23Zero Walkabout 56 2.0 vs Howling Moon Stargazer
The 23Zero Walkabout 56 2.0 and the Howling Moon Stargazer are both softshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. 23Zero and Howling Moon take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
By the numbers, the 23Zero Walkabout 56 2.0 brings 59 kg, 3.46 m² of floor, 112 cm of headroom and sleeps 2. The Howling Moon Stargazer counters with 55 kg, 3.36 m² of floor, 120 cm of headroom and sleeps 2.
On weight they are effectively level — 59 kg against 55 kg — so the roof load question resolves the same way for both. Floor area is close to identical at 3.46 m² and 3.36 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. Their list prices are within a few percent of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one.
Canvas differs too: ECO13B recycled fabric with Light Suppression Technology (LST) against 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated.
23Zero
Walkabout 56 2.0
The 23Zero Walkabout 56 2.0 is the compact two-person model in 23Zero's fold-out soft-shell range (sold until recently as the Breezeway 2.0). It uses fully recycled ECO13B fabric with Light Suppression Technology, a 3-inch rebound-foam mattress and a rear duct port that accepts up to 3-inch heater or cooler ducting — uncommon on a soft-shell. A removable rain fly reveals screened roof windows for stargazing.
- Rear port accepts up to 3-inch heater or cooler ducting — rare on a soft-shell
- Fully recycled ECO13B fabric with Light Suppression Technology, plus an integrated LED strip
- Removable fly reveals screened sky windows; annex-compatible for extra ground space
- Narrow 56-inch (142 cm) sleeping width suits one adult plus a child better than two adults
Howling Moon
Stargazer
The Stargazer is the top softshell fold-out tent in Howling Moon's softshell line, adding two openable roof windows to the Tourer layout so occupants can sleep looking at the sky while screened in. It shares the 380gsm poly-cotton canvas and 75 mm high-density foam mattress with the other softshells and comes with a removable flysheet and PVC cover. It is offered in widths from 1.4 m to 2.4 m.
- Two openable roof windows for stargazing
- Compatible with the brand's extension/annex
- Multiple widths from 1.4 m to 2.4 m
- Manufacturer does not publish packed dimensions here
Which one to pick
These two are closely matched on the numbers that usually decide it. Read the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex — and let whichever of those you will actually use break the tie.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | 4-season | — |
| List price | $1,699— best of the tents compared | $1,840— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 130 lb— worst of the tents compared | 121 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 4 ft 9 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 14.2 in | 14.2 in |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft— best of the tents compared | 7 ft 10 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 8 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 37.2 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 36.2 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 8 in— worst of the tents compared | 3 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in— best of the tents compared | 3 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | ~5 minest. |
| Shell material | — | — |
| Fabric | ECO13B recycled fabric with Light Suppression Technology (LST) | 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | Yes | — |
| Heater / HVAC port | Yes | — |
| Roof skylight | Yes | Yes |
| Annex available | Yes | Yes |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | 23Zero product page | Howling Moon product page |
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Or read the full spec sheets for the 23Zero Walkabout 56 2.0 and the Howling Moon Stargazer.