Updates to the Tungsten UL2
Marmot tells us the design of the tent remains the same, but there is a new color and the minimum trail weight of the tent has been shaved from 3.24 lbs to 2.93 lbs. Compare the two below (new model shown first, version we tested shown second).
Since we haven't tested the updated model, the review to follow only refers to the previous Tungsten.
Hands-On Review of the Tungsten UL2
This tent offers really nice comfort for sleepers and stargazers alike. It struggles a bit with its weather resistance and despite its name, you shouldn't expect a true ultralight shelter. All in all, we like this model, there are just a couple of key components holding it back.
The Marmot Tungsten UL2 fares well in a couple of important metrics, placing it solidly amongst some of the more highly rated tents in this review.
This tent is a good choice for an overnight.
Comfort
We were pleasantly surprised by the space and comfort afforded by the Tungsten UL2. Its length is a fairly common 88" but the pre-bent poles really make the most out of every inch. Combine with a generous 54" width and this tent offers room to sit up and spread out.
There is really nice headroom and space all around.
We wish that it came with more pockets. It's limited to two relatively small ones, one on each side.
The pockets are fine if you don't require a ton of storage but we wish they were larger.
Ease of Setup
The tent itself is easy enough to pitch. It has two standard poles that intersect at a hub with a cross-pole that expands interior headroom.
With its simple pole design, this tent goes up in a matter of minutes.
However, the fly is a little trickier. There are red color-coded tabs at the corners to ensure it is oriented correctly, but staking it out properly takes a little more time. The fly geometry is a little wonky and we found that getting good tension was challenging.
Weather Resistance
Because of the issue with the fly, this tent struggles a little bit with weather resistance. If it's not good and taut, the wind can really whip it around noisily. Similarly, though the polyester fly doesn't expand when wet, if it's saggy to begin with, water will still weigh it down and bring it in contact with the mesh sidewall.
We played with it for a while, but the fly just always seemed to be bunchy or saggy somewhere on this tent.
There is one large vent at the top that does a good job of dumping moisture and the vestibules can be opened up in a few different configurations to facilitate a good cross breeze.
The massive vent at the top keeps this model well ventilated.
Durability
The Tungsten offers solid durability. Its 30D nylon floor will stand up to regular use. Though its clips and hooks look and feel like they are sub-premium plastic, we still think that this tent can take a good beating. Its stakes are fine until they're not. If you are trying to drive them into hard-packed dirt, they will bend very quickly.
For its price point, the durability of the tent and fly corners looks decent. The clips and stakes are a little cheaper though.
Weight and Packed Size
This tent has the label ultralight but we are hesitant to call it that. It has a measured packed weight of 3 pounds, 11 ounces; still a reasonable load for a lot of uses, but UL it is not. Its packed size of 18"x7" is just about what you would expect for its weight. The polyester fly doesn't stuff down quite as much as its nylon counterparts.
We enjoyed our time in this tent.
Value
This tent offers fair value. Issues with the fly might make it a risky proposition for those that do a lot of wet weather camping, but the materials and construction are otherwise on par with what we would expect from a tent in this price range.
Conclusion
The Marmot Tungsten UL2 is a roomy tent at a reasonable price. It has a nice set of double side doors and space for two. We need to have a little more confidence in the fly before we can consider it a real contender, but for those who prioritize livability, this one is worth a look.
