MSR elixir 3 Tent

This shot from the inside-out, shows how the poles line-up with the fly and the mesh areas of the tent.

And here’s a shot from the outside-in, showing one of two points at which the poles meet (it’s a fixed position, actually). You can also see how the poles are colour coded to match with the grommets holding the tent to the ground—and the fly to the tent. This colour coding is super helpful. Without it, the tent’s somewhat asymmetrical design could complicate set up.

Here’s the pole into the grommet shot. Colour coded, thankfully. See also the shepherd’s hook peg design—a bit of a downgrade from those provided with the Nook or the Carbon Reflex-3 tents.

Here’s the pole design, in all its glory. Two poles with two fixed points, and one smaller pole across the top. Note that the tent itself isn’t mostly mesh the way some lighter versions might be—and I am OK with this. It makes you feel a little more protected and private from the outside, while enjoying maximum ventilation.

Here’s a full shot of the Elixir-3 in no-fly mode. Note the raised entryway to minimized incoming water. A groundsheet/footprint is included, BTW.

With fly on. Note the little ventilator window just to the right of the logo. The doors also roll up easily to provide a cross breeze. Double vestibule for gear and more space.

For an idea of size, here’s the Elixir-3, next to the Nook, next to the 750ML bottle of Jamieson. Sláinte.

Here’s the Elixir-3 in its element—Whitewater Canyon, Central Kootenays, BC. No grizzly bears were harmed in the shooting of this photo. Again ~ warm temps and no rain? Fly off.

Number of Doors: 2
Freestanding: yes
Number of Poles: 2 7000 series aluminum
Number of Stakes: 6 Aluminum

- Rainfly Fabric: 68D ripstop polyester 1500mm Polyurethane & DWR
- Canopy Fabric: 40D ripstop nylon
- Mesh Type: 20D nylon micromesh
- Floor Fabric: 70 taffeta nylon 3000mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR

At $285, the Elixir-3 is a good value tent which will comfortably fit two people, or three in a pinch. I’m not an unintelligent person (no comments, please) but I sometimes am challenged with tent set up-- especially if it’s dark, I’m exhausted, it’s raining, or all three. The Elixir-3’s colour-coded poles and grommet fasteners make it an easy set-up for all but the most brain-dead of campers. Yes, the tent isn’t as light as the Reflex-3, but if you split the weight between two people (as I did on a recent trip) it’s totally manageable.

The 40D ripstop nylon, that the tent proper is made out of, feels sturdy and durable. Sometimes, with the faster and lighter models, it feels like the material is more likely to tear if caught on a twig or sharp rock. It all comes down to thickness, and in many cases, the Elixir-3 material is twice as thick as what you’ll find in an ultra lightweight tent, like the Reflex. 

I appreciate the dual, two-fixed-position pole program for ease of set-up, and I also am thankful for the included footprint. Having tested a number of tents, I often wonder what it is that manufacturers use to determine price. I love the Carbon Reflex-3 but my love isn’t proportionate to its price tag—which is twice as much as the Elixir. I’d recommend the Elixir-3 to non-weight weenie, value conscious shoppers.