Marmot Tungsten Review + Pros & Cons + Comparisons
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Curious about whether the Marmot Tungsten is the right tent for your camping needs?
When Daniel and I were looking for a tent we wanted to know would hold up, we put a lot of thought into what we wanted to purchase–especially since getting a quality tent can end up costing quite a bit of money! We found our answer in the Marmot Tungsten, which is a tent we liked so much we bought one to keep in Montana and one for our other adventures.
There’s a lot to love here, and a few slight things I might ask for changes depending on specific needs. While this is the best all-around tent on the market, in my opinion, it might not be ideal for backpackers and those with ultralight needs.
We’ll go over why I find the Marmot Tungsten to be special, as well as some of the things you should be aware of before you go ahead and purchase it yourself.
In summary: This review covers what you need to know before you purchase the Marmot Tungsten while including some options from competitors and some pros and cons.
Marmot Tungsten performance
Here is a comprehensive overview about how we found the Marmot Tungsten’s performance overall.
Set up and usability
The Marmot Tungsten is one of the easiest tents Daniel and I have ever set up. The color-coded design means we never have to guess which pole goes where, and the clip system lets us get it pitched in under 5 minutes.
Even in the rain and snow, we’ve found it simple to set up. One person can definitely handle setup alone, but having two people makes it even quicker. I’ve used this on solo camping trips and have had no trouble pitching it without a partner. Likewise, taking it down is even easier, and poles fold up smoothly.
The two-door design means we never have to climb over each other at night, which is great because at least one of us has to use the bathroom in the dead of night, and the vestibules are perfectly sized for storing our hiking boots and backpacks.
Weather resistance
We’ve tested this tent in pretty much every condition you can imagine. During a particularly nasty storm in Canada where it snowed in August, it kept us completely dry even with heavy slush and rain. The rainfly extends all the way to the ground which prevents any splash-back, and the sturdy aluminum poles hold up impressively well in strong winds.
One thing we really appreciate is how well it handles condensation–the dual roof vents and mesh panels provide excellent airflow, and even during the heat of the summer months, I would say that it stays pretty cool all things considered because of this feature.
Space and comfort
For a 3-person tent, the Tungsten is incredibly spacious for the two of us plus Gravy. Our double-sized camping air mattress fits perfectly with room to spare for gear and our pup. The near-vertical walls make a huge difference–we can both sit up fully without brushing the ceiling, which is amazing during those rainy days stuck inside.
We’ve had other tents were it has been tight quarters. Daniel is a big guy so finding a tent that feels spacious enough for him but doesn’t take up a ton of room in our car has been a challenge in the past. However, he’s the first to say how much he loves this tent for how much room he feels like he has. And I love it since it makes packing the car easier.
Quality and durability
After owning two of these tents (one for our Montana trips and one for our other adventures–the first one is still holding up three years later), I can confidently say the build quality is exceptional. The zippers are smooth and quiet, the pole material is sturdy without being heavy, and the fabric has held up beautifully against repeated use.
We use our gear hard, and with Gravy along on our adventures, we’ve noticed that some of our gear has worn through faster than others. This tent has not. From camping in desert environments, sand, and up in the mountains, there has been very little damage over the three years we’ve owned it. In some ways, I feel like we will be replacing our car sooner than this tent.
Value for price
We loved our first Tungsten so much that we bought a second one, which pretty much says it all about the value proposition. While it’s not the cheapest tent on the market at $298 for the 3 person option, the combination of durability, weather resistance, and livable space makes it worth every penny.
The included footprint is a nice bonus that many other brands charge extra for. When you consider how many nights we’ve spent in this tent across all kinds of weather conditions, the cost per use is incredibly reasonable. Plus, Marmot’s warranty service is excellent–though we’ve never needed to use it with our Tungstens.
Marmot Tungsten pros and cons
Here is some more information on the pros and cons of choosing the Marmot Tungsten.
Pros
The tent’s standout feature is definitely its user-friendly design and setup. The fact that one person can set it up alone is a huge plus, especially when one of us is busy setting up other camp essentials.
