In a rush? We believe that the best Marmot tent is the Marmot Limestone 4P Tent.
If you’re looking for a tent that offers a good balance of quality, comfort, weather resistance, and a Lifetime Warranty, Marmot is a great brand.
But with so many models available, choosing the best Marmot tent for you is not a simple task.
Our goal after testing and reviewing over three hundred tents is to make that process easier for you. Here are the best marmot tents available on the market today:
- Best Overall Marmot Tent: Marmot Limestone 4P Tent
- Best Family Marmot Tent: Marmot Halo 4- & 6-Person Tent
- Best Marmot Tent for Backpacking: Marmot Tungsten 1- To 3-Person Tent
- Best 4-Season Marmot Tent: Marmot Lair 8-Person 4-Season Tent
- Best Mountaineering Marmot Tent: Marmot Thor 2-Person Tent
- Best Marmot Tent for Rough Weather: Marmot Fortress 2-Person Tent
- Best Marmot Tent for Storage: Marmot Limelight 2-Person Tent
- Best Marmot for Interior Space: Marmot Midpines 4-Person Tent
Best Marmot Tent: Our Top Picks
Marmot Limestone 4P Tent
Size: 4 | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: dome | Weight (lbs): 11 lbs. 11 oz. | Max Inside Height (in): 61 inches
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There are many reasons why this model deserves the first spot on this list.
The first one I must mention is weather resistance. Sure, all Marmot tents behave decently in bad weather, but this model is built for it.
Its sturdy construction keeps the tent firm even in winds blowing 50+ mph.
The rain fly extends all the way to the ground, leaving no room for water to sneak inside.
Thanks to the full mesh interior, the tent has excellent ventilation and no issue with condensation.
I especially like the fact that this tent features two doors: one being a large double door and the other being a rear D-shaped door.
The rainfly creates a huge vestibule that covers the double door. With an area of 21 sq ft, the vestibule offers plenty of room for storing your gear.
Other storage options include many interior pockets, a rain fly waterproof pocket and a close line for hanging stuff like clothes or sunglasses.
Pros
- Stable in 50+ mph winds
- Offers plenty of storage options (interior pockets, a rain fly pocket, and a large vestibule)
- Features two doors for convenient in-and-out access
- Seam-taped, full-coverage fly keeps the rain out while allowing proper ventilation inside
Cons
- Center height is relatively small compared to most 4-person tents
Best for: longer camping trips
Marmot Halo 4- & 6-Person Tents
Size: 4 & 6 | Season: 3 season | Tent Type: Dome, Backpacking | Weight (lbs): 13 lbs 6.5 oz | Max Inside Height (in): 59.1 inches
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The Halo is designated for camping in smaller groups and comes in two capacities, 4- and 6-person.
Aside from the dimensions, there’s no other difference between the two, so I won’t talk about them individually.
The Halo features a classic dome tent design, but the addition of the halo pole system helps bring out the side walls and increase the overall headspace.
That way, you won’t feel cramped inside the tent. Even though it features more poles than a standard dome tent, this model is by no means more difficult to set up.
In fact, the combination pole sleeve and clip system along with color coding make the tent straightforward and easy to pitch, even just by yourself.
The tent has two doors, both D-shaped and oversized, so they make it easy for every occupant to get in and out of the tent without creating a bottleneck.
The front vestibule door can be propped up into an awning for better weather protection.
Or, if not needed, it can be rolled up and stowed away for more air and light to get inside the tent.
Pros
- Comes in two capacities: 4- and 6-person
- Plenty of headspace and comfort inside the tent
- Large front vestibule and pockets allows you to keep your gear organized
- Vestibule door can be propped up to create an awning
Cons
- Among the most expensive tents from the brand
Best for: camping with family
Marmot Lair 8-Person 4-Season Tent
Size: 8 | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: dome | Weight (lbs): 26lb | Max Inside Height (in): 94 inches
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If you plan on winter camping, then you’ll need a great 4-season tent that can withstand harsh weather elements.
