Naturehike - Star River 2 UL

I'd go with this over the helm 2 based on size alone if you are worried about space. 53" width on the mongar 2 vs 47" width on the helm 2. If it's not much more the naturehike star river 2 ul is 1kg lighter and 51" width.

I picked up the NatureHike Star River UL (new version in 2024) for $145 on AliExpress. Took it out to Yosemite this fall and it was fantastic! 3.5 lbs with everything including the footprint.

I have just kitted myself out with kit so that I can move forward from credit card Bikepacking to Bikepacking whilst camping. I've bought the Naturehike Star River 2 UL tent https://youtu.be/v0YDEbhGLCA?si=w857D4aaiAp5dqfF I've also bought the Nemo Disco 30 sleeping bag,designed to be wider at the shoulders and knees for side sleepers. https://www.facewest.co.uk/Nemo-Disco-30.html I stayed with Nemo and bought their Fillo Luxury pillow. https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/products/nemo-fillo-luxury-backpacking-camping-pillow?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqcO_BhDaARIsACz62vPOFdsKTEl05DzHzKTNjbLmeEg6Xo-K1q6S08UT7x71fgYIm9vOvvMaAhx-EALw_wcB I finished off my purchases with the Kilos Gear Aerocloud Sleeping Pad https://kilosgear.com/products/aerocloud-sleeping-pad-elite My first trip away with it all on tbebine will be late September to Sardinia.

Minimalist setup: 3x3 m cheap tarp: [https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/33012906545.html](https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/33012906545.html) \+ mesh bivy (for <185cm tall): [https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005005845318962.html](https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005005845318962.html) Coffin-bivy-tent hybrid from OPs photo with improved ventillation (but still no way to get in/out in rain): [https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005004351946532.html](https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005004351946532.html) NH Tagar 1 is great solo tent for people no taller than 175cm. Sub-1.3kg, sub 150$! For taller and duos - Star River 2 UL. UL Solo stove kit: Chitanium mug: [https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006975196483.html](https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006975196483.html) 25g burner 3000T: [https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007059666712.html](https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007059666712.html) For 2, go for 900ml chitanium mug and maybe Campingmoon XD 2-F burner. Widesea does great and cheap CCF pads and good minigroundhog stake clones. Don't cheap out on inflatable pad or down sleeping bags tho.

Just about any $200 tent can pack down into a 2-3L fork bag if you compress it and put the poles elsewhere. Both my NatureHike 3p and 2p Cloud up fit in my fork bags

Will depend exactly what you're comfortable with, and how much gear you have, but the Naturehike 2 person tents are pretty much big enough to actually fit two people. Vestibules are substantial. I mention this because I belive they are in stock online (in the UK at least). The Star River is probably better for cold than the Mongar. Very similar design but less mesh in the inner.

Was gifted a 2 person Naturehike easy enough to set up. 1 rain and a couple sprinkles and dry inside. Look for a tent with pole clips for easy assembly. Pushing rods through sleeves can try my patience. Waterproofing a tent is a simple process. Don't let that determine a purchase. Rain fly should cover the entire tent. It also helps keep the warmth in when needed.