The Alpkit Tarpstar 1 is a modern take on a century-old design: the pyramid tent. Favored by polar explorers and minimalist adventurers alike, this shape has endured because it’s simple, stable, and storm-resistant. Alpkit’s version brings the pyramid concept into the ultralight era, offering solo campers a shelter that’s compact, versatile, and surprisingly spacious.
In this review, we’ll explore the Tarpstar 1’s design, materials, pitching options, and real-world performance. We’ll also compare it to similar ultralight shelters and explain why it’s become a cult favorite among UK wild campers and long-distance hikers.
What Is the Alpkit Tarpstar 1?
The Tarpstar 1 is a 1-person pyramid tarp tent that weighs just 500g in its outer-only configuration. It’s designed to pitch with a single trekking pole or Alpkit’s optional Vertex Tarp Pole, and it offers a generous internal footprint with a large porch area for gear storage or cooking.
Unlike traditional tents, the Tarpstar 1 is modular. You can use just the outer for ultralight protection, add the optional footprint for ground insulation, or include the inner mesh for bug-free sleeping. This flexibility makes it ideal for everything from fastpacking to multi-day wild camping.
Design & Materials
Alpkit has built the Tarpstar 1 with lightweight ripstop nylon, featuring taped seams and a bucket-style inner for added protection. The pyramid shape means there are no flat sides to catch the wind, and the steep walls shed rain and snow efficiently.
Key Features:
- Single trekking pole pitch (or optional Vertex pole)
- Modular setup: outer only, outer + footprint, or full inner
- Large porch area equal in size to sleeping space
- Green colorway for stealth wild camping
- Hook-and-loop inner attachment for secure setup
- No guy lines required—just peg out the corners and raise the pole
The tent packs down small and fits easily into a side pocket or dry bag, making it ideal for minimalist setups.
Real-World Performance
The Tarpstar 1 has earned praise for its wind resistance, ease of pitch, and livability. In field tests across the Malvern Hills, South West Coast Path, and Snowdon approaches, it has held up in gusts over 40mph and persistent rain.
Pros:
- Excellent wind stability due to pyramid geometry
- Fast pitch—four pegs and a pole is all you need
- Spacious interior with room to sit up and cook
- Modular weight options from 500g to 1.2kg depending on setup
Cons:
- No side guy-out points—some users wish for extra tensioning options
- Pole in center may interfere with movement (though rarely an issue)
- Inner pitch-first setup can be tricky in wet conditions unless using outer-only mode
For solo bikepackers or hikers who value flexibility and stealth, it’s hard to beat.
Dimensions & Fit
- Packed size: ~25 × 10 cm
- Footprint: ~2.5m × 2m
- Peak height: ~120 cm
- Weight:
- Outer only: 500g
- Outer + footprint: ~800g
- Full setup (inner + outer + pegs): ~1.2kg
The tent comfortably fits one adult with ample room for gear. The porch area is equal in size to the sleeping space, making it feel more like a 2-person tent with a 1-person inner.
Use Cases
Wild Camping The green color and low profile make it ideal for stealth camping in the UK. It blends into woodland, moorland, and coastal scrub with ease.
Bikepacking Its small pack size and modular weight make it perfect for saddlebag or framebag storage. You can leave the inner behind for ultralight gravel trips.
Long-Distance Hiking For multi-day treks, the Tarpstar 1 offers a reliable shelter that won’t weigh you down. It’s been used successfully on the South West Coast Path and Stafford2Snowdon challenge.
Bushcraft & Canoe Camping The pyramid shape sheds wind and rain, and the large porch makes it easy to cook or store gear during wet evenings.
Comparison: Alpkit Tarpstar 1 vs Similar Shelters
Sources: Alpkit product page, user reviews
| Feature | Alpkit Tarpstar 1 | Lanshan 1 | Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo | Terra Nova Starlite 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 500g (outer only) | ~900g | ~710g | ~865g |
| Pitch Type | Trekking pole | Trekking pole | Trekking pole | Pole + pegs |
| Porch Space | Large | Moderate | Small | Moderate |
| Modularity | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Price | £179.99 | £139.99 | £199.99 | £249.99 |
| Best For | Wild camping, modular use | Budget ultralight | US-style thru-hiking | UK hillwalking |
The Tarpstar 1 stands out for its modular design, low weight, and stealth-friendly color. While the Lanshan 1 is cheaper, it lacks the porch space and flexibility. The Lunar Solo is more refined but heavier and pricier.
Durability & Maintenance
The ripstop nylon is tough enough for UK conditions, and the taped seams hold up well to repeated use. After each trip, shake out moisture, wipe down the inner, and store loosely to preserve the fabric.
Avoid storing wet, and check the pole attachment loop periodically for wear. Alpkit’s repair ethos means you can easily get replacement parts or patches if needed.
User Feedback
Campers consistently praise the Tarpstar 1 for its livability, weather resistance, and value. Reddit users report it holding firm in 40+ mph winds, and YouTube reviewers highlight its ease of pitch and spacious interior.
Some users wish for side guy-out points or a more intuitive inner-first pitch, but most agree it’s a top-tier solo shelter for UK conditions.
Where to Buy
- Alpkit Official Store – £179.99, free UK delivery
- AndHiking Review – Field-tested impressions and setup tips
- Reddit Wild Camping Thread – Real-world feedback from UK campers
- YouTube Overnight Review – Honest pitch and performance breakdown
Final Verdict
The Alpkit Tarpstar 1 is a standout ultralight shelter for solo adventurers who want modularity, stealth, and storm protection. Its pyramid design is proven, its weight is minimal, and its livability is excellent. Whether you’re bikepacking across Wales or hiking the Pennine Way, this tent deserves a spot in your kit.
