Sick and tired of those cramped 2-person tents out there? Ultralight tent but be made of inferior materials?
Marmot is proof of a brand that deeply understands your concerns. When it released Limelight and Tungsten tents, Marmot gives you the best solutions for a tent’s roominess and longevity.
Marmot Limelight vs Tungsten is two of the most high-ranking tents of this famous outdoor brand. Although they have the reputation for the unique design and high-quality material, this article will help you figure out their shortcomings that the brand doesn’t tell you by comparing Limelight and Tungsten.
Limelight vs Tungsten – Which is the best one?
In brief, it is quite hard to pick the best one between the two types since they still have their own drawbacks.
If you wish to find a tent with exceptional weather protection, Tungsten is a better choice because Limelight’s waterproof feature does not function effectively as expected.
Nevertheless, if you want better ventilation and more durable stakes or poles, Limelight is highly recommended.
Limelight
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Key features
(Source: Outdoor Essentials)
Limelight can successfully attract the attention of its campers thanks to these outstanding key features. The innovative zone pre-bend construction creates a rectangular shape instead of a pyramid one for plenty of sleeping areas and extra headroom.
To offer extra convenience for 2 people to enter or exit the tent, 2 doors on both sides are available so that one can get in/out without touching the other.
Have a lot of small things on your trip? Don’t worry because Limelight has 2 vestibules, interior pockets, and lampshade pockets on the roof of the tent. After an exhausting long day, nothing can be compared to the experience of organizing all things in those ideal storage places. Then, you and your partner relax under the ambient light.
Besides, this tent will guarantee your safety and comfort in harsh weather conditions due to durable seam-taped fabric, 100% water-resistant polyester, and a footprint included.
Pros
- Long solid covering for better privacy
- Easy to set up and takedown thanks to color-coded clips and poles
- Pre-bent poles help maximize possible inner space without adding more weight
- Two large doors offer easy access for two people
- Great ventilation and no condensation inside thanks to 2 doors, large mesh, and 2 vents on the rainfly
- 2 huge vestibules for more storage space
- High solid fabric for more privacy
(Source: Enwild)
Cons
- Large mesh in the upper part of the tent => Cold in the winter
- Serious water leakage through the rainfly in both normal and harsh conditions.
- Lack of stakes for guy out points
- The fly does not stretch fully to the ground.
- The ridgepole when packed in 2 sections is longer than the other poles => Difficult to pack and carry (In the latest update, this pole has been divided into 3 smaller parts to be more compact)
Tungsten
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Key features
In terms of main features, Tungsten is similar to Limelight from the vertical shape to the useful footprint. Based on many reviews, what makes it different from Limelight is its waterproofness, quality, and ventilation system which will be explained clearly below.
(Source: Enwild)
Pros
- Easy setup and takedown
- Excellent weather resistance.
- Spacious room thanks to pre-bending construction
- Large mesh for stargazing
- Dual vestibules for extra storage space
Cons
- Flimsy stakes
- Ventilation does not work really well.
- The original set does not have enough stakes for the guy lines.
- The stuff sack is too big for the tent and it also has no straps to fasten the unused part.
- Heavy for backpacking
- The centerpiece that connects two cross poles is of poor quality.
Limelight vs Tungsten in comparison
Similarity
Coming from the same manufacturer – Marmot, Marmot Limelight vs Tungsten are similar in many points listed below.
Firstly, what sets them apart from normal 2P tents is the pre-bending construction that creates vertical walls. This special structure is well-known for helping maximize inner space and headroom, hence greater roominess and excitement.
Secondly, for better air circulation, both are equipped with dual doors, massive mesh, and vents on the rainfly. These factors are believed to bring more fresh air into your living space and get rid of unpleasant odors.
Thirdly, since they are made of durable and thick material, there will be a trade-off between quality and weight. If you are looking for a lightweight tent, Marmot Limelight and Limestone is not suitable for your needs because they are heavier than usual. So, carrying them during your backpacking adventure may be a real difficulty.
Fourthly, buyers often complained that the package doesn’t have enough stakes for the rain fly to be pulled tight. As you may know, when your tent is fully staked out, you will have better ventilation, stability, and spaciousness.
Therefore, you will have to buy more stakes for all guy out points.
Difference
Waterproofness
The main reason why Limelight receives negative comments is its bad waterproof function.
Although the fly of the tent is claimed to be made from 100% water-resistant polyester, the tent still leaked a lot in the rain as if the waterproof layer doesn’t work at all. Additionally, there is a gap between the fly and the ground.
Therefore, water can splash against the tent or strong winds can flow into the tent through this gap. Your stuff in the vestibules may get wet as well.
Different from Limelight, Tungsten’s users love it for its excellent weather protection. Even in a downpour, people didn’t have any problems related to serious leakages. Your comfort and dryness will be ensured if you opt for Tungsten.
Quality
While Limelight is full of praise for its high quality, Tungsten is criticized a lot due to its low-quality stakes and cross-pole connector.
Tungsten’s provided stakes are easily bent and broken, especially in extreme weather events. So, to dispel any concerns related to these doubtful stakes, you should get extra sturdier stakes in your bag.
In addition, the mid-point piece that holds two cross poles together is not durable. It got many complaints as it easily broke and users cannot set up the tent correctly without this important connector. They even found other ways to connect 2 separate poles, but it was quite difficult to hold them stably.
Ventilation
Tungsten’s ventilation system is not truly effective because it only has 1 vent on the rainfly. When you go camping in damp areas, moisture can be trapped inside and condensation is likely to happen when you close the doors of the rainfly.
Unlike Tungsten, Limelight’s rainfly has 2 vents that can support airflow better when the rainfly is on.
Limelight:
Tungsten:
FAQs
1. Can I set up Marmot Tungsten vs Limelight with just the footprint and rainfly?
Yes, you can do it by putting the poles into the grommets of the footprint. Then, spread the fly over the poles. Remember to stake out the tent and balance it properly so that it can stay upright.
2. Does the packaged weight include the footprint?
No, the packaged weight does not include the included footprint. The packaged weight consists of the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, and stuff sack.
3. Does Limelight have a gear loft?
No, it doesn’t have a gear loft. However, the manufacturer prepares some loops for you to hang a gear loft. If you wish to have a ceiling loft, you need to buy it separately.
Conclusion
In general, Marmot Limelight vs Tungsten has a wide variety of traits in common. However, please pay careful attention to their weather protection, quality, and ventilation to make a better choice.
In my opinion, their innovative design for extra room is a strong point but Limelight’s poor waterproofness and Tungsten’s low-quality stakes/cross-pole connection are so serious that I cannot withstand it. If you encounter these problems during your adventure, it will be very annoying and negatively affect the whole mood. Therefore, my recommendation is to look for a new brand with a better quality rather than choosing between Limelight or Tungsten.
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