Tent Type Dome, Backpacking
Comfortably Sleeps 2 people
Seasons 3-season
Weight 5.9 lbs
Inside Height 35' 1"
Floor Area 30.1 sq ft
Vestibule 16.15 sq ft
Setup Time 5 mins
OVERALL SCORE
8.5/10

Our Take

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint hits a sweet spot for car campers and casual backpackers who want solid performance without breaking the bank.

Setup takes under five minutes, weather protection holds up when storms roll through, and the included footprint adds real value at $279.

The 30.1 square feet sounds roomy on paper, but the tapered floor design eats into usable space, and at nearly six pounds, this tent stays in the car for most trips.

If you're looking for a reliable three-season tent and weight isn't your top concern, this is one of the better budget options out there.

How We Rated It

Space & Comfort
7.0
Quality & Durability
8.5
Weather Resistance
8.5
Value for Money
9.0
Ease of Use
9.0
Intangibles
8.0
User Reviews
9.2

Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Spacious 30.1 square foot interior
  • Simple under 5 minute setup
  • Reliable weather protection in storms

CONS

  • Too heavy for serious backpacking
  • Tapered floor limits interior space
BEST FOR Great budget tent for camping.

How It Compares

TentScoreEst. PriceWeightSleepsSeasonsFloor AreaVestibuleDoors
Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint
Marmot Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint This tent
★ 8.5 $2795.9 lbs 2 people3-season 30 sq ft 16 sq ft2 ✓ Current
★ 8.4 $6503 lbs 8 oz 2 people3-season 41 sq ft 9 sq ft2 vs →
★ 8.3 $2175 lbs. 5.5 oz. 2 people4-season 32 sq ft 10 sq ft2 vs →
★ 8.3 $4499.2 lbs 2 people3-season 53 sq ft 37 sq ft2 vs →
★ 8.3 $4007.9 lbs 2 people3-season 43 sq ft 21 sq ft2 vs →
★ 8.3 $1306.3 lbs 2 people2-season 36 sq ft 9 sq ft2 vs →

What We Think

Marmot built the Tungsten 2P for campers who want reliability without the sticker shock, and it delivers on that promise with surprising polish.

This tent scored a 8.5 overall, landing it firmly in the "buy with confidence" tier for weekend warriors and occasional backpackers who prioritize durability over shaving ounces.

The included footprint is a genuine value-add that most competitors charge extra for, and it sets the tone for a tent that feels more thoughtful than its price suggests.

Ease of Use

The Tungsten 2P scored a 9.0 in Ease of Use, and owners consistently back this up.

Color-coded clips and a logical pole structure mean first-timers can have this tent pitched in under five minutes, and several owners mention setting it up solo in fading light without consulting the instructions.

The two D-shaped doors with dual vestibules solve the classic two-person tent problem: nobody has to crawl over their tentmate at 2 AM.

Value for Money

At $279 with a footprint included, this tent punches above its weight class and scored a 9.0 in Value for Money.

The MSR Elixir 3 comes in cheaper at $200, but it's nearly five times heavier at 27.5 pounds, making it a car-camping-only option.

If you're building out your kit for the first time, pair this with our overnight backpacking checklist and you're ready for a full weekend.

Weather Resistance

The 70D polyester floor with a 2000mm PU coating is serious waterproofing, not the 1200mm entry-level rating you often see at this price point.

Owners report staying dry through sustained storms, and the seam-taped catenary-cut floor eliminates pooling.

This tent scored a 8.5 in Weather Resistance, which reflects genuine three-season capability rather than marketing optimism.

Quality & Durability

Velocity HD aluminum poles and 100% polyester ripstop rainfly fabric signal that Marmot built this for years of use, not just one good season.

The lifetime warranty backs that confidence, and the tent scored a 8.5 in Quality & Durability.

For context, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 costs $650 and weighs just 3 pounds 8 ounces, but it uses lighter materials that demand more careful handling.

Space & Comfort

Here's the honest tradeoff: the Tungsten 2P scored a 7.0 in Space & Comfort, and that's the one number that tells you who should look elsewhere.

The 30.1 square feet of floor space sounds generous, but owners consistently flag the tapered floor design, which narrows toward the foot end and limits usable room for two adults with gear.

If you're camping with a partner and value elbow room, this tent will feel snug.

