MSR Elixir2 Tent Erection

Tent erection and initial thoughts on the MSR Elixir2. A follow up video will be done, after a period of use, reviewing the tent and looking in detail at it.
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[@bradb2514]

Excellent video! I really enjoyed watching the tent being set up. Very helpful. Basically your MSR is quite similar to my Kelty except mine isn’t symmetrical. One end it a slight bit taller and wider, presumably for more head room where needed while the smaller end allows for some weight and bulk savings. It works fine but causes be a bit of confusion on my part when setting up. You have to align the footprint, tent and rain fly exactly right to get the irregular shapes all lined up. This is further complicated because the rain seams and stitching are designed on a diagonal for some reason. So I always have to throw it on top and end up spinning it around a couple times to get it arranged properly. The loops are colour coordinated but it’s still a bit counter intuitive. I’ve only had it up a few times so I’m getting the hang of it now. Yours looks quite straightforward to set up. I’m jealous! On a different subject I wanted to tell you that we made a deposit on a 2021 CB500X! Im having the dealer install Honda heated grips, a accessory power outlet and a centerstand. We managed a small discount so we are pleased. I’m hoping you will put up with more questions sure to come as we accessorize the bike. Of course hard winter is just around the corner so I’m not sure how much riding we will get done before spring. But we are excited! Your comments were quite helpful in helping us make the purchase. Thanks for that!

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Brad, the Kelty tents have a good following but I’ve never had one myself! I particularly like the Elixir2 headroom throughout the length and having the doors either side, but for traveling I’m still looking at carrying lighter so the new Naturehike Cloud Up2 at 1kg less may be the long distance option (not 100% sure yet and different trips might determine what tent/gear I actually take). It does take a few uses to get the feel for putting them up but all part of the fun...have you got any provisional trips planned for 2021? Excellent news on on the 2021 500x and look forward to seeing some pictures, what colour have you bought, there’s no wrong colour 😆 and if I do eventually get there it would be great to have a ride out with you and your wife 👍🏻

[@bradb2514]

I have no hard dates set as it depends on the pandemic and how it is over here. But on my list is: 1. Riding from my home in the midwest to Lake Superior in Canada then encircling it. 2. Ride east to the Smoky mountains and around that area. 3. Ride south the entire length of the Natchez Trace. 4. Ride west to Texas Hill Country and then to Big Bend National Park. Who knows what I will be able to get done. As for the 500X, it’s black with red decals and a red rear frame. It’s the only colour offered in the States for the 2021 model. Honestly, I would have preferred white or something brighter if only for better visibility on the road. I hope to collect the bike in a week or so as they need to get the accessories ordered.

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@bradb2514 your planned trip sounds brilliant, we’re in lockdown at the moment and can’t see getting back to normal for a couple of years! At least I’ll be able to get lots of advice from you if I eventually get there 😆 I originally wanted a red one but my black came up at the right price and one advantage when camping is the stealth mode for wild camping - black and camouflage 😂

[@bradb2514]

Yes, covid will play a huge roll in my decision making. I was literally a few days away from my Lake Superior trip this year when they closed the border to Canada. And every try at a trip has been cancelled since then. These are such scary times. I must admit that since I am older I am worried that I might not ever get to do everything I want to since it gets harder every year. Covid is robbing us from living our lives. Many countries, such as the UK, are in lockdown which, I believe, is the right thing to do. Unfortunately too many Americans have this idiotic defiant attitude and don’t want anyone to tell them what to do. It is prolonging this whole horrible pandemic. Sorry for the rant. People can be so stupid. Hey, I never thought about the black bike being stealthy when camping. Brilliant!

