Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent Review
Space & Livability
Storage
Weather Protection
Durability & Quality
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Floor dimensions
92.9 x 81.9 in. (52.7 sq. ft.)
Vestibule Area
36.6 sq. ft.
Peak height
52.8 in.
Weight
9 lb. 3.8 oz.
Packed Size
24.8 x 8.3 in.
Capacities
1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
Number of Pockets
4
Pros
Cons
Marmot Tungsten 4P
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Tents.
The Marmot Tungsten 4 straddles the line between backpacking and car camping, and its interior reflects that middle ground. The floor measures 93 inches long by 82 inches wide, and the 52-inch peak height allows room to sit up and even play cards during a storm. But compared to most car camping tents, which typically prioritize vertical walls and walk-around headroom, the Tungsten feels notably tight.
The Marmot Tungsten 4 is on the smaller end of the “4-person” category and is best suited for a couple with one or two small children or a trio of adults. We were able to fit three sleeping pads inside—two of which were 25-inch-wide “large” sizes from Therm-a-Rest—but it left little extra room for gear or spreading out. The vertical walls along the door sides help maximize livable space, and the pre-bent poles pull out the walls, which makes it a more comfortable sleeping space than some dome-style backpacking tents. Compared to my REI Half Dome 2+, the Tungsten feels roomier at pad height, thanks to the more structured wall shape.
Still, standing room is its most significant limitation. At only 52 inches tall in the center—and with its dual ridge poles, the height is closer to 49 inches at the sides—this is not a tent for hanging out or getting dressed upright. Even at 5’6”, I couldn’t come close to standing fully inside. While this design is practical for backpacking and tight campgrounds, it’s a clear step down in livability compared to taller car camping options (a tent like the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 has a peak height of 78 in.). If your priority is comfort around camp or spending time inside the tent beyond just sleeping, the Tungsten 4 may fall short.
The Marmot Tungsten 4 offers functional, if not particularly generous, storage both inside and outside the tent. Along the interior, each corner features a small dual-pocket design—essentially a flap with two slim compartments—but capacity is limited. They’re great for the basics, like a phone or headlamp, but anything larger will sag and droop noticeably. Don’t expect to store bulky items like a tent bag or a novel. A larger storage pocket sewn along the tent’s perimeter would significantly improve interior organization.
Two small roof pockets at the top of the tent are less obvious but still useful. These are ideal for lighting—sliding a headlamp or phone inside provides a great overhead glow for reading or organizing at night. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that adds convenience once discovered.
On the outside, the Tungsten shines with two generously sized vestibules—one on each side of the tent. Measuring 34 inches deep, I was able to stash my backpack, extra blankets, and layers under the vestibule with room to spare (but like the rest of the tent, the low peak height requires squatting to remove shoes or rummage through gear). In wet weather, this coverage is especially valuable. The vestibules offer reliable protection and help compensate for the tent’s limited internal storage.
One of the Tungsten 4’s biggest strengths is its ability to handle wind and wet weather. The tent’s low profile and sturdy aluminum pole structure give it excellent stability, especially compared to taller, more upright camping tents. On a breezy ridgeline campsite, the tent held firm with minimal fabric flapping, while the broad base and solid stake-out points helped keep it anchored in gusty conditions.
The full-coverage rainfly stretches several inches beyond the tent body on all sides, providing reliable protection against rain. During light overnight showers in Washington state’s Teanaway area, the tent remained dry inside, thanks in part to the included footprint, which provides another layer of protection to keep moisture from seeping through the floor. Some minor condensation did transfer from the fly where it touched the tent body, but this is typical and easy to manage.
Ventilation is another strong suit. The upper tent body is nearly all mesh, which encourages airflow and makes it an excellent option for stargazing on clear nights. Dual vents on the rainfly also help release humid air and minimize condensation. As with most tents in damp PNW conditions, it needed some drying time in the morning, but moisture buildup was well within reason.
Car camping tents are generally built with durability in mind, but because the Marmot Tungsten 4 is designed as a crossover option, it features lighter materials than most dedicated camping tents. Marmot doesn’t list a denier (D) for the floor, but it’s likely around 70D—a noticeable downgrade from the 150D or higher fabrics found on burlier models like the REI Co-op Base Camp or The North Face Wawona. Similarly, the mesh upper is thin and typical of a backpacking-ready design. This all means you’ll want to be a bit more careful with your setup, especially when camping on rough or rocky terrain.
That said, there are bright spots when it comes to quality. The included footprint is a big plus and has held up well across various surfaces, from packed dirt to uneven gravel. The zippers are smooth, the fabric feels well-constructed, and small details like the durable buckles that attach the rainfly and the sturdy stakes make a strong impression.
All in all, the Marmot Tungsten 4 is a simple and reliable option for casual campers. It doesn’t offer the rugged construction of a dedicated car camping tent, but it covers all the essentials and holds up well with proper care. For campers who prioritize weight savings or want a tent that can pull double duty on backpacking trips, it’s a well-rounded choice that should last across many seasons.
