MSR Elixir - the Most Versatile Solo Tent?

[@bateptesicus]

Very nice review and usefull tips. I've just receive my Elixir and tried out. That is my first MSR tent and I;m impressed with the quality so far.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much bateptesicus! Best of luck with the tent.

[@Bruce73X]

Just ordered an Elixir 1 and can`t await to get it (even more after seeing your great video) :)

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Bruce73X, thanks very much. I appreciate the feedback, and the knowledge that it is was helpful to you.

[@michalfromhikingisgood3705]

It looks so big at 4:28! You have some good tips there. My friend has this tent, I'll send him your video

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you kindly Michal, I appreciate the feedback!

[@SteffenRoller]

Great video! I agree with all your assessments. I'm 1.90 m (6"3') tall. The headspace in the Elixir 1 was one of the major features which made me purchase it. I like that you added and extended your guylines. I'll consider the same. Great idea.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you kindly Steffen, I really appreciate the input!

[@perwiegandt3764]

Hi. I am 1,96 cm. Do you think this tent also is OK for me?

[@SteffenRoller]

@@perwiegandt3764 should still be ok.

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Josh, that was fantastic, and thanks for explaining why I am so heavy! Like you say, "you can't have robustness without packing a bit of extra weight.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

lol. Thanks very much Outdoorsman Dave. I too am very....robust. Birds of a feather?

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Mate, I can assure you, I’m more akin to rocks than feathers 🤣

[@jimmortimore3894]

Dude, great video. Your tips aided my decision to pick one up. Thanks!!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Jim, that's great to hear. I'm really happy that you found the video helpful.

[@ryfo2294]

That review was really helpful. Thanks!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much Ryfo. Glad you found it helpful.

[@michaelpenney3775]

I contemplated with this tent but finally with a lot of thought went for the BA copper spur hv ul 1, I agree with you tho but for half of the weight it was a no brainer.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing, Michael. I've heard that's a great tent as well! Do me a favor, please, and let me know how it works out for you?

[@michaelpenney3775]

Will do.

[@paulrozy]

well made. buying one now

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much Paul.

[@patdunne3277]

Thank you for that it's been a great help 👍

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

No problem, Mr PatDunne. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@rajibjoshi9647]

I picked up exalir 3 for about 450 CDN. dollars in snow put it under tarp and you have a 4 season tent

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Rajib Joshi, that's for sharing that, friend. What sort of temperatures of you been able to use the tent in?

[@rajibjoshi9647]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors around -3 to +20 once in wet snow ( partial collapse ) quite 'airy' but blocks major wind. so stays on 'cool' side but not 'cold' so must agree it really is 3 season tent not 4 but I feel in a improvise it will hold up well even in winter need to tape up around mesh areas pack some snow near bottom areas (?) but not proper 4 season tent

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@rajibjoshi9647 nice work. In my experience, I think 3 - season tents can be great for 4 - season use, so long as you don't have so much wind, that it's blowing spindrift into the tent. 4 - Season tents, though a bit warmer (because you don't have as much air coming through the tent) also tend to be vastly wetter (due to condensation build up on everything inside the tent). The condensation that forms on your sleeping bag will tend to melt, due to your own body heat, and so you end up with a wet (and cold) sleeping bag. As long as it's not too windy, I generally prefer a sturdy 3 - season tent, used with a sleeping bag that is comfortable well below the lowest temps I encounter. I hope that helps! If it IS windy though, 4 - season tent hands down is a lot better, and safer.

[@mrnicholasmoody]

Great review thanks Josh! Wish I'd known about your channel when tent shopping! Nick Moody Christchurch

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you Nicholas! I hope you are enjoying your adventure!

[@summittaedae2323]

I’ve got by the elixir1 and it’s amazing. I only bought it as a gap stop tent whilst waiting on my hillebergs. But I’m never getting rid of it now

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Summit tae dae, thanks for sharing that. Can I ask what Hilleberg tent you have? I've got a couple of them myself, and really find them excellent.

[@summittaedae2323]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors I’ve got the 2021 akto in green and the 2021 soulo in sand. I’m in love with the soulo but I do need to shrink wrap the bloody zips. I call them the hilleberg wind chimes 😂. I plan on getting the Allak 2 or 3 for taking the kids camping.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@summittaedae2323 lol. I've heard about the zippers on the soulo in particular rattling. You must get on some pretty awesome adventures. :) I've got an akto as well, and also a nammatj. I used to own an allak, but traded it for my current nammatj.

[@summittaedae2323]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors I don’t get as many trips as I’d like. I plan on doing a lot more winter trips so bought some really good winter gear.

[@simonwiklander5960]

Great review. I think I literally agree with everything you said

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Simon, thank you very much for the kind words.

[@bazzmidas]

Spot on. Thanks for sharing.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much, Bastiaan.

