Star River 2 UL

I've been really happy with my Star River 2 UL so far. Wouldn't be my choice for stormy weather but I've really enjoyed it.

I just returned from a bicycle tour using this tent: Naturehike star river 2 UL (bought for roughly 140.- pounds on AliExpress. It packs really small, especially when using an additional pouch to minimize the volume of the external and internal tents... (see pouch in my reddit post here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/1nhiloz/how\_i\_got\_my\_ultralight\_tent\_naturehike\_star/](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/1nhiloz/how_i_got_my_ultralight_tent_naturehike_star/) ) Tent weighs roughly 1.8kg with the metal poles, i think. I am very impressed by it, although I agree with the general criticism regarding the openings - it is difficult to get in/out of the tent without catching some of the dew or rain water on the outer tent. Otherwise very comfortable, easy to set up and take down, and very rainproof. (it is bigger than it looks in this photo. the perspective is a bit confusing) https://preview.redd.it/eikbzodhuppf1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=122decd993b103c80e7f5a987f8a27e45ade3bed

Naturehike makes the best affordable UL freestanding tents in the market, imho. Their Cloud Up models are their lightest, but also a bit tight/small. However, if you really want the lowest weight, a Cloud Up 2 UL is the way. Otherwise they have e.g. the Star River UL model, which is more spacious. Also, just order them from AliExpress. It's always going to be more expensive to buy them from a reseller in Europe, I've been there, done that, and it's just not worth it. Ordering from Aliexpress is cheaper and actually works pretty well.

Oof yeah. If you already have the Star River, you can't really get a lighter tent without sacrificing something. Either you get a very expensive X-Dome for more space and a lower weight, or you sacrifice some space for a lighter tent. There's also the Star River UL, which is very slightly smaller than the standard Star River and like 500 grams lighter, but that's about the smallest I'm willing to go to get a light freestanding tent. Or if you know someone visiting Canada or the US, ask them to bring you an X-Dome ;)

I like NatureHike products. I have the Naturehike Star River UL 2p and really like it. It's pretty much the same tent as the Dragonfly. Slightly heavier at 3.76 lbs. I was in pouring rain for about 3 hours one evening and didn't have a drop inside. The vestibules have some cool features (make sure to get the UL version for this). I think it was about $200 on eBay when I got it. Quality is great, but I don't guess you get a warranty. I've since converted to trekking pole tents to save weight but the Star River is still my go-to freestanding tent.

I went back and looked and it's not a copy of the Mongar. I thought the Mongar had the X-style tent poles and it doesn't, it's actually the I or H style like the Star River. Oops. Yeah I wish the Star River had the spreader bar that is as wide as the tub but it's narrower. I did a lot of comparison between the Mongar and Star River and tbh, I can't remember now why I went with the Star River. My 2p trekking pole tent is the Nature Link Altair 2 and I really like it. It's 2.75 lbs. It's just like the Six Moons Haven but half pound heavier. My 1p trekking pole is the OV Fortius at 1.6 lbs and I've only used it once for 3 night time, but really likely it. Which one I use just depends on how far I'm hiking and anticipated weather conditions.

I'm my opinion, NatureHike is a great balance of budget and quality. I have the NatureHike Star River UL and it's great. Tbh, I have a bunch of their camping products and they're really good. My tent has held up through a torrential 3 hour downpour and a couple other rains and I didn't get a single drop inside. I always add a dwr coating from day 1, just in case. I also always use a Tyvek or Polycro ground sheet, too. But yeah, no issues, it's made great. The only negative about the Star River is that it narrows as it goes up (the Mongar is better about this) and it's a little heavier (typical for free standing tents). The Star River says it's a 2p, but it's more like a 1.5p... again, typical. I passed over the Cloud up because it's a front entry and I don't care for that. Tbh, I usually take my knockoff Haven 2p trekking pole tent. It's a true 2p tent. The Star River is 3.67 lbs and the Haven is ~2.25, or 2.75 for my knockoff (Nature Link Altair). If I'm really trying to go light, I take my Outdoor Vitals Fortius 1p that weighs 1.6 lbs, iirc. The OV is 1p but widens as it goes up, which makes it feel much larger inside. I use trekking poles and it saves weight to use them instead of tent poles. Anyway, I know that's more than you asked for, but I really like Naturehike products and there's a couple more budget options for you if you want. TOGR (The Outdoor Gear Review in YouTube) does a lot of in-depth reviews on their products as well. He also recommends OneTigris but I haven't used any of their products yet.

Mmm, it's a good tent but not my favorite - especially concerning that the entrance is in the head. Maybe check the new Naturehike Star River UL - it is pretty light, spacious (after all, it's a 2p tent), and the entrance is on the side.

I use the nature hike star river 2, cloud up 1 and 2. Awesome durable tents that are incredible quality for the price.

I have a cloud up 1, star river 2, and a friend just got a mongar 2. It's essential to get through silnylon fly IMO. I've been through hours of rain and have never had a drop in my tent. OP, look at the mongar 2. I believe it's smaller and the side entry is a huge improvement. It also has a lot more room under the fly for gear.

People have made the comparison to the Naturehike Star River 2 but this comes in at much lighter and doesn't have an identical design (a little longer for us tall people). I just bought the Star River 2 but I'm looking at this for a little better packability. Could you clarify on "full Canadian after-sales support"? Would I have difficulties with any warranty scenarios as an American? The weight reduction is great, but that also leaves concerns about the 10D durability.

The Star River has less mesh on the inside. That is the main difference. It means it is better for camping in slightly lower temperatures, but it is still not approaching a winter tent.

I have the Star River 2. Wouldn't say it's particularly noisy, and have had no real zip issues. It's a great tent. The main criticism I would have is that the inner door rolls down to floor level when unzipped. It can be secured there, but it's not ideal, especially if you're particularly wet as you're getting into the tent.

Check out the Naturehike range - there are some great options that fit your criteria. I personally use the Star River 2 for solo backpacking and paid around £130 for it on AliExpress. It’s a fantastic tent for the price. It’s really well made, easy to put up and has tonnes of room for me and my kit. I’d recommend the 20D Nylon version over the 210T for the reduced weight. There is also an ultralight version made with 15D if you prefer something lighter. I haven’t used it so can’t comment directly. Backpacking U.K. did a helpful review on the Star River 2 that shows the tent’s size and setup: https://youtu.be/QCZ-UdQA164?si=Pi3ju2kGZDwSqyPR Some friends of mine use the Cloud Up 2 and are also happy with their tents. It is slightly lighter and has a smaller pack size, but I prefer the Star River 2 for the extra space and its side-entrance doors, which make getting in and out much easier.