The Marmot Tungsten UL 2P tent is a lightweight backpacking shelter designed for comfort and durability. Weighing in at just 1.6 kilograms, this freestanding tent boasts a spacious interior of three square meters, comfortably accommodating two adults and their gear. Its 20D sil-poly fly and 30D nylon floor provide excellent weather protection, resisting stretching and sagging even in wet conditions. Two doors and vestibules (though of unequal size) offer convenient access and gear storage, while a large vent minimizes condensation. The clever design features pre-bent poles maximizing headroom and a handy headlamp pocket.Setup is quick and easy, taking approximately two minutes, thanks to the intuitive A-frame pole configuration. Despite its ultralight design, the Tungsten UL 2P excels in weather resistance, as proven by the reviewer's extensive field testing over 20 nights. While lacking interior pockets, the substantial interior space and excellent headroom significantly outweigh this minor drawback. Compared to competitors like the MSR Hubba Hubba, it offers a compelling blend of lightness, durability, and affordability, making it a strong contender for three-season backpacking adventures.
Pros And Cons
- Best space to weight ratio of any freestanding tent
- Spacious
- Durable
- Intuitive
- Easy for one person to set up (approx. 2 minutes)
- Silicone polyester fly doesn't stretch when wet, preventing sagging
- Large vent for good air circulation and reduced condensation
- High bathtub floor protects against splash-up
- Lots of headroom
- Easily fits two standard sleeping pads (or two large ones)
- Pre-bent poles add space
- Zippers work well
- Vestibules are not the same size
- Mesh makes the tent cold in lower temperatures (3-season tent)
- No interior pockets
- Ultralight zippers require delicate handling
Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
Specifications and Features
The Marmot Tungsten UL 2P is a freestanding tent weighing 1.6 kilograms. It boasts two doors, two vestibules (though of unequal size, a design choice that's somewhat questionable), a 20D sil-poly silicon polyester fly, and a 30D nylon floor. The tent offers ample space with a floor area of three square meters, making it suitable for two people and their gear.
Notable features include a large vent for ventilation, minimizing condensation. Ten total tie-outs secure the fly, adding stability and weather protection. The tent's asymmetrical design provides more headroom at the head end (137cm) versus the foot end (117cm). It's 224cm long. The design also includes a clever headlamp pocket.
Setup and Usability
Setup is relatively quick and easy, taking approximately two minutes for one person. The classic A-frame pole configuration with a crossbar is intuitive and straightforward. The tent's overall design emphasizes ease of use, which contributes to its appeal.
Although setup is simple, the reviewer highlights a discrepancy in the size of the vestibules. One vestibule is significantly larger than the other; the reason for this design choice isn't explained. The poles are pre-bent, contributing to the overall spacious feel.
Performance and Durability
The sil-poly fly material is a key feature. It resists stretching when wet, unlike sil-nylon, preventing sagging in rainy conditions. The reviewer's experience over 20 nights confirms the tent's durability and weather resistance.
The large bathtub floor offers excellent protection against water splashing in, while the no-see-um mesh is effective but contributes to a cooler sleeping environment. The reviewer notes this tent is suitable for three-season use but is not ideal for winter camping due to its lack of insulation. Zippers are lightweight and function well.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Marmot Tungsten UL 2P stands out for its spaciousness. It comfortably fits two standard sleeping pads (20 inches) or even two larger pads (25 inches). The pre-bent poles create significant headroom, even at the foot of the tent, enhancing comfort.
The lack of interior pockets is noted as a minor drawback. Despite this, the overall interior space and headroom are major selling points, making it a superior option compared to some other ultralight backpacking tents. The design prevents the poles from pressing into the occupants' heads.
Overall Assessment and Comparison
The Marmot Tungsten UL 2P offers a compelling combination of spaciousness, lightweight design, and durability. While the uneven vestibule sizes are a minor design flaw, its other features outweigh this drawback. Its performance in various weather conditions has been positive.
Compared to the MSR Hubba Hubba, the Marmot Tungsten UL 2P is lighter and less expensive, offering a strong value proposition for backpacking enthusiasts. Its spacious interior and good weather protection make it a desirable three-season tent option, although its suitability for winter camping is questionable. The lack of interior pockets is a minor inconvenience.
