December 2016

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December 2016

Marmot Tungsten 2P

Price:

$499

Our Rating:

This 3m² tent has a trail weight of 2.2kg and is freestanding with a strong crossover pole configuration.

It’s an appealing tent for weekend tramping, with a portable design and good living space. The inner is mostly mesh, except for the head and part of the sides, where a windproof nylon is used. Torch pockets with a light-dispersing fabric are a nice touch and soften interior light. Steep walls provide plenty of space, but bigger (or more) interior pockets would make day-to-day living more practical.

Vestibule space is passable, with enough room to prop up a pack and cook, but it’s not overly generous.

Pitching is quick and intuitive. Two poles form the main frame, crossing at the apex. A third pole creates tension and headroom across the top of the tent, but strength comes from the two cross poles. A windy night in an exposed location proved a good test and the tent was stable, with fabric well supported. Guyline attachments allow extra stability and wind protection.

While most of the fabrics are not overly light, some weight savings have come from the choice of floor fabric, which is rated 2000mm and would be best used with a footprint.

It’s a packable tent, but including a compressible stuff sack would enable greater space saving.

I’d recommend this tent for trampers and cycle tourists looking for an affordable and roomy two-person tent that can be used in a wide range of conditions.

Mark Watson

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

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