This is one fantastic tent and is one of the models that has been improved by Moss. The square floor plan provides maximum flexibility and with the relatively steep sides produces great volume with a spacious feel. The tent can easiy sleep three with comfort. Putting the no-seeum mesh on the outside of the tent and the storm flap on the inside is a great idea and one that exemplifies the attention to detail on the improvements. The ventilation is excellent and includes a vent in the fly that with can allow the storm door to be left open at the top to provide ventilation without the rain getting in. An additional short pole is provided for the roof if required to keep the fly off the tent under heavy snow accumulation. The tent is definitly storm proof as my wife and I discovered on Assateage island, MD in a night of unrelentless torrential rain and driving winds. The vestibule is very spacious and the tent and fly openings well sized for easy entry and egress. Like other commentators, I like the neutral light that the tent yields. Setting up, as with all the larger Moss tents is not something to be hurried but to be methodically performed (here is where my wife and I regularly fall out!). Moss has made the task easier with continuous pole sleeves but it remains a two person task - one feeding the pole in and the other guiding and deforming the pole into the correct profile to slide through the sleeve without snagging. The smaller pole section is far better than the large poles in my previous Stardome III. The poles have three fixing points to provide a range of stiffness. I bought and use the footprint and would recommend others do the same - it does provide absolute waterproof protection to the floor but moreover provides a great way to protect the investment made in the tent. Yes it is a heavy tent but weight per person for this level of performance is comparable to most tents and is acceptable. I use this tent for kayaking trips and winter car camping where the weight is not a penalty and own a lightweight two person tent for backpacking. This is a great tent and in my mind is unsurpassed in quality and it is made in USA. My only criticism is that in a tent that retails at $729, the gear loft should be included and not an extra - its a bit like buying a cadillac and having the cup holders as an optional extra.

Customer Service

I originally purchased the Moss Stardome III (now discontinued)but this tent failed because untreated zippers had been inadvertantly incorporated and believe me, an untreated zipper LEAKS!! (we had to abandon). I contacted Moss about this unprecedented event and Moss,as expected, responded most professionally. They first admitted there had been a problem with a batch of fifty Stardome III tents that had untreated zippers and that they had recalled as many as they were able to locate (mine happened to have escaped the recall). Moss offered to replace the zippers in my tent but understood my feelings when I explained that this would no longer make it the new tent that I had bought and so offered a replacement. The Stardome III is now a discontinued model and the nearest in floor area and performance is the Little Dipper which Moss suppplied as a replacement. In summary, Customer service (Tod Bloxham with whom I dealt) was excellent and certainly lived up to the reputation as best in business. Thanks again Moss.

Similar Products Used:

Moss Stardome III Kelty Riverbend 2-person, Eurohike Explorer 220

This is a great tent in its niche. I have used it in all seasons, hot, wet, dry, cold, snow, you name it, and it has never let me down. It will sleep three in utter luxury, and four adults comfortably. The vestibule is big enough to park the Land Rover for the night, let alone packs and boots. The ventilation is superb with a roof vent, two big doors and a netting window comprising most of one side. When used in the cold, all of these zip closed tight as a tick. Its low profile sheds wind superbly, and the framework is really strong. This tent is bombproof, warm, and dry. HOWEVER, make sure there really are at least a couple of you to split the weight. It really is 12 pounds! This breaks down nicesly if there are three or four folks and you think you might have some weather. I have not regretted purchasing this tent; I also have a 1 and 1/2 person light tent for other occasions, but in its niche, this is a great tent.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is a fabulous tent. It is great in all conditions. It is a little heavy for a 3-person tent, but it makes up for that with its performance.

Similar Products Used:

None