Gear Review
Marmot Aura Tent: 2-Person 3-Season
Marmot Aura 2 is a keeper
By brian_heck2213096
Ranked #1022 - 3-Season Tents
June 20, 2008
I have to be honest: I purchased this tent because the Black Diamond Firstlight was not in stock. The Marmot Aura 2 was my second choice, only because it was about a pound and a half heavier than the Firstlight. I had plans to return it after a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon and after the Firstlight was in stock. But the Marmot is a keeper. Sure, a pound and a half can be a lot more weight if you have trimmed the weight in your pack and need or want to trim more. When you decrease the weight of a tent significantly, something is going to suffer--or you're going to have to be willing to sacrifice some benefits and/or features. Here are the pluses and negatives. Yes, the Aura 2 is a two-person tent, but it is a bit snug. And with two people in the tent, you're not going to get your packs in there with you. However, the Aura 2 vestibules (two doors, two vestibules--nice!) provide adequate space for all of your gear. The Aura 2 proved itself to be tough in the wind, repel water well--and it breathes nicely. No condensation problems, which seems to be an issue for the Firstlight, according to other reviewers. The setup took me a bit longer to figure out (longer than I expected), but the second and third setup times were significantly faster. While heavier than the Firstlight, the Aura 2 is, feature for feature, still lighter than many other two-person tents. I have high praises for Marmot gear; the Aura 2 is no exception.
View Details: Marmot Aura Tent: 2-Person 3-Season
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [fly] nylon ripstop (40D, silicon impregnated), PU coating (1800mm); [floor] nylon ripstop (40D, silicon impregnated), PU coating (3000mm); [canopy] no-see-um mesh (20D)
- Freestanding:
- yes
- Doors:
- 2
- Number of Vestibules:
- 2
- Poles:
- 3
- Pole Material:
- DAC NSL 9mm aluminum
- Pole Attachment:
- clip
- Floor Space:
- 30.5 sq ft
- Floor Dimensions:
- 88 x 50 in
- Interior Height:
- 36 in
- Vestibule Space:
- 9 sq ft
- Packed Size:
- 19 x 6 in
- Seams:
- [ floor & fly ] taped
- Ventilation:
- mesh walls
- Fast-pitch Option:
- yes, footprint not included
- Trail Weight:
- 4 lb 6 oz
- Recommended Use:
- backpacking, camping
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: September 9, 2009 By: Niall MacRae
I can understand that single wall tents might work well for certain climates, if that is all you camp in, but I would still recommend a lightweight double wall tent, even with the weight penalty, just for the versatility. I've taken the Aura on summertime trips in Texas and Arizona, which I think would broil and steam you simultaneously if you were in the Firstlight, and with no fly it worked great. With the fly on it has handled the alpine famously. I totally agree with your review and kudos to you for going with practicality over ounces!
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes