User Review: Marmot Earlylight 2P

Marmot Earlylight 2P
Above: The current Earlylight 2P, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 29, 2007 by Justo

Rating:
Design: 3 season freestanding dome
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Fast, Simple
Price Paid: 140

The good news is that this tent is lightweight and well-ventilated..... the bad is that this tent is lightweight and ventilated.

So, it rolls up small, feels like a feather in your pack, and sets up in a flash. In warm weather you'll stay cool and dry. The sun makes this thing literally glow.

But as soon as the weather turns, things get less fun. The multitude of screens means that chilly breezes enter unimpeded. There are screens parallel to where your body is when prone, meaning the winter pours straight into your sleeping bag. If it rains, you'll find that even with all the lines staked down, the rain fly is about 2 inches short on both ends.

The plastic sunroof is a cool idea, but ultimately pointless and at times uncomfortable. There is no way to close the window, meaning that at any time, anyone can just walk over and look into your tent. If it's sunny, the tent is bright enough. At night, for star-gazing, the view is muddied by the screen and plastic - just go outside!

If you want something cheap and light but still high-quality, and you'll be camping in good weather, go for it.