[@dog-so1vj]

Thanks for the review. I recently purchased this tent myself. Your review as well as others, were very helpful to making my decision. I had narrowed my decision down to 2 tents. This one hit the target for me for budget, versatility and durability standards. I bought it to use for bike touring and backpacking. I recently tested it on an overnight backpacking trip. It's a great tent. Very easy to set up. I'm contemplating adding the "Gear Shed" as an added feature. Do you have any experience with this option? Thanks.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi 1980dog, I'm glad you found it helpful. I've used it for bikepacking as well. I had also considered the gear shed, but decided against it, as it seemed like a lot of extra messing around for setup. If you do end up getting one, please let me know how you go with it!

[@nikolajquaade9050]

Hi Joshua:-) Thank you so much for a very informative video. How on earth have you been able to sleep in 50 different tents🙂? Regards from Nikolaj.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Nikolaj, I'm happy to hear you found it helpful. I've been into outdoor adventure activities for about 20 years, so have had lots of opportunities to try different tents.

[@wildmountainman1]

Really good points Josh. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much Mr Wild Man!

[@DaveDoesOutdoors]

Enjoyed that my friend Good review What camera do you use? Atb 👍🏽

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Many thanks, Mr Dave.

[@Chris66able]

Always liked the look of MSR tents but they all seem to have a low hydrostatic head, and seem to be inner pitch first, not recommended for UK weather.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

That's totally fair enough, Chris. I can understand where you are coming from. What's your favorite tent for in the UK? I've got a lot friends from there (living here in NZ) and they all seem to have different preferences as well. Cheers.

[@Chris66able]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors I enjoy my MiniPeak XL, although a lot of condensation, it has steep walls so it runs off quick , does not drip, and the inner stays bone dry all the time..Plus its very quick to pitch and brilliant in high winds..Although I just thinking of buying a Nortent Vern 1.

[@ashpollen65]

Unless you try one you can only speculate. Mine has withstood some proper UK wind, rain and storms. Dry house 100%. Oh, and it can be pitched outer first..........

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@ashpollen65 also fair ashpollen65!

[@Chris66able]

@@ashpollen65 True, except its not speculation that they have a really low hydrostatic head ! The HH on all tents wears thin with time from the elements, and abrasion, and if its low to begin with the that's a disadvantage. Its no coincidence that all the US made tents have low HH and UK / Euro tents have high HH.

[@benjaminschnepf7362]

Very nice and concise review!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much Benjamin. Do you have any experience with MSR tents yourself?

[@Andrej-A]

Thanks! Very compact presentation of information. The weak point of the tent, it seems to me, is that there is too much space between the tent and the ground. In addition, the mesh windows at the ends are located too low. Did you go with her in cool/windy weather?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much Андрей А. I've used the tent in snow, below freezing temperatures, and it is fine. If it was very windy, it would not do well, because of the blowing snow, but it's not intended for those kind of conditions any way.

[@garyturnernz]

Thanks, useful information as I am thinking about getting another tent. Would most of your comments be relevant for the 2 as well? It's a pity that the ticket clippers make the pricing here less of a plus.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Gary, thanks for watching the video. From memory, I think the 2 person Elixir is slightly longer and taller, but you have less width per person (so I think it works out to be slightly less roomy than the solo version). Everything else holds the same though. It's for sure not an alpine tent, like I mentioned, but it's nice for moderate conditions. I think it's a reasonably solid 3 season tent. In my experience, tents that pitch inner and outer together are maybe a bit better for NZ conditions (as it's so often wet), but they don't quite have as good of ventilation either. I guess it just depends on what kind of trips you do. I hope that helps!

[@bentarsaurus1042]

Im looking for a good tent to backpack with, i cant choose between the hubba hubba or this one. What do you think is the best? I want to survive cold and heavy rain. Or do you recommend a other tent with a price of ~500 I also heard that MSR tent has a condensation problem, is that true? And if so what is a solution to that? Btw thanks for the honest review, great video! :)

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hello Bentarsaurus1042, it kind of depends on what sort of trips you want to do, and it what sorts of environments (eg - terrain and conditions). Can you be more specific on what you intend to use it for?

[@tbo2120]

Hi bud! When you say you attached the ground sheet to the inner, do you mean you keep this attached permanently? And if so, how do you do it? Would be curious to try. Thanks! Great video

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi T Bo, thanks for watching the video. I attached the groundsheet to the tent body by looping the groundsheet tabs through the tiny little loops at each corner of the body. There would be lots of different ways you could do it (eg - clove hitching each corner together with a bit of cord). Hope that helps!

[@JackRR15]

Interesting, I bought a Elixir 2 like 1.5 years ago and came with all guylines

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Weird. That's an awesome YT name you have, by the way! How have you found your Elixir 2 after 1.5 years?

[@johnmccarron]

What's the width of the inner tent ?? Thank you.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi John, on their website, MSR says 33 inches. However, in use, I find the usable width a bit less than that. Maybe around 28 inches or so. I dont have it in front of me atm, but I do recall my 25 inch wide size large thermarest sleeping pad fits inside with just a little width to spare. I hope that helps.

[@fishermansid8861]

Best 1 man tent on market for price.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

You're a wise man, Mr Fisherman Sid!

