Tarptent Stratospire 2 Finances Tent Evaluate

Backside Line

The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 is an exceptional non-freestanding shelter for these prioritizing low weight, consolation, and flexibility for variable environmental situations. Obtainable in a number of sizes and that includes optionally available add-on modifications like a SideCar for youngsters or pets and trekking pole adapters for expanded positioning, the Stratospire 2 could be very effectively designed. 

It has an extremely spacious inside that simply accommodates taller hikers, measuring over 7 ft lengthy and 4 ft excessive! That’s the tallest peak top of any tent reviewed on this class, and for a non-freestanding tent, that’s actually spectacular. While you think about a few of its distinctive options together with its weather-resistant hexagonal form, decrease pitch-lock vents, use of premium silpoly and nylon 66 materials, and optionally available interiors, it shortly turns into clear that the StratoSpire 2 isn’t your unusual backpacking shelter.

This tent is a steal with its prime of the road options, supplies, and considerate design that make it way more worthwhile than its asking value. For those who’re on the lookout for an excellent backpacking shelter with options and a stage of design not discovered wherever else besides from the Tarptent crew, look no additional than the StratoSpire 2 on your subsequent ultralight price range shelter funding.

Consolation

As a freestanding shelter, we weren’t anticipating the quantity of inside area accessible within the StratoSpire 2. With among the largest dimensions in all the Finances Tents lineup, we have been blown away by the ample 7.3 foot size simply capable of accommodate our air mats, mixed with an excellent 4 foot peak top. That’s unusual even amongst freestanding tents contemplating there have been solely three others within the class with peak heights reaching 3.8 ft. 

We have been capable of transfer round freely and even rise up onto our knees whereas organizing gear with out our head making contact with the tent ceiling. Anybody 6 ft or taller will recognize it when tenting after an extended day. The 2 triangular sidewall pockets help with storing necessities like a cellphone or any small gadgets you wish to maintain shut by. The higher hooks above the doorways present hanging assist, and through our testing, we have been capable of run a small size of shock twine between the 2 hooks for a makeshift clothesline. 

The StratoSpire 2 options massive twin unobstructed inside doorways which permit for straightforward entry and exit with out the concern of knocking over your poles. Outsized vestibules with 12.8 sq. ft of storage permit for storing backpacks and muddy boots exterior, even when one of many doorways is rolled again for entry. The graceful gliding two-way YKK zippers on the fly are bolstered with an AquaGuard waterproof coated strip for repelling water and they are often opened partially on the prime of the pole hub for fast stress changes. The optionally available mesh and stable internal tent is handy, permitting for extra flexibility to accommodate numerous climate.

Climate Resistance

The StratoSpire 2’s use of top-notch supplies and fine-tuned detailing bolsters its climate safety whereas supplying you with confidence to discover the backcountry. With distinct options like two-way AquaGuarded YKK fly zippers and decrease pultruded carbon fiber pitchlock struts, this shelter has many well-designed options that different tents don’t. 

The upgraded fly now has a 20D silpoly coating with a 5000 mm ranking on each side, 30D double ripstop 5000 mmm silicone coated nylon 66 flooring, and 15D nylon no-see-um mesh. The optionally available full mesh and partially stable interiors are additionally accessible to buy individually or as a bundle – offering you with the choice to decide on whichever one higher fits the anticipated local weather situations. The StratoSpire 2 additionally has extra pullouts for added ridgeline stress and fly-top pullouts for added stability within the wind and light-weight snow loading. The fly can be pitched first, and interiors second, whenever you want a dry place to arrange or break down within the rain.

Many non-freestanding shelters are extremely prone to wind, typically flapping and whipping round and even collapsing, if not correctly staked out and tensioned. The Tarptent StratoSpire doesn’t have this drawback thanks to 6 main anchor factors, distinctive catenary lower hexagonal form, and low drag geometry for max stability in wind. With added stability from well-balanced stress factors and apex man strains, small exterior panels, decrease pitchlock vents, and all the stress adjusters, it feels very inflexible. The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 flies within the face of detractors who’re skeptical of the soundness and weatherproofing on non-freestanding backpacking shelters.

Sturdiness

Shelters constructed from high-quality supplies typically boast a number of benefits, together with light-weight design, straightforward packability, and distinctive climate resistance. Nevertheless, based mostly on our testing, the first perceived downside is that these supplies could require extra cautious dealing with. Think about your campsite fastidiously earlier than spending the time to arrange a non-freestanding shelter and pay attention to something that would puncture it. Be particularly cautious with the mesh and ensure nothing will get caught within the cloth as a result of forcefully eradicating it might compromise the fragile weave of the threading.  