Weather protection is another major strength. We’ve weathered some serious storms in this tent, from mountain thunderstorms to unexpected snow, and it’s kept us dry and secure every time. The rainfly design and sturdy pole structure create a bombproof shelter that we trust in almost any conditions.
The livability of the Tungsten really sets it apart from other tents we’ve used. Those near-vertical walls create an incredible amount of usable space, and having two doors means no awkward climbing over each other at night. The vestibules are perfectly sized for our gear, and there’s plenty of room for us and Gravy to stretch out comfortably.
In summary:
- Super quick and intuitive setup that one person can handle
- Excellent weather protection in rain, wind, and even light snow
- Spacious interior with near-vertical walls for maximum livable space
- Two doors and vestibules make entry/exit and gear storage easy
- High-quality materials and construction that stand up to regular use
Cons
While we love this tent for car camping and short backpacking trips, it’s not the lightest option available. If you’re counting ounces for long-distance hiking, you might want something more minimalist. The packed size is also a bit bulky for backpacking, though we’ve managed just fine by splitting the components between our packs.
The price point might be a deterrent for some campers, especially those just getting into outdoor adventures. While we believe the quality justifies the cost, there are cheaper options available. For solo campers, the 3-person size might be more space (and weight) than needed.
In really hot weather, even with the excellent ventilation, the tent can get quite warm in direct sunlight. These aren’t deal-breakers for us by any means–after all, we bought this tent twice–but they’re worth considering depending on your camping style and needs.
In summary:
- While not heavy for its size, there are lighter options if you’re counting ounces
- Price point is higher than some comparable tents (though worth it in our opinion)
- Might be overkill for solo camping
- Packed size is a bit bulky for backpacking
- Can get warm in direct sunlight despite ventilation
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Marmot Tungsten competitors
Here are some additional tents that might be a good fit for you that have similar features to the Marmot Tungsten.
Mountain Hardware Mineral King
The Mineral King has some features that really catch my attention as someone who loves stargazing (those Montana skies!). That full mesh canopy would be perfect for those clear mountain nights, and those massive doors would make it super easy for Gravy to go in and out. I especially like the rectangular design–similar to our Tungsten, it maximizes the usable space inside.
⭐BUY MOUNTAIN HARDWARE MINERAL KING TENT HERE⭐
NEMO Dagger Osmo
The Dagger OSMO from NEMO is one of those tents Daniel and I see often on the trail, and it’s easy to understand why. Like our beloved Marmot Tungsten, it’s designed with the backpacker in mind. The recycled OSMO fabric is a nice touch for sustainability (something we always try to consider with our gear), and it handles wet conditions impressively well.
⭐BUY NEMO DAGGER OSMO TENT HERE⭐
The North Face Storm Break
The North Face’s Stormbreak tents are a great first tent. They’re straightforward, reliable shelters that get the job done without any fancy bells and whistles. The high-low ventilation system is similar to what we love about our Tungsten–good airflow is essential when you’re camping with a dog! While not as spacious as some options, they’re a solid choice for casual campers.
⭐BUY THE NORTH FACE STORM BREAK TENT HERE⭐
Comparison table
Here’s a quick table sharing the stats between the Marmot Tungsten and competitors. These for for the 3-person option.
| Tent | Price | Weight | Floor dimensions | Floor area | Peak height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marmot Tungsten | $298.95 | 5 lbs., 13.5 oz. | 90 x 66 inches | 41.3 square feet | 46 inches |
| Mountain Hardware Mineral King | $325 | 6 lbs., 1 oz. | 90 x 68 inches | 42.5 square feet | 48 inches |
| NEMO Dagger Osmo | $599.95 | 3 lbs., 14 oz. | 90 x 70 inches | 43.9 square feet | 42 inches |
| The North Face Stormbreak | $230 | 5 lbs., 15 oz. | 88 x 65 inches | 39.72 square feet | 46 inches |
Conclusion
Overall, I wouldn’t change much about the Marmot Tungsten at all. Not only does it offer plenty of space for Daniel, Gravy, and me, but it has held up during pretty much all types of weather. While it might not be the cheapest on the market, I find it worth it to invest a little more into a high-quality tent that will last a long time, and the Tungsten more than accomplishes this.
Overall rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have any questions about the Marmot Tungsten? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
