Last updated on March 5th, 2024
When it comes to choosing outdoor gear for back country hunting, there’s a balance between weight, portability and performance. The Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent has been a popular choice in the world of backpacking and hunting for its promise to deliver just that – an ultralight tent without compromising on durability. We’ll take a look at the Mountain Star 2-Person Tent, examining its features, performance, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for.
Kuiu Mountain Star
Kuiu was founded in 2011, is a brand known for its commitment to producing high quality hunting and outdoor gear. The company has gained a strong following in the outdoor community, particularly among hunters and backpackers, due to its emphasis on lightweight and high performance products. I have to admit I am a huge fan of their gear and you can check out my current setup I run hunting in New Zealand.
Ultralight Design
One of the standout features of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent is its ultralight design. Weighing in at just 3.1 pounds (1.3 kilograms), this tent is a backpacker’s dream. The weight savings come from the use of premium materials and a minimalist design, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to minimise pack weight.
Durability
Despite its light weight, the Mountain Star is built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. It employs a 15D Nylon ripstop rainfly and a 20D Nylon ripstop floor, which strike an impressive balance between weight and durability. The ripstop materials help prevent small tears from becoming larger, ensuring your investment lasts for seasons to come.
Weather Protection
The Mountain Star is designed to handle a wide range of weather conditions. Its rainfly offers full coverage and boasts a 1200mm waterproof rating, ensuring that you stay dry even in heavy rain. The bathtub-style floor design keeps moisture out, and the taped seams add an extra layer of protection. The tent is also equipped with a top vent to minimize condensation on cold nights.
Easy Setup
The Mountain Star’s quick and straightforward setup process alleviates alot of stress. The colour coded pole design allows for an easy setup, reducing the number of components to manage. Color-coded webbing and clips make it easy to ensure everything is correctly aligned, even in low light conditions.
Roomy Interior
For a 2-person tent, the Mountain Star offers an impressive amount of interior space. With a peak height of 96cm and a floor area of 29.5 square feet (2.74 square meters), it provides ample room for two adults and their gear. Additionally, the two vestibules offer extra storage space for packs and boots, keeping the interior clutter-free.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for a comfortable night’s sleep in a tent. The Mountain Star features a large mesh door and a top vent to allow airflow, helping to reduce condensation and keep you as comfortable as possible in cold conditions. The mesh door can be opened from the top, allowing for ventilation while keeping rain out.
Condensation can be a real nuisance in a tent, especially during cold nights. The Mountain Star’s ventilation system does an excellent job of mitigating this issue. The mesh door and top vent promote airflow, helping to reduce condensation buildup. During testing, we experienced minimal condensation, even in chilly, damp conditions.
Interior Space
For a 2-person tent, the Mountain Star offers more interior space than many competitors. Two adults can comfortably sleep side by side without feeling cramped. The peak height of 41 inches allows for easy movement inside the tent, even when changing clothes or organizing gear.
The two vestibules provide ample storage space for backpacks, shoes, and other gear, ensuring the interior remains clutter-free. This organization is a valuable feature when you’re sharing the tent with a hiking partner.
Pros
- Ultralight Design: Weighing just 3.1 pounds, this tent is a backpacker’s dream, allowing for more extended hikes with less fatigue.
- Durability: Despite its lightweight construction, the Mountain Star is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and attention to detail.
- Weather Protection: With a waterproof rainfly and bathtub-style floor, this tent can handle a wide range of weather conditions.
- Easy Setup: Quick and straightforward setup means you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time fumbling with tent components.
- Roomy Interior: The tent offers ample space for two adults and their gear, and the two vestibules keep things organized.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow minimizes condensation and keeps the interior comfortable in various conditions.
Cons
- Price: The Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent is an investment, and its premium price tag may be a deterrent for budget-conscious campers.
- Limited Seasonality: While it handles three seasons admirably, it’s not the best choice for extreme winter or alpine conditions.
Who Should Buy the Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent?
The Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent is an excellent choice for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. Here are some scenarios where this tent shines:
- Backpackers and Thru-Hikers: If you’re logging long miles on the trail and need to keep your pack weight to a minimum, the Mountain Star’s ultralight design is ideal.
- Couples: For couples who enjoy camping together, the Mountain Star offers a roomy interior and two vestibules for storage.
- Three-Season Campers: If your adventures primarily occur during spring, summer, and fall, this tent will provide reliable shelter in a wide range of conditions.
- Minimalists: Campers who value simplicity and ease of use will appreciate the straightforward setup and efficient design.
- Weather-Resistant Campers: Those who frequently encounter rain or windy conditions will benefit from the Mountain Star’s robust weather protection features.
Conclusion
In the world of lightweight backpacking tents, the Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent stands out as a top contender. Its ultralight design, durability, and weather protection make it an excellent choice for backpackers and hunters who prioritise performance without compromising on weight. While the price may be a barrier for some, the investment in this high quality tent is sure to pay off with years of reliable outdoor adventures. With the Kuiu Mountain Star 2-Person Tent, you can confidently hit the trail, knowing you have a dependable shelter that won’t weigh you down.
Kuiu Mountain Star
Specifications
Minimum Weight -Rainfly, body, carbon poles 3 lbs. 1 oz.
Minimum Weight -Rainfly, body, aluminum poles 3 lbs. 3.2 oz.
Packaged Weight – Rainfly, body, carbon poles, stakes, guyline, stuff sacks 3 lbs. 7.2 oz.
Capacity 2 Person
Season rated 3+ Season, Double Wall
Waterproof rating – Rainfly 1200 mm
Waterproof rating – Floor 1200 mm
Packed size 18.5″ x 5″
Rainfly only weight 1 lb. 3.8 oz.
Rain fly height 41″
Rain fly length 85″
Rain fly width – max width at vestibule 109″
Number of guy lines 4
Guyline Length 80″
Fly material 15D Silicone/PU Coated Micro Ripstop Nylon
Tent body weight 14.9 oz.
Tent interior height 38″
Tent body length 84.5″
Tent body width – Head End 54.5″
Tent body width -Foot End 44.5″
Tent floor area 29.5 sq. ft.
Body material 15D Mesh Nylon
Number of doors 2
Number of internal storage pocket 4
Number of vents 2
Number of vestibules 2
Vestibule area 17.5 sq. ft. (total) 8.75 sq. ft. (each)
Floor & tub material 20D Silicone/PU Coated Micro Ripstop Nylon
Pole weight 14.3 oz (carbon) / 16.5 oz (aluminum)
Number of poles 3
Pole length (2) 162″, (1) 51″
Pole diameter 8.73 mm
Pole Material Easton 6.3 Carbon Fiber or DAC Aluminum NSL
Number of stakes 10
Stake weight – Total 4.4 oz.
Stake length 17 cm
Stake material V stakes, cord attached
Footprint weight 5.7 oz.
Footprint length 79.5″
Footprint width – Head End 54.5″
Footprint width -Foot End 44.5″
Footprint material 20D Silicone/PU Coated Micro Ripstop Nylon
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