Marmot Tungsten 4 Tent Evaluation

Backside Line

The Marmot Tungsten 4 is an intriguing tent that straddles the road between automobile tenting and backpacking. Its major objective is as a front-country automobile tenting tent, however its smaller packed dimension and comparatively low weight means it could possibly work as a backpacking choice in a pinch. Though it felt a bit cramped for our household of 4, it’s a snug match for 2 campers. The Tungsten is simple to pitch, even for solo campers, and packs down simply for transport.

When it comes to climate resistance, it carried out admirably throughout testing in Colorado’s mountains, dealing with heavy rain and even early-season snow simply. Its dome-style design and low peak peak additionally helped it maintain regular in reasonable winds.

Nonetheless, the tent has some drawbacks. Air flow is poor with the rainfly connected except the fly is absolutely guyed out, and sadly, not sufficient stakes are included for this setup. The inside storage, whereas practical with 4 facet pockets and two ceiling “Lampshade” pockets, may benefit from a extra considerate design.

All in all, the Tungsten 4 is a strong, versatile choice for campers on the lookout for a crossover tent that balances automobile tenting consolation with some backpacking functionality. If you happen to’d prefer to discover extra of our favourite tents, try our full gear information on the Finest Tenting Tents of 2024.

Consolation

The Tungsten 4 is extra appropriate for 2 campers moderately than 4, which is widespread for smaller crossover tents. That’s to not say it could possibly’t match 4 individuals—it could possibly—however you’ll haven’t any room for gear inside. As a substitute, you’ll have to retailer your gear within the two exterior vestibules. We examined the tent with two adults and two young children, and whereas it labored, we might have appreciated extra space. Youngsters would possibly theoretically take up much less room, however while you issue of their collected knickknacks and treasures, they rapidly occupy as a lot house as an grownup.

For backpacking, the tight match will not be a major problem, however for front-country tenting, two campers will discover the Tungsten rather more snug. The 2 vestibules, which add roughly 36 sq. ft of further space for storing, are useful, however you’ll have to maintain a part of them clear for straightforward tent entry and exit.

The tent physique options loads of mesh, offering refreshing air flow on clear nights with the fly off. Nonetheless, with the rainfly deployed and the vestibule doorways absolutely zipped, air flow is noticeably decreased. Whereas the only kickstand vent and absolutely guyed-out fly enhance airflow considerably, the tent can nonetheless really feel stuffy in sure situations.

Sturdiness

After thorough testing, we are able to confidently say that the Tungsten 4 is a well-built and thoughtfully designed medium-duty tent. Whereas Marmot doesn’t present many specifics on the supplies used, our years of outside expertise and testing numerous tents lead us to imagine this tent is made with strong, sturdy supplies. The poles are Velocity HD aluminum, which, whereas heavier than fiberglass, supply larger power and longevity. The cover and rainfly are made from Ripstop Polyester, and the ground is crafted from Taffeta Polyester. Sadly, the denier score isn’t supplied.

Proper out of the field, the supplies really feel heavy-duty, and after our testing, we really feel assured this tent can face up to repeated use. With correct care and upkeep, it ought to final for years to come back.

Our fundamental concern, if any, is the plastic clips that connect the fly to the tent physique. These clips are uncovered to the weather, which might probably be a weak level. Whereas we haven’t encountered any points throughout testing, it’s one thing to bear in mind for long-term sturdiness.

Climate Resistance

Marmot has been a trusted title within the outside business for years, identified for producing tents which can be each inexpensive and sturdy. We discovered the Tungsten 4 to carry out effectively in difficult climate, together with prolonged and generally sideways driving rain. The rainfly has glorious protection, and the place it doesn’t absolutely lengthen, the big bathtub flooring offers further safety.

We examined the Tungsten within the Colorado mountains, the place we largely skilled basic bluebird days and chilly nights. Nonetheless, we did face a 36-hour stretch of heavy rain, which transitioned into graupel and finally snow, earlier than melting as soon as the solar hit the tent. Regardless of the extraordinary climate, we remained dry and didn’t expertise any leaks.

