MSR Elixir 1 Tent - Pitching demo and first wild camp review

Pitching demonstration and first thoughts after my MSR Elixir 1 tent had its maiden wild camp in the Brecon Beacons.
I have done a follow up video here where I test out the tents liveability on a windy night in December, stuck in the tent for 14 hours.
• MSR Elixir 1 Liveabili...

[@justvin7214]

Good review, btw a tip I learned off someone else on youtube for sharp Y or X pegs was to carry a spare teaspoon - saves damage to your hands/boots.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Now that's a great idea 👍. Thanks for the tip and taking the time to watch and comment 🙂

[@ArcticNatureExperiences]

Brilliant advice. The solution is right in the bag, but it is so hard to think about it when out in the wind and rain:) Now I will keep it in mind by putting a spoon in the bag with the pegs!

[@justvin7214]

@@ArcticNatureExperiences I just remembered where I heard it - it was Bex Bugoutsurvivor. It has the bonus of always having a spare spoon if, like me, you forget your kfs kit 👍

[@AstroSoundscape]

Hey Jon I've had my Hubba 2 for around 7 years ish. I've also had an Elixir for a short time. The Hubba materials are for sure a bit lighter and I normally use a footprint. I'd still go the Hubba but the Elixir is a very well priced solid option, I think for shorter hikes where weight is not so much an issue it's a great option. I think I have the same little table as you.👍 Cheers Ollie.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thanks Ollie, it's good to hear your Hubba is still going strong after 7 years 🙂

[@bluemonkey227]

Super video! I absolutely love my Elixir 1 shelter. So easy to pitch. Plenty of room and I think the overhead storage lockers are fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Mike

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thanks Mike, I am really pleased with mine. I think the space in tge tent is fantastic. I spent 14 hours in mine in the middle of December and was very comfortable with its liveability. Thanks for watching and commenting, its much appreciated 😊

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

PS Just popped over to your channel and subscribed 👍

[@bluemonkey227]

Wow that’s impressive. I don’t fancy 4 Season camping really but kudos to you for getting out there in Dec. The only gripe I have with the Elixir is the slab sided back, which I can see being a problem in harsh winds. Thanks for the Sub!

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@bluemonkey227 this video shows how I got on in winter and how the tent copes with strong wind kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3-ZnmeEmq17ra8

[@m.l.6486]

Thanks for taking the time and making this detailed Video.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

You are welcome, glad you found it useful 👍

[@Markazor]

Hi, great review. It is possible to set it fly first, inner second. I've done it with my Elixir 3 under pouring rain to keep the inner dry. You just do the "quick setup" as per the instructions, then from inside with the door closed, you install the inner. Corners first, cross-pole second, then the hooks on the poles. All Elixir tents are setup the same way, so it would work too with the 1. Also, your video with the 40 mph winds was pretty hairy. Glad the tent held up!

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thank you Sebastian, I'll test out the fly first pitching 👍. The tent did very well in the strong winds. I am not planning on using it in those conditions this winter as it is pushing the tent a bit far I think. All in all though, it's a great tent. Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate your support 🙂

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hope this is useful to anybody considering this tent.

[@Bruce73X]

Thank you very much for your explanations --- looking forward to have this tent in my hands (just ordered it) :)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

You will not be disappointed Bruce. I even used it in December knowing I was going to be stuck inside it for 14 hours. It was no problem and I suspect that this is the most liveable one person tent on the market. The same trip saw 40 mph winds, and although the tent was at its limit, it survived OK.

[@ScotsWildcamper]

Excellent set-up video, just waiting for it to be in stock. Its got great features which I'm going for rather than a lighter model. ATB.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thank you. It is quite easy to set up once you've done it a couple of times. Hope the green version is back in stock for you soon. Best wishes to you for 2022.

[@paramotorpilot1749]

Very good review thank you. Jon

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend 😊

[@BurtonOutdoors]

A comprehensive pitch viddy for this tent, I did a pitch video for the tent but actually did it incorrectly, the metal grommets are a pain when you come to put the fly on so I pitched mine with additional pegs through the fly sheet grommet rather than popping it on the underneath of the inner, I set it up on dartmoor this way and it held up fine. I LOVE my Elixir 1 though, the overhead storage I find so useful for popping my headtorch in, my glasses etc. I've seam sealed mine on the outside to cover all bases too. You can pitch it outer first, its tricky but can be done if needed. The NX hubba is the same tent but half the weight, twice the cost and no overhead storage, but I still might get one 👍 Lee.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thanks for watching Lee, it was your video that persuaded me to get this tent. I have also pitched mine using separate pegs as you did. Like you said in that video, you can't put too many pegs in 👍

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Exactly a couple of extra pegs definitely helped my tent stay on the ground in horrendous weather on Dartmoor on its first outing!

[@justvin7214]

Hi Lee, unless MSR have changed the designs the Elixir and NX hubba hubba use different materials for the flies and the poles systems are different - the hubba hubba uses the 'all in one' dog-leg shape rather than the crossed poles of the Elixir. I think also the Elixir is, iirc, a 4 season due to it's extra strength. I do know the MSR poles in UK tents aren't as good as the US ones but are just as expensive which seems wrong to me. MSR tents are very popular with many people but I chose a hubba hubba chinese copy for 25% of the price and love the design although it's a shame it's not 4 season (I've never camped in snow so wasn't a deal breaker). 👍

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@@justvin7214 Ahh yes Justin that would make sense, it's very similar in design... its half the weight though so would have different materials.

[@justvin7214]

@@BurtonOutdoors I've never understood why the prices are so different though, especially as the Elixir specs looks better on paper. I guess most focus on weight over the other specs but it's such a large difference in price.

[@dougmartin8746]

Really good video & well explained. This one's definitely on my shortlist, although I'll be starting out initially with a budget tunnel tent. Regarding whether it's possible to put up the outer fly first, I recall a video a couple weeks ago on Claire's channel (Wildbeare) where she managed that with a Hubba NX, so given a similar design, it should be possible.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thanks for watching and your kind comment Doug. I'll check out Claires video - thanks for the tip 😀👍

[@fallyn2920]

i've owned the two person and it seemed perfectly possible to pitch outer first. you set it up with poles on the ground sheet, then put on the fly and peg it out. Once you're dry you can attach the body to the poles and then clip it up. The tent is made to be used without the inner if you so desire, reducing it's weight.

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Interesting video John. I have the MSR Hubba which looks quite similar. The Elixar does look quite a bit roomier though. I find mine fairly easy to pitch, although the fly sheet is a bit of a faff in windy conditions. Good tip regarding clipping the centre sections first. I think I’ll try that myself next time to see it makes it easier.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thanks for watching and commenting Anthony 👍. I think the Hubba is very similar, although I believe that your main pole is one pole with "forks" at either end. I reckon that the fly sheet on mine would be quite tricky also in the wind, but suspect that all inner pitch first tents will suffer to some degree with this.

[@ArcticNatureExperiences]

Interesting and comprehensive review you have made. I do wonder how it would be like to rig the tent in strong winds. I get the feeling that it might be an exciting experience:) Except for that it seems to be good value for the price! On a different note - In Norway we tend to pick red tents so that they will be seen in the wild; while in England you go for green so you are not seen:)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Yes I think exciting would be the word for it 🤣. Is camping in the wild legal in Norway ?

[@ArcticNatureExperiences]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 In Norway the basic rule is that camping is legal in the terrain as long as you keep distance to houses, no matter if you camp on private or public property. However, local municipalities can ban camping in specific areas. This is mostly done in "Instagram-friendly" places swamped by tourists. Some national parks also bans camping outside designated spots, but at the end of the day you can camp in 90 %+ of Norway without a problem.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@ArcticNatureExperiences wow, that's really lucky, and no problems about red tents. The Hilleberg sand colour tents are really popular here because they are almost invisible from a short distance.

[@ArcticNatureExperiences]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Hilleberg are the Rolls Royce of tents in my opinion, so no matter the colour I would choose one (I have 5 , so I am very prejudiced:-)

[@bivibikebaggins]

good review.. waiting on mine to arrive after a bit of a disapointment regarding my alpkit solo size...

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I think you will be very happy with the room on this one. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, it means a lot to me 🙂

[@thelifeofbrian282]

Great review and i certainly hope its as good as it came across on your video as i have just purchased it a wee snip at £177 so really looking forward to using it this year atb Brian.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi Brian, thank you 😊. I have been very impressed with this tent. Its living space is amazing for a 1 person tent. To test this out, I had a night out in December where I knew I was going to be stuck inside the tent for 14 hours because if the long hours of darkness. It was no problem at all. I think for winter though, the tent is a bit too well ventilated, although for 3 season use it is great. The mesh panels on the inner mean that there is no condensation, but do let cold winter draughts in . The night I had out in it last December turned out to be very windy (40 mph wind), which I think represents its absolute limit. The tent made it through OK, and didn't let any rain in. I did end up with a slight bend in one of the poles where the strong wind blew all night in one direction. This is more cosmetic damage though, and isn't seen when the tent is pitched. Being fair on the MSR, the night I had was more 4 season Hilleberg territory than 3 season tent conditions, so the MSR stood up really well. Overall, having had the tent for a year and used it in a variety of conditions, I am very impressed with it. To keep it safe from damage I'd suggest to limit its use to 3 season use though, or if used in winter avoid very windy camps. You got it for an absolute bargain too. I've noticed you have a channel and just had a look. I have subscribed to you and look forward to watching some of your content 👍

