Marmot - Tungsten 2-Person Tent

I own Kelty, North Face and Marmot backpacking tents, and can attest to their durability, ease of use and agreeable weight. I've used them both in the backcountry as well as when going car camping.

I got my tungsten 2p from sunny sports recently because of the price. No issues here. Great little tent.

I’m on my second 2P, only bc first was replaced under warranty. There is very little lb difference between 1P and 2P, so unless you want to stay in a tight 1P, upsize to the 2P. It’s perfect for me and my pack, although it has 2 vestibules too.

My recommendation as a life scout having been in an active scout troop for 5 years is the Marmot tungsten 2p. It has plenty of room, is easy to set up, and is nearly bullet proof. I have had the 3p version for 4 years with no issues. The tent can be used 4-seasons out of the year, and is light enough to take on backpacking trips. You shouldn’t have to buy your scout another tent in his duration in scouting(provided they take proper care of it)

I like my Marmot Tungsten 2p

Must haves (I’ve passed over and returned tents for these) Poles that clip instead of slide into sleeves. Makes setup/takedown super fast and easy.  High Quality zippers/fabric/hardware Full rain fly with vestibule for shoes. Double doors.  Good ventilation and plenty of mesh. Available oem Footprint Nice to haves: (Increase comfort and usability but aren’t total dealbreakers) Headroom is important to my family, but not a big deal for me personally.  Straight walls which keep the interior feeling open.  These two hit all those marks for me: Mountain hardwear Mineral king https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mineral-king-3-tent-2102591.html Marmot tungsten https://www.marmot.com/equipment/tents/4-person/tungsten-4-person-tent/SP_1031644.html

If it's just you, go with the 2p, but if you need room to store gear and keep food and other stuff with you do the 3p. The weight is pretty close so it's really up to the circumstances on what you need to keep by your side.

If weight wasn’t such an issue it’d be fine, but for backpacking specifically, I’d definitely go lighter. Also, that extra width in the Tungsten does make sharing a tent way more comfortable, especially if you have wider pads.

I'd add marmot to that list too for the 3-season and backup the canvas with stove for freezing weather.

Marmot Tungsten, Naturehike Mongar 2p, Big Agnes Copper Spur, Durston X-Dome... Lots of great options out there. Get a tent with a mesh body, not a solid body, for summer. The Sundomes is a good tent but gets hot and doesn't air out as well as a higher grade shelter since it has mostly solid walls.