The Lair is definitely the tent for the job, as it’s designed with arctic expeditions in mind.
This model has a geodesic shape and consists of ten poles, which ensure stability in strong winds and heavy snow.
Given this is an 8-person tent, it’s obviously rather spacey inside. But the peak height of 94 inches is quite impressive – and something tall campers would appreciate.
Even though there’s a lot of space inside, you can always choose to store your gear and dirty boots outside. The tent features a vestibule with an area of 40 sq ft, which is more than enough for all of your stuff.
Camping in the snow can be messy, so having a removable floor makes cleaning up a bit easier.
Not only that, but it also allows snow to be dug out beneath the tent. Finally, you may opt to leave the tent floor at home and save on weight.
Pros
- Center height of 94”
- Features plenty of vents to keep the condensation to a minimum
- Has an ample vestibule for storing gear and boots outside
- Removable floor makes cleaning easier and allows you to dig out the snow beneath the tent
Cons
- As a 4-season tent, this is not suitable for warm weather
Best for: camping in snow
Marmot Thor 2-Person Tent
Size: 2 | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: Dome, Backpacking | Weight (lbs): 10 lbs. 7 oz. | Max Inside Height (in): 44 inches
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The Thor 2 is the perfect mountaineering shelter. Wider than a typical 2-person tent, this model can easily fit two campers, who by the way, won’t feel packed like sardines in there.
There’s enough space for two sleeping bags placed side by side, and some extra for your stuff.
While there’s a bit of room inside for your gear, the vestibule has an area of 10 square feet, which is more than enough for storing your backpacks. You can also prop up the vestibule door into an awning, to create better protection against rain or sun.
I’m really impressed with the fact that this tent has two doors, as you don’t see that often on 2-person models.
Both doors are large, D-shaped and feature multiple zippers to make it even easier for you to get in and out of the tent.
I also like the fact that the rain fly features snow flaps throughout the entire perimeter.
What these do is keep the tent and the rain fly in place, even against blowing snow.
Pros
- Wider than regular 2-person tents
- Shelter consists of crossed poles, which ensure it remains stable in both wind and snow
- Features two large doors
- Snow flaps around the rain fly perimeter improve the tent’s stability in bad weather
Cons
- Some customers complain about pole cords losing elasticity after prolonged use
Best for: mountaineering
Marmot Tungsten 1- To 3-Person Tents
Size: 3 | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: Dome, Backpacking | Weight (lbs): 3 lbs. 12 oz. | Max Inside Height (in): 38 inches
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When it comes to small tents, the Tungsten is probably the best model the brand has to offer.
This tent strikes the perfect balance between weight, comfort and durability.
First things first, the Tungsten is designed with portability in mind. It’s made with lightweight materials, such as Ripstop polyester tent fabric and aluminum poles.
It also packs down compactly into a stuff sack it comes with.
What’s also great about this model is that it comes with a footprint. Now I know, the footprint adds quite a bit of weight and bulk to the pack, but you can always split the load between you and your partner.
Given how much a footprint can extend the life of your tent, it’s definitely a good thing to have.
Except for the 1-person version, the other two models feature two D-shaped doors, which you don’t usually see on tents at this capacity.
Being able to get in and out of the tent without jumping over your tent mate is surely great.
Pros
- Comes in three capacities, so it’s suitable for both solo campers and couples
- Is relatively lightweight
- Footprint increases tent’s waterproofness and further prolongs its life
- Zone Pre-Bend construction creates more headroom
Cons
- Mesh is somewhat delicate
Best for: solo campers and couples
Marmot Fortress 2-Person Tent
Size: 2 | Season: 3 to 4 season | Tent Type: Dome, Backpacking | Weight (lbs): 5 lbs. 5.5 oz. | Max Inside Height (in): 42 inches
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More than a 3-season tent but not quite a 4-season shelter – the perfect short description of the Fortress.
