Moss Tents Stardome DST

The Stardome DST is probably the most stable tent that I have found at its size and weight. Floor space is decent at 36 sq. ft. Construction is top notch. The fact that the lengthwise poles cross each other twice in an arc and are supported by a center widthwise pole adds greatly to the stability of this tent. However, the downside of this is that setting up the poles is somewhat less than intuitive. Everyone who has set up my tent always does it wrong the first time. Set up gets better with practice though. Also for the size of the tent, the poles are really long.

Other downsides are that the vestibule is small and ventilation is not great. The vestibule is listed at 7-9 sq. ft. However, because the end of the tent has a slope, the vestibule doesn't have much usable height. Also, ventilation is not great as there is only mesh on the two ends of the tent without a center vent. I think ventilation is probably also reduced since the materials that Moss uses are some of the heaviest in the industry.

All in all, it's a good tent for cooler climates if you can live with a smaller vestibule.

On the Minus side:

Tent poles are very long when fully extended, so you have to watch out for fellow campers (or they you!). Full pole sleeves mean a little more difficulty setting up. You need to remember to put the center hoop over or under the two lengthwise pole sections (I forget right now). Small vestibule. Door unzips and lays on the floor. Not so good ventilation with one door and little window opposite side of tent.

On the Plus side:

Marvelous color scheme to hide dirt, and look pretty no matter what it is doing outside. Very very taut set up. Heavy duty material and great sewing! Tent is cut nice and wide right around the widest part of the person (the shoulders). Heavy duty fly. You can unzip fly door and tent is cut such that you can look at the stars thru the door netting. Tent is very sturdy and low to the ground. It looks great. It packs pretty small for a Moss. Tent pole sections pack small. Mine came from Maine, which is a double bonus :) :) :)