Marmot Sanctum

Review Date
February 2, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: stagg(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Spokane, WA

Price Paid:  $285.00 at REI

Summary:
This tent is as good as it gets for a 4 season tent. Sheds rain like a tin roof while providing excellent ventilation. I have used this tent in driving rain, sleet, heavy wet snow and mid summer camping. It excelled in every situation. Very roomy at 40 square feet. Provides very good storage with multiple pockets. Outstanding ajustable tention on fly, tent and footprint. Bottom line, this tent does exactly what it is supposed to do very well.

Customer Service:
REI provides excellent service. Have not had to deal directly with Marmot. With a lifetime warenty I''m sure I will one day.

Similar Products Used:
LL Bean 4 Season, Walrus, SD

Review Date
August 19, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Jason(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from San Francisco, CA

Price Paid:  $180.00 at REI (Anniversary sale)

Summary:
I spent a month in this tent, and it never let me down. It is unbelievably solid, shedding high winds, snow pack, and rain with ease. The bathtub floor, fully-taped seams, and double-lined zippers keep all unwanted moisture out of the tent. This tent does not leak, period.
There's ample internal storage, and the stuff sack turns into a huge, dual-pocket, storage bag. The otional gear loft, in addition to drying socks, adds even more rigidity, which I didn't think was possible the first time I set it up.
That first field setup was done in the rain, at night, and took me all of 15 minutes. It only gets easier, and Marmot designed it that way. The locking pole ends, velcro and quick-clip attached rainfly, reflective tie-outs, and adjustable grounding straps make this the easiest 4-season tent I've ever had the pleasure (yes, pleasure) of setting up in adverse conditions.
So what's not to like? I only have a couple of gripes, and they didn't affect my decision to get this tent. The floor is beautiful, but frighteningly thin. It's still completely water-proof, but I was very nervous until I bought the ground sheet for protecting the underside and made a blanket for the inside. My only other possible complaint is the size of the vestibule, which almost allows for the storage of gear and the passing of a human, but not both. Creative gear stacking is required to get out of the front of this tent without tripping over your pack straps.
The Burrito sack is strong and light, and squishes this marvelous tent down to less than 2ft x 1ft x .5ft. A weight of 10lbs may be more than some people can handle for a tent, but I climb well knowing I'll sleep well.

Customer Service:
I spent an hour on the phone with Marmot trying to decide which tent to buy. Their staff was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about their products. I haven't received this level of service from a consumer products company in a long time. I have not had to have this tent repaired or replaced, but a Lifetime Warranty and a friendly staff are probably good indications of what to expect should the unimagineable occur.

Similar Products Used:
I've owned and used an assortment of Moss, SD, and TNF tents. This is my first Marmot.

Review Date
October 27, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: RJ(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Oak Harbor, Washington

Price Paid:  $284.00 at REI

Summary:
Great ten very stable,breathes well great tent for the price. A little trouble with the poles snagging when trying to get the tent up. It also is a very roomy 2 person tent. Overall it is a awesome tent.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 17, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Avid Backpacker(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from BC

Summary:
Best tent I've ever owned. for a 4 season tent, it can take a beating, it has plenty of room for 2 people and lots of ventilation. Love it

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 15, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Willie N.(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Portland, OR USA

Summary:
I have found the Sanctum very easy to set up and take down. Although the poles tend to catch in a couple spots when threading, a little practice has virtually alleviated that problem. It is very roomy and I particularly like the number of stow pockets. It is a true 4-season performer, having kept me warm on mountaineering trips and dry on numerous rainy NW outings. The only complaint I have is with the size of the vestibule, an important consideration on mountaineering trips with lots of gear. The North Face products seem to have an edge here, although at $100+ difference in price, I will suffer a little.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None