Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

Bottom Line

The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 is a phenomenal non-freestanding shelter for those prioritizing low weight, comfort, and adaptability for variable environmental conditions. Available in multiple sizes and featuring optional add-on modifications like a SideCar for children or pets and trekking pole adapters for expanded positioning, the Stratospire 2 is very well designed. 

It has an incredibly spacious interior that easily accommodates taller hikers, measuring over 7 feet long and 4 feet high! That’s the tallest peak height of any tent reviewed in this category, and for a non-freestanding tent, that’s really impressive. When you factor in some of its unique features including its weather-resistant hexagonal shape, lower pitch-lock vents, use of premium silpoly and nylon 66 fabrics, and optional interiors, it quickly becomes clear that the StratoSpire 2 is not your ordinary backpacking shelter.

This tent is a steal with its top of the line features, materials, and thoughtful design that make it far more valuable than its asking price. If you’re looking for a superb backpacking shelter with features and a level of design not found anywhere else except from the Tarptent team, look no further than the StratoSpire 2 for your next ultralight budget shelter investment.

Comfort

As a freestanding shelter, we were not expecting the amount of interior space available in the StratoSpire 2. With some of the largest dimensions in all of the Budget Tents lineup, we were blown away by the ample 7.3 foot length easily able to accommodate our air mats, combined with an outstanding 4 foot peak height. That’s uncommon even amongst freestanding tents considering there were only three others in the category with peak heights reaching 3.8 feet. 

We were able to move around freely and even get up onto our knees while organizing gear without our head making contact with the tent ceiling. Anyone 6 feet or taller will appreciate it when camping after a long day. The two triangular sidewall pockets assist with storing essentials like a cellphone or any small items you want to keep close by. The upper hooks above the doors provide hanging support, and during our testing, we were able to run a small length of shock cord between the two hooks for a makeshift clothesline. 

The StratoSpire 2 features large dual unobstructed interior doorways which allow for easy entry and exit without the fear of knocking over your poles. Oversized vestibules with 12.8 square feet of storage allow for storing backpacks and muddy boots outside, even when one of the doors is rolled back for access. The smooth gliding two-way YKK zippers on the fly are reinforced with an AquaGuard waterproof coated strip for repelling water and they can be opened partially at the top of the pole hub for quick tension adjustments. The optional mesh and solid inner tent is convenient, allowing for more flexibility to accommodate diverse weather.

Weather Resistance

The StratoSpire 2’s use of top-notch materials and fine-tuned detailing bolsters its weather protection while giving you confidence to explore the backcountry. With distinct features like two-way AquaGuarded YKK fly zippers and lower pultruded carbon fiber pitchlock struts, this shelter has many well-designed features that other tents do not. 

The upgraded fly now has a 20D silpoly coating with a 5000 mm rating on both sides, 30D double ripstop 5000 mmm silicone coated nylon 66 floor, and 15D nylon no-see-um mesh. The optional full mesh and partially solid interiors are also available to purchase individually or as a package – providing you with the option to choose whichever one better suits the anticipated climate conditions. The StratoSpire 2 also has additional pullouts for added ridgeline tension and fly-top pullouts for added stability in the wind and light snow loading. The fly can also be pitched first, and interiors second, when you need a dry place to set up or break down in the rain.

Many non-freestanding shelters are highly susceptible to wind, often flapping and whipping around or even collapsing, if not properly staked out and tensioned. The Tarptent StratoSpire does not have this problem thanks to six primary anchor points, unique catenary cut hexagonal shape, and low drag geometry for maximum stability in wind. With added stability from well-balanced tension points and apex guy lines, small exterior panels, lower pitchlock vents, and all the tension adjusters, it feels very rigid. The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 flies in the face of detractors who are skeptical of the stability and weatherproofing on non-freestanding backpacking shelters.

Durability

Shelters constructed from high-quality materials often boast several advantages, including lightweight design, easy packability, and exceptional weather resistance. However, based on our testing, the primary perceived drawback is that these materials may require more careful handling. Consider your campsite carefully before spending the time to set up a non-freestanding shelter and take note of anything that could puncture it. Be especially careful with the mesh and make sure nothing gets stuck in the fabric because forcefully removing it could compromise the delicate weave of the threading.  

