Moss Tents Stardome II

Classic bomb-proof mountain tent.

The Moss Star Dome II is a classic tent, but not seen in the mountains too often these days since Moss went out of business around the year 2000. You'd think it would be obsolete at this point, but it is a very practical design, roomy enough for two, long enough to accommodate 6' 4" adults, and with a roomy hooped vestibule that makes it very livable.

I've used this tent at altitude in a variety of weather conditions, in severe wind and heavy precipitation, and it has never failed. Even now, almost twenty years after purchase, that taut pitch sheds the wind, and the heavy coatings on the fly and floor keep the water out.

On the down side, the Star Dome II is brutally heavy by today's standards, at over 8 pounds. That said, in unforgiving high mountain environments all that heavy-duty protection really comes in handy, and those heavy fabrics, thick coatings and fail-safe pole sleeves give it a durability that few of today's lightweight tents can match.

Moss Tents are still seen on eBay every so often, and Tent Repair Services of Hope, Maine, a descendant company of the original Moss Tent, is still in business. They did amazing work repairing and modifying another Moss for me. It came back looking fresh from the factory.

As others here have said, there is great value in owning a Moss Stardome II despite its weight. You stay dry no matter what comes your way. With its narrow profile, high winds skim off its surfaces like water from a duck’s back.

For my one-man tent camping outings, this is the ideal-sized tent. It allows me to pull in my backpack and still allows enough room for me to sleep comfortably.

After “loaning” it to a friend (for several years!), I also had its floor replaced and other work done by Tent Repair of Maine, former Moss Tent Company employees.

Background

I also own a Moss Olympic tent that recently (in the past five years) had its floor replaced by Tent Repair of Maine, former Moss Tent Company employees.

Although Moss is not know for making mountaineering tents you could not go wrong with the Stardome II if you are looking for a seriously stable alpine tent for two. Its low, sleek lines shed wind very well. My climbing partner and I are both over 6 foot and have spent many comfortable nights in the tent waiting out vicious storms however living space is moderate compared to some of the other tents out there.

This is a three pole tent with an extra pole for the large vestibule which is integrated in the fly. I have never seen the need to guy it out, it has an incredibly taut pitch. It is very water tight, however it turns into an oven in the summer if you have the fly on and ventilation could be improved upon. All in all this is a great buy that will stand up to just about anything that you can throw at it.