without sleeping on top of each other
- Wild campers who need reliability and comfort, not just feather-light bragging rights
- People moving up from cheap tents who want something dependable for UK weather
- Car campers needing a quick, no-faff tent with real space
- Anyone who camps regularly and has been soaked/miserable by a leaky tent in the past
If you’re a solo hiker obsessed with every gram, try something lighter or smaller. For everyone else, especially beginners and weekend adventurers, the Elixir 2 is a real upgrade.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever woken up in a flooded tent or spent the night crushed against clammy nylon, the MSR Elixir 2 is a revelation. It’s not the lightest tent in the field, but for the space, build quality, and weatherproofing, few rivals come close for under £350.
For most UK trips, it gives you room to breathe, clever features that actually work, and peace of mind when the forecast turns foul. Treat it as an investment. It’ll outlast many bargain tents and keep you happier along the way.
Unless you’re gunning for extreme ultra-lightness, this tent’s balance of comfort and strength makes it hard to beat for two-person adventures. Just don’t forget your pegs. If you’re looking to step up your camping game, the Elixir 2 could be your new best mate in the wild.
However, I recommend that you still weigh your priorities before pulling the trigger. Do you want comfort, weight, or cost effectiveness? All these will determine if you’ll go with the tent or move to another.
