Introduction
If you’re stuck between the Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2, you’re not alone. These two tents are basically cousins — same brand, almost the same size, pretty much the same look… and now, they even cost the same — just $119! Yeah, you read that right. That latest price update kind of shocked me too. So now the big question is: which one should you actually buy?
I know the pain of comparing two solid tents that seem almost identical. That’s exactly what’s happening here. Mongar 2 and Star River 2 both look good, perform well, and won’t kill your wallet. But if you’re gonna spend your money, you deserve to know which one gives you more value.
So in this article, I’m gonna break it all down for you — the real-world differences, not just what the specs say on paper. Stick around. By the end, you’ll know exactly which tent fits your style better. Let’s get into it.
Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2: Which Is Waterproof?
Let’s talk about something that really matters, staying dry when you’re out camping. Whether you’re in the mountains, deep in the woods, or just caught in a surprise thunderstorm, a waterproof tent can literally save your trip. And, to be very honest these two are not those canvas tents that can easily survive the heaviest rain. Nope, not at all. So, between the Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2, which one actually keeps the rain out?
If I had to pick based on waterproofing alone, I’d lean slightly toward the Mongar 2. It just seems a bit more refined when it comes to keeping rain off and keeping you comfy.
Naturehike Mongar 2 – A True Rain Warrior
Let’s start with the Mongar 2. This tent seriously impressed me (and a bunch of other campers too). Here’s what stood out:
No water repellent spray needed. Right out of the bag, it handled rain and dew like a champ.
It comes with its own ground cloth, which is a huge plus. You can pack it with the tent — no need for extra bags or stuff flopping around.
Heavy rain? Cold weather? We’re talking 38°F temps and all-night rain — this tent stayed bone dry. Zero leaks. That’s not just good, that’s great.
The materials feel solid and well-built. The rainfly totally covers the mesh and even has handy vents and roll-up flaps.
Held up fine in light rain and 20mph winds. The only downside? The rainfly can sag a bit when it’s wet and cold.
One camper even took it through a full thunderstorm with hail. Still no leaks. That’s saying something.
Bottom line? The Mongar 2 is seriously waterproof. I’d trust it in just about any weather.
Naturehike Star River 2 – Still Waterproof, But With a Quirk
First off, yes — it’s waterproof. People stay dry through over 12 hours of heavy rain, temps in the 40s, and high wind gusts. That’s a solid test.
It keeps you warm, and the structure can definitely handle strong wind and rain.
BUT — here’s the catch — the rainfly gets super wet on the outside. It attracts moisture like crazy. Doesn’t mean it leaks inside, but the outside can get pretty soaked.
So, bring a small towel or hang it out to dry when the sun comes up. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something to plan for.
Bottom line? Star River 2 is waterproof too, but the rainfly feels a bit more “wet” to the touch and can be annoying if you’re packing up early.
In regular rain and wind? Still holds up great. No leaks inside.
Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2: Detailed comparison
1. Design & Size:
Naturehike Mongar 2
This tent gets it right.
It has a symmetrical design, which makes a huge difference.
You get good space at both the head and feet — no weird slants or tight corners.
I’ve seen couples say they fit just fine — even one person 5’5″ and the other 6′.
They even squeezed in their 65-pound dog. That says a lot.
It easily fits two sleeping pads, and still leaves a bit of legroom.
The vestibules are roomy too — big enough for your gear and shoes on both sides.
Setup is also easier because of the clean, balanced design.
And the packed size?
Fits great in an Osprey 65L bag with extra room to spare.
For the price and weight, it hits the sweet spot.
Naturehike Star River 2
The Star River looks good on paper —
84.6″ long, 53.2″ wide, and 43.3″ high.
But once you’re inside, it feels smaller.
Honestly, it’s better for one person and their gear when measure according to a tents size chart.
Two adults? You’re gonna feel cramped.
Some folks even said it’s a 2-person tent in name only.
Don’t get me wrong — the build quality is solid.
It’s lightweight and sturdy.
But when it comes to usable space, it falls short compared to the Mongar.
2. Breathability & Ventilation:
Naturehike Mongar 2
This tent is like sleeping inside a giant screen door — and I mean that in the best way.
Full mesh inner walls let air flow like crazy which keep your hot tent cool during summer nights.
You get two doors and two big vestibules, so you can unzip both sides for that sweet cross breeze.
It also has vents on the rainfly and just enough lift at the bottom to let air sneak in.
If it’s humid or you’re a sweaty sleeper (been there), this thing helps cut condensation way down.
Only downside? It can feel a little drafty in cold weather. Not made for snow or freezing temps.
Naturehike Star River 2
This one’s more of a hybrid — part solid walls, part mesh.
It holds in heat better, so it’s nicer for chilly nights or windier trips.
You still get two doors and a window in the rainfly, but airflow isn’t as free.
And if it rains, you’ll likely need to keep things zipped up — less ventilation then.
Some versions even come with a snow skirt, which traps warmth but blocks air.
In hot or humid places, condensation might build up a bit more inside.
But, Mongar 2 earns more points for breathability due to its full-mesh design and for ventilation due to its more comprehensive airflow features.
3. Poles
Naturehike Mongar 2
I’ve seen a lot of tent poles over the years. The ones on the Mongar 2? Impressive for the price.
They’re made from 7001 aluminum, which is light but strong — just what you want for backpacking.
The pole setup is a Y-frame with a crossbar, which gives it great balance and wind resistance.
It’s freestanding, clips together easily, and sets up fast. No messing around with sleeves.
Even in gusty nights, it holds firm — as long as you stake it well.
If you’re worried about pole durability, this one holds its ground. Great bang for your buck.
