Earlylight 2P

Comments about Marmot Earlylight 2P:

I bought this on sale in November 2007 for about $150 including footprint. It is fairly lightweight for the size. There are lighter offerings out there, but not at this price point. The setup is quick, the only problem I have when setting up is figuring out which way the fly goes. I've clipped the fly in and staked it out only to realize it is backward several times. Ventilation is so so. I usually sleep with the vestibules zipped open just a tad to let the condensation out and close them up if is starts to rain. It is nice for one person, and snug with two, but not unbearably so. The dual vestibules help out with the crowding issue so both sleepers can keep packs and boots outside the tent. The two doors are nice as well so there is no crawling over each other for midnight cathole visits. I use this mostly solo and it fits into my lightweight backpacking scheme of keeping pack weight under 15 lbs without water. I've been using the heck out of it and I am very pleased. Would I take it mountaineering in the winter? No, I have a bomber Mountain Hardwear tent for that (which weighs over 8 pounds!). But this one is a good weight, good price (catch it on sale!) and holding up well.

Comments about Marmot Earlylight 2P:

My very first tent purchase! I bought this tent 3 years ago and was extremely excited to set it up for a test run. However, it was January in South Dakota. I was bound and determined to set her up even if it was a 3 season tent and I was wearing my down jacket and wool socks. I solicited the help of my boyfriend and we trekked off to the nearest city park. In the blistering cold of a winter afternoon, we set her up. There was no threading of the poles, and nearly no thought involved. Just the way I like it. A very straight forward design. Before we knew it, she was set up and ready for a test run. We hopped in and delighted in the effortless set-up and .... well, that's the end of the tent-talk because I just received my very FIRST KISS... in my very first tent.

End of the story. I've since dumped the boy, but not the tent. I've used this tent many times and am currently still a satisfied customer. By morning, yes, there is usually a bit of condensation, nothing I can't live with. Above all, this tent is easy to set up, comfortable construction and long enough for me (I'm 6'1"). Thanks Marmot.

Comments about Marmot Earlylight 2P:

I've only spent two nights in the tent while car camping. The weather was nice without much wind and no precipitation. I bought the tent with single overnight backpacking in mind - to fish remote alpine lakes but haven't done this yet. The price was good considering that the footprint came with it and didn't require extra expense. Set up was quick and easy. I think the fly is a neat design but it did flap a bit when it got breezy. Having a door on both sides of the tent is a plus as is the fact that there is a vestibule for each side. I think it would be fairly cozy for two people but is fine for one. The tent walls sagged inward somewhat giving it a slightly cramped feeling and with objects in the gear loft I would bump my head on the loft when sitting (and I'm only five eight). This contributed to the mildly cramped feeling. Taped seams are another plus. Ventilation is very good but I wonder how well the rain will be kept out if windy and raining. In general, I feel this tent is going to meet my needs and I think it is a good value.

Comments about Marmot Earlylight 2P:

I like to solo backpack and bough this for when I want some extra comfort...other than single person or bivy. Pros: It's easy to set up because of the clips and plenty roomy for one. It also kept the rain out fairly well. Cons: It was sometimes difficult to figure out which way the fly goes and the zippers are flimsy and kept getting stuck. Last month I spent three nights in it on Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota and it blew down on me in a storm while I was lying there thinking about how much money I saved. Nice tent for casual camping but not the trail.