TJ Willy
05-22-2009, 05:05 PM
Backpacking Solo Tent
Specs
Base Size: 3'8 x 7'2
Center Height: 3'
Vestibule Depth: 23"
Tent Area: 23 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 5.5 sq. ft.
Tent and Fly Weight: 3 lb. 10 oz.
Total Weight: 3 lb. 14 oz.
Packed Size: 6" x 18"
Pole Diameter: 7.9 mm
Color: Grey/Coal/Sage/Rust
Style: Two-pole Freestanding
Use Rating: 3 Season
Sleeps: One
Zephyr $149.99
I am a gear tester for Alps now so they send me stuff at a reduced cost.
The last thing I got was the Zephyr 1.0 tent.
http://tj-willy.smugmug.com/photos/543213821_Nqhjo-L.jpg
The positive:
LITE - This tent is super lite and packs small.
STAND FREE - no staking required! But this trade-off is more tent poles to pack. This is a little more weight.
COOL - It is all mesh. So without the rainfly, you are completely surrounding by a breeze... if you are lucky enough to have one.
GEAR LOFT - nice little gear loft along with two side pockets.
EASY TO SETUP - Almost too easy... will explain later.
FLOOR - nice deep floor.
VENTILATION! - WOW... you can breath in this one!
ZIPPERS - Work flawlessly.
VALUE - The price this tent sells for at most online retailers is a steal for what the tent provides. I compare it to the more expensive MSR's my buddies have.
The negatives:
POLE ANCHORS - The poles slide through a very short section of sleeve before using an exoskeleton hanging system. The hooks that clip on the poles are way too loose. The tent seems loose as it stands there.
ONE DOOR - And the zipper that open/closes the door. You must hold the edge of the tent when you zip the door open. Otherwise you will put the mesh fabric in a bind.
GUY LINES - The use some kind of anchoring system that is just not second nature to me.
SMALL - to me anyway... and I am only 5'10". I would think anyone much taller than that would be cramped in this tent.
VESTIBULE - just too small. But the sacrifice for having a solo free-standing tent.
Overall...
I think I prefer my Mystique 2.0 even though it must be staked to use. The double doors and huge wing vestibules are nice. Plus, it is not much lighter or smaller to pack than the Zephyr.
If you are looking for a solo - all mesh - summer tent that is free-standing, then I don't think you will find a better deal than this Alps. Construction is top knotch. Price is on point and way less than some of the bigger names. It is a nice balance of value/quality with features.
Sorry but I did not take many pics. I will get some more my next outing.
Specs
Base Size: 3'8 x 7'2
Center Height: 3'
Vestibule Depth: 23"
Tent Area: 23 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 5.5 sq. ft.
Tent and Fly Weight: 3 lb. 10 oz.
Total Weight: 3 lb. 14 oz.
Packed Size: 6" x 18"
Pole Diameter: 7.9 mm
Color: Grey/Coal/Sage/Rust
Style: Two-pole Freestanding
Use Rating: 3 Season
Sleeps: One
Zephyr $149.99
I am a gear tester for Alps now so they send me stuff at a reduced cost.
The last thing I got was the Zephyr 1.0 tent.
http://tj-willy.smugmug.com/photos/543213821_Nqhjo-L.jpg
The positive:
LITE - This tent is super lite and packs small.
STAND FREE - no staking required! But this trade-off is more tent poles to pack. This is a little more weight.
COOL - It is all mesh. So without the rainfly, you are completely surrounding by a breeze... if you are lucky enough to have one.
GEAR LOFT - nice little gear loft along with two side pockets.
EASY TO SETUP - Almost too easy... will explain later.
FLOOR - nice deep floor.
VENTILATION! - WOW... you can breath in this one!
ZIPPERS - Work flawlessly.
VALUE - The price this tent sells for at most online retailers is a steal for what the tent provides. I compare it to the more expensive MSR's my buddies have.
The negatives:
POLE ANCHORS - The poles slide through a very short section of sleeve before using an exoskeleton hanging system. The hooks that clip on the poles are way too loose. The tent seems loose as it stands there.
ONE DOOR - And the zipper that open/closes the door. You must hold the edge of the tent when you zip the door open. Otherwise you will put the mesh fabric in a bind.
GUY LINES - The use some kind of anchoring system that is just not second nature to me.
SMALL - to me anyway... and I am only 5'10". I would think anyone much taller than that would be cramped in this tent.
VESTIBULE - just too small. But the sacrifice for having a solo free-standing tent.
Overall...
I think I prefer my Mystique 2.0 even though it must be staked to use. The double doors and huge wing vestibules are nice. Plus, it is not much lighter or smaller to pack than the Zephyr.
If you are looking for a solo - all mesh - summer tent that is free-standing, then I don't think you will find a better deal than this Alps. Construction is top knotch. Price is on point and way less than some of the bigger names. It is a nice balance of value/quality with features.
Sorry but I did not take many pics. I will get some more my next outing.