Marmot Limestone 4 Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: Limestone 4
Product Brand: Marmot
Best Use: Camping near your vehicle
Sizes Available / Specs: 4 person:
- 61" x 86" x 100"
- 10lbs 15oz trail weight
- one door/vestibule
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Oregon Coast, Central Oregon
Duration: 6 months
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: Last year I spent three weeks driving up and down the west coast with my girlfriend, sleeping in a 2 person alpine grade tent. I thought what we needed was a tent that weighed nothing and could withstand any conditions. I was so wrong.
What Casey and I needed on that trip was enough room to change, read a book, and get up to pee without jabbing each other. During those treacherous weeks our bedtime routine looked like a UFC match with both contestants backed into the corner. As soon as we arrived back in Portland I cleaned up that tent and traded it in.
My chief product tester/girlfriend Casey fell asleep while I read a book outside the tent. Good shut-eye is hard to find in cramped quarters.
The next tent we bought was the Limestone 4 from Marmot. I could not imagine a more different experience. I had room to roll around, change, even stand on my feet (though not totally upright). The vestibule has ample room for boots and gear. And the best part of all: I didn't touch anything while I was sleeping. I'm 6'2" and have always asumed that my feet would push against the end of any tent. As a result, the bottom of my sleeping bag gets compressed and damp and my chilly extremities wake me up throughout the night. No such problem and in the Limestone.
Most of the tents this size are reasonably priced are poorly constructed. These "family camping" tents use cheap fabric and fiberglass poles that tend to splinter under the lightest pressure. Not so with the Limestone: high grade ripstop nylon is help up by 12mm DAC aluminum poles, some of the toughest in the industry. DAC aluminum stakes also come with the kit. This tent has held up great for me in the rain and wind, and the floor has had no problems with harsh desert terrain (that being said, a footprint is always a good idea).
For such a tough, spacious tent I was impressed by how easy it is to set up. Even by myself, in the dark, it takes about two minutes.
The Limestone is fairly heavy and I haven't taken it on any longer backpack trips. This tent truly shines when you want the privacy of a full tent, durability against the elements, and plenty of comfort, but don't plan on carrying it more than a mile. It's weight and style just don't cut it for extreme expedition scenarios. That being said, it does break down nicely and would be justifiable to carry for four people's use on a moderate backpacking trip.
A much happier camper wakes up after a night in the Limestone 4.
The Limestone 4 has become my go-to tent. This is true not only with Casey but also with my climbing buddies. Its size is perfect for restful night in the climbers' bivy at Smith Rock or whatever your local crag. When my partner Jay first slept in the Limestone, his only comment was to point out the excess of elbow room: "Where are you going to put the hot tub?
The Good: List Space, Comfort, Livability.
The Not so Good List: If you have to carry this tent very far, you're going to feel it.
The Bottom Line: Luxury camping for anyone staying near their car at an awesome sale price.