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Hello Fellow Tent Campers!
I recently had an opportunity to pick up the Marmot Stormlight 3P tent at a great price and add it to my ever growing collection of tents. Yea...I like different tent styles and "testing" them out, so this one made the grade and I nabbed it. I thought I would share some of the specs, a few unique features that peaked my original interest, and after using it this past weekend, my overall thoughts so far.
First off...the Stormlight 3P has been discontinued by Marmot, but is still available online at a few retailers. I was able to locate it at a clearance price and then doubled down with an additional 20% off. In total, the price was almost 50% off original retail. Marmot has replaced the Stormlight 3P with a "new" model called the Fuse 3P...and aside from thinner denier fabrics, lower waterproof ratings on the fly, and the use of DAC NFL aluminum 9.3 mm poles on the Fuse, these two tents are essentially the same. The Fuse, with it's thinner denier fabrics, waterproofing coatings, and the use of DAC NFL poles (rather than the DAC Pressfit 9.0 mm poles on the Stormlight), does come in with a weight savings of 13 oz less than the Stormlight and it does pack down into a smaller package. I assume Marmot did this model revision to try to make the tent more appealing to the backpacking crowd.
Some specs comparing the Stormlight and the Fuse for those of you that enjoy them:
STORMLIGHT 3P
Capacity: 3
Min Wt: 5 lbs. 13 oz.
Pkg Wt: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
Dimensions: 7'4"x5'7"
Area (Sq. Ft.): 41+ 10 Vest + 5.5 Vest
Int Height: 3'8"
Pack Size: 27.5"x8"
No. of Poles: 3
Pole Size: 9mm
Pole Material: DAC PressFit aluminum
No. of Doors: 2
Hooded Fly: 2 vents
Floor Material: 150D Oxford Nylon 3000mm coating
Fly Material: 75D Polyester 2000mm coating
Wall Material: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
Roof Material: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
Netting: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
2 mesh pockets inside for storage and 5 loops for hanging a gear loft (not included)
The footprint for the Stormlight is no longer available - I purchased the Fuse footprint which is an exact match to the Stormlight and fit perfectly (although the Fuse footprint is a 70 denier nylon).
FUSE 3P
Capacity: 3
Min Wt: 5lbs. 1oz.
Pkg Wt: 5lbs. 8oz.
Dimensions: 7'4" x 5'7"
Area (Sq. Ft.): 41 + 10 (vest) + 5.1 (vest)
Int Height: 3'8"
Pack Size: 22" x 8"
Pole Size: 9.3mm
Pole Material: Aluminum DAC NFL
No. of Doors: 2
Hooded Fly: 2 vents
Floor Material: 70D Nylon PU 3000mm coating
Fly Material: 50D Solution Dyed Polyester Taffeta 1500mm coating
Wall Material: 1.9 oz. 68D Polyester Taffeta 1800 mm coating
Roof Material: 15D No-See-Um Mesh
Netting: 15D No-See-Um Mesh
Both of these tents have several unique features that I was curious about and led to my decision to grab the Stormlight:
1. Solution Dyed Fabric in the Fly - This means that rather than weaving the polyester threads and then dipping the large fabric sheet/fly into the color solution...the Stormlight and Fuse first have each individual polyester thread dipped into the color solution and then the threads are woven to create the fly fabric. Marmot indicates that this increases the UV protection of the polyester fly (extending it's life against the harmful rays of the sun) and this method also creates a quieter fabric.
2. Sonic Welded Seams in the Fly - None of the "seams" in the fly have needle holes. There is no sewing. Each area where the fly's fabric must be mated together has been sonically welded. This includes the fly vents. There are literally no needle holes anywhere on the fly nor seam tape on the underside (there is no need). No holes, so zero chance of rain penetration through the "seams". This makes the fly stronger and extends it's life over time. This was a feature that I really was interested in and thought could be of benefit.
3. Marmot's Inverted Head and Foot box - The main ridge pole running the length of the tent extends beyond the end of the head and foot area. That pole then connects to the head and foot fabric, pulling it out and up at an angle. This increases the livability and space inside the tent. Instead of the normal upward inward sloping angle of fabric in many tents, the Stormlight/Fuse fabric at the foot and head angles out and away from the interior, creating a more spacious inside.
Potential Negatives to the Stormlight and Fuse: These tents use 3 poles in total (one long ridge pole-with a brow pole attached via hub, and two individual end poles which connect also via a hub and clasp system). There is potential that the hubs could break as they are made of a hard plastic. Although I did not have any problems during the couple of set-ups I did, the potential is there if one does not use caution during set-up or takedown. On the flip side, the hubs seem sturdy and the clasping system on the end poles works with a solid "click" precision. In the event of a broken hub in the field, the design does allow for a simple lashing to continue the trip. Marmot's lifetime warranty on the tent allows for easy replacement when time allows.
