My choice for family and girls trip backpacking! This 3 season tent has held up in many storms and trips in the Canadian Rockies.
*shopping my affiliate links (at no extra cost to you) here helps get more kids outdoors at Kids Who Explore. Thank you in advance!
As an avid camper and outdoor adventure mom, I’ve spent countless nights beneath the stars in my MSR Elixir 4 tent with my kids and sometimes my husband joins us. My experience has led me to appreciate the significance of a reliable, spacious tent. I have used my tent for many front country trips with the kids and been in many storms like rain, hail, and even snow. It is my family backpacking tent of choice because it is so roomy for everyone and reliable. This is also our group choice when I go with my girl friends on a girls backpacking trip too. We always pack the elixir. I do have to divide up the tent when packing it into the backcountry because it is heavier than my Big Agnes 2-person as it is almost 10 pounds to haul into the backcountry. With backpacking you will want to pack your pack as light as possible for the most enjoyable trip.
Why I Love the MSR Elixir 4 Tent
The reasons I love the MSR Elixir 4 Tent are numerous. Firstly, its generous space and well-thought-out features make every camping trip enjoyable, allowing my family and friends to spread out their gear without feeling cramped. The ease of setup is a game-changer, especially after long hikes when all we want to do is relax and enjoy the view.
Moreover, the tent offers remarkable stability and protection against the elements, making it a trustworthy companion in various weather conditions. I appreciate how the design combines functionality with comfort, making it ideal for both seasoned campers and newcomers. I really love the extra mesh pockets inside the tent to hold headlamps, pull-ups, etc.
Among the various options I've used, the MSR Elixir 4 tent stands out as my absolute favourite for family and group outings. Here’s why it’s become an essential part of my backpacking gear.
Overview of the MSR Elixir 4 Tent
The MSR Elixir 4 tent is designed with generous headroom and optimized sleeping area, this tent comfortably accommodates four people, making it perfect for family adventures or group trips into the backcountry. It boasts two large StayDry™ doors for easy access, ensuring that you and your kids can come and go without hassle. The double entry makes it a lot easier to get out of either side without waking my baby or toddler up. The new, spacious vestibules provide ample room for storing gear, keeping the interior clutter-free.
One of the standout features is its thoughtful design that balances breathable mesh with solid fabric panels. This combination offers excellent ventilation while providing privacy when needed. Additionally, the storm-ready, adjustable guy lines (tensioned ropes or cables that secure tents, tarps, and other structures to the ground) are pre-attached to the rainfly, adding extra stability during windy conditions.
In Summary, for those with kids running about:
Capacity: Comfortably fits four people, making it ideal for families or groups.
Headroom: Generous height allows for easy movement inside the tent.
Dual Entry: Two large StayDry™ doors for convenient access, reducing disturbances for sleeping children.
Storage Space: Spacious vestibules provide extra room for storing gear, keeping the living area organized. I always keep my kids hiking boots and camp shoes to keep the dirt out of the tent.
Ventilation and Privacy: A mix of breathable mesh and solid fabric panels offers both ventilation and privacy. Love having the fly off to enjoy the mountain views and starry nights.
Stability Features: Adjustable guy lines are pre-attached to the rainfly, enhancing stability in windy conditions. This is a huge help for the rugged conditions that I have camped in.
Key Specifications
Materials
Rainfly: 68D ripstop polyester with a 1500mm polyurethane coating and DWR treatment. Waterproof and durable!
Canopy: 40D ripstop nylon with DWR treatment.
Floor: 70D taffeta nylon with a 3000mm polyurethane coating and DWR treatment.
Mesh: 20D polyester micromesh.
Poles: 2 poles made of 7000 Series Aluminum.
Specs
Capacity: 4 people
Weight: 9.38 LBS (4.25 KG) Not the lightest on the market, so we divide up the tent when hauling it in and out of camp.
Floor Dimensions: 88 x 88 in (223 x 223 cm)
Floor Area: 54 sq ft (5.02 sq m)
Vestibule Area: 24.5 sq ft (2.27 sq m)
Tent Volume: 3285 L (116 cu ft)
Vestibule Volume: 850 L (30 cu ft)
Interior Peak Height: 48 in (121 cm)
Packed Size: 22 x 7 in (56 x 17 cm)
Number of Doors: 2
Freestanding: Yes
Weights
Minimum Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz (3.6 kg)
Packed Weight: 9 lbs 6 oz (4.26 kg)
Features that Make a Difference
The MSR Elixir 4 is packed with features that enhance the camping experience:
Livable Space: The unique pole geometry optimizes headroom, allowing four sleeping mats to fit comfortably. The adaptable rainfly design offers captivating views of your surroundings while the built-in gear lofts and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls provide added convenience.
Fast & Light Setup: With the included MSR Elixir Footprint, you can set up the tent quickly and lightweight, enabling a Fast & Light configuration with just the rainfly.
Easy Assembly: The freestanding system features color-coded poles and clips, simplifying the setup process even when you're eager to start your adventure. I do always need a persons help and haven't been able to pitch my tent solo yet. So keep in mind, as it is an easy set up once you practice a couple times and have someone to support.
Privacy and Ventilation: The combination of mesh and solid fabric panels ensures you stay comfortable, maintaining warmth and ventilation without sacrificing privacy.
Complete Package: The tent comes as a complete package that includes everything you need for setup: tent body, rainfly, poles, footprint, stakes, guy lines, and a convenient stuff sack.
Negatives of the MSR Elixir from my POV
Not being able to set up my tent solo as a sometimes solo adventure mom was kinda tricky. I had to show my 2 year old how to help me set up the tent and hold the pole in place. The reviews on this tent saying that that the corners leak was odd to me and I have never had water in my tent and been in some very wicked rain and hail storms. I do wish it could be lighter and able to be packed down smaller when I am solo backpacking with my kids. The double entry does make it so my kids could unzip while I am alseep but I am a light sleeper in the backcountry, still makes me a little more nervous when solo.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a family backpacking tent that combines functionality, comfort, and durability, the MSR Elixir 4 is an excellent choice. It has truly enhanced my outdoor experiences and created countless memories with loved ones under the stars. I wish you the most incredible memories in the outdoors with your family.
Comments