ALPS usually make good tents, so I like to give my honest opinion on their products. Here is my ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2 Person Tent Review.
I’ve reviewed the 4 person version of this tent, however we all know that one good product doesn’t mean they are all good. I set out on a mission to find out if this tent was actually decent enough for anyone to use.
By the looks of it, this tent might actually be something to consider, only recommended for 2 or less people though. So if you’re after a 2 person tent and wondering if this one is good to use then you are in the right place.
Keep reading to see if this tent is worth buying.
Product Overview
This tent is a dome-styled with 2 doors and 2 windows. The rain fly is polyester, which is designed to keep you safe from the rain. The poles are made of aluminum(these don’t rust), and connects to the tent with clips to hold it up.
The seams are sealed from factory so no additional waterproofing will be needed. This includes the floor and fly!
The windows also have storm flaps that can actually be closed! I see that they are located UNDER the fly, so you can keep them open even in the rain, this helps tremendously for stopping condensation.
I find that this tent is freestanding and contains a lot of ventilation due to the open mesh areas, such as the sides and the roof.
What Ultimate Benefits Does This Product Provide?
The amount of mesh material this tent has gives it amazing ventilation, this is a must-have to stop condensation building up.
I also like how the storm flaps can be closed, while a lot of other tents will have the windows totally exposed, something not good to have in public campsites.
The second door is especially a great idea for hot, muggy summer weather.
Most tents have a problem with zippers, ALPS have made these zippers larger than usual to stop them from breaking so early.
What Are Its Specifications?
Product Name: ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2 Person Tent
Cheapest Place To Buy: Amazon.com
Material: Polyester taffeta
Weight: 6 lbs 2 oz
Color: Sage/Rust
Doors: 2
Free Standing: Yes
Who It’s For
This is a 2 person tent, so it is not the biggest on the market. However with the waterproofing capabilities, this makes a great tent for someone who wants to go camping in the wild and expecting a bit of rain.
A weekend trip in a public campsite shouldn’t be completely ruled out either, due to the window flaps being able to close, it would be a great idea for a couple of friends or a couple.
If you like the awning that’s hanging over the top to stop you from getting wet as you get in and out of the tent, I find that it works great and you’ll most probably like it as well.
Pricing & Purchase Details
This tent is now available from Amazon.com, currently under $70, which I find to be a steal. This includes free shipping with a 30 day warranty.
You can send the tent back for a repair or a full refund if you decide you don’t want this tent anymore.
Pros
- This tent includes 2 doors, amazing for hot summer weather where the temperatures can get unbearable
- The mesh roof and walls provide good ventilation to stop condensation buildup
- This tent actually provides an awning, good for not getting completely rained on as you hop out of the tent
- These tents are factory seam sealed, making this tent ready-to-use as soon as it arrives
- Amazingly waterproof and will keep you bone dry in hours of downfall
- Very quick to set up, with the tent actually ‘clipping’ to the poles instead of sliding through nylon
Cons
- Won’t fit 2 people if you have gear with you unless you are both very small
- Can be too heavy for backpacking if you’re not use to it
- Doesn’t contain a vestibule area, so no where to put your gear if you have 2 people sleeping in the tent
See What The Current Price Of This Tent Is
Alternative/Similar Products
If you need a lighter tent for backpacking, 4 lbs 1 oz, just a little more expensive, however this tent contains a double vestibule area so you have somewhere to place your gear during the night. The Kelty Grand Mesa 2 tent is what you’re after.
OR, if you would rather go car camping, you can completely ditch the 2 person tents and grab the ALPS Mountaineering 4 person tent. Roughly the same price, however a lot bigger, just much more heavier, hence why it’s more recommended for car campers.
Do I Recommend This Tent?
It won’t last you for years UNLESS your a seasonal camper, but for the price of this tent I wouldn’t overlook purchasing it.
I can see that this tent will make a great choice for a solo camper, the tent is quite heavy, however if you’re an advanced backpacker you should have no problems carrying it.
If you want to go camping alone and don’t mind carrying a 6 pound 2 oz tent then this is definitely recommended for you.
However, if there are 2 of you I’d rather you go car camping with this tent, for the simple fact that your gear won’t fit inside. That way you can leave your gear in the car during the night.
My Final Opinion
ALPS make incredible tents, and this one is no different. To my surprise, I would have never thought that it would be priced under $70. Personally, I think this is a steal, especially because of how much water-resistance it offers.
And because I literally couldn’t find much bad feedback ANYWHERE regarding this tent, that in itself, is rare for a 2 person tent within this price range.
Don’t get me wrong, I often rip tents to shreds, I don’t usually praise tents this much. However, it’s not often that you find a cheap tent that’s waterproof and high quality at the same time.
Because of all the reasons I have talked about in my review, and because this tent makes an awesome choice for somebody on a budget, I will have to say that it is highly recommended!