A few pics to show the features I described above and an overall photo of the tent. I used it last weekend during a Boy Scout campout at Indiana's Shakamak State Park.
Overall photo of the Marmot Stormlight with the rain fly on:
A close up showing the fly vent and the sonic welded seams:
A pic of the tent without the fly to show the overall pole structure. Note the ridgepole going out past the ends of the tent creating the inverted foot and head feature:
Lastly, a pic of one of the end hubs showing how the ridgepole connects and is secured to the end poles:
Overall thoughts and impressions: The Stormlight, with it's clip system goes up fast-less than 5 minutes, including staking. The thing..once staked and guyed out, is rock solid---it literally has very little movement as all poles are tied together. The ventilation and breathability on this tent is outstanding-it's mostly mesh upper and the inverted foot/head and 2 fly vents provide great air flow-both mornings I used it, the only condensation I noted was on the outside of the tent around the fly vents-zero inside. The inverted foot and head design does add to the interior dimensional "feel" of the tent...esp when lying down...it just makes it seem larger inside. I only experienced a brief shower one morning on my campout, so I cannot yet make any comment regarding the weather worthiness of the tent-but I assume it will be excellent during stronger storms. The 150 Oxford Nylon floor is thick and durable and abrasion resistant.
There are very few reviews online of the Stormlight 3P - I'm assuming that Marmot did not sell many of these tents. Why? Perhaps it is the weight and size - a bit heavy for backpacking and 3P tents fall into a strange category (too small for typical car campers and too large/heavy for backpackers). I picked it up due to it's low clearance sale price and the robust waterproof ratings and tough/thick fabric deniers. Also, the unique features available in this model proved too irresistible for a tent fanatic like me. In addition, my son has taken over the Marmot Tungsten 3P that I picked up earlier this spring as his "personal" tent.
Overall, if you are looking for a spacious tent for 2 people or a palace for one (forget the 3 person designation unless you're all real friendly), you might want to check out the Stormlight before they're gone. It is an extremely sturdy, well water-proofed 2 person tent option. The lifetime warranty from Marmot provides peace of mind.
Thanks for reading this long review. lol. If you have any questions on either the Stormlight or the Fuse, I'd be happy to answer what I can.
Take care everyone...Happy Camping to you all!
Brian - a65hoosier
I recently had an opportunity to pick up the Marmot Stormlight 3P tent at a great price and add it to my ever growing collection of tents. Yea...I like different tent styles and "testing" them out, so this one made the grade and I nabbed it. I thought I would share some of the specs, a few unique features that peaked my original interest, and after using it this past weekend, my overall thoughts so far.
First off...the Stormlight 3P has been discontinued by Marmot, but is still available online at a few retailers. I was able to locate it at a clearance price and then doubled down with an additional 20% off. In total, the price was almost 50% off original retail. Marmot has replaced the Stormlight 3P with a "new" model called the Fuse 3P...and aside from thinner denier fabrics, lower waterproof ratings on the fly, and the use of DAC NFL aluminum 9.3 mm poles on the Fuse, these two tents are essentially the same. The Fuse, with it's thinner denier fabrics, waterproofing coatings, and the use of DAC NFL poles (rather than the DAC Pressfit 9.0 mm poles on the Stormlight), does come in with a weight savings of 13 oz less than the Stormlight and it does pack down into a smaller package. I assume Marmot did this model revision to try to make the tent more appealing to the backpacking crowd.
Some specs comparing the Stormlight and the Fuse for those of you that enjoy them:
STORMLIGHT 3P
Capacity: 3
Min Wt: 5 lbs. 13 oz.
Pkg Wt: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
Dimensions: 7'4"x5'7"
Area (Sq. Ft.): 41+ 10 Vest + 5.5 Vest
Int Height: 3'8"
Pack Size: 27.5"x8"
No. of Poles: 3
Pole Size: 9mm
Pole Material: DAC PressFit aluminum
No. of Doors: 2
Hooded Fly: 2 vents
Floor Material: 150D Oxford Nylon 3000mm coating
Fly Material: 75D Polyester 2000mm coating
Wall Material: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
Roof Material: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
Netting: 40D Polyester No-see-um mesh
2 mesh pockets inside for storage and 5 loops for hanging a gear loft (not included)
The footprint for the Stormlight is no longer available - I purchased the Fuse footprint which is an exact match to the Stormlight and fit perfectly (although the Fuse footprint is a 70 denier nylon).
FUSE 3P
Capacity: 3
Min Wt: 5lbs. 1oz.
Pkg Wt: 5lbs. 8oz.