User Reviews

The 9.2 User Reviews score reflects overwhelming owner satisfaction, with the most common praise centering on the simple setup and reliable storm performance.

A recurring theme in negative reviews is the weight: at 5.9 pounds, this tent is too heavy for serious backpacking where every ounce matters.

Owners treat it as a hybrid, ideal for short trail carries or drive-up sites.

Who It's For

The Tungsten 2P fits campers who split their time between established campgrounds and occasional overnight trails where the trailhead isn't far from the car.

It's a smart first "real" tent for someone graduating from borrowed gear, and it rewards careful use with years of service.

If you need more room, Marmot also makes the Tungsten 4 Person with the same build quality.

The Bottom Line

The Marmot Tungsten 2P earned its 8.5 by delivering durability and weather protection that rivals tents costing twice as much.

The included footprint and lifetime warranty sweeten an already strong value proposition.

Just know what you're getting: a reliable workhorse for weekend trips, not an ultralight trail companion.

Full Specifications

Tent TypeDome, Backpacking
Seasons3-season
Sleeps2 people
Weight5.9 lbs
Floor Area30.1 sq ft
Vestibule Area16.15 sq ft
Peak Height35' 1"
Floor Dimensions88.2 x 53.9/46.1 in
Doors2
Setup Time5 mins
Pole MaterialVelocity HD Aluminum
Poles2
Floor Fabric70D polyester taffeta with a 2000mm PU coating
Rainfly Fabric100% Polyester Ripstop
Footprint IncludedNo
Made InImported
WarrantyLifetime
Additional NotesTwo D-shaped doors, Dual vestibules, Lampshade pocket, Color-coded easy-pitch clips, Seam-taped catenary-cut floor
Price$279

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent best for?
This tent works well for budget-conscious campers and casual backpackers who prioritize reliability over ultralight weight. At 5.9 lbs, it suits weekend trips and car camping better than thru-hiking. The included footprint and lifetime warranty make it a solid choice for beginners building their gear collection.
How long does the Marmot Tungsten 2 take to set up?
Setup takes under 5 minutes once you are familiar with the process. The dome design uses color-coded Velocity HD aluminum poles that clip into place, making it straightforward even for first-time tent owners. Two people can have it pitched and staked out in about 3 minutes.
How does the Tungsten 2 handle rain and wind?
The tent performs reliably in typical three-season storms. The 70D polyester floor has a 2000mm waterproof coating, and the polyester ripstop rainfly sheds water effectively. It earned an 8.5 out of 10 for weather resistance, handling moderate rain and wind without leaking or collapsing.
Is the Marmot Tungsten 2 worth $279?
At $279 with a footprint included, this tent scores 9.0 out of 10 for value. You get quality materials, two doors, two vestibules totaling over 16 square feet of gear storage, and a lifetime warranty. For the price, the build quality and weather protection exceed what most budget tents offer.
Is the Tungsten 2 roomy enough for two adults?
The 30.1 square foot floor area fits two sleeping pads side by side, though the tapered shape (53.9 inches at the head, 46.1 inches at the foot) means taller campers may feel cramped. The space and comfort score of 7.0 out of 10 reflects this trade-off. For two average-sized adults, it works fine but feels cozy rather than spacious.
How does the Marmot Tungsten 2 compare to the MSR Elixir 3?
Both tents score 8.5 out of 10 overall, but they serve different needs. The Elixir 3 costs $79 less at $200 and offers more floor space as a three-person tent, though it is heavier. The Tungsten 2 has a faster setup and includes a footprint, while the Elixir 3 requires purchasing one separately.
How does the Tungsten 2 compare to the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3?
The Copper Spur costs $650, more than double the Tungsten's $279 price, but weighs significantly less for serious backpacking. The Tungsten scores higher on value (9.0 vs the Copper Spur's 8.4 overall) and offers comparable weather protection. Choose the Copper Spur for long miles on trail, the Tungsten for car camping and shorter trips where weight matters less.
What do owners say about the Marmot Tungsten 2?
User reviews average 9.2 out of 10, making it one of the higher-rated tents in its category. Owners consistently praise the easy setup, solid construction, and reliable rain protection. Common complaints focus on the weight for backpacking and the tapered floor feeling tight for two larger adults.

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