The Marmot Limestone 6P tent underwent a rigorous test during a recent camping trip to Monte Rio State Park, facing strong winds, thunderstorms, and a significant cold front. This review details its performance in these challenging conditions, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right tent for your needs. We'll cover setup ease, spaciousness, weather resistance, ventilation, and, crucially, its performance in cooler temperatures.Our experience highlighted the Limestone 6P's exceptional waterproofness and robust construction, withstanding the storm impressively. The spacious interior comfortably accommodated two adults and their gear, while numerous pockets kept everything organized. However, the excellent ventilation, a key feature in warmer weather, proved a drawback in the cold, leading to significantly lower internal temperatures. This review provides a comprehensive assessment, weighing the tent's considerable advantages against its limitations in cold weather camping.
Pros And Cons
- Spacious
- Easy to set up
- Well-ventilated
- Waterproof
- Two doors
- Multiple pockets
- Does not hold heat well
- Door mat disliked by reviewers
Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
First Impressions and Setup
The Marmot Limestone 6P arrived, and we immediately took it on a cool-weather camping trip to Monte Rio State Park. Despite facing moderate winds, thunderstorms, and a cold front, the tent held up remarkably well. Setup was relatively easy, although the inner canopy has two different types of doors (polyester fabric and mesh), and the rainfly also offers a choice between a D-shaped door and an awning-style door. Choosing the right configuration took some initial adjustment.
The tent's dimensions proved spacious enough for two adults, providing ample room for sleeping bags, gear, and even some additional space. The numerous pockets throughout the tent helped to keep everything organized.
Performance in Harsh Weather
The real test came with the arrival of the storm. Rain started around noon on the second day and continued until 8 PM. The Limestone 6P remained completely dry inside, thanks to its well-taped seams and high-quality rainfly material. Despite the heavy rain, the ventilation remained impressive, preventing condensation buildup.
The rain and wind tested the tent's strength, but it stood up to the elements remarkably well. The poles held firm, and the rainfly did an excellent job at keeping the water out. It was a comforting sight to see the tent remain stable and secure during the tempest.
Features and Specifications
The Marmot Limestone 6P is a dome-style tent constructed with high-quality materials: 68D polyester ripstop rainfly, polyester taffeta and polyester mesh inner tent, and a durable nylon floor. It boasts four DAC aluminum poles (14.5 mm and 12 mm), ensuring stability and durability. The zippers are smooth and quiet, even in windy conditions. There are multiple pockets for storage and two large doors which provides ample ventilation.
Weighing approximately 17 lbs, it packs down to a manageable size. The tent’s design provides excellent ventilation, preventing condensation even during prolonged periods of rain. However, this ventilation also means that the tent doesn't retain heat well in cold weather; a ground cloth or footprint is recommended.
Cold Weather Performance and Conclusion
While advertised as a cool-weather tent, we found the Limestone 6P's exceptional ventilation to be a double-edged sword. The tent struggled to retain heat in colder temperatures, dropping significantly below outside temperatures despite a heater. Additional layers of clothing were essential for comfort.
Overall, the Marmot Limestone 6P is a well-made, spacious, and waterproof tent ideal for warmer weather or three-season camping. Its impressive ventilation and easy setup are major pluses. However, the lack of heat retention makes it less suitable for extreme cold. Consider its strengths and weaknesses carefully before purchasing, especially if you plan on using it in significantly cold weather.