Dimensions: 7'4" x 5'7"
Area (Sq. Ft.): 41 + 10 (vest) + 5.1 (vest)
Int Height: 3'8"
Pack Size: 22" x 8"
Pole Size: 9.3mm
Pole Material: Aluminum DAC NFL
No. of Doors: 2
Hooded Fly: 2 vents
Floor Material: 70D Nylon PU 3000mm coating
Fly Material: 50D Solution Dyed Polyester Taffeta 1500mm coating
Wall Material: 1.9 oz. 68D Polyester Taffeta 1800 mm coating
Roof Material: 15D No-See-Um Mesh
Netting: 15D No-See-Um Mesh
Both of these tents have several unique features that I was curious about and led to my decision to grab the Stormlight:
1. Solution Dyed Fabric in the Fly - This means that rather than weaving the polyester threads and then dipping the large fabric sheet/fly into the color solution...the Stormlight and Fuse first have each individual polyester thread dipped into the color solution and then the threads are woven to create the fly fabric. Marmot indicates that this increases the UV protection of the polyester fly (extending it's life against the harmful rays of the sun) and this method also creates a quieter fabric.
2. Sonic Welded Seams in the Fly - None of the "seams" in the fly have needle holes. There is no sewing. Each area where the fly's fabric must be mated together has been sonically welded. This includes the fly vents. There are literally no needle holes anywhere on the fly nor seam tape on the underside (there is no need). No holes, so zero chance of rain penetration through the "seams". This makes the fly stronger and extends it's life over time. This was a feature that I really was interested in and thought could be of benefit.
3. Marmot's Inverted Head and Foot box - The main ridge pole running the length of the tent extends beyond the end of the head and foot area. That pole then connects to the head and foot fabric, pulling it out and up at an angle. This increases the livability and space inside the tent. Instead of the normal upward inward sloping angle of fabric in many tents, the Stormlight/Fuse fabric at the foot and head angles out and away from the interior, creating a more spacious inside.
Potential Negatives to the Stormlight and Fuse: These tents use 3 poles in total (one long ridge pole-with a brow pole attached via hub, and two individual end poles which connect also via a hub and clasp system). There is potential that the hubs could break as they are made of a hard plastic. Although I did not have any problems during the couple of set-ups I did, the potential is there if one does not use caution during set-up or takedown. On the flip side, the hubs seem sturdy and the clasping system on the end poles works with a solid "click" precision. In the event of a broken hub in the field, the design does allow for a simple lashing to continue the trip. Marmot's lifetime warranty on the tent allows for easy replacement when time allows.
A few pics to show the features I described above and an overall photo of the tent. I used it last weekend during a Boy Scout campout at Indiana's Shakamak State Park.
Overall photo of the Marmot Stormlight with the rain fly on:
A close up showing the fly vent and the sonic welded seams:
A pic of the tent without the fly to show the overall pole structure. Note the ridgepole going out past the ends of the tent creating the inverted foot and head feature:
Lastly, a pic of one of the end hubs showing how the ridgepole connects and is secured to the end poles:
Overall thoughts and impressions: The Stormlight, with it's clip system goes up fast-less than 5 minutes, including staking. The thing..once staked and guyed out, is rock solid---it literally has very little movement as all poles are tied together. The ventilation and breathability on this tent is outstanding-it's mostly mesh upper and the inverted foot/head and 2 fly vents provide great air flow-both mornings I used it, the only condensation I noted was on the outside of the tent around the fly vents-zero inside. The inverted foot and head design does add to the interior dimensional "feel" of the tent...esp when lying down...it just makes it seem larger inside. I only experienced a brief shower one morning on my campout, so I cannot yet make any comment regarding the weather worthiness of the tent-but I assume it will be excellent during stronger storms. The 150 Oxford Nylon floor is thick and durable and abrasion resistant.
There are very few reviews online of the Stormlight 3P - I'm assuming that Marmot did not sell many of these tents. Why? Perhaps it is the weight and size - a bit heavy for backpacking and 3P tents fall into a strange category (too small for typical car campers and too large/heavy for backpackers). I picked it up due to it's low clearance sale price and the robust waterproof ratings and tough/thick fabric deniers. Also, the unique features available in this model proved too irresistible for a tent fanatic like me. In addition, my son has taken over the Marmot Tungsten 3P that I picked up earlier this spring as his "personal" tent.
Overall, if you are looking for a spacious tent for 2 people or a palace for one (forget the 3 person designation unless you're all real friendly), you might want to check out the Stormlight before they're gone. It is an extremely sturdy, well water-proofed 2 person tent option. The lifetime warranty from Marmot provides peace of mind.
Thanks for reading this long review. lol. If you have any questions on either the Stormlight or the Fuse, I'd be happy to answer what I can.
Take care everyone...Happy Camping to you all!
Brian - a65hoosier
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