This is a Chinese version of a two-pole A-frame design which has been around for a few years since at least 2016 – before the X-Mid anyway, I believe. Other examples of it are the Sierra Designs High Route, the Black Diamond Beta Light and the Durston X-Mid to name a few. I have read that the Sierra Designs one is the ‘original’ but I do not claim this is necessarily true. This Asta Chinese version (they are all) is only about half the price (delivered) as the others are (minus delivery). Given (normal swingeing) delivery costs to Oz from the US, the decision to buy from Aliexpress is a no-brainer for me -as I did with the 3F UL Qidian Pro Pack etc. No doubt there are pluses (and minuses) of all versions, but usually I recommend that people save their money and I am doing so once again today. This tent plus the above pack would have saved you over $500!
The tent in the photos has been erected next to our front verandah for several (very windy and rainy) days now without any adjustment. It has stood up quite taut and true quite beautifully I think. It does barely fit in the space there. This (largish) footprint may be a problem for some on tighter spots but for me it is not, as I always just camp in the bush (far from other people) and make my own spot (large enough) with a handy saw I carry for the purpose. (Do see some of my posts about ‘saws’). It is quite a big tent which I think is one of its main advantages. It is at least 6″/15 cm taller and wider (living area) than the Durston X-Mid 2 for example which means it will be much less cramped.
You will need (two) 135cm hiking poles (though) because of this extra height but I think you will appreciate the head-room. Fizans polesare very good and economic. Or you can make your own ‘jacks’ or extensions withe bolt in the end to take the place of the trekking pole tip.
You can (also) prop (with a couple of hiking poles or sticks) either or both sides up to create one or two verandahs. I think with one verandah either open (dry) or propped (rainy) it should be possible to have a small campfire (downwind) about 6′ away which should keep the occupants plenty warm (sitting up on a comfy chair ) in the winter. I haven’t yet tried this with this tent (mostly because it is summer here) but I have done so with all my own tents for many many years (think 50+) with no particular problems. Of course you have to manage the fire carefully.
I bought the 4-season version of this tent from Aliexpress for A$240 delivered (Nov 2025). The 3 season is about $40 cheaper, so around A$200 delivered. There is an Asta Gear website which promises them cheaper than this, but Norton claims it is/may be a fake site, whereas I know and trust Aliexpress. Some shops there will allow you to buy just the ‘roof’ and the footprint (for example) separately which is probably all you will need. Those two together will probably cost you less than A$150 delivered which is not bad for a roomy two-person tent of such intelligent design and obvious durability.
I have now received the footprint as a separate purchase so that I can save myself approx 300 grams when I don’t need bug netting (pretty much always) – 570 + 190 grams = 760 + pegs according to Asta’s specs. This will make my carry around 850 grams including pegs and guylines – pretty good for a (huge) 2 person tent/shelter. It comes with wide c-shaped pegs which are only about 5″ (I prefer 6″) but they seem to have good purchasing power. I may switch the pegs to longer ones. It has numerous tie-down points already but I may also sew on four more on the four longish sections which have none. I will also look to adding some tent anchors as per this post Windy Old Weather.
It never hurts to err on the side of safety. As an example I (now) completely eschew dyneema (or cuben fibre) because of its tendency to shred. I have now had a tarp do this to me and whilst it did not (completely ) give out during a very wet night spent in hammocks (with Della) on the Dusky Track Fiordland in 2023 I no longer trust cuben fibre. See Dusky Track 50th Wedding Anniversary Walk.
I am also becoming more conscious of opting for increased waterproof-ness in the tent fabric. Whilst 2000mm might be adequate in most rain (and you can always spread space blanket (I always carry one anyway) over you if a little drips through in heavy rain, it might be wiser to opt for a heavier waterproofness rating in the fabric of your tent if you anticipate lots of heavy rain where you usually go. Also waterproofness also seems to reduce over time with use. This tent claims 3000mm of water resistance (top) and 5000 (floor) which is about average – and should keep you dry.
I will also see to modifying the way the tent ‘connects’ to the hiking poles. I do not like this point uppermost method which most of this type of tents employ. I can foresee a strong wind flapping the tent off the poles and then the sharp tip stabbing holes and/or tearing the fabric of the tent. I prefer my method (which I have employed on another tent I will review shortly) of sewing a reinforcement parch onto the body of the tent (this one already has one), then adding heavy fabric draw-string ‘bag’ to the centre of the patch which secures the end of the hiking pole (or stick) you chose to use to prop up the tent.
This method also allows you to use the Sprung Tent Pole Extension I invented which keeps the pitch of the tent wonderfully taut. I’m sure this invention is worth oodles of money, so If you want to manufacture it, please let me know – though Della has long argued that we don’t need any more money, which is probably true. More fun just spending what we have on new ‘adventures’ than wasting our precious time making more of it.
Reinforcing patch and draw string patch sewn onto a Flames Creed Trailstar Minaret for illustration.
We had to seam seal the tent using the method I outlined in the post Waterproofing Tent Floors and Groundsheets. Della seam-sealed two tents for me yesterday morning in about half an hour. It was a fine windy sunny day yesterday so that the fabric was completely dry again in less than half an hour.
Another view:
The ‘doors’ of both the outer and inner tent have simple button and loop systems of securing them open – as shown.
As you can see two full-size pads easily fit on the floor. These are (new and old versions of the Thermarest Neoair X-Lite Womens an excellent and highly recommended mat. I thinkyou can save on your tent, pack and sleeping bag (I recommend the economic Waratah Quilt from Ultralight Gear) but a comfy mattress is what will ensure you have a good night’s sleep which is just too important to stint on if you are going to enjoy your trip.
Della and I will sleep head-to-toe in this tent so that we can each take advantage of the spacious storage space (several feet) at each (head) end. There is also room to place a few things between us and truly vast room in the twin vestibules for packs or rafts or whatever.
It has two vents for when you are all zipped down for heavy weather. There are also two handy storage pockets inside for phones, torches etc.
The tent goes up quite easily once you work out that you first peg it out approximately as a rectangle then lift the ends with the poles and adjust for perfect pitch. A couple of goes at it then you will be a pro.
I can now confirm those weights and how well it will work with just the footprint:
This is a really well made and budget-priced tent which will make a palace for two hikers. Highly recommended. It also come in a single (which might fit in a smaller space but would not fit two people). The weight savings (as compared with the space) make it not worthwhile in my opinion. Better to just carry the footprint instead of the inner tent.
PS: There are any number of reviews of this same tent eg on Youtube, pretty much all just as positive as mine.
