Marmot hit it outa the park with this design for 3 people (very luxurious for one and practical for two). It looks great and works better.
First: I am not a camokazi camper. I really enjoy the beautiful rich gold/dark red tent with purple accents. The morning light coming thru creates a wonderful glow.
Second: Marmot tents cost more. The workmanship excels. You do in this case get what you pay for. All the stitching is tripled and the pull cords (red and gold) are everywhere you'd want them, and work flawlessly. This tent comes w. purple footprint and sets up easily in 10 minutes (me myself and I). No struggling as everything aligns and fits the way it should.
Third: the generous meshed areas allow you to sleep under the stars and allow the breezes to blow through. The top mesh is divided into two BIG areas, just enormous. The front and back door/window openings are even bigger can be set up as both panels fully exposed, both fully sheltered under the fly, or one open/one sheltered with either side of the fly down or pitched at 90 degrees to the tent. There are also two upper side windows which align perfectly with the curved opening in the fly, allowing for excellent ventilation with the fly fully extended on all sides (e.g. during rain). Like all good tent flys, the vestibule square footage is great for gear, shoes, even the friendly dog.
Four: Marmot is clever about extras.The third tent pole allows for an eyebrow wall to poke out on one side giving more space and headroom. Inside, the famous Burrito Bag that encases the entire tent can be flipped inside out and hung beneath one of the small side windows as a convenient side gear bag.
The fly is securely attached by two means at each contact point. Marmot provides a superb repair kit with parts for poles, fabric and zippers.
Five: I used this tent for ten continuous days of base camping while kayaking and loved it. This is not a backpacker tent but still weighs noticeable less than the Eddie Bauer/Campmor/Eureka/etc versions thanks to the fiberglass poles and very light, smooth fabrics used. Marmot no longer makes the Hoot but still offers the two person Swallow. Go for either one if you desire a high quality tent built for comfort and spaciousness.
I am honestly spoiled now.
