Howling Moon Stargazer vs Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2

The Howling Moon Stargazer and the Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 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. Howling Moon and Ironman 4x4 take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.

By the numbers, the Howling Moon Stargazer brings 55 kg, 3.36 m² of floor, 120 cm of headroom and sleeps 2. The Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 counters with 56 kg, 4.38 m² of floor, 128.02 cm of headroom and sleeps 3.

On weight they are effectively level — 55 kg against 56 kg — so the roof load question resolves the same way for both. Inside, the Cross 1200 MK2 gives 4.38 m² of sleeping floor against 3.36 m², about 30 percent more, and it sleeps 3 to the Stargazer's 2. Their list prices are within a few percent of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one.

Canvas differs too: 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated against 420D polyester Oxford fly; 120gsm super-fine insect mesh. Closed, the Stargazer sits 6.93 cm lower on the roof — 36 cm against 42.93 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.