Marmot Tungsten vs Catalyst

Marmot Tungsten vs Catalyst, both of them are great tents with some differences, and one of them is better for you. I will be helping you to choose the suitable one for you regarding your needs and priorities.

Both tents have different size options but in order to be exact in the comparison I have compared 2p versions of the tents, but you can use this guide if you need 1p or 3p versions as well.

For those who are in a hurry,

• Although they are both made of dense materials, there are several complaints about Catalyst’s durability and about its poles being cracked after a while, but there are none for Marmot Tungsten’s durability,
• They both pack down to the same size (Ø7.5″ x 21″) and weigh nearly the same (Max Weight of Tungsten and Catalyst is respectively 5lbs 4oz and 5lbs 3oz)
• Marmot Tungsten offers a bigger vestibule area (9.8 ft² + 7.8 ft²) than Marmot Catalyst (9.5 ft² + 6.7 ft²)
• They both have more than 30 ft² floor area, but Marmot Tungsten’s floor has a tapered design with the dimensions of 88″ (Length) x 54/42 (Head Side / Feet Side), but Marmot Catalyst’s floor has a rectangular design with the dimensions of 88″ x 53″
• Marmot Tungsten offers a bigger interior volume due to its better clip placement and pre-bent pole construction
• Marmot Catalyst (44″) is 2″ taller than Marmot Tungsten (2″)

Check the latest prices of Marmot Tungsten and Marmot Catalyst.

Marmot Tungsten vs Catalyst: Main Differences

Capacity of Marmot Tungsten and Catalyst

Floor and Vestibule Area

As I demonstrated in the picture below, Marmot Catalyst has a rectangular form with the dimensions of 88″ Length x 53″ Width, on the other hand, Marmot Tungsten has a tapered design with the dimensions of 88″ Length x 54″ / 42″ Width (Head Side/Feet Side).

Although Catalyst’s floor area (32.4 ft²) is 1.8 ft² bigger than Tungsten’s floor area (30.6 ft²) they both offer quite enough place for 2 people, and they both offer a bigger floor area than most of the 2p tents in the market such as Nemo Dragonfly (29.0 ft²), Nemo Hornet (27.5 ft²), MSR Hubba Hubba (29.0 ft²), Big Agnes Copper Spur (29.0 ft²), Big Agnes Tiger Wall (28.0 ft²).

Interior Volume

The interior volume of a tent depends on the strategic clip placement on the canopy. Even though both tents offer quite enough room, Marmot Tungsten has a better clip placement on the canopy, therefore, it offers a more liveable area in the tent.

Also Marmot Tungsten has a pre-bend poles to increase the the interior volume.

NOTE: I’ve also spoken with the Marmot Customer Service, they basically told me that Marmot Catalyst is less roomy, and will not be continuing in their tent lines:

See Marmot Tungsten Customer Reviews

See Marmot Catalyst Customer Reviews

Durability of Marmot Tungsten vs Catalyst

A tent’s durability can be understood by its fabrics’ density, and also the waterproofness of a tent can be understood by its mm metric. Both tents are considered highly durable, averagely waterproof.

Fabrics’ of the tents are made of:

• Canopy Fabric: 68d 100% Polyester Taffeta F/R|40d 100% Polyester No-See-Um Mesh F/R
• Floor Fabric: 68d Polyester Taffeta 190T 2000mm F/R
• Fly Fabric: 68d Polyester Taffeta 190T 1500mm F/R

Here is a table of other alternatives’ fabric density and mm metrics:

Even though both Marmot Catalyst and Tungsten are made of the same material, there are several complaints on the internet about Marmot Catalyst regarding its fabric being torn off and its poles being cracked after a while, but there is almost no complaint about Marmot Tungsten‘s durability.

Weight & Pack Size of Tungsten vs Catalyst

Although they are bigger and more durable compared to other 2p tents in the market, their biggest downsides are they’re heavier and bulkier.

Marmot Tungsten and Catalyst respectively weigh 5lbs 4oz and 5lbs 3oz and they both pack down to Ø7.5″ x 21″.

If you are looking for a lighter tent, check out my article about MSR Hubba Hubba (3 lbs 14 oz) and Big Agnes Copper Spur (3 lbs 1 oz).

If you are looking for an ultralight tent and willing to sacrifice some durability and interior volume check out Nemo Hornet (2 lbs 6 oz) and Hornet Elite (2 lbs 1 oz).

Check out the latest prices of Marmot Tungsten and Marmot Catalyst.

Watch Marmot Tungsten 2P review here:

Watch Marmot Catalyst 2P review here: