I’ve just used my Elixer 2 in Europe for two weeks and absolutely love it. We has some massive storms overnight in the Alps, and it never felt like it would not stand up to it.
Andy, very good insight into the Elixir 1, Ive used this tent on many overnight camp trips and found it brilliant. New to bike camping myself. We have both too 1 and 2 MSR tents. Keep up the reviews, brilliant.
Agreed. It is a perfect tent except for the weight. If the weight is not an issue look no further. I have the Elixir 2 and I love it. Great review Andrew.
Fantastic review mate, I came across one of these on a selling app for half the retail price, used once as new the advert said, I have been considering a one man tent for some time now but never bit the bullet because the tunnel type ones make me feel claustrophobic, after watching this I knew it was the perfect tent for me, the weight increase is worth it.
Thank you, pleased it was helpful…to be honest I can’t think of a better one for carrying your home on your back..excellent tent and for relative lightweight and compact pack size you get really good space when erected, particularly for long term use….everything needs to be a compromise when travelling! Ps. I hope you will do some videos of your journey, I’ve subbed and would love to follow such a trip 👍🏻
@@thecampingbiker791oh thank you so much for subbing, that's awesome! I am actually planning to make a film of the whole experience, as well as vlogs along the way, expect the first one towards the end of April ;)
I've got the MSR Access 1 tent, it's my winter goto hiking/wild camping tent, bombproof winter tent for when keeping safe really matters, obviously is very similar to the Elixir. I'm doing a trip to Portugal next year and thinking about what tent to take. I also have a Vango Helium 2 which is my goto lightweight tent for when doing the TET and such, anything where I want to keep weight to an absolute minimum, it packs down very small and only weighs 1.4kg yet gives me nearly twice the room of the Access 1. I love it because it's a single pole design, goes up very quick, which is obviously important in the rain, and it has 2 doors, so although you have to have the fly on you can open both doors in warm weather to get a draught thru. So I was chatting with someone recently about single pole tents for bike camping and they said the Elixir style was better for bike camping because you can easily move them. So i've been having a look around and it seems the case, lots of people recommending tents like the Elixir or Hubba or the Naturhike Mongar 2. So just wondering what your thoughts on this are on this? Do you often have to move the tent once set up? Is it because you like to gaze at the stars? As it happens I've got my eye on a Vango Krypton 2, but perhaps the Mongar 2 would save me some dosh for just this trip. But I do love the Helium 2, pack size is something like 30 x 14 cm, which is very small and i'm defo a minimalist biker, especially when on the rough stuff! Thanks for the review, enjoyed watching it very much
Sorry for slow reply, been a bit busy..life intervening! All good tents you mention and all capable of the trip. I also like ultra light and small pack size for travelling day by day, the less you have the less to pack in a morning and I’m gradually building my ultra light travel system… obviously different for a a winter camp for a few days in one place, where I like a little more warmth and size! The single pole tents are quick, the Elixir1 being a superb space for one person tent, although I also have a Robens Elk River1 which is single linked DAC pole 1.5kg and 42x11cm pack and has high waterproof spec and very quick to put up and down with an exoskeleton pole set up…this has become my winter go to if travelling day by day and to compliment it I’ve just bought a lightweight Robens wing tarp in same couple as the Elk River. My go to continental warm travelling tent for now would be with the Elixir1 just because it’s such a damn good all round versatile tent..quick to put up and down, plenty room for one person tent, freestanding, options on having fly or not, reasonably small pack size, and yes I love seeing the stars when it’s warm enough! I do actually move the tent when erected, sometimes just to take best advantage of the sun setting or rising, but it’s not essential just nice to have, more importantly I like the fly off or half off weather permitting. Krypton2 looks a great tent, similar I guess to the Elixir2 but lighter… I’ve also got an Elixir2 which I also love.. but the Elixir1 is smaller pack size plus less weight. Have you looked at the Durston XMid2 at 1.13kg with poles available at just under 93g, pack size 30x13 and lots of space..it’s also got a dedicated following with great reviews… I might get one when I can afford it!! Enjoy Portugal, I’m thinking Spain and Portugal myself for next year
Very useable bit of kit and with some planning I have for long term travel this is definitely the tent I’ll be taking! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Had Elixir 1 and loved it but 3 poles did crack, got great use out of it. Got nx 1 tent now! wicked tent, worth every penny! super lite, Luxury Bivi tent is what it is.
