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Moss Tents Stardome III

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

Moss Tents is no longer in business, and the Stardome III has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best four-season tents for 2024.

The best tent I have ever used -- absolutely bulletproof. My Stardome III is now 8 years old and has about 150 days of use on it -- and I live in Alaska. I used it on a 50-day expedition north of the Arctic Circle, with rain nearly every day, high winds and extreme temperature ranges. It kept the weather out -- we were always warm and dry.

It's a bit of a pain to set up, and it is heavy and expensive, but I LOVE MY MOSS! I have been on so many trips where everyone else has drips from the roof, or puddles on the floor, or the weight of the snow is making their tent sag. And I am warm and dry and happy, because none of these things is happening to me. And even after 8 years of use, it is in great shape. I really recommend this tent.

Design: 4 season backpacking
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: Harder than average
Weight: 13
Price Paid: about $550

They don’t make tents like this any more.

Pros

  • Excellent design
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Ventilation
  • Fly coverage

Cons

  • Old
  • A bit heavy

I’m still using this tent nearly thirty years after I purchased it. A few small repairs along the way and accommodations for some loss of waterproofing in the floor, but this is the best tent I have ever owned or slept in.

These days, it would be considered heavy for backpacking, but I love it.

Background

Moss tents are worth the price you pay for excellent vintage gear.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: About $225

I purchased a North Face 4 season tent which leaked badly through the floor on the first outing. The Moss tent is superior in, I think, every way. It is the best tent I have owned and has easily withstood even Scottish mountain rain!

I have now purchased the small Starlet, which promises to be excellent as well. The general feel of the tent is very good. I also enjoy the fact that the tent colours let in a very natural colour lighting.

Design: 4 season
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: easy after the first time
Weight: 11
Price Paid: $399 in sale

I have owned a Stardome III for more than 15 years and it is as good as the day I bought it. I live in Alaska and I have put this tent through its paces to say the least including wind gust measured in excess of 70kts. It is easy to carry and fits nicely in a boat or airplane. This is by far the best tent I have ever owned.

Design: 4 season modified freestanding dome
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: one person 15 minutes max

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Price Reviewers Paid: $225.00-$550.00