Despite it having a surprisingly durable tensile strength, the tactile feel of the nylon used in the Tarptent StratoSpire 2 is noticeably thinner than some of the other polyester tents in the lineup. However, that doesn’t make it inherently fragile or less durable. Noticeably thinner materials such as nylon, even though they’re strong, still need to be used with more discretion and care when picking a campsite; it is also important to refrain from being intentionally rough with your gear, ensuring many seasons of use.

Portability

At just 24.6 ounces for the fly (with cords and struts), 14.9 ounces for the solid interior, and 15.7 ounces for the mesh interior, any of these combinations will keep you at about 2.5 pounds without stakes. That’s very impressive for a tent with this many great features and versatile options. 

Its nylon composite fabric allows the tent to pack down very small and fit easily into your backpack. With optional trekking pole use or separate replacement poles, you should have no problem finding space, even in packs with smaller volume. And for anyone that prefers the minimalist mode, the StratoSpire 2 can pitch with just poles, the fly, and tension lines. 

One of only two tents in this lineup with a weight under 3 pounds, the Tarptent StratoSpire is second only to the Skyscape Scout for being the lightest tent in the category We hiked with both the mesh and solid interiors and the fly, and it truly felt like we weren’t even carrying a tent, even with all our other backpacking gear.

Ease of Use

As with any non-freestanding shelter, practice setting it up before you take it out on the trail. Trying to figure out how to pitch the StratoSpire 2 in the field would not be advisable. Practice pitching it a couple times beforehand to get the feel for the primary anchor points, adjustment tensioners, guy line lengths, and proper pole height. Tarptent recommends two 49-51 inch trekking poles or their replacement poles, but actual adjustments may vary. 

Thankfully, we did a practice pitch before taking it out in the field for testing because it actually took a bit longer than expected. 

Depending on which configuration of the tent you opt for, the order of what needs to be staked out first may differ. If you’re using the fly and one of the interiors, you first need to secure the main four corners before you proceed to insert the poles and use the apex guy lines to hold those in place.

Once that’s done, it’s a matter of diligently using all of the adjustment straps on each of the corners, vents, and pole hubs to cinch everything down so it’s taut and wrinkle-free. Although more work is required here than with most other tents in this lineup, the StratoSpire 2 is well worth it for a spacious, versatile, and durable backpacking shelter.

Should You Buy the Tarptent StratoSpire 2?

If you’re a weight-conscious backpacker looking for an affordable ultralight shelter with a spacious design and unique features to help you comfortably explore the backcountry, then consider the Tarptent Stratospire 2. If you prioritize low weight, versatility, and the utmost capability from a non-freestanding shelter, then this is your tent.

With so many choices in terms of configuration, optional components, add-on modifications, and model variations for different sizes and lighter fabrics, Tarptent’s StratoSpire 2 is easily a top pick in this category as a standout shelter for backpackers looking to customize and streamline their setup.

However, if your budget doesn’t agree or you’re looking for an easier and quicker setup,  you’re more likely to appreciate a freestanding tent. The Stratospire 2 may not appeal to those who prefer simpler dome style shelters.

What Other Budget Tents Should You Consider?

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter: If you have a slightly smaller budget for backpacking tents and looking for a bit more interior space, check out the Lunar Duo Outfitter. A great budget buy from the Six Moon Designs team, this 2-person tent features a larger width and decent peak height thanks to curved roof bars that get inserted above the doors. Made from a more cost effective 190T polyester and 40D no-see-um mesh, this model needs separate seam sealing to be fully waterproof. 

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout 2: For those still seeking an ultralight, 1-person backpacking tent under 2.5 pounds with extended length and ultimate ventilation and stargazing capabilities, check out the Skyscape Scout. It’s an outstanding option from the Six Moon Designs team: a hybrid double-wall tent with over 100 inches of length for taller hikers, and an offset pole structure for added stability and headroom. 

REI Half Dome SL2+ Review: Another option to consider if you’re instead looking for a freestanding dome-style tent with ample interior space and near vertical sidewalls is the popular REI Half Dome SL2+. It has a longer length, hubbed pole structure, and a slightly lighter packaged weight. Unlike the Stratospire 2 though, the Half Dome is heavier, weighing 4.9 pounds and is on the higher end of the price spectrum in our lineup of the best budget tents.