MSR Elixir 2 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp is the lighter option — 1,901 g lighter than the MSR Elixir 2 (93% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.

Spec	MSR Elixir 2	Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
Weight	2,040 g · 2.040 kg · 4.50 lb	139 g · 0.139 kg · 0.31 lb
Brand	MSR	Zpacks
Category	Shelter	Shelter

MSR Elixir 2

2,040 g

Durable 2-person 3-season tent with colour-coded setup.

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Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp

139 g

Minimalist DCF tarp shelter at 139g. Provides 7x9 ft coverage with 8 tie-out loops. Best for experienced tarpers in fair weather.

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MSR Elixir 2 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp wins — at 139 g it is 1,901 g (93%) lighter than the MSR Elixir 2 (2,040 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest shelter page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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