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)
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| Matched inner |
- Price: $52.37 USD delivered
- Dimensions: ?
- Weight: 490g
- Matched to the ASTA tarp
2) 3F UL GEAR "D-style" zip mesh inner
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| 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)
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| S2S nano net |
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Clone
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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
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| Front |
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| Single pole pitch |
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| 'V' pitch (2 poles) |
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| Adjustable apex vent |
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| Zipper and buckle |
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| Red colour |
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| Khufu Sil (single pole) |
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| MLD Duomid (single pole) |
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