All-season tents can make or break a late-season backpack hunt. Ive avoided the activity for the majority of my hunting ventures for the sake of weight. Tents capable of resisting the elements are certainly not lightweight, and when Im trudging through snow, I dont want to be weighed down by the extra bulk of my camp.

　　Not only that, but they also tend to be cumbersome to set up. The last thing I want to do is fight a big-ass tent after a cold day trudging up a mountain.

　　Enter the KUIU Storm Star 2: a tent that really might be able to do it all. I wasnt sure how much Id like this tent from the beginning since I tend to go either an ultralight, minimalist backpacking tent or a full-blown canvas wall tent. This fell in an uncomfortable place for me of somewhere in between. After wandering out of my comfort zone, did the KUIU Storm Star 2 earn its keep?

　　In short: Ohhhhhhh, you betcha, its a keeper. This tent does everything I wanted it to, regardless of weather or location. Not only am I a convert to this style of tent, but Ive also had to send this one back for the rest of the team at GearJunkie to test, so I plan to buy my own. As a person with about a dozen tents in storage, that says more than any review can.

　　KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent

　　Specs Type Alpine hunting and backpacking Weight 5 lbs., 5.2 oz. Doors 2 Sleeps 2 adults Floor area 29.5 sq. ft. Vestibule area 16.42 sq. ft. Height 45 Walls Double Pros Spacious vestibules at each door Eight interior pockets provide space to organize small items Adjustable vents help manage condensation Cons Not an ideal construction for warm weather Requires muscle to get the clips onto the poles Rachelle Schrute $599 at KUIU Testing the KUIU Storm Star 2 Winter in my neck of the woods (Montana) was weird. When I say weird, I really mean it. Snow, which is the shining hallmark of a mountain winter, seems to have evaded us this year. A dry and shockingly warm season meant testing cold-weather gear and snow setups wasnt what it usually was.

　　That being said, we got some brutal cold snaps and had skiffs of snow, with the occasional foot here and there. I set up the Storm Star 2 behind a shelter belt, where it faced some gnarly winds and drifting snow. After a few nights cuddled up in my favorite sleeping bag, I was shocked by how comfortable I was. This little tent really does seem to persevere where I know my minimalist backpacking tents would have failed.

　　Where the KUIU Storm Star 2 Shines

　　KUIU Storm Star 2; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) The biggest perk of this tent is its ability to be set up in any condition without compromising the interior. Because the rainfly and tent act as essentially one piece (clipped together) and the pole system is entirely external, the Storm Star 2 can be set up regardless of the weather.

　　The interior of the tent remains sealed for the extent of setup, meaning if you get caught in a downpour and have to whip your tent up in a hurry, the inside will remain dry, no matter how wet the world is.

　　The pass-through double door is great. If you get two people in this tent, theres no wiggling around for a midnight biological relief emergency. Each party can exit their own door. Also, if you utilize the vestibule as storage for gear, you dont have to try to navigate around it or unclip the vestibule to exit. You can climb in and out the backdoor, gear undisturbed.

　　Roomy vestibule with secure attachment points, but easy access; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Speaking of the vestibule, this thing is ample. It is not just some minorly supported flap. You can pack a lot of gear in this dedicated space. If not gear, its a great makeshift dog tent for your hunting/hiking buddy.

　　Ample Corner Storage, KUIU Storm Star 2; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) The tent layout is so well thought out. It might seem minor, but the corner pockets in all four corners are a pleasant perk. Theres also a roof storage loft, perfect for attaching lighting or stashing the important stuff.

　　Where It Could Be Better

　　Attachment points and poles can be difficult and cumbersome; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) This is going to sound odd, but I struggled with the first setup. As you can see, the path of the poles is clearly marked on the fabric with white, gridded strips. All of the poles are attached with clips. Should be simple, right? Well, I rode the struggle bus. Turns out, Im not the only one.

　　This tent is tight, and Im not talking about the slang use of the word. It can take some serious muscle to wrangle the poles into place and get them clipped in. Its for good reason, but you should be prepared to manhandle this tent into place.

　　I had several other people attempt to set it up with no direction, and they all gave me the same oooooof look. Once you get it, though, it makes sense and setups after are easier. I assume the fabric will also loosen up a bit as it ages.

　　KUIU Storm Star 2 packed size and storage bag; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Mini-gripe: tent bags suck. They all really seem to suck, and this one is no different. Though it feels durable enough, its such a tight fit that I battled it into the bag, and thats without having the poles rolled up in the tent. As I usually do, Id likely swap the bag for a stuff sack thats more accommodating, so I dont have to fight it every time I pack it up.

　　Oh, and the Gunmetal/Orange color is a lot. Being inside has a risqué district feel. I couldnt help but hear Roxanne playing on a loop in my head.

　　Aside from that, no other notes. I love this dang tent.

　　Final Thoughts If you havent picked up on it already, the Storm Star 2 is on my short list of favorite products. For this one, it was an unexpected list-maker. It isnt the smallest, lightest, or easiest-to-set-up tent, but for the protection and comfort it offers, it cant really be beat.

　　Once I pinch my pennies and buy my very own, Ill likely go with the Major Brown color option and add an additional stuff sack to my shopping cart.

　　The Best Hunting Tents of 2023A top-notch tent in a hunting camp not only provides protection from the elements and a place to sleep, but it is also a home away from home. Read more

　　Rachelle Schrute $599 at KUIU