One of my favorite things about the Marmot Tungsten 4 is how easy it is to set up. I didn’t even need to reference the instructions the first time—everything came together intuitively. The color-coded poles and central hub design make setup smooth and manageable, even solo. Once the main structure was clipped in, we attached the shorter poles across the top to expand the roof space. The rainfly was just as straightforward: It draped over effortlessly and attached securely using simple buckle connections.
The first time we set it up, it took around 10 minutes as we figured out the process—and we were determined to do so without the instructions to test how intuitive it was. On our second attempt, we had it up in about 5 minutes, and we’ve gotten even faster with practice. The hubbed pole design helps with solo setup, too, which is a major win if your camping partner is preoccupied or if you're heading out on your own.
At 9 pounds 3.8 ounces, the Tungsten is nearly half the weight of typical car camping tents, and its compact packed size is equally convenient. I had no trouble fitting it into my 60-liter backpack, and it stores easily at home without taking up too much space. Rolling it into the stuff sack is refreshingly simple and doesn’t require perfect packing—something that can’t be said for every tent. Overall, the light weight, compact size, and hassle-free setup make the Tungsten 4 an easy tent to live with, whether you're headed to the mountains or just out for a quick weekend trip.
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Longevity
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Solution-Dyed Materials
Solution dyeing adds pigment to synthetic fibers during production rather than afterward, reducing water use, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and chemical waste, while also creating fabrics that resist fading better over time. A green check mark indicates a product features a substantial amount of solution-dyed materials, a yellow check mark indicates moderate or limited use of solution-dyed fabrics, and a red X indicates there are no solution-dyed materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Gazelle T4 Hub ($400): Same Price, Different Result
Gazelle’s T4 Hub is all about convenience. Its pop-up hub system makes pitching lighting quick—we’ve set it up in under four minutes. Stacked up to the Tungsten, the two share a similar MSRP and rate well for ease of use, but otherwise differ in intent. The T4 Hub is super spacious, with a 78-inch peak height and a roomy layout for four campers, and its hardy fabric and roomy interior have made it a favorite among the overlanding community. On the other hand, the Tungsten is noticeably smaller and light enough for backpacking (something you wouldn’t dream of with the 30-lb. Gazelle). If convenience is your top priority, both are strong candidates, but we’d recommend the Gazelle T4 for car camping with more than two folks. For more, read our review of the Gazelle T4 Hub Overland Edition.
Coleman Skydome 6 ($230): Budget Camping
Coleman has long been a go-to for folks looking for a dedicated camping setup with minimal fuss (and cost). Their Skydome 6 is a case in point, featuring plenty of spread-out floor space, pre-attached pre-bent poles for a quick setup, and a front vestibule for exterior storage. Compared to the Tungsten, build quality takes a big hit, and the Coleman’s fiberglass poles are less trustworthy should the wind start blowing. But its boost in livability wins out for fair-weather car camping trips. For more, check out our review of the Skydome 4.
MSR Elixir 4 ($490): A Bad-Weather Alternative
For campers who want one tent for both backpacking and car camping, the MSR Elixir 4 is another crossover option. With a full-coverage rainfly, sturdier aluminum poles, and less mesh, it’s far better equipped for handling wind and rain than the more open and airy Tungsten. However, the tradeoff is interior space—the Elixir’s 84-by-84-inch floor plan is noticeably more compact than the Tungsten’s 100-by-86-inch footprint. Both are great crossover options, and your choice comes down to whether you prioritize livability (Tungsten) or rugged, all-weather reliability (Elixir).
For those who dabble in both camping and backpacking—especially families with kids—the Marmot Tungsten 4P is your Swiss Army Knife. It’s light and packable enough to carry miles down the trail, but serviceable for camp life. Just know that interior space is quite limited compared to most camping tents.
Space & Livability
Storage
Weather Protection
Durability & Quality
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Mixing a super-fast setup, premium materials, and cabin-like vertical walls, the Gazelle T4 Hub excels for overlanding or car-based trips when you’ll value its lightning-fast pitch. However, it’s bulky and heavy and lacks a high-volume six-person version.
Space & Livability
Storage
Weather Protection
Durability & Quality
Ease of Use
Sustainability
A budget favorite, the Coleman Skydome is easy to pitch and has surprisingly good headroom. However, its basic materials and single-door design make it best for casual campers and fair-weather trips.
Space & Livability
Storage
Weather Protection
Durability & Quality
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Is the Tungsten 4P for You?
If you’re looking for a crossover tent that’s light enough to carry on short, family backpacking trips but still comfortable enough for car camping, the Marmot Tungsten 4P fits the bill. It’s compact, easy to set up, and weather-ready, making it an excellent choice for couples, families with a young kid or two, or anyone who values versatility. Just know that you’re trading livable space for portability—the low peak height and modest interior make it less ideal for group hangouts or extended basecamps. But for a simple, functional shelter at a reasonable weight and price, the Tungsten hits a sweet spot.
get cozy outside
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