Kuiu Tents - Summit Star vs Mountain Star

[TygerJ]

Is the lighter weight of the Summit Star worth it?

Expected use: early season: archery elk, summer scouting, and occasional mid-season: rifle deer/elk.

Seems like the mountain star is definitely more robust, but still described as lightweight.

Obviously the mountain Star is 2P and the summit is 1P.

Thoughts? Who can give me the quick differentiation between the pros/cons of each.

TIA

 

[Jac]

Following

 

[willfrye027]

Haven’t used these specific tents, but plenty of similar options.

Summit star to me is an August/sept tent. You would not want to be stuck in there waiting out bad weather. Its more like a extra large bivy. Not going to be as good in the wind with that type of trekking pole pitch. But perfect for bivying out on the side of the mountain, fast and light weekend trips, etc.

Mountain star is going to be a pretty standard tent. Easy to put up, supposedly good wind resistance, would be much more comfortable to ride out a storm in. Would require a larger/flat area to pitch. Heavier, but still light weight and pretty robust. If you’re not into tipi/floorless, this would be a better option for your fall rifle hunts.

 

[Napperm4]

You only get the weight benefit of the summit stars if you use it floorless / as a tarp really. It’s also really susceptible to condensation when used single wall, tarp style and I had trouble with not enough room. It’s pretty tiny inside as a tarp shelter.

I have a Seek Outside LBO now with nest for early season and it’s so much roomier.

The Mountain Star is more of a freestanding, lightweight traditional backpacking tent like a big Agnes or MSR Hubba hubba but a little more robust.

Don’t kid yourself though, like most backpack tents, the mountain star and storm star 2 P tents aren’t fitting 2 people and gear. It’s a struggle when I’m not carrying hunting gear.

The mountain star is an awesome tent and has taken some serious weather. Nice that it’s free standing and not as bad with condensation which makes site selection a lot less critical than with a tarp / trekking pole shelter. Light and compact.

If you’re looking for a tent for 2 people, get a 3 man tent

 

[AndyB]

Haven't had my hands on the mountain star but regarding weight, on my scales the summit star is 2lb 4oz in a dry bag with the footprint and nest clipped in, including pegs. That's 1 lb or half a kilo lighter than the mountain stars advertised weight with the aluminium poles.

If you have used other 1 man tents you will find it roomier.

I suppose it depends how and when you want to hunt and how much you would value that extra pound verses space if you got socked in for a couple of days.

Early season archery Elk is my intended use for it.

 

[Carlosdanger]

I have the mountain star and think it is a ideal 1 man tent. Haven’t been in the summit star though so can’t compare that way.