[@thecampingbiker791]

Yes, COVID really sucks! We can still ride our bikes but no camping (I was going to do some winter camping this winter but can’t see it happening now) It’s a real shame that your planned trips have come to nothing but I’m confident things will have improved by summer next year...hopefully I’ll be camping by April! I suspect with a large population and historic aversion to trusting government it’s a difficult situation there! I made a decision to try and do everything I wanted over the next 10 years before age makes it more difficult, so to loose a couple of them isn’t great...I think it will be difficult to travel internationally next year so I’m thinking of a trip to the Outer Hebrides, Scottish Highlands, or if I can maybe Norway and Sweden. Anyhow, we’re all allowed to have a rant now and again 😂 👍🏻

[@royblackburn1163]

Nice tent good review I think you should always be ready for heavy weather then you can sleep soundly and not have to worry about putting your guy ropes out in the middle of the night

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Roy, good tip and certainly needed them on another occasion 😂

[@martinrea8548]

Nice video! I just bought one of these tents yesterday and I'm going to use it on a ten day motorbike tour up along the West coast of Ireland. I have another tent but I wanted something more compact for packing on the back of the bike. I hope it works out ok. 🏍✌️

[@thecampingbiker791]

Cheers Martin, can’t go wrong with it…couple of tips if useful…you can compress the pack size down quite a lot by using a lightweight compression bag instead of standard bag and take a length of paracord/guy line as there are 4 hanging tabs on roof of inner tent and you can easily string a section up there to hang stuff off! Have a great trip, regards Andrew

[@martinrea8548]

@@thecampingbiker791 Thanks, Andrew. I did notice the bag seemed a bit big for the weight and volume of the tent. I want to pack it down as tightly as possible so as to take up as little space as possible so I can fit in some fishing gear too. 🏍✌️

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@martinrea8548 I use an older medium version of these for all my tents, they’re superb: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265378963576?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=A19TpC4bTPC&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=MKjvCP0rTiS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@FuchsiaShock]

This is my go-to motorbike tent too. I've tied one end of the groundsheet to the poles to make it easier to put up as I find often the poles jump out of the eyelets as you bend them over. Just need to plan some summer trips now..

[@thecampingbiker791]

I’ve just been using it in the Yorkshire Dales at Swaledale, worth a look at the campsite review once published! These tents are such a nice liveable environment when inside them…hope you have a great camping season 👍🏻

[@michaeldesouza4911]

Hi, I came across you channel last night and have now subscribed. Really like your style and delivery. I am not a biker, but do a lot of walking and have got into wild camping this year. I am just about to order the Naturehike Cloud up 1 so ur video was good to watch, ideally wanted the MSR but current budget won’t allow. Keep up the great videos. Take care. Michael.

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Michael, good to hear from you and thanks for kind words! I do really like walking and getting right into wild camping with the motorcycle but I would also like to do some walking trails and wild camp on top of the mountains in the Lake District (Cumbria UK) which wouldn’t quite work with the bike if walking on a route over a few days 😂 I do however want to go motorcycle traveling (post covid) for extended periods/ distance and will take walking gear with me to be able to take time out for walking and wild camping. I rate the Naturehike very highly and think they are excellent value for money, indeed I’ve just bought a Cloud Up2 in Forest Green! Although the MSR is roomier and has a few extra features to be honest I will probably travel long distance, or if hiking, with the Naturehike as it’s 1kg lighter than the MSR and packs smaller. I guess for me it will be all down to the specific needs, but I do like both! Anyhow, hope wherever you are that you keep safe and enjoy the tent, regards Andrew 👍🏻

[@My24hradventure]

I agree, really well presented 👍

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@My24hradventure cheers again Jonathan 👍🏻

[@adamcrook7603]

Great video, I’ve learned a bit re different fly options, many thanks 👍

[@thecampingbiker791]

Cheers Adam

[@r13gbs]

Try the Sea to Summit Event compression for the tent and leave the poles out ,,Should compress a lot smaller

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Rick, I’ll have a look 👍🏻

[@jaumetripiana6771]

thanks a lot your explanation is very clear

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Jaume

[@My24hradventure]

