Tents

Alpkit Tarpstar 2 Tent | Review

A very packable, sturdy tarp tent that provides plenty of space and that can be pitched and packed up in a jiffy.

Based on a classic, tried and tested design, the Alpkit Tarpstar 2 is a roomy, two-person tarp tent that has become a favourite amongst UK backpackers. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from it so far and our team have agreed it’s well worthy of inclusion in our Outdoor 100 gear of the year list.

Our Top Line on the Alpkit Tarpstar 2

This consists of an outer flysheet, an inner mesh and stakes (all combining to 1190g) and requires a trekking pole or tarp pole for pitching. It bundles up to a small, compact size, taking up very little space in a backpack. It can also be used simply as a tarp or without the flysheet.

Buy The Alpkit Tarpstar 2: £200 at Amazon.co.uk

Testing the Alpkit Tarpstar 2 in Wales as the clouds rolled in. Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

How I Tested This

I’ve used this on a couple of nights this spring and I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen – enough to deem it worthy of inclusion in our Spring/Summer Outdoor 100 list. While each night was quite breezy they weren’t extreme, so please consider this an early review. I’ll be testing this out further and will come back here to add my experiences.

Key Details

Design: This is a two-wall design with a lightweight silicon and PU-coated polyester flysheet and then an inner that uses a mesh with a bathtub groundsheet base. Pitching it is super easy. You just peg down the corner of the inner mesh, prop it up with a pole and then throw the flysheet over, hooking its corners over the pegs already staked in the ground. Getting the tarp nice and taut is straightforward, with minor adjustments being very easy to make. It comes with good quality lightweight stakes made from aluminium.

Configurations: This can be pitched as a tarp, so without the inner mesh. You can also pitch it without the flysheet for any dry nights that might require protection from insects.

Space: This is extremely roomy for two people – far roomier than many other two-person tents. With my partner, we both found we could sleep inside this comfortably with plenty of clearance over our heads and space for our backpacks boots and our Border Terrier Griff.

Stability: These types of shelters are known for being sturdy and reliable, and, so far for us, this appears to be no exception. The nights so far have been comfortable, dry and peaceful. As already mentioned, however, I’m waiting for the opportunity to test it out in less favourable conditions.

Buy The Alpkit Tarpstar 2: £200 at Amazon.co.uk

Downsides

This is a pretty minimalist set up so it’s short on luxuries. There’s no porch space and there are no pockets inside it for keeping gear organised. Air can flow in through the base of the flysheet to help to prevent condensation, but there’s no vent up at the top. The main zip is two-way so you can open this to create a vent but this won’t be nice to use if there’s rainfall.

The Alpkit Tarpstar 2 can be pitched up and put down in no time.

Who Will Like This?

This is definitely one for the ultralighters: those who are willing to forgo some conveniences for the sake of having something that won’t weigh them down on the trail. Given it pitches with a trekking pole, it’s more suited to hikers and runners than bikers. Bikers do still have the option of using Alpkit’s specially-made tarp pole instead though, but it’s purchased separately.

Finding that sweet spot between weight, space and price can feel like a bit of a juggling act. Some tents are lightweight but cramped. Some are roomy but eye-wateringly expensive. Others are affordable but heavy or faffy to pitch. The Alpkit Tarpstar 2, I’d say, is one of those rare products that manages to strike a really satisfying balance.

It’s a great option for those on a budget and I’d say it offers very good value for money.

Further thoughts coming soon.