I use a Slumit Cub 2, flash frame tent when motorcycle camping, inner and outer all goes up in under 2 mins, great piece of kit, cant be doing with the faff of poles and flysheets.
Nice review Andrew I had the 2 for a few hrs no regrets but I changed to the lone rider adv tent they are very similar but it’s a bit heavier material which I wanted to be honest everything I need really Steven
I use the elixir 2, I read reviews on the lone rider and sort of felt I should have looked for one. Then at a camp, I found a guy with one. Wow, I have so much more headroom, so no regrets. The Lone guy was envious! @@thecampingbiker791
Good design, quality materials, well constructed and just a nice tent to live in count for a lot… I’ve worn my footprint out with heavy use on the Elixir2 but can still get them and not a bad price… wouldn’t part with mine
I’d agree, brilliant summer travel tent but not the best for winter, although I have previously used an Elixir2 in winter, however now using a couple of Robens Tents, which stand up very well to winter weather! I’ve got the Voyager 2EX a 2 person tunnel tent with high spec for base camp set up and an Elk River1, a one person high spec quick erect for day by day winter camping trips + Robens Wing Tarp to allow bit more protection if weather really wet as this is smaller, although warmer, than the Elixir1. Both Robens are very good and there’s a couple of videos I’ve done might be helpful! Robens Elk River 1 | Lightweight Sloping Tunnel Design Tent | Review ruclips.net/video/rMX2s8h6-7g/видео.html Robens Voyager 2EX | Tunnel Tent | Review ruclips.net/video/BjeUZhLca_w/видео.html
@@christopherlucas892 I’ve also looked at a dome tent from Robens, might sell my Elixir2 and buy one…looks good for winter 🥶 I’ve bought other gear from these guys, usually good prices and always good service 👍🏻 www.alpinetrek.co.uk/robens-lodge-2-2-person-tent-bf/?aid=72e90139aa9267b7299ff1f58213de43&pid=10004&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0tr0pKmnggMV1oFQBh3nXQvUEAQYASABEgJJ4PD_BwE&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.18012299660..#galleryid-1.pictureid-2
Why is the 2 person tent so much more popular? I think I'm going to go for the 1 person version due to it being cheaper. This 1 person seems specious enough, especially since I only envision my gf joining me once in a blue moon. lol
I think it’s just the extra room and many people don’t like 1 man tents because of space.. but this one has bags of space compared to my other 1 man tents! I’m sure you’ll manage with the girlfriend stopping over 😂
@@thecampingbiker791 Thanks. Your video persuaded me to buy the 1 man. It arrived today and if anything I think I need a bigger sleeping mat. Loads of room for 1 person and enough room for my gf on occasion ...would be a different story if I was sharing with a mate though. lol
Looks a good tent until you have to put it up in heavy rain then the inside would be soaked before you get the fly on. Unless you can pitch it outer 1st?
It’s very good, particularly in warmer weather, although I have been winter camping in the Elixir2 I prefer more solid material in winter. You can indeed set up outer first if need to with very heavy rain, although I’ve never had to! Basically you set up footprint and poles, then instead of inner you put fly over in normal way peg out then start clipping inner to the poles from inside and place each corner tab under fly corner tabs..if that makes sense 😆 👍🏻
@@thecampingbiker791 thank you for that I wasn’t aware or ever seen that you could this il take another look at this tent now. Thank you very much for reply and advice 👍
Looks great, but gone back to external poles on fly, leaving inner attached. Putting it up in rain takes about 5 mins and inners dry. I also leave my sleeping bag and mat inside and roll up complete. Just a quick way if your dotting about on a motorbike when the weathers a bit hit and miss. Heavier than the MSR, but what’s a kilo on a bike for convenience. Good riding 😎
@@whatthe6532 I do sometimes, having several various tents, but like the pack size of smaller tents! Also, depends on time of year and weather but of late mostly using 2 person tents
@@mokotramp fortunately I bought it 2nd hand but unused so not too bad on price but those PHOXX 2 are insane prices currently at £75! You have so tempted me 😂
You're my kind of guy: someone who rides around on a big chopper in leather gear, and writes "ERECTION" in prominent letters on the start of his video - obviously some kind of subliminal message. Can I come "camping" with you, please?