[@whafrog]

Nice thorough and to-the-point review! I have a Hubba and it's been good to me, but in colder weather it's drafty, and in snowy weather it's a spindrift trap. I'm not sure whether I really need to spend double on a true four-season tent...maybe this would do the trick?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Whafrog, thank you for the feedback. If you are going to be in conditions that produce spindrift, I would say a hard NO for the Elixir. I'd for sure go with something that has a proper 4 season inner. I've got some other videos on tents (MACPAC Minaret, Hilleberg Akto, etc) that you might find helpful. I know MSR have some "4 season" style tents that are suitable for spindrift as well. What sort of adventuring do you do, may I ask?

[@whafrog]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Thanks for the quick response. I've done some full winter camping years ago and want to do it again. I live in a part of Canada that gets pretty cold (-20C is the "average" January temp). I'm really lusting over a Hilleberg Soulo, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere. The MSR Access might do the trick, but for not much more I could have a Hilleberg...eventually.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@whafrog Can I ask what part of Canada you're from? I live in New Zealand, but I'm originally from Northern Minnesota (very close to the Quetico), so I understand where you are coming from in terms of the Cold. A few friends of mine have Hilleberg Soulos and can vote for them - very robust.

[@whafrog]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Pretty close by, up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I reached out by email to Hilleberg and they may have a Soulo on backorder, and it might even arrive by end of year! So... fingers crossed. Thanks for the info!

[@AirbornePirates]

Great review 😊

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much Islander Outdoors.

[@karlgreene2177]

I have the 2 man version I like it but the poles are incredibly fragile and the zips break easily.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing that karlgreene2177. May I ask what your favorite tent would be then?

[@morg52]

I hated this tent! I bought a one person model of this tent and found it to be too fussy for setting up. The poles don't have strong enough elastic cords inside and will partially separate as you are setting it up. In my tent this meant that one of the ends of the poles got broken off on the first night out with it. It broke off right next to one of the swivels they use for the poles. The break amounted to about a quarter inch piece of pole that gets another pole inserted into it. Being extra careful I was able to continue with my month long bicycle trip until the last night when it broke completely. Fortunately, I had a mending tube and some duct tape to get it together. I found the attachments at the corners where the poles are supposed to connect to the tent to be prone to coming undone while you are trying to set it up. There wasn't much room inside the tent either. The foot print that comes with it is too narrow. The top pole that goes across is too short and comes out of the ring things that are supposed to hold it. With the exception of the poles and how it gets put together, the tent 'is' very well made and gave me good cover when I had it set up. This tent could be better if it had webbing type snap buckles to attach the rainfly and footprint. I used a Kelty Late Start on my most recent month long bicycle tour and found it wonderfully easy to set up in comparison.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi there, it sounds like you had a horrible experience with it. I'm sorry to hear that. I can honestly say that my experience with the tent has been great so far. I've never used a Kelty tent, but had one of their earlier packs for many years, and it did the job well enough. What kind of terrain do you do on your bike touring trips may I ask?

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Too heavy for 1p 2kg and 3kg for 2-3 person ones also a bit much to carry on multi day hikes. Shame coz it looks good.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Gregory Outdoors, thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@pillepolle3122]

Lol 2kg Too heavy for you?!. Get some muscles and quit whining

[@muveran123]

👍

[@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 :)

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Aidan, I've never been to Patagonia, but I've heard it has some of the most serious wind in the world. It depends on where you might be tenting, but I would say....possibly not. I've had great experience with the tent, but I've seen a lot of reviews more recently that were terrible. It sounds like MSR has had quality control issues with some of their products, and I don't know if they have addressed them or not yet. I've never used it for stargazing, but I feel there is enough mesh in the ceiling where it should be too much an issue. What sort of places in Patagonia will you be? Thanks for watching.

[@user-rb8fy1hd9i]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Hmmm, thank you for your insights. I'm trying to decide between the MSR Elixir and Marmot Tungston as my choice of tents and it's not an easy call to make! The quality control issues of MSR are worrying indeed. I'll be be pretty much visiting everywhere in Patagonia, hopefully! Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares National Park etc.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Best of luck, Aidan. I'm curious to see how you go down there with the tent you end up choosing.

[@OutdoorKlinge]

Should i buy it for 180?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

If new, Id probably say go for it (but you could probably find it for cheaper i reckon). It just depends on your urgency!

[@BCHiker]

Good review Josh.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much, Curtis.

[@cahillp3]

you got me. New tent on the way:D

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

lol. Cheers Paul. I'm not sure if this interests you, but I've actually got a series coming out on the guy that founded MSR. He passed away about 20 years ago, but I've interviewed all of his daughters, and unearthed some really great history on his life and innovations.

[@cahillp3]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors That is really interesting too hear and well done you on putting in that effort man. I would like to think that the designers of these tents find pride in people using them as they don't often get mentioned. Just a brand name.

[@ovrobinson7780]

Nice video bud

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much, Ov Robinson. It looks like you have an elixir 1 as well?

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice. I got the Hubba Hubba

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Stigfloberghagenphotography, do you like your hubba hubba?

[@patrickh8796]

Hy Jojo