In this Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Tent review, I will be finding out if this tent is worth the price you pay.
Is it waterproof and able to hold up in the rain? Or is it just another expensive, low quality tent and not worth your money?
I will be answering these questions and many more that I think you’ll find extremely useful in this very article, so if you are after an honest opinion regarding this tent then I suggest you keep reading.
Features
What does this thing do? The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 tent claims to house 3 people maximum, however they should change the name to Alps Mountaineering Extreme 2 Tent, because that’s all that will fit in this tent, unless you’re all really small people (lol).
What ultimate benefits does this specific product provide? Aside from that statement above, for me – having a waterproof tent and able to hold in strong winds is what I care about the most.
I think that is more important than space – this tent over delivers the water-resistant test and does a great job in strong gusts of wind as well. The huge, double vestibule areas are a nice bonus!
What are its specifications?
Weight: 6.75 pounds
Material: Nylon taffeta
Factory Seam Sealed: Yes
Dimensions: 50 x 80 x 96 inches
Vestibules: 2
Floor Material: 75D 185T taffeta floor with 2000mm coating
Rain Fly Material: 75D 185T polyester
Pole Material: 7000 series aluminum poles
Who It’s For
What I like about this tent, is that it’s an all rounder – it makes a great choice for a solo camper going for a wilderness excursion (because it’s so lightweight), a couple of friends or a boyfriend/girlfriend that wants to go camping in a public campground – this tent is a perfect choice.
Here’s some good housing combinations:
- 1 adult + a lot of space inside tent
- 1 adult + dog(s) + gear
- 1 adult + 2 children + gear
- 2 adults + gear + room to spare
- 2 adults + 1 child + gear
- 2 adults + 1 dog + gear
- 3 adults + gear << The gear will have to be placed in the vestibule area, also make sure the adults are small or it’s going to be a tight, snug fit (lol). That might be a bonus if it’s cold outside.
Yes, this tent can also hold a queen size air mattress. So if you’re an air mattress lover who also enjoys more space to spare – this tent could be something to consider.
Pricing & Purchase Details
Not the cheapest tent on the market, yet the quality of this tent really stands out from the competition. This tents price will vary between $190 and $230, and includes free shipping when you purchase from Amazon.com. Get in now for the cheapest price.
You will also get a 30 day money back guarantee. If you don’t want the tent then just send it back for a refund.
Pros
- ALPS really paid attention to the details of this tent, and I found that they have over delivered in this field especially for the price you pay
- The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 tent can stand up in strong winds (if you need an exact number, i’d say 40MPH is the limit), this tent will also shield you from dust storms
- ALPS always boast about their factory seam sealed tents, and I can’t blame them. They do a very good job with keeping their tents waterproof, even with days of downpour you’ll keep dry (that is no exaggeration)
- The rain fly covers the entire tent and covers all the way to the ground. And the 2 vestibule areas on EACH SIDE of the tent are are absolutely HUGE, enough to keep 2-3 backpacks in them + shoes
- 2 doors on each side of the tent, makes mid night peeing easier than ever before, no more waking the other person up as you climb over them
- This tent has a lot of leg space, if you’re over 6′ 1″, don’t worry there’s enough room for you
- There’s a lot of tents using color coded poles for a quick setup lately, and this is one of them
Cons
- With the fly over your tent – you have minimum outside view, only 2 small vent windows – unless you open the rain fly door and roll it up
- If you are planning on visiting a public campsite, see how much space you’re allowed to use, as this tent can take up quite a bit of area with the rain fly stretched right out – which creates the dual vestibules
- The tents flooring is good, but not great – so it is recommended to use a tarp underneath just to protect your investment (a footprint isