MSR Elixir 4-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent User Manual

Introduction

The MSR Elixir 4-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is designed for versatility and ease of use, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor adventures. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Elixir 4 tent to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The MSR Elixir 4-Person tent fully set up with its rainfly.

Included Components

Your MSR Elixir 4-Person tent package includes all necessary components for a complete setup:

• Tent Body
• Rainfly
• Tent Poles (Aluminum)
• Stakes (Aluminum)
• Footprint
• Guy Lines
• Repair Splint
• Stuff Sacks for Tent, Poles, and Stakes

All essential components included with your MSR Elixir 4 tent.

Setup Guide

1. Prepare the Site: Choose a flat, clear area for your tent. Remove any sharp objects or debris.
2. Lay Out Footprint and Tent Body: Spread the footprint on the ground where you intend to set up the tent. Ensure the MSR logo on the footprint is facing up. Then, lay the tent body evenly over the footprint. Align the corners of the tent body with the footprint.
3. Stake Out Tent Body and Footprint: Using the red cord loops on the tent body and footprint, stake out all four corners tightly.
4. Assemble Poles: Carefully assemble the tent poles. Avoid letting the pole ends snap together forcefully to prevent damage.
5. Insert Main Poles: Insert the tips of the long, main poles into the grommets at all four corners of the tent body. Ensure the correct color-coded pole aligns with the matching colored webbing and grommet.
6. Attach Tent Body Clips: Attach the clips on the tent body to the assembled poles. Match the webbing color on the clips to the corresponding pole color.
7. Install Ridge Pole: Lay the short ridge pole over the center of the long poles. Insert its ends into the two grommets located at the midpoint of the tent body.
8. Drape Rainfly: Lay the rainfly over the tent body. Ensure the darker side of the MSR logo on the rainfly is facing up. The corner webbing color of the rainfly should match the webbing on the tent body corners.
9. Secure Rainfly: Attach the rainfly's midpoint grommets to the short ridge pole. Then, attach the fly loop straps to the grommet cleats at each corner of the tent.
10. Stake Out Vestibules: Stretch out the vestibules until taut and stake them down.
11. Adjust Tension: Adjust the rainfly and vestibules as needed to keep your tent tight and weatherproof. It may be necessary to re-tighten the rainfly if it gets wet, as the fabric can stretch when damp.
12. Use Guy Lines (Optional): In windy conditions, use the included guy lines and stakes to add extra stability.

Tent body with poles installed.

Inserting tent pole into grommet.

Attaching tent body clips to poles.

Draping the rainfly over the tent.

Operating Features

Ventilation

To help minimize condensation and improve airflow, open the rainfly vents and roll up the vestibule doors. The tent body features strategically placed mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation while retaining warmth.

Spacious Interior

The Elixir 4 boasts a true rectangular floorplan and nearly vertical walls, designed to comfortably accommodate modern wide sleeping pads. It includes a gear loft and end pockets with cable ports for organizing your essentials and staying connected.

Internal gear loft for organization.

Spacious interior comfortably fits four people.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning

To clean your tent, use a soft sponge and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the fabric's waterproof coating. For stubborn dirt, a mild, non-detergent soap can be used sparingly. Rinse thoroughly.

Drying

After each trip, or after cleaning, it is crucial to completely dry your tent before storage. Hang the tent body and rainfly in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Ensure all parts are thoroughly dry to prevent mildew and fabric degradation.

Storage

Store your MSR Elixir 4 tent uncompressed in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Storing the tent loosely (e.g., in a large mesh bag or pillowcase) rather than tightly compressed in its stuff sack helps prolong the life of the fabric and coatings.

The MSR Elixir 4 tent packed in its stuff sack.

Troubleshooting

Condensation Inside Tent

Condensation is a natural occurrence in tents, especially in humid or cold conditions. To minimize it, ensure proper ventilation by opening rainfly vents and rolling up vestibule doors when weather permits. Choose a campsite that allows for good airflow.

Loose Rainfly

If the rainfly appears loose or sags, especially after rain, it may need to be re-tensioned. Fabric can stretch when wet. Adjust the tensioning straps at the corners and vestibules until the rainfly is taut. Ensure all stakes are securely in the ground.

Difficulty Assembling Poles

Ensure pole sections are fully seated into each other. If poles are sticking, check for dirt or debris in the ferrules. Avoid forcing poles together; gently guide them into place.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

The MSR Elixir 4-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent comes with a 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For specific details regarding warranty claims, please refer to the official MSR website or contact MSR customer service directly.

Customer Support

For additional assistance, product inquiries, or technical support, please visit the official MSR website or contact their customer service department. You can often find FAQs, detailed product guides, and contact information on their website.