If you choose the version of the Star River with the snow skirt, remember that a snow skirt can flap about if there’s no snow to hold it down which could be annoying when you are trying to sleep and could allow cold wind to penetrate underneath the snow skirt – just something to bear in mind. Two adjustable vents provide adequate airflow through the tent rainfly, while the inner cocoon is 100% mesh, very fresh in summer but not the best for chilly weather, The lightweight, mesh inner tent and air vents on the flysheet, work together to provide an airy and well-ventilated space. Even in cold weather, with two bodies inside, I have yet to experience condensation within the tent. Room with a view. Enjoying sunrise in the Kouebokkeveld. (IG: @daniapea) For the purposes of this review, the Mongar was tested overnight under a number of different weather conditions and seasons: frigid, high winds, as well as rain, in the Kouebokkeveld, cold but calm spring conditions at Luna Peak summit in the Cederberg, and balmy evenings in the Langeberg and Eastern Cape. In all tested conditions, the Mongar provided a safe haven from the elements, whether it was a light morning dew or icy winds. The sturdy Mongar withheld serious buffeting from high winds in the Kouebokkeveld mountains (IG: @daniapea) Naturehike don’t specify the length, width and height of the outer fly and then the length, width and height of the inner. So you have to guess whether the given dimensions refer to the outer or the inner.

You can get an upgraded version with a second vent, which I highly recommend you do. It will be worth it in the long run because you won’t end up having to buy a better-ventilated tent as you progress in your camping journey. Does this sound like it can create condensation? Yes, it does – and indeed condensation is can be an issue with the Star River 4 seasons. Be sure to orient the vents downwind to minimize the problem. To the best of my knowledge, Naturehike is born out of a Chinese company producing tents for MSR, that’s why some tents are very similar to those by the American brand ( Chinese law obliges foreign manufacturers to share the intellectual property of the design). The waterproofing of the fly is excellent. With a 4000 mm HH waterproof rating, there is no doubt in my mind that the Naturehike Mongar 2 is flirting even with four season territory. The waterproofing risk comes from how low the mesh wall goes. In case the water starts pooling up around the tent I can easily see some water getting inside. It shares the same overall design as the Hilleberg but the materials are obviously not as high-quality in an entry-level version.Now let’s go through the parts of the Naturehike Mongar 2 one by one, and let’s see what I thought of the design. The Inside

EXTRA VESTIBULES - With 2 doors for easy access and 2 vestibules provides gear storage space;vestibule can be affixed to fully closed or partially open for ventilation and sun shade. Carrying Whether you are doing a short day walk or you are looking to do a longer expedition for a few days, the load carrying kit that you use to transport all your other gear can be the difference between making it to the end and cutting your trip short. Read MoreForget the Cloud Up 2. I have it and love it but it's a one-plus person tent, room for kit and a dog or child but not two adults in comfort - only one entrance small vestibule. Cook Sets Shop Wood To Water’s range of camp cookware! Our camping cook sets are made with high-quality materials, including stainless steel, for a durable and lightweight solution. Read More Just like the Cloud Up 1, this tent is easy to set up, affordable, and reliable. You’ll be grateful for the extra floor space to spread out, but with only one door and vestibule, I’d recommend going for a different tent if two adults will be sharing the space. Water Bottles and Flasks Some would say that Water is the most important thing when it comes to being out in the wild for any period of time. There are many methods of collecting, purifying and carrying water in the field and its important that you choose the right gear for the type of outing that you are doing – Depending on load-carrying if you are on foot or in a vehicle and many other factors. Here at Wood to Water, we have a wide range of purifying, collecting and carrying water. All the equipment we have chosen is tried and tested by our team. The seams are perfectly sealed. They are a little thin on the side compared to other tents with a similar price point. On one hand this definitely makes the inside of the tent more aesthetic. However as long as the stitching is untouched and flawless you don’t have to worry about water seeping into the tent.

At the two ends of the tent – without doors – the rainfly doesn’t reach all the way to the ground. This provides constant ventilation. Also it presents a slight risk when it comes to waterproofing. One more reason to lay down the ground tarp before setting up the tent. The Footprint The center height is tall enough to sit up comfortably, and there are two separate vestibules for you to store your kit, giving you even more room in your sleeping compartment. A little condensation does occur, but the vents and the possibility of slightly opening the access door while leaving the door mash close will solve the problem in any condition that is not too cold. The rainfly can resist up to 4000mm of water, while the bathtub-style floor will help prevent any water from seeping up through the ground. So long as you respray the waterproof coating after each heavy rainfall and use the included tent footprint, this tent should last you for many camping trips in the great outdoors.

The tent and flysheet are symmetrical, with the inner tent clipping onto a single pole system, making setup extremely easy. The flysheet can be attached to the poles, independent of the inner tent, which allows for an ultralight setup option if you chose to forego the inner tent, or just to set up a lunchtime shelter from the rain. Photo credit: naturehike.co.za Inside the tent The only fault I had was a stitch for one of the hooks on the inner net came loose after the first couple of pitches, but it was an easy fix with a needle and thread. I'd recommend you pitch a few times before leaving on a trip to make sure there aren't any issues you can fix at home. I've been pondering a new tent and had narrowed down my options to the MSR Hubba Hubba and the Big Agnes Copper Hull (although I was slightly concerned that this one might struggle in Scottish weather...) Camping Chairs and Tables Find the perfect furniture for your outdoor adventures with our selection of camping chairs and tables! From heavy-duty folding camping chairs and tables to lightweight portable solutions, we have a complete range designed to give you comfort and convenience in every environment. Read More Why is this pole system a big thing? It reduces the hassle of setting up the tent significantly. You need to attach the mesh inner wall with innovative plastic clips to the poles. It takes literally 30 seconds to have the poles set up and in their perfect position! The Seams