[@thelifeofbrian282]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 thanks very much Jon, yes I think I will stick to 3 season ⛺ with the Elixir, currently selling my Vango F10 Helium 1 to pay for it now 😀 it's a very small pack weight 1.2kg but it struggled in the wind in the Lost Valley Glencoe last week, but I'm sure someone will be glad to make use of it , thanks again Jon atb Brian 👍

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@thelifeofbrian282 I see you did a video on the lost Valley camp. I'll watch that later 🙂

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Great video mate, thanks for sharing, I’ve just bought one from your review 👍🏻

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

It's a great tent, you will not regret it. Although officially a 3 season tent I decided to use mine in December last year, the idea being to see what it was like to be stuck in it for 14 hours. It passed with flying colours. The same night saw 40 mph winds, and although the tent was at its limit, it survived this ok. All in all a fantastic tent, not too expensive and reasonably light. I reckon it is the most liveable one person tent out there. Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 yes I have watched that video too 👍🏻I have my Hilliberg for my 4 season adventures or anything above 800 metres in the mountains, I like the MSR idea of just using the outer and footprint in an almost tarp set up, very versatile 👍🏻 keep up the great videos mate atb Pete 👍🏻

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@Peteablokeoutdoors thanks Pete. Funnily enough, I have just bought a Hilleberg Soulo for winter as I don't want to ruin my Elixir by putting it in conditions it wasn't meant for.

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 that’s the one I have, it’s the Rolls Royce of tents mate, absolutely brilliant, from design, quality, craftsmanship, robustness and quality customer service, you won’t be disappointed mate. 💯 % 👍🏻

[@davidhudson7590]

I just got the 2 man as not much in them to carry looked at Hubba but the exilir just a more sturdy job around as made for scout groups and more novice campers I thought dogs claws would destroy the hubbas floor in no time plus got free footprint with exilir which is upto 40 quid to buy separately so a bonus freebie I'm happy my first kinda real tent moving up from Vango and oex

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi David, I think you will be very pleased with the tent. I agree with you that it is more robust than the Hubba, and much less expensive. I have had mine out in very bad weather, and it has coped very well. Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it.

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

I like the look of this Jon. It did look slightly fiddly, but it’s worth it for a liveable tent. 👍

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Yes, it was a little bit more complicated to put up than my 2 person tent, but not too difficult. Once it's up, it has a lot more space than my other 1 person tent

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Yes… hooped bivvies are an acquired taste, but do stay warmer on the inside on colder nights. Of course, they’re not going to keep you warm if you’re too claustrophobic to get in them! 😳😆

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@h.bsfaithfulservant4136 I'll be saving my bivvy bag for those nights we occasionally get were it is lovely and warm, when it's too hot to sleep indoors 👍😄

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Absolutely 😁🥵

[@user-rb8fy1hd9i]

Hi. Thanks for the review :) I'm considering this tent for a year backpacking in South America, where I'll be doing some multi-day hikes/treks in Patagonia and in the Andes. Do you think it would be up to the task? Also - what is it like stargazing at night-time with the rainfly off? Is it awesome, or is the view obstructed because of the lack of mesh? Thanks :)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Generally I would say that the tent would be fine for backpacking in Patagonia, because it us very spacious and easy to put up. It's worth checking likely wind speeds though. I have had mine in quite windy weather (approx 40 mph) and I would say it was on its limit. Have a look at the video I did on this tents liveability if you want to see this. There is quite a lot of mesh on the tent, so if the weather is good you can miss off the flysheet and look at the sky. The downside of the mesh is that it makes the tent a bit draughty in windy weather. Hope this is useful info for you, and have a good time in Patagonia.

[@user-rb8fy1hd9i]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Thank you so much for your help, and kind words :)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@user-rb8fy1hd9i have a great trip. I went to Patagonia about 30 years ago. It is an amazing place and the people are very hospitable, and good food too if I remember correctly 👍

[@pramotem.8613]

good video & great review ❤. In Thailand, there is no tent in this color. It's a pity

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thank you, and thanks for watching. The green version can be hard to get hold of here sometimes also. The one with tge silver coloured flysheet seems more common. It is am amazing looking tent, but not quite as discreet when you are trying to hide away a little. Hope you enjoy what is left of the weekend 👍

[@ShortysAstrobase]

Looks nice. I'm looking for a tent which is light wight and easy to setup. I think I will try this one.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

It's a good buy for the money I think. Thanks for watching, much appreciated 🙂

[@edwardhammock24]

Do you find the Fly touches the inner on the back? Sometimes I get it right but more often than not I find that no matter what I do, it touches the inner. Also agree with lack of pegs! Surely for £200 they could put the correct number of pegs in. 🤦🏼

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I sometimes find that the back touches the inner when its a bit windy, regardless of how I try and pull the outer away. In general I don't find this an issue though. I tend to sleep next to the door and dump my stuff next to the back wall. This means that I rarely press the inner against the outer with my body. The only time I've had any issue with this was on an extremely wet and windy camp in December last year where the wind was so strong (40 mph) that the outer was being blown against the inner. These conditions, though, were well outside what I'd consider this tent to be meant for. Like you, I don't understand why there are not enough pegs, this seems quire petty to me.

[@bertiebt]

Hi, yes you can put this tent up inner first using the groundsheet. I have also found a video where they have made some straps to use instead of the ground sheet. It is added weight and bulk, but saves getting the ground sheet wet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpa4pX2MgbuchZo

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi David, thanks for that, it's very useful. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it 🙂

[@robertpearson8146]

can one camp comfortably with just the outer layer and ground sheet?

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi Robert. I have never tried to just use the outer and a ground sheet. I have been told that it is possible to pitch the outer first, but it is quite a fiddle. If this were to be true, then without the inner you would have a huge living space. I've not felt the need to try this out, because the tent has such a big porch area, that it is very liveable in its standard form for one person.

[@DJVOutdoors]

Is picws du a good place to camp? I watched a video where you had commented it was where you did your first solo camp. I’m looking to do my first solo one.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Yes, I camped there many years ago, by the Lake below the summit. I reckon that the whole of the Brecon Beacons National Park is ideal. Unless the weather forecast is good, for your first camp I would avoid the summit ridges as a camp location for your first solo camp as it can be very windy and you won't get any sleep. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it 👍

[@sh6997]

Thanks for your review. Do you think a taller person like me (190cm) will fit in the tent?

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I reckon you would just about be OK, but it would be touch and go. I think the internal length is just under 220cm, so you should have a little bit of space either end. However, if you use a thickish mat this will eat into the spare space. The walls are fairly vertical though, which helps with inside space. Your best bet would be to visit somewhere like Go Outdoors which have tents pitched up for you to try out. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@sh6997]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it :)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@sh6997 you are welcome 😊

[@johnmccarron]

What's the floor width on the inner ?? Thankyou.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi John, The inner is 84cm wide and 218cm long. Initially I thought that it might be a bit narrow inside, but in use I haven't noticed it. I deliberately spent 13 - 14 hours inside it one night last winter and found the tent very liveable in. I think features like the gear loft and very large porch help make this a very comfortable tent to spend time in. Thanks very much for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.

[@vvs3796]

how does it do in heavy winds?

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Hi, thanks for watching. I did a camp in this tent in December which turned out to be much windier than I expected and the tent held up well. Here is the video of that trip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3-ZnmeEmq17ra8

[@DC-nt3zk]

Far too much mesh , defo a summer tent. Good video tho

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Thank you 😊. I tried the tent out in winter just to see how it would cope. Like you say, it is a bit draughty for cold weather use. It was also on its limit with the wind speed (35 -40 mph gusts), so best suited to the warmer months. However, I was stuck in it for about 14 hours that night and was very comfortable, so it's a highly liveable tent. Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@tomoutdoors_5933]

I was led to believe it was 1.7kg 🤔🤔

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I suspect that 1.7 kg is the minimum weight without the groundsheet, bags etc.

[@bladerunner_92]

MSR Zoic 1 is 1.7 kg (or hubba hubba nx 2 person, which is much more comfortable but the price goes x2)

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@bladerunner_92 thanks for that information, it's very useful 👍

[@Holipsism]

Kelty Late Start 1 Person tent vs MSR Elixir 1 Person tent is what I've narrowed it down to in my search for my first-time purchase. I'm having a tough time deciding.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I can see how it's difficult to decide between the 2 tents, they have very similar specs. The Kelty tent seems to be on sale for around £120 - £140 at the moment, so cheaper than the MSR. It looks to be a bit lighter than the MSR also, although this may be because the MSR comes with a footprint, whereas the Kelty does not. There is an additional short section of pole with the MSR which is not present in the Kelty, so there will be a little bit of extra weight there also. It looks like the inner of the Kelty is entirely mesh, whereas the MSR is a mix of mesh and fabric. This would make the MSR slightly warmer inside. I really like the short sleeve sections in the corners of the Kelty tent - this is similar to what I have on my Hilleberg Soulo, and helps make a quick set up. I think your choice may end up being made for you by what is available when you want to buy. I think you will be very pleased with whichever you end up with. I did another video on the liveability of the MSR tent, where I spent a very windy winter night in it, if you want a better feel for what it's like. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, and I hope you have a good week ahead 👍