Just got back from a rainy weekend in the Smokies and my new tent choice paid off

I was stuck between buying a lighter 2-person tent for easier packing or a slightly heavier 3-person one for more space. I went with the bigger Marmot Tungsten 3P, which weighs about 7 pounds. We got hit with steady rain for two full days, and having that extra room to keep all our gear dry inside was a game changer. It felt like a real win not being crammed in a wet, tiny space. The vestibule fit both our muddy boots perfectly. Has anyone else chosen a heavier tent for comfort and been glad they did?

4 comments

4 Comments

emma_baker615d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you're saying you brought a 7-pound tent into the Smokies in the rain? I'm honestly shocked you carried that thing any distance at all. I did a rainy trip there a few years ago with a 5-pound tent and thought I was going to collapse by the time we set up camp. How far did you have to hike to your campsite? I can barely imagine hauling that extra weight up some of those trails.

owens.jenny2mo ago

Totally get that. Honestly, my back hates me for always picking the heavier option, but my dry gear loves it.

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maxl932mo agoMost Upvoted

Right there with you @owens.jenny, my back is always paying the price the next day. The struggle to choose between comfort and dry stuff is so real. Guess we're just built different for choosing the weight every time.

betty_perry242mo ago

Oh, I've been there too many times to count. I started using compression sacks for my clothes and sleeping bag, which really helped cut down the bulk without leaving anything behind. It took some trial and error to pack it right, but my back thanks me on long hikes now. You still have to make some tough choices, but it feels less like you're carrying a brick.