Hello mate, I really enjoyed this vid. I got my MSR E2 a couple of weeks ago, took it to he Norfolk coast last weekend. What a terrific tent it is - I'd been slumming it in OEX 1-man tents up till now 😄. Have sub'd. Found your channel via Summit or Nothing 👍looking forward to seeing your vid about the extension you mentioned! Atb Jonathan

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Jonathan, cheers mate, I’ve subbed to you also....only had brief look but love the Swiss Cheese and Scrambled Egg video (going to try it 😋) I’m pleased Trev has done this as it brings like minded people together and I look forward to going through your content, looking like plenty to watch over Christmas! The MSR has such a feeling of light and space to it and I had mine down in Norfolk earlier in summer..will be returning next year! I’ll be posting the gear shed extension tomorrow, certainly gives good storage and cooking in bad weather and if stopping somewhere as base camp for a few nights. All the best Andrew

[@My24hradventure]

@@thecampingbiker791 Cheers Andrew. Yes totally agree, Trev's video was excellent. You'll enjoy the cheesy eggs but don't forget the pepper (like I did 😆)

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@My24hradventure although I travel by motorcycle I do enjoy the cooking aspect, however with my plans to travel I’ve been gradually cutting weight and pack size down to the basics (circa 12kg including bag) however cooking has taken a hit with that, so may now have to re think the cookset 😂

[@My24hradventure]

@@thecampingbiker791 Fair enough, leave the pepper at home 😄

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@My24hradventure nope, must have the pepper 😂

[@shropshirecycle]

what a gr8 video

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thank you, Shropshire is lovely place

[@markbates8718]

Great review, I'm considering one of these for use when out on my BMW 1250GSA but can you tell me how long the poles are when packed as I'd like to sore them in my panniers if possible.

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Mark, thanks for the feedback, they are a nice tent to spend time in and bags of room (for a small tent) The poles are 44cm long and as a bundle are roughly 44x6x6cm. Hope that helps and let me know how you get on! All the best, Andrew

[@jaybe6188]

having used the tent for five years now I can say that the quality of the seams is horrorful. I absolutely love the tent but this is really frustrating. I think my tent has been pitched 15-20 times. so not really much. middle european wheather,nothing fancy. all the seams came of. they just crumble to pieces. I really expected more from MSR at this price.

[@thecampingbiker791]

Not good to hear and not what I’d expect…like you I really like this tent so will keep any eye on that over time. Thanks for your long term update, always useful to hear good and bad 👍🏻

[@BM-ms3gr]

Tx for sharing, therefore definitely not buying this tent 🙏🏻

[@CMDRArcanic]

Hiya, I'm planning on joining a conservation corps this summer in Colorado, and I need something that is waterproof and durable. I've seen people having a lot of problems with the rainfly failing to keep water out over time. How has this tent been treating you?

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi, I’ve used it in all weather conditions here in UK and it does rain a lot 😆 but never had any issues with fly or leaking..indeed never had issues with anything. I’ve also got the Elixir1 and that’s the same..no issues

[@CMDRArcanic]

@@thecampingbiker791 Awesome! Good to hear, and thanks for your quick reply

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@CMDRArcanic no problem and enjoy your Colorado trip

[@stephencurwood9469]

I've had the Elixir 2 for 2 to 3 years. Bought the gear shed just before lockdown. Loved this tent a lot so have the Hubba NX as well. :)

[@thecampingbiker791]

Very livable tents, the gear shed gives good flexibility for different trips....how does the Hubba compare to the Elixir

[@stephencurwood9469]

@@thecampingbiker791 The Hubba NX is a great one man tent. only has one vestibule, but saying that is very workable. being 6'2" I find it quite roomy. Probably used it more than the Elixur 2 for lightweight wild camps.

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@stephencurwood9469 yes, I’ve seen one just forgot it was that one! I’ve been using a one man Naturehike Cloud Up1 for lighter packing, but also now got the 2 man version which I haven’t had chance to try yet!

[@jamiemeager9352]

Iv just got this tent where did you get the bag for it at the start of the video and what's it called

[@thecampingbiker791]

It’s an XPED Waterproof Compression Bag, with straps and valve to squeeze all the air out, and I got mine from Oudoor GB, although colours have changed mine is the medium one. Had it a while now and is an essential bit of my kit…really compresses the tents to reasonable size and I’ve never used the standard MSR bag. www.outdoorgb.com/p/exped_waterproof_compression_bags_straps/?currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=174813&SelectedItem=705995&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh82rt9Pl_gIVkfftCh1zag24EAQYASABEgIZh_D_BwE

[@torefrost1926]

Hi great video , and well detailed, my elixir 2 just arrived today. I brought for the same reason motorbike camping , do you know the exped dry bag name or size please I'm thinking the same as you , the tent bag is a bit over sized. Would like one that compresses down with the valve to expel the air . Many thanks Tore 👍

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Tore, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll get back to you on the dry bag, just need to get it off the loft and check for you 👍🏻

[@yetiibob8407]

Nice tent, i have the Robens Lodge 3 which is similar

[@thecampingbiker791]

Good tents, I’ve also got a new Naturehike Cloud Up2 (had the Cloud Up1 which I liked for its low weight) but haven’t used it yet with Covid restrictions! It’s about 1kg less than the MSR but not as much porch room! Different tents for different trips 👍🏻

[@yetiibob8407]

@@thecampingbiker791 same here, i have about 8 tents overall lol. Couple of car ones and my old Wild country Super Nova from 94' which i used when me and my brother climbed Island Peak in Nepal. Its old and the poles need repairing but i cant throw it away ha . It was £350 then!

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@yetiibob8407I only have 3 now 😂 Years ago I had the Terra Nova Solo, camped with it in winter 🥶

[@wildcampinginscotland6060]

Great video.

[@thecampingbiker791]

Cheers mate, I’ve also subbed to your site 👍🏻

[@wildcampinginscotland6060]

@@thecampingbiker791 got ye back. 👍

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@wildcampinginscotland6060 just watching your Loch Voil wild camp 👍🏻

[@thecampingbiker791]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@tweetchris46]

Great vid mate

[@thecampingbiker791]

Thanks Chris 👍🏻

[@DDLovett]

Hey Andy. This is the tent i am pretty sure I'm going to get, as its a heck of a lot cheaper than the hubba nx and do i really need to save a kilo in weight when I'm on my 500x? Great review as always. One thing i think youtubers miss out on with tent reviews is the moment you pull the pole bag out, could you put the length of the folded poles on screen? Because as a hard pannier guy, thats the main thing i look for in a tent. Will it fit in my topbox? Im sick of losing my rear seat to a tent bag.

[@thecampingbiker791]

Yep the extra weight makes little difference on a bike and the Elixir range is a bit better suited to UK weather so for motorcycle camping I think it’s a better choice.. good comment on packed pole lengths, I’ll include in future reviews and follow up a bit later with the actual measurements 👍🏻

[@DDLovett]

@@thecampingbiker791 thanks for replying Andy. Good luck.

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@DDLovett cheers Dave! Ps. Packed poles are 45cm, thought they were but wanted to double check 👍🏻

[@DDLovett]

@@thecampingbiker791 that's perfect. I think the whole tent would fit in my givi v35 pannier. If not, they will definitely fit in my topbox. I'm well chuffed.

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@DDLovett good choice 👍🏻

[@Shadowwarrior1973]

Hi great video I’m looking at purchasing one of these tents. Can you tell me which compression sack you use for packing the tent ? Thanks

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Lee, brilliant tent 👍🏻 The bag is an exped compression dry bag with straps and air purge valve…mine is a Medium 19 litre and just right for the two man tent. Here’s once source for them that I use: www.outdoorgb.com/p/exped_waterproof_compression_bags_straps/

[@myfavouritechair]

Thanks for the review. Have been seriously considering this tent for bicycle packing. Although not the lightest it seems to meet the balance well of cost, space, weight and quality. However I have been slightly dubious as when reading reviews I have seen quite a lot of people saying that it lets water in during heavy rain. You mentioned you had it in the rain so I presume it was fine? I also liked the stuff sack you had purchased could you link or describe the exact one you used? Really appreciate your advice and happy camping!