Ha, you have me all wrong…..although I was thinking of setting up a new channel called ‘The Camp Biker’ as I’d probably get more views and subscribers!! Oh, and no you can’t 😂
I’ve just used my Elixer 2 in Europe for two weeks and absolutely love it. We has some massive storms overnight in the Alps, and it never felt like it would not stand up to it.
Excellent, had mine out in winter and also stood up well to that.. they do have a nice airy feel to them if spending any time inside one 👍🏻
@@thecampingbiker791 I think I’m going to replace mine with an Elixir 3 for next year, just to have that little bit more room.
@@markc1967 space must be massive in the 3 👍🏻
Andy, very good insight into the Elixir 1, Ive used this tent on many overnight camp trips and found it brilliant. New to bike camping myself. We have both too 1 and 2 MSR tents. Keep up the reviews, brilliant.
Thanks John, very useful little tent the Elixir1 and still love the Elixir2
Agreed. It is a perfect tent except for the weight. If the weight is not an issue look no further. I have the Elixir 2 and I love it.
Great review Andrew.
Thank you Maurits, love both my 1 & 2 Elixirs but then I love my other tents also 😂
Fantastic review mate, I came across one of these on a selling app for half the retail price, used once as new the advert said, I have been considering a one man tent for some time now but never bit the bullet because the tunnel type ones make me feel claustrophobic, after watching this I knew it was the perfect tent for me, the weight increase is worth it.
Great stuff, glad it was useful and know you’re going to enjoy it… they are good tents these Elixirs 👍🏻
Brilliant video, super helpful and engaging to watch. Im looking at this tent for a hitch hike from Liverpool to India
Thank you, pleased it was helpful…to be honest I can’t think of a better one for carrying your home on your back..excellent tent and for relative lightweight and compact pack size you get really good space when erected, particularly for long term use….everything needs to be a compromise when travelling! Ps. I hope you will do some videos of your journey, I’ve subbed and would love to follow such a trip 👍🏻
@@thecampingbiker791oh thank you so much for subbing, that's awesome! I am actually planning to make a film of the whole experience, as well as vlogs along the way, expect the first one towards the end of April ;)
@@detectivejonesw excellent, I look forward to watching
I've got the MSR Access 1 tent, it's my winter goto hiking/wild camping tent, bombproof winter tent for when keeping safe really matters, obviously is very similar to the Elixir. I'm doing a trip to Portugal next year and thinking about what tent to take. I also have a Vango Helium 2 which is my goto lightweight tent for when doing the TET and such, anything where I want to keep weight to an absolute minimum, it packs down very small and only weighs 1.4kg yet gives me nearly twice the room of the Access 1. I love it because it's a single pole design, goes up very quick, which is obviously important in the rain, and it has 2 doors, so although you have to have the fly on you can open both doors in warm weather to get a draught thru. So I was chatting with someone recently about single pole tents for bike camping and they said the Elixir style was better for bike camping because you can easily move them. So i've been having a look around and it seems the case, lots of people recommending tents like the Elixir or Hubba or the Naturhike Mongar 2. So just wondering what your thoughts on this are on this? Do you often have to move the tent once set up? Is it because you like to gaze at the stars? As it happens I've got my eye on a Vango Krypton 2, but perhaps the Mongar 2 would save me some dosh for just this trip. But I do love the Helium 2, pack size is something like 30 x 14 cm, which is very small and i'm defo a minimalist biker, especially when on the rough stuff! Thanks for the review, enjoyed watching it very much
Sorry for slow reply, been a bit busy..life intervening!
All good tents you mention and all capable of the trip. I also like ultra light and small pack size for travelling day by day, the less you have the less to pack in a morning and I’m gradually building my ultra light travel system… obviously different for a a winter camp for a few days in one place, where I like a little more warmth and size! The single pole tents are quick, the Elixir1 being a superb space for one person tent, although I also have a Robens Elk River1 which is single linked DAC pole 1.5kg and 42x11cm pack and has high waterproof spec and very quick to put up and down with an exoskeleton pole set up…this has become my winter go to if travelling day by day and to compliment it I’ve just bought a lightweight Robens wing tarp in same couple as the Elk River.
My go to continental warm travelling tent for now would be with the Elixir1 just because it’s such a damn good all round versatile tent..quick to put up and down, plenty room for one person tent, freestanding, options on having fly or not, reasonably small pack size, and yes I love seeing the stars when it’s warm enough! I do actually move the tent when erected, sometimes just to take best advantage of the sun setting or rising, but it’s not essential just nice to have, more importantly I like the fly off or half off weather permitting.
Krypton2 looks a great tent, similar I guess to the Elixir2 but lighter… I’ve also got an Elixir2 which I also love.. but the Elixir1 is smaller pack size plus less weight.
Have you looked at the Durston XMid2 at 1.13kg with poles available at just under 93g, pack size 30x13 and lots of space..it’s also got a dedicated following with great reviews… I might get one when I can afford it!!
Enjoy Portugal, I’m thinking Spain and Portugal myself for next year
A very comprehensive review... Thanks for posting... Most helpful..
@@Ed30675 thanks for watching and pleased it was helpful.. excellent tent for travel 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts 🙏
I’ve got an elixir1 for too, I only bought it for a temporary tent but I still have it.
Very useable bit of kit and with some planning I have for long term travel this is definitely the tent I’ll be taking! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Thanks Andy, nice idea with the cover as a end shade.. lekka idea 👍🏻😁
Works really well for part coverage and quick deployment if needed 👍🏻
Had Elixir 1 and loved it but 3 poles did crack, got great use out of it. Got nx 1 tent now! wicked tent, worth every penny! super lite, Luxury Bivi tent is what it is.
Very livable tents these MSR’s, presume NX similar size and like the light weight of it…got me thinking now 😆
I use a Slumit Cub 2, flash frame tent when motorcycle camping, inner and outer all goes up in under 2 mins, great piece of kit, cant be doing with the faff of poles and flysheets.
They do like quite good tents and for the convenience factor the weight isn’t too bad either….might have to review one sometime 👍🏻
Good review thank you.
I think i will buy one.
Thanks for watching, great little tent 👍🏻
I would have to say "Right I'm here now, no more table tennis." 😁
@@follow_the_money_traildidn’t realise until editing and then to late 😂 now using a better camera/microphone so won’t happen again 😊
Excellent review. Thank you.
I’m pleased it was useful and thanks for commenting
Nice review Andrew I had the 2 for a few hrs no regrets but I changed to the lone rider adv tent they are very similar but it’s a bit heavier material which I wanted to be honest everything I need really
Steven
Cheers Steven, not seen one of the Lone Riders in the flesh, but they do look nice tents
I use the elixir 2, I read reviews on the lone rider and sort of felt I should have looked for one. Then at a camp, I found a guy with one. Wow, I have so much more headroom, so no regrets. The Lone guy was envious! @@thecampingbiker791
Love my elixir 2 my first real tent as such hope lasts me
Good design, quality materials, well constructed and just a nice tent to live in count for a lot… I’ve worn my footprint out with heavy use on the Elixir2 but can still get them and not a bad price… wouldn’t part with mine
Iv got same tent it’s never let me down absolutely massive in side
Just like the Tardis 😂
I've got the very same tent and really like it but find it quite 'airy' for winter use. I'd would be interested to know what tent you use for winter.
I’d agree, brilliant summer travel tent but not the best for winter, although I have previously used an Elixir2 in winter, however now using a couple of Robens Tents, which stand up very well to winter weather! I’ve got the Voyager 2EX a 2 person tunnel tent with high spec for base camp set up and an Elk River1, a one person high spec quick erect for day by day winter camping trips + Robens Wing Tarp to allow bit more protection if weather really wet as this is smaller, although warmer, than the Elixir1. Both Robens are very good and there’s a couple of videos I’ve done might be helpful!
Robens Elk River 1 | Lightweight Sloping Tunnel Design Tent | Review
ruclips.net/video/rMX2s8h6-7g/видео.html
Robens Voyager 2EX | Tunnel Tent | Review
ruclips.net/video/BjeUZhLca_w/видео.html
@@thecampingbiker791 thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Will check out those suggestions 👍
@@christopherlucas892 I’ve also looked at a dome tent from Robens, might sell my Elixir2 and buy one…looks good for winter 🥶
I’ve bought other gear from these guys, usually good prices and always good service 👍🏻
www.alpinetrek.co.uk/robens-lodge-2-2-person-tent-bf/?aid=72e90139aa9267b7299ff1f58213de43&pid=10004&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0tr0pKmnggMV1oFQBh3nXQvUEAQYASABEgJJ4PD_BwE&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.18012299660..#galleryid-1.pictureid-2
Why is the 2 person tent so much more popular? I think I'm going to go for the 1 person version due to it being cheaper. This 1 person seems specious enough, especially since I only envision my gf joining me once in a blue moon. lol
I think it’s just the extra room and many people don’t like 1 man tents because of space.. but this one has bags of space compared to my other 1 man tents! I’m sure you’ll manage with the girlfriend stopping over 😂
@@thecampingbiker791 Thanks. Your video persuaded me to buy the 1 man. It arrived today and if anything I think I need a bigger sleeping mat. Loads of room for 1 person and enough room for my gf on occasion ...would be a different story if I was sharing with a mate though. lol
@@SocotraBoy deffo if going with mate I’d make them have own tent, but girlfriend is most certainly different 😆
how many tents have you got mate ?? 😅
I promised my wife I’d get rid of some and I did… but then bought some 😂 actually it’s only about 8 now!
Looks a good tent until you have to put it up in heavy rain then the inside would be soaked before you get the fly on. Unless you can pitch it outer 1st?
It’s very good, particularly in warmer weather, although I have been winter camping in the Elixir2 I prefer more solid material in winter. You can indeed set up outer first if need to with very heavy rain, although I’ve never had to! Basically you set up footprint and poles, then instead of inner you put fly over in normal way peg out then start clipping inner to the poles from inside and place each corner tab under fly corner tabs..if that makes sense 😆 👍🏻
@@thecampingbiker791 thank you for that I wasn’t aware or ever seen that you could this il take another look at this tent now. Thank you very much for reply and advice 👍
@@woodnugget1301 no problem 👍🏻
Looks great, but gone back to external poles on fly, leaving inner attached. Putting it up in rain takes about 5 mins and inners dry. I also leave my sleeping bag and mat inside and roll up complete. Just a quick way if your dotting about on a motorbike when the weathers a bit hit and miss. Heavier than the MSR, but what’s a kilo on a bike for convenience. Good riding 😎
Why on a motorbike don’t you use the two person for the luxury of space.
@@whatthe6532 I do sometimes, having several various tents, but like the pack size of smaller tents! Also, depends on time of year and weather but of late mostly using 2 person tents
never tried a slumit?
Look great tents but I prefer lightweight nowadays, mostly for smaller pack size
As nice as this tent is and given it's price, I'd still take my OEX PHOXX 2 over this, for quite a few reasons not including the crazy low price! ✌️
@@mokotramp fortunately I bought it 2nd hand but unused so not too bad on price but those PHOXX 2 are insane prices currently at £75! You have so tempted me 😂
You're my kind of guy: someone who rides around on a big chopper in leather gear, and writes "ERECTION" in prominent letters on the start of his video - obviously some kind of subliminal message. Can I come "camping" with you, please?
Ha, you have me all wrong…..although I was thinking of setting up a new channel called ‘The Camp Biker’ as I’d probably get more views and subscribers!! Oh, and no you can’t 😂