Plus, if you ever need to rethread tent poles after heavy use, the simple design makes it easy to do in the field.
Naturehike Star River 2
Same 7001 aluminum, so still lightweight and strong.
But the pole design feels a bit more basic. Still stable, just not as sleek as the Mongar.
It has a cross-beam too, but it’s smaller. That means less tension across the tent, especially in strong winds.
One tiny issue — the cross pole can shift around a bit. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for long-term use.
Still, for weekend trips or lighter conditions, the poles do just fine. Not bad at all.
Both tents use solid pole material. But Mongar 2 wins again for better structure and stability in windy spots.
4. Stakes
Naturehike Mongar 2
You get 13 aluminum stakes with the Mongar 2. They’re Y-shaped, so they grip decently in the ground.
They’re also anodized, which makes them a bit tougher and easier to spot.
The good part?
The tent has metal stake points in the corners — a nice touch.
The clips that attach to the poles also feel well-designed and sturdy.
You can tell someone actually thought about how these parts would hold up after years of use.
Now the bad part?
The stakes are okay, but not amazing. They’re way better than those cheap wire ones.
But they can still bend or snap if you try to jam them into hard ground.
Also — if you want to guy out the tent fully in bad weather, you’ll need a few extra stakes to secure your tent from the storm.
It doesn’t come with enough for everything. Not a huge deal, just something to know.
Naturehike Star River 2
You get 12 stakes, pretty much the same Y-shape style.
But they’re a little thinner and don’t feel quite as tough.
They work just fine on soft ground — like grass, dirt, forest floor.
But on rocky or packed soil, you’ll want to be gentle. These bend easier, and once they’re bent, they’re toast.
You can even pitch this tent using just 6 stakes, so it’s not too picky.
But if you’re going somewhere windy or wild, upgrade the stakes. Trust me.
Also — the stakes are silver and kinda plain, so they can disappear in the dirt if you’re not careful.
Bring a few extras or paint the tops a bright color.
5. Seams
Naturehike Mongar 2
The seams on the Mongar 2 are factory-sealed and taped, just like they should be.
It’s made from 20D nylon with a silicone coating, so water doesn’t stand a chance.
I’ve taken this thing out in heavy rain, and not a single drop made it through.
The stitching is clean — like someone actually gave a damn when sewing it.
No loose threads. No weird gaps.
Even after some rough backpacking trips, the seams are still holding up strong.
Bottom line? These seams feel trustworthy. I’ve camped through downpours, and they didn’t flinch.
Naturehike Star River 2
Same story here — factory-sealed seams, 20D silicone-coated nylon, and taped up nicely.
In most weather, you’ll be fine.
But in crazy wind or long storms, a few users have said small leaks showed up. Nothing major, but worth knowing.
Also, when the wind picks up hard, the stitching can get stressed.
It means you’ll need some extra stuff to seal or waterproof your tent seams.
Doesn’t mean it’ll fall apart, but it’s not as confidence-boosting as the Mongar.
If I was heading into a big storm, I’d probably double-check the seams. Maybe even hit them with some extra seam sealer just in case.
Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2: Which Tent Should You Buy?
If you’re into backpacking, weekend hikes, or moving around a lot, the Mongar 2 is the better choice. It’s lighter, more balanced, and easier to carry. The setup is quicker, the airflow is better, and the design just feels smarter. The seams are tighter, the poles are tougher, and it’s a tent you can actually trust in wind and rain. I’ve taken mine on some rough trips, and it held up like a champ.
Now, the Star River 2 is still a great tent. It’s a bit roomier at the foot end, which might feel nicer if you toss and turn in your sleep. It’s also easier to pitch in the rain since the fly can go up first, which is a nice bonus. If you’re more of a car camper, festival-goer, or just sticking to soft, easy ground — it’ll do the job fine.
But here’s the thing: at the same price, the Mongar 2 offers more — better build, better airflow, tougher poles, and cleaner seams. It just feels more premium without costing more. Unless you have a specific reason to go with the Star River (like needing that outer-first pitch), I’d say Mongar 2 is the better buy for most people.
That’s my honest take — been messing with tents for years, and for $119, you won’t regret the Mongar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re choosing between the Naturehike Mongar 2 Vs Star River 2, here’s the bottom line:
Pick the Mongar 2 if you want a more backpacker-friendly tent — it’s lighter, more breathable, easier to set up, and handles wind and rain like a pro. It’s perfect for regular hiking trips, solo or with a buddy, and gives you peace of mind when the weather turns bad.
Go with the Star River 2 if you’re camping in cooler climates and don’t mind a bit less space. It holds heat better and still keeps you dry, but it’s not as spacious or well-ventilated as the Mongar.
Both tents are solid picks at this price point. But if you want the best mix of comfort, weather protection, and usability — Mongar 2 is the clear winner.
FAQs
Q1. Which tent is better for summer camping?
Mongar 2. Its full-mesh walls and dual vents keep it super breezy and condensation-free, perfect for hot, humid nights.
Q2. Can the Star River 2 handle winter camping?
Yup, for mild winters (0 to -5°C). Its solid walls trap warmth, but it’s not a full 4-season beast.
Q3. Are the poles durable on both tents?
Both use 7001 aluminum. Mongar 2’s Y-frame is sturdier in wind; Star River 2’s cross-pole can wear in rough conditions.
Q4. Which tent’s seams are more waterproof?
Mongar 2 wins. Its sealed seams handle downpours like a champ. Star River 2 is solid but has rare leak reports.
Q5. Which gives more value at $119?
Mongar 2. More breathability, tougher stakes, and roomier design make it feel like a pricier tent.