In reasonable winds, the Tungsten held up effectively. With the tent absolutely guyed out, it did seem to bend in on itself a few times, nevertheless it by no means felt like a severe problem. Total, the Tungsten 4’s climate resistance proved to be strong, providing peace of thoughts even in unpredictable situations.

Ease of Setup

We discovered the Marmot Tungsten 4 to be extremely simple to arrange. Even when pitching it solo, we had the tent absolutely assembled in underneath eight minutes. The colour-coded poles and webbing make the setup course of easy and hassle-free. The design is trendy and environment friendly, just like many backpacking tents, utilizing hooks to connect the poles to the tent physique as a substitute of the standard pole sleeves. We favor this technique, because it eliminates the frustration of snagging the poles contained in the sleeves throughout setup.

The decrease peak peak additionally contributes to the convenience of meeting, as you don’t have to be notably tall to connect the final clip within the heart of the tent. This can be a function we actually appreciated, because it avoids pointless stretching or awkward maneuvers.

Attaching the rainfly can also be easy. The colour-coded webbing and plastic clips guarantee a safe match with minimal effort, making the method fast and intuitive. Total, the Marmot Tungsten 4 presents a user-friendly setup expertise. iIt is a superb selection for each novice and skilled campers who need a tent that’s simple to pitch and will be executed rapidly, even and not using a second individual.

Options

The Tungsten 4 is comparatively middle-of-the-road in terms of options. We recognize the color-coded poles and webbing for straightforward setup, and we love that the footprint is included with the tent. The 2 vestibules are a terrific addition for further gear storage. Nonetheless, we discovered the inner storage to be missing.

It’s not that the Tungsten doesn’t supply any inside storage—it does—however general, we discovered it much less practical than it could possibly be. If we had been backpacking the inside pockets would doubtless suffice. Nonetheless, when tenting with a household, we’d prefer to see bigger, extra helpful pockets. The present ones are inclined to sag when loaded with something greater than a headlamp and aren’t giant sufficient to retailer gadgets {that a} household would possibly want, like child wipes, diapers, or tablets.

That mentioned, the 2 overhead “Lampshade” pockets are a pleasant contact for headlamps, as they diffuse mild, however they don’t have a lot capability for the rest. We’re effective utilizing the vestibules for gear, however some campers might favor extra inside storage choices.

Ought to You Purchase the Marmot Tungsten 4 Tent?

The Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent is a superb crossover-style choice at an inexpensive value. It’s perfect for individuals who want a tent for front-country automobile tenting but in addition need the pliability for brief, much less intense backpacking journeys with out buying two separate tents. Whereas it’s giant sufficient to sleep a household of 4, it might really feel cramped, and in case you plan to backpack, it’s possible you’ll wish to distribute the burden amongst a few hikers.

With its storm-worthy construct and high quality supplies, the Tungsten 4P is a dependable choice for these unsure about how they’ll use their tent. If you happen to’re particularly on the lookout for a devoted car-camping tent or solely plan to backpack, there are higher choices accessible. Nonetheless, for these looking for a flexible choice that bridges each wants, the Marmot Tungsten 4P is a strong selection value contemplating.

What Different Tenting Tents Ought to You Think about?

For extra choices, please see our full information to the finest tenting tents.

REI Half Dome SL 3+ – The REI Half Dome SL 3+ is one other crossover-style tent value contemplating in case you plan to camp with a bunch of two or three, particularly if one in every of them is a baby. The SL 3+ leans extra towards the backpacking facet of issues. It’s $50 costlier however considerably lighter. Nonetheless, the inside is smaller than that of the Tungsten 4, so don’t count on quite a lot of further room.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 – Once more, leaning extra towards the backpacking facet, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is a light-weight, rock-solid choice for teams of two trying to do extra backpacking than front-country automobile tenting.

Kelty Wi-fi 6 – If automobile tenting is extra your factor and also you need a bigger tent that also presents nice climate safety on the identical value level, the Kelty Wi-fi 6 is a improbable choice. It comfortably sleeps a household of 4 with loads of room to spare.