Moss Starlet

Review Date
April 6, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 5 votes

Reviewed by: notech ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $369.00 at REI

Summary:
I bought this tent in late 1999 or early 2000. I bought it becuase I didn;t know ANYTHING about tents. First time out I hated it. It's small and setup is a pain, even with the clips. It's way to heavy (over 8 lbs) and bulky compressed. I just took it out after over 5 years since I one and only time used it. Same mess setting up. No wonder REI sold Moss to MSR? I was looking at MSR tents but seeing that they have Moss design infuence rethought my decision. Pure junk.

Similar Products Used:
A frame $40 tent from Wal-Mart.

Review Date
August 29, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: hiker33(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
My Starlet was one of the first ones made. I bought it at the Moss factory outlet in Camden, Maine around '81 or '82. Mine had the solid pole sleeves instead of clips and the fly ended at the top of the door with no vestibule. I just retired it this summer after 20 years, as the coating finally went out on the fly and sidewalls. I used it as a solo tent, and would not recommend it for two unless you are very good friends. The tent was stable in wind, kept out the rain of a monsoon, and was fairly easy to set up. Probably better now with the clips. Good headroom, space to pack up the pad and bag, and fairly good ventilation. Very few non-winter tents had vestibules back then, so I never missed the lack of one. With one person, there was room inside for boots and clothing. The fact that I used the Starlet for two decades even after the market introduced lighter tents says it all.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 9, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: yuri(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Ottawa

Summary:
I've had my Starlet for 4 years and it has been used quite a lot. The tent still looks and acts like it is brand new - no leakage, zippers work perfectly and the floor is waterproof. The materials are top rate, particularly the nylon and the coating used for the floor and fly. The tent is slightly heavier than some "ultralight" hiking designs but I suspect they don't last nearly as long nor would they be as watertight.

The tent is a fairly snug fit for two people but it is extremely secure. The small footprint can make the difference in letting you set up in a sheltered space and in crowded conditions. It is one of the most weather-resistant designs around, very good considering it only has two poles. I suspect the low and very aerodynamic profile contributes a lot to this.

The vestibule is on the small side of things but does have enough space for your boots and some Goretex coats. All in all, an excellent design and well worth the price.

Customer Service:
Moss' service is excellent - I needed some new little strings for pegging the fly down and they sent them to me in a couple of days.

Similar Products Used:
Many Eureka products and some old Gerry tents as well.

Review Date
May 9, 2000

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Heather Spence(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bellingham, WA

Summary:
I bought the '99 model of this tent and hated it - I sent it back and got a Walrus Terramoto(haven't used yet). The Moss tent was heavy and too small for 2 people-tiny! and very little storage space inside. The vestible is very small and was hard to get in and out of. Also the stargazing window was really small. I think it is an expensive tent, i got mine on clearance for $250 - not worth it in my opinion. I also had condensation build up even with a window slightly cracked open. I did look at the 2000 model and it is much nicer- larger inside, more storage space, and big stargazing mesh BUT in my opinion not worth the $370. I have set up my Walrus and inside is roomy with very nice stargazing windows and bigger vestibule, not to mention a little lighter, plus it was $250 and a 4 season capable tent(so they say). I have researched many tents and i believe you get more for your money in walrus.

Customer Service:
I looked mainly at REI and found the people that work there very knowledgable. They answered all my questions and even special ordered tents just so i could look at them- plus you get to set them up in the store.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 24, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Doc Thomas(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Wickenburg,Arizona

Summary:
Very expensive tent but Moss puts excellent workmanship in all of their tents..a little on the heavy side but great for winter camping...I like clips better because much faster but these sleeves are larger than in cheaper tents;I hike mostly Grand Canyon and this is a little more than I like to carry

Customer Service:
excellent

Similar Products Used:
LL Bean,Spring Creek,CD clip Flashlight