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Francis, it’s definitely waterproof from my experience and it’s been used in some heavy rain on a few occasions including during some wild camping. I think from memory that the Hubba Hubba version has had some problems and I think it was down to lack of taped seems....the Elixir’s do have taped seems! I can only really talk about my experience and that has been very good, with the feeling of space inside it feels a home from home! I’ve had the Expad stuff sack a few years now but if you look on eBay with 264593418704 you’ll find some there! Mine is the medium 19l version. Very useful does pack down well 👍🏻

[@myfavouritechair]

@@thecampingbiker791 thanks for replying and for sharing. Maybe you’re right, it could have been the Hubba Hubba. I have purchased the tent and it arrived yesterday, so ofcourse did the obligatory set up in my lounge (unfortunately don’t have a garden)! Very pleased, as you state, it is very spacious. I think I may well get that stuff sack as well. The only thing that threw me was how the rain fly attaches to the tent. Do you clip it onto the pole ends? Or do you stake out? Expected them to be colour coded, even though it’s symmetrical so doesn’t matter. Just threw me. Thanks again.

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@myfavouritechair excellent, always exciting getting new tent, I really do like the various set up options for the flysheet and feeling of space! Actually, orientation does matter when setting up the flysheet as it needs to match the way the inner door unzips as they aren’t a mirror image...it will be obvious when fully put up. The groundsheet, inner tent and fly all fix to one of the four corner poles, the inner is clipped to the cross pole, then peg the both vestibules down...depending on weather you can then peg the corners, ends and four guy ropes out (I have rarely pegged the guy ropes) Just Check that the poles and inner hanging hooks are colour coordinated. Hope that helps, but trial and error is my usual method 😂 👍🏻

[@CampNWildWithTheDragon]

Thanks for video. Subbed 👍great

[@thecampingbiker791]

Cheers for that, I’ve also subbed and look forward to browsing over Christmas 👍🏻

[@CampNWildWithTheDragon]

@@thecampingbiker791 thanks bud have a good Christmas 👍

[@thecampingbiker791]

Likewise, all the best over Christmas 👍🏻

[@BlazeOnMoto]

Hello my friend. I am on the market for new tent and I am thinking about that one. Do you have any problems with condensation in that tent? How it compare to naturehike ten what you had before?

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi there, the MSR Elixir2 is a fantastic little tent and has no issues with condensation, having plenty of mesh on the inner and venting on outer plus various flysheet set ups. To be fair my Naturehike tents, both Cloud Up1&2 range and the new Opalus3 are also brilliant for having no condensation, like the MSR they have plenty of inner mesh and outer vents with the Opalus having the rear flysheet roll up completely. I was asked recently if I could only have one ‘what would it be?’ and it was difficult to answer! All the best, Andrew ps. I’ve subbed your channel 👍🏻

[@BlazeOnMoto]

@@thecampingbiker791 Thanks Andrew👍 for the info. I like msr tent looks to me very well done and I think it will stand for many Moto trips. My current one from decathlon has condensation problem what I don't like as my sleeping bag is always wet in the morning. So... Time for change 😁. Thanks for giving me subb. My new series from dolomites is going to have English subtitles so I hope you will like it 👍 I have subbed you many months ago😉 thanks again and see you on the road! Cheers 🍻

[@thecampingbiker791]

@@BlazeOnMoto no problem and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the MSR on your trips! Look forward to the Dolomites videos and one day who knows we may have a beer 👍🏻

[@craigcrawley514]

where can I purchase the compression bag please?

[@thecampingbiker791]

Hi Craig, this is where I got mine, although it’s a while ago now..the one I use is a 19ltr one. www.outdoorgb.com/p/exped_waterproof_compression_bags_straps/