Marmot Tungsten 3P
This three-person tent boasts freestanding convenience and luxe headroom at an affordable price.
Brand: Marmot Gear Reviews
Model: Tungsten 3P Tent
Livability
When you’re stuck in a storm, ample headroom is the difference between a miserable case of claustrophobia and a rip-roaring tent party. And although the Tungsten’s 41-square-foot floor just fits three sleeping pads, the lofty 46-inch-tall peak height—with curved poles that open up the corners and make that space more usable—means party central. Two asymmetrical vestibules (11 and 8 square feet) offer sufficient storage, but we wished for larger fly vents to help dissipate moisture. With two people and a large dog, we experienced a fair amount of condensation after a 29°F night in Idaho’s Sawtooths.
Protection
It takes a bit of finagling to tighten the fly, which sags on one side if the pitch isn’t perfectly symmetrical. But once taut, the Tungsten barely budged in 30-mph winds in New York’s Adirondacks. Fully unzipping the fly does let water drip into the tent; prevent it by stopping the zip a few inches short.
Durability
Sturdy, 68-denier polyester (40-denier in the canopy) requires no TLC, making the Tungsten ideal for family abuse.
Packability
The tradeoff for headroom and price? The Tungsten is heavy and bulky (27 by 9 inches) when packed.