Regardless of it having a surprisingly sturdy tensile power, the tactile really feel of the nylon used within the Tarptent StratoSpire 2 is noticeably thinner than among the different polyester tents within the lineup. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make it inherently fragile or much less sturdy. Noticeably thinner supplies corresponding to nylon, despite the fact that they’re sturdy, nonetheless have to be used with extra discretion and care when selecting a campsite; additionally it is necessary to chorus from being deliberately tough along with your gear, making certain many seasons of use.

Portability

At simply 24.6 ounces for the fly (with cords and struts), 14.9 ounces for the stable inside, and 15.7 ounces for the mesh inside, any of those mixtures will maintain you at about 2.5 kilos with out stakes. That’s very spectacular for a tent with this many nice options and versatile choices. 

Its nylon composite cloth permits the tent to pack down very small and match simply into your backpack. With optionally available trekking pole use or separate substitute poles, you should not have any drawback discovering area, even in packs with smaller quantity. And for anybody that prefers the minimalist mode, the StratoSpire 2 can pitch with simply poles, the fly, and stress strains. 

One in every of solely two tents on this lineup with a weight underneath 3 kilos, the Tarptent StratoSpire is second solely to the Skyscape Scout for being the lightest tent within the class We hiked with each the mesh and stable interiors and the fly, and it actually felt like we weren’t even carrying a tent, even with all our different backpacking gear.

Ease of Use

As with all non-freestanding shelter, follow setting it up earlier than you are taking it out on the path. Making an attempt to determine the right way to pitch the StratoSpire 2 within the area wouldn’t be advisable. Observe pitching it a pair occasions beforehand to get the texture for the first anchor factors, adjustment tensioners, man line lengths, and correct pole top. Tarptent recommends two 49-51 inch trekking poles or their substitute poles, however precise changes could fluctuate. 

Fortunately, we did a follow pitch earlier than taking it out within the area for testing as a result of it really took a bit longer than anticipated. 

Relying on which configuration of the tent you go for, the order of what must be staked out first could differ. For those who’re utilizing the fly and one of many interiors, you first have to safe the principle 4 corners earlier than you proceed to insert the poles and use the apex man strains to carry these in place.

As soon as that’s carried out, it’s a matter of diligently utilizing all the adjustment straps on every of the corners, vents, and pole hubs to cinch every thing down so it’s taut and wrinkle-free. Though extra work is required right here than with most different tents on this lineup, the StratoSpire 2 is effectively value it for a spacious, versatile, and sturdy backpacking shelter.

Ought to You Purchase the Tarptent StratoSpire 2?

For those who’re a weight-conscious backpacker on the lookout for an inexpensive ultralight shelter with a spacious design and distinctive options that can assist you comfortably discover the backcountry, then contemplate the Tarptent Stratospire 2. For those who prioritize low weight, versatility, and the utmost functionality from a non-freestanding shelter, then that is your tent.

With so many decisions by way of configuration, optionally available parts, add-on modifications, and mannequin variations for various sizes and lighter materials, Tarptent’s StratoSpire 2 is well a prime decide on this class as a standout shelter for backpackers trying to customise and streamline their setup.

Nevertheless, in case your price range doesn’t agree otherwise you’re on the lookout for a neater and faster setup,  you’re extra prone to recognize a freestanding tent. The Stratospire 2 could not enchantment to those that want less complicated dome type shelters.

What Different Finances Tents Ought to You Think about?

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Clothes shop: You probably have a barely smaller price range for backpacking tents and on the lookout for a bit extra inside area, try the Lunar Duo Clothes shop. An ideal price range purchase from the Six Moon Designs crew, this 2-person tent incorporates a bigger width and first rate peak top because of curved roof bars that get inserted above the doorways. Comprised of a less expensive 190T polyester and 40D no-see-um mesh, this mannequin wants separate seam sealing to be absolutely waterproof. 

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout 2: For these nonetheless in search of an ultralight, 1-person backpacking tent underneath 2.5 kilos with prolonged size and supreme air flow and stargazing capabilities, try the Skyscape Scout. It’s an excellent possibility from the Six Moon Designs crew: a hybrid double-wall tent with over 100 inches of size for taller hikers, and an offset pole construction for added stability and headroom. 

REI Half Dome SL2+ Evaluate: An alternative choice to contemplate for those who’re as an alternative on the lookout for a freestanding dome-style tent with ample inside area and close to vertical sidewalls is the favored REI Half Dome SL2+. It has an extended size, hubbed pole construction, and a barely lighter packaged weight. Not like the Stratospire 2 although, the Half Dome is heavier, weighing 4.9 kilos and is on the upper finish of the worth spectrum in our lineup of the finest price range tents.