Marmot Hoot

This tent was discontinued years ago, but they continued to make the smaller 2-person version (the Swallow). As I've now owned it for many years I can honestly say that this is the best tent I've ever owned.

Pros: Bombproof; I've been through hurricane force winds in this thing and as long as it is staked down and assembled correctly, it is sturdy as well as dry (yes, even with hard driven rain). After what I've been through in this thing, I've learned to trust it so much that even the most wicked storms don't bother me anymore. Also, I've had almost no condensation problems as long as the vents on the fly are opened. The two door and dual vestibule design is hard to beat.

Cons: Heavy by today's standards (about 9 lbs. with fly, groundsheet, stakes, etc.). Takes some familiarity to setup correctly. With the fly on and all vents, windows, and doors opened it can still trap the heat and get very hot.

If you find an opportunity to buy one of these in good used condition and are going to use it mainly for car/motorcycle camping (or can distribute the weight between three hikers) I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to buy this model.

Marmot Hoot, I have had this tent for about 10 years now and it is still in really good shape.

This was my first tent that used the "taco" style storage idea, which works okay, not sold on it though. I made some extra bags to carry the poles, ground cloth etc... and to be able to split up the tent for backpacking. The doors are large, the ventilation and windows are fine. For most summer use, we roll the fly back and sleep under the mesh roof.

With the fly on I use my trekking poles to hold up the fly opening which gives light rain protection and easy in & out.

The tent has been used on fall trips, and it can support a small snow load on the roof. It is very close to being a 4 season tent for us. We have re-waterproofed the fly a couple of times but have not had to do anything to the floor or seams yet.

Uses: Backpacking, Canoe camping, car camping

Pros:  Plenty of room, great mesh venting, windows, fly door acts as an awning, durable construction, great poles.

Cons: slightly heavy, taco storage system