Kuiu Tents - Summit Star 1P vs. Mountain Star

[TygerJ]

Been researching heavily into Kuiu tent/shelter options for archery-early fall seasons in CO. Use case would be 1P. Since use would be early season, I don’t think a stove would be needed. Trying to be light-ish, easy to manage, and mobile as needed. Both seem to right around 3lbs if you use all the components.

Has anyone used the new(ish) Summit Star 1P? Design looks to be perhaps tight for a 6’1+ guy and gear in vestibule. Thoughts? Aware that the previous version, the Ultra Star, had condensation issues. Wonder if the new version solved these issues. Nest/mesh worth packing around? This theoretically is the lighter option, especially if I forego the nest/mesh inner. Not freestanding however.

Other option in the Kuiu lineup would be the Mountain Star 2P. On paper and via most reviews I have read, it’s a solid tent. Slightly heavier and larger than the Summit Star, but perhaps more robust and a freestanding design. Perhaps overkill for what I’m seeking for this use. Anyone have anything positive or negative to say about it? Worth the minimal weight penalty over the Summit Star 1P?

Curious what all you firsthand experts have as opinions and experiences with these options.

Seek shelters are also on my radar, but likely their larger options for later in the season when a stove makes a major difference.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I had the original 1P and got rid of it after a few uses. It was really cramped and had serious condensation issues that I couldn't solve. The new model might deal with condensation better but its still going to be really tight quarters for the average sized guy, especially with a lofty sleeping bag and thick pad. Unless you absolutely need the minimum weight, I'd go with a two man shelter of your choice vs the 1P.

 

[rkennedy151]

Used the mountain star last year. I’m 6’ 4” and it worked for me. Would not want to try and fit 2 guys in it but it had plenty of room for myself and gear.

 

[AndyB]

For a 1p tent it is spacious compared to my other 1p shelters, pitches tight too.

I’ll weigh it all in with mesh and groundsheet and measure the inside dimensions in the next couple of days for you, as im only 5’8.
Cant comment on the mountain star.

 

[CO-AJ]

Z-Packs Altaplex is my 1P option. It is longer with a very high peak and has a good sized vestibule for gear. Uses a trekking pole or hiking stick to pitch, EXTREMELY light just over 1lb.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Mountain Stars are great. Endured consecutive days of snowstorms in the NWT in late August of 2018, and the tent never budged. Got a little bit of snow in the tent through the vents, but not enough to be a problem.

 

[AndyB]

Total weight for fly, mesh inner, groundsheet, pegs and rear pole...

And a few measurements.

 

[TygerJ]

Total weight for fly, mesh inner, groundsheet, pegs and rear pole...

And a few measurements.

Thanks for the pics and measurements. That helps to see.