ASTA 1-man pyramid tarp (Locus Gear Khufu Sil clone)

$76 USD ASTA tarp

~$300 USD Khufu Sil shelter
The ASTA 1-man pyramid tarp is available for $76 USD delivered on Aliexpress.

  • 1-man pyramid tarp shelter
  • Pitches with 1 or 2 trekking poles
  • Pitched: 265 x 170 x 135cm
  • Stowed: 15 x 10cm diameter roll
  • ~500g (370g + 100g stakes + guylines & stuff sack)


The ASTA pyramid shelter is a lightweight tarp that pitches with a single central trekking pole or 2 trekking poles in a 'V' configuration.

It is similar to many 'mid' tarps, but most closely resembles the Locus Gear Khufu Sil shelter.


Specifications:
  • Material: 15D Sil-Nylon (Gray), 20D Sil-Nylon (Red)
  • (Grey version likely lighter than red version)
  • 2 large adjustable apex vents with internal closures
  • 3000MM waterproof rating
  • 8 ground-level tieouts
  • 8 tie outs on tent upper (4 on panels, 4 on edges)
  • Zip with velcro flap and buckle
  • 12 stakes and 12 guylines

    Pros
    • Large and spacious for people up to ~6 ft. height
    • Good ventilation 
    • Catenary cut (curved) ridge lines
    • Decent quality stitching
    • OK for moderate conditions, including rain
    • Add an inner net and groundsheet for a complete tent solution (DIY one with tyvek / polycro / polycryo)

    Cons
    • Grey colour shows marks, red colour very visible
    • Large apex vents subject to wind 
    • Not great in heavy rain
    • Less internal space when using an inner net
    • Zipper, zip flap and side panel tieouts could be better quality
    • Not seam-sealed
    • Problems common to pyramid tarps
      • Central pole gets in the way in single pole configuration
      • Angled walls reduce vertical space
      • Long / puffy sleeping mats may contact the sides 
      • Not a fast pitching tent

    Possible mods
    • Replace side panel tieouts with 30D Sil-Nylon patches (glued with silicon sealant and stitched)
    • Replace copper wire in the apex vents with thinner plastic tubing
    • Replace guylines with 3mm polyline (less linelok slippage)
    • Substitute titanium stakes for less weight


    Possible inner options for this tarp:

    1) "D-style" zip mesh inner (same seller) 

    Matched inner
    • Price: $52.37 USD delivered
    • Dimensions: ?
    • Weight: 490g
    • Matched to the ASTA tarp

    2) 3F UL GEAR "D-style" zip mesh inner

    D-style inner
    • Price: $48.25 USD delivered
    • Dimensions: 220 x 80 x 120cm
    • Weight: 350g
    • Packed 12.7 x 7.5 cm diameter
    • Green/Gray/Orange colours
    • 15D Sil-Nylon bathtub floor
    • 5000MM waterproofing
    • 2 zips
    • Internal pocket

    4) S2S nano mosquito net (~$36 USD) or clone ($~12 USD)
    S2S nano net
    Clone


    Comparison with similar tarp shelters:

    Locus Gear Khufu Sil pyramid shelter
    • Dimensions: 265 x 160 x 130cm
    • Weight: 470g (inc. stuff sack)
    • Price: ~$320 USD (plus shipping)
    • Material: 30D Sil-Nylon
    • 1 small mesh covered vent
    • 3000MM waterproof rating
    • Catenary cut curved ridge lines
    • Grey, yellow, blue colours
    • 9 ground-level tieouts
    • 8 tie outs on tent upper (4 on panels, 4 on edges)
    • Not seam-sealed
    • Water resistant YKK zipper
    • High quality fabric and components

    MLD Duomid pyramid shelter
    • Dimensions: 275 x 160 x 142cm
    • Weight: 515g
    • Price: ~$270 USD (plus shipping)
    • Material: 30D "Pro" Sil-Nylon
    • 3500MM waterproof rating
    • 1 largish vent (but sketchy closure method IMO)
    • 8 ground-level tieouts
    • 8 tie outs on tent upper (4 on panels, 4 on edges)
    • Orange colour only
    • Not seam-sealed
    • Water resistant YKK zipper
    • High quality fabric and components 
      Front
      Single pole pitch
      'V' pitch (2 poles)
      Adjustable apex vent
      Zipper and buckle
      Red colour
      Khufu Sil (single pole)
      MLD Duomid (single pole)


      Further Resources

      Trek-lite forum - Asta Mid with 3F 4 Season Solid Inner
      Instagram posting
      French randonner-leger forum - ASTAAR 2016 ASTA Pyramidal Tent  (google translate)
      Trip report from someone who used the ASTA shelter and 3F inner
      Another trip report with a few (only a few) pictures of the ASTA shelter

      German Ultralight trekking forum
      Duomid China copy - experiences? (google translate)
      ASTA ultra mid tent (google translate)

      Reddit
      Has anyone tried the Asta Pyramid or 3F UL Gear Lanshan?
      Visualizing a gear list (ASTA review)

      Locus Gear Khufu
      Locus Gear Khufu (Was "Khufu Inner")
      LOCUS GEAR Khufu Sil Review
      Locus Gear Khufu (Tent Review)

      Youtube
      Locus Gear Khufu (Heavy PNW Rain Test)

      Misc
      Lighterpack ultracheap list