Quick answer
While the Marmot Limestone is the best Marmot tent for lightweight camping, our overall top pick is the Coleman Instant Tent 2206913. It offers a 90 sq_ft floor and sets up in about a minute, making it ideal for families. For weather resistance, consider the Kelty Wireless.
Our top picks
Best overall
Coleman Instant Tent 2206913
Family car camping and quick weekend trips
Best for weather resistance
Kelty Wireless
Large groups camping in rainy or windy conditions
#3 pick
Kelty Rumpus
Solo or duo campers who want a versatile, lightweight shelter
#4 pick
Kelty Wireless 40822626
Families who want a simple, reliable car camping tent
Lowest weight
Marmot Limestone
Backpacking duos and weight-conscious campers
On this page
Finding the best Marmot tent means balancing space, weight, and weather protection for your style of camping. We compared the Marmot Limestone and other tents from Coleman and Kelty, focusing on specs like capacity, floor area, and peak height. Whether you need a roomy shelter for family trips or a lighter option for backpacking, our picks are based on manufacturer specifications and defined use cases. If you're looking for ultralight backpacking tents, check out our guide to the best Dyneema tents. Read on to see which tent fits your next adventure.
Comparison at a glance
Key specs ยท full specs in each pick| Model | capacity | floor_area | max_height | weight | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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6 persons | 90 sq_ft | 72 in | 24.6 lb | View on Amazon |
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8 persons | - | 84 in | 29.5 lb | View on Amazon |
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4 persons | 60 sq_ft | 58 in | 11 lb | View on Amazon |
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6 persons | - | 74 in | 19.8 lb | View on Amazon |
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4 persons | 59.2 sq_ft | 63 in | 10.7 lb | View on Amazon |
Best for: Family car camping and quick weekend trips
The Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 is a cabin-style tent that lives up to its name with a near-instant setup. Its 90 sq_ft floor and 72 in peak height give a family of six plenty of room to stand and move around. The aluminum poles and included rainfly with welded seams provide reliable weather protection. At 24.6 lb, it's not a backpacking tent, but for car camping and backyard overnights, the quick pitch and spacious interior make it our top overall pick. Compared to the Kelty Wireless, it offers more floor space but less peak height.
Pros
- Sets up in about 1 minute
- Spacious 90 sq ft floor
- Stand-up height throughout
- WeatherTec welded seams
Cons
- Heavy at 24.6 lb
- Bulkier packed size
- Not for backpacking
Full specifications (9)
- capacity
- 6 persons
- floor_area
- 90 sq_ft
- max_height
- 72 in
- weight
- 24.6 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Large groups camping in rainy or windy conditions
The Kelty Wireless is built for groups who refuse to let rain ruin a trip. With a 8 persons capacity and a towering 84 in peak height, it's one of the tallest tents we compared. The full rainfly uses a durable HH-treated fabric, and the freestanding design with color-coded clips makes setup straightforward. While it lacks a listed floor area, the rectangular shape and two vestibules provide ample gear storage. At 29.5 lb, it's the heaviest option here, so it's strictly for car camping. If you need maximum weather protection and standing room, this is the tent to beat.
Pros
- Tallest peak height at 84 in
- 8-person capacity for large groups
- Full rainfly with durable waterproof coating
- Two doors and vestibules
Cons
- Heaviest pick at 29.5 lb
- Floor area not specified
- Fiberglass poles less durable than aluminum
Full specifications (9)
- capacity
- 8 persons
- max_height
- 84 in
- weight
- 29.5 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Solo or duo campers who want a versatile, lightweight shelter
The Kelty Rumpus is a compact 4-season tent that punches above its weight for versatility. Its 60 sq_ft floor and 58 in peak height are modest, but the extra-large vestibule can shelter bikes, chairs, or a dog. At just 11 lb, it's light enough for short backpacking trips, yet the 4-season rating and waterproof construction make it a dependable shelter in shoulder seasons. Compared to the Kelty Wireless 40822626, it sacrifices some interior space for a lighter pack weight and a more adaptable vestibule. If you want a tent that works for festivals, backpacking, and car camping, this is a smart pick.
Pros
- Lightweight at 11 lb
- 4-season waterproof protection
- Huge vestibule for gear storage
- Converts to shade awning
Cons
- Low peak height at 58 in
- Only 60 sq ft floor area
- Fiberglass poles
Full specifications (10)
- capacity
- 4 persons
- floor_area
- 60 sq_ft
- max_height
- 58 in
- weight
- 11 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Families who want a simple, reliable car camping tent
The Kelty Wireless 40822626 is the 6-person version of the Kelty Wireless, offering a balance of space and weight. With a 6 persons capacity and a 74 in peak height, it's comfortable for families who want to stand up inside. The freestanding design and color-coded Quick Corners make pitching fast, and the full rainfly can be removed for stargazing. At 19.8 lb, it's lighter than the Kelty Wireless but heavier than the Kelty Rumpus. While floor area isn't listed, the rectangular shape and two vestibules provide practical living space. It's a solid car camping tent for those who don't need the tallest peak height.
Pros
- 6-person capacity with stand-up height
- Quick, color-coded setup
- Removable rainfly for ventilation
- Lighter than the 8-person model
Cons
- Floor area not specified
- Fiberglass poles
- Not as tall as the 8-person version
Full specifications (9)
- capacity
- 6 persons
- max_height
- 74 in
- weight
- 19.8 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Backpacking duos and weight-conscious campers
The Marmot Limestone is the best Marmot tent for campers who prioritize low weight without giving up livable space. At 10.7 lb, it's the lightest tent in our lineup, yet it still offers a 59.2 sq_ft floor and a 63 in peak height, enough for two adults to sit up comfortably. The seam-taped full-coverage fly and color-coded clips make it weather-ready and easy to pitch. While it has the smallest capacity and floor area, its free-standing design and two vestibules add versatility. If you're a backpacker or a couple who wants a lightweight, dependable shelter, this Marmot tent is the clear choice.
Pros
- Lightest weight at 10.7 lb
- Seam-taped full rainfly
- Color-coded easy pitch
- Two vestibules for gear
Cons
- Smallest capacity (4 persons)
- Smallest floor area (59.2 sq ft)
- Pole material not specified
Full specifications (8)
- capacity
- 4 persons
- floor_area
- 59.2 sq_ft
- max_height
- 63 in
- weight
- 10.7 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
How to choose
Capacity: How many people will sleep inside?
Tent capacity is a starting point, but think about gear and elbow room. A 6-person tent like the Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 or Kelty Wireless 40822626 gives a family of four space for duffels and a dog. An 8-person tent like the Kelty Wireless is better for larger groups or those who want standing room. If you're backpacking solo or as a couple, a 4-person tent like the Marmot Limestone or Kelty Rumpus saves weight while still offering enough floor area to sit up and organize gear.
Floor area: How much room do you need?
Floor area determines how much sleeping and living space you have. The Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 offers a generous 90 sq_ft, making it feel like a portable cabin. The Marmot Limestone has a smaller 59.2 sq_ft footprint, which is fine for two sleeping pads but tight for extra gear. When comparing tents, check the floor dimensions to ensure your sleeping pads fit side by side.
Peak height: Can you stand up inside?
Peak height matters if you want to stand up to change clothes. The Kelty Wireless has the tallest peak at 84 in, while the Kelty Rumpus is only 58 in, so you'll be crouching. For car camping, a taller tent is more comfortable; for backpacking, a lower profile can be more stable in wind.
Weight: Will you carry it far?
Weight is critical if you'll carry the tent any distance. The Marmot Limestone is the lightest at 10.7 lb, making it suitable for backpacking. The Kelty Wireless weighs 29.5 lb, so it's best left in the car. Split the weight among group members if you're hiking a short distance to a campsite.
Weather protection: Staying dry in the rain
All these tents are waterproof, but details matter. Look for a full-coverage rainfly, sealed seams, and a bathtub floor. The Kelty Wireless and Marmot Limestone both have full rainflies with taped seams. The Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 uses welded corners and inverted seams. A 4-season tent like the Kelty Rumpus adds extra pole strength for snow and wind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Marmot tent for backpacking?
The Marmot Limestone is the best Marmot tent for backpacking because it weighs only 10.7 lb and packs down small. Its 59.2 sq_ft floor is enough for two sleeping pads, and the full rainfly keeps you dry in storms.
Are Coleman instant tents waterproof?
Yes, the Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 is waterproof. It uses a WeatherTec system with welded corners and inverted seams to prevent leaks, plus an integrated rainfly for airflow.
How many people can sleep in a Kelty Wireless tent?
The Kelty Wireless comes in 6-person and 8-person versions. The Kelty Wireless 40822626 sleeps six, while the Kelty Wireless sleeps eight. Both have rectangular floors and two vestibules.
What's the difference between the Kelty Rumpus and Kelty Wireless?
The Kelty Rumpus is a 4-season, 4-person tent with a huge vestibule and lighter weight, while the Kelty Wireless 40822626 is a 3-season, 6-person tent with more interior height. The Rumpus is better for backpacking and festivals; the Wireless is a classic car camping tent.
Can you stand up in a Marmot Limestone tent?
The Marmot Limestone has a peak height of 63 in, so most adults can sit up comfortably but cannot stand fully upright. For standing room, consider the Kelty Wireless or Coleman Instant Tent 2206913.
Bottom line
For families who want a spacious, quick-pitch tent, the Coleman Instant Tent 2206913 is our top choice. If weather protection is your priority, go with the Kelty Wireless. The Kelty Rumpus is a versatile, lightweight 4-season tent, while the Kelty Wireless 40822626 offers a balanced 6-person option. Backpackers and weight-conscious campers will appreciate the Marmot Limestone as the best Marmot tent for low weight and dependable shelter.