Marmot - Catalyst 2P

I personally like a two person that your sleeping pads fit almost perfectly to make a nice “mattress”. And doors on both sides, so you don’t have to crawl over anyone in the dark at night. We have an older (maybe 2018 model?) Marmot Catalyst 2p and it’s been good to us.

I’ve used a Marmot Catalyst 2P for the past 4 years (40,000 miles) and it is slightly larger than the Limelight and about a pound heavier. What I like is the large vestibule on both sides. I ride solo so most of my gear can come inside but I usually leave my boots and stove in the vestibule. With 2 up, the vestibules would be really handy. Last summer I had one of the poles break but the tent comes with a splice (tube) that works. I ended up buying a new set of poles, not from Marmot, that are identical in size and length but in more sections which means that the tent can pack up shorter in length.

I’ve camped for a few years and last year weighed everything I carry and it was 70 pounds. I usually go out for 2-3 weeks at a time. Marmot Catalyst 2P tent. Sleeping bag (I forget what kind I’ve had it so long). A duffle for clothes. Those three are strapped individually to the bike with Rok Straps. Side cases have cooking stuff, tools, food, etc. I used to prep meals but now just bring the backpacker meals so I only boil water. My stove is an MSR that I bought in the 1970s. Every trip I take note on what I brought and didn’t use and with a few exceptions it doesn’t make the trip the next time. I suppose that the bulkiest thing I have is my clothes duffel. I’m a distance runner so I have to bring my running shoes and gear since I don’t take time off from that plus, trail running is great. And, clothes for all seasons is just a thing. Last year, I left on a 3-weeks trip and hit snow the first day out and freezing temps at night but a week later it was in the 90s.

Marmot Catalyst 2 person. Used it multiple times both for car and backcountry camping.

I have a 3P one door big Agnes that is plenty big but only has one door. It’s light and holds two wide sleeping mats. I’ve had it for at least ten years and thanks to the footprint it is still in great shape. I wish it had a second door though. I have an MSR semi free standing 2P Freelite. It has two doors and packs super light and pretty small. It’s luxurious for one person but two would be a little tight. With two it needs standard width sleeping pads. For a slight weight penalty I have a Marmot lightweight 2P two door. It’s the most comfortable but a bit heavier. Maybe the limelight? The big Agnes or the Limelight are my preferred with a partner and the MSR when solo or when partnered for long trips. If I were to buy new now and only have one, I’d probably do the Marmot Super Alloy semi free standing (similar to the MSR but a bit more room I think) or a Big Agnes two door lightweight model like the Tiger Wall or Copper Spur. Which of these last two is lighter.