As the name suggests, this model is built to withstand tough weather.
The tent body is halfway covered in mesh, which provides plenty of airflow inside.
During warm summer nights, you can set up just the tent body and stargaze while enjoying the comfort of your shelter.
In the case of bad weather, a full-coverage rain fly with taped seams ensures the inner tent remains dry.
The rain fly features a vent to provide airflow inside the tent and prevent condensation.
With a peak height of 42”, this tent has a somewhat lower profile compared to most 2-person tents.
This means there’s less headroom space inside, true. But it also means the tent is more stable in high winds.
It’s also worth mentioning that this tent is ridiculously easy to set up, which is something anyone can appreciate after a long day of backpacking.
The clips, rain fly, and poles are all color-coded, so you know exactly what piece goes where.
Pros
- Low tent profile and DAC Pressfit poles ensure stability in high winds
- Rain fly can be removed to enjoy views while half-mesh walls provide privacy
- Color-coded poles, clips, and rain fly make set-up quick and straightforward
- Lampshade pocket can help provide ambient light inside the tent
Cons
- Limited headroom due to the low tent profile
Best for: campers looking for a tent that can withstand most weather elements
Marmot Limelight 2-Person Tent
Size: 2 | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: Dome, Backpacking | Weight (lbs): 5 lbs. 10 oz. | Max Inside Height (in): 42.9 in
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Recently, this model has gotten an update that features side wings that provide additional interior space for storing essentials or simply enjoying a bit more headroom.
While they add space, the wings don’t make the tent any more difficult to set up.
In fact, this tent features color-coded clips, poles, and fly, which make pitching quick and straightforward.
When it comes to storage options, this tent offers plenty for a 2-person model.
Aside from the additional floor space they provide, side wings also feature floating shelves, which are great for keeping essentials like a flashlight or a phone close to hand.
This tent also features two wall pockets and a light diffuser pocket that allows you to turn your headlamp into interior lighting.
Finally, there are two vestibules that offer enough space for storing your backpack and dirty shoes.
What’s also worth mentioning is that this model comes with a footprint. A footprint can drastically improve your tent’s durability by keeping the floor safe from tears and ruptures.
Not only that, but a footprint also improves its waterproofness.
Pros
- Side wings provide more headspace and room for storing your gear
- Comes with a footprint that extends the life of your tent
- Features a laundry line at the top of the tent
- Has doors on both sides
Cons
- A bit heavy given its capacity
Best for: campers looking for a tent with plenty of storage options
Marmot Midpines 4-Person Tent
Size: 4 | Season: 3 season | Tent Type: Dome | Weight (lbs): 9.2 lbs
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Even if the floor dimensions are small, a tent with lots of headroom will feel much cozier compared to low-profile counterparts.
In the case of Marmot Midpines, there’s plenty of interior space to make you feel comfortable. With a peak height of 63”, this tent allows you to move around the tent with ease while barely stooping.
But even though it’s tall, this tent is surprisingly stable in windy weather. This is mainly due to the DAC DA17 poles, which are flexible enough not to break, but sturdy enough to retain the tent shape in high winds.
Although situated on just one side of the tent, the double D-shaped door is huge, allowing practically all tent occupants to move in and out of the tent without creating a bottleneck effect.
The inner tent is completely covered in mesh, while the full-coverage rain fly ensures the interior stays safe from weather elements.
The rainfly creates an ample vestibule at the front door, which provides additional storage space for your gear.
Pros
- Peak height of 63” and is taller than a regular 4-person model
- Remains stable even in high winds
- Features light-reflective points that make the tent more visible at night
- Has a super-sized double-door
Cons
- This model has been discontinued, so finding replacement parts can be a bit tough
Best for: tall campers
How To Pick The Best Marmot Tent: A Buyer’s Guide
As you can see, Marmot offers a range of tents and there’s something for everyone. But how does one choose the right one?
In this section, we’ll go over some of the key factors that will determine the best model for you.
Size & Capacity
First things first, how much interior space do you need?
As you probably know, a tent capacity rating indicates how many sleeping bags can fit inside the tent.
But it doesn’t consider other factors like the space for storing your gear or simply walking around the tent without stepping on someone’s sleeping bag.
If you don’t want to sleep packed like sardines, it’s always best to go one or two sizes up when choosing a tent.
Of course, you can always get an even larger model than that, but keep in mind that a bigger tent is usually heavier and more expensive.
Weight & Packability
If you’re backpacking or simply carrying the tent on your back a specific distance, then these two factors are important.
There’s a clear parallel between a tent’s size and weight, as there are more materials involved.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Tents that are intended for backpacking typically involve lighter fabrics and may have fewer accessories to keep the weight low.
Packability and size also go hand in hand, for the same reason as weight. Aside from the tent body, tent poles are another feature that adds to the bulk.
That’s why tents designated for bad weather, like the geodesic Lair with ten poles, are much less compact compared to tents with a 2-pole system.
Material & Durability
All Marmot tents are designed with quality and durability in mind. That’s why the brand only uses proven materials.
In the case of tent bodies and rain fly, the choice comes down to polyester and nylon. The majority of Marmot tents use polyester.
Nylon is generally found on backpacking models due to its lightweight.
Between the two, nylon is generally considered to be more durable. However, it’s not as UV-resistant as polyester, so it fades much faster in sunlight.
As for the poles, Marmot uses aluminum, which is a very durable material.
In most cases, it’s DAC aluminum, which is considered to be of exceptional quality and sturdiness.
Also Read: Aluminum Vs. Fiberglass Tent Poles – Which is Best?
Weather Resistance
When it comes to weather resistance, not all Marmot tents are built the same.
While both polyester and nylon have a certain degree of water resistance, the tent fabric needs additional coating to prevent water leaking.
This is achieved by applying polyurethane to the material in layers. The more layers it has, the more water-resistant fabric is.
Not all tents feature the same amount of PU coating.
Most 3-season tents are designed to withstand light pours every now and then, while 4-season tents need to deal with heavy pours and snowfalls.
Set-Up Ease & Design Features
Marmot puts an extra effort into making its tents easy to pitch.
Most tents feature color-coding on the poles, which helps you figure out where it goes.
Many also have pole clips and sleeves, which further simplifies and speeds up the set-up process.
Marmot tents are also known for offering various storage options. First, we have vestibules.
Marmot tents have full-length rain flies which create an ample vestibule area at the front of a tent where you can store boots and backpacks.
Regardless of the tent size, you can expect to get at least one wall pocket inside the tent.
In the case of larger models, they might also include floating shelves, lampshade pocket,s and a close line for hanging stuff.
FAQs
Are Marmot tents worth the money?
Buying a Marmot tent is a worthy investment, as it should last you for many years.
Made with high-quality materials and backed by a Lifetime Warranty, Marmot tents are great for backpackers, expeditions, and car campers alike.
What Is The Best Marmot Tent?
We find the Marmot Limestone 4P Tent to be the best the brand has to offer.
It has an ample interior, quality materials, and exceptional weather resistance.
Are Marmot Tents Any Good?
Marmot tents are known for offering a great balance of quality, ease of use and comfort.
In terms of price, they fall under the mid-range category, which is a good reflection of their durability.
Where Are Marmot Tents Made?
While they used to be made in the US, Marmot tents are made in Vietnam and China nowadays.
What’s The Warranty On Marmot Tents?
Marmot tents come with a Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and construction.
Can Marmot Tents Withstand Heavy Snow?
Most Marmot models are 3-season tents, so they’re not intended for use in heavy snow.
There are a few models, however, that are specially designed to handle year-round weather.
To Sum Things Up
Marmot offers a nice range of tents that stand out for their quality.
Among them, the Marmot Limestone 4P Tent is creme de la creme, with its ample interior, durable materials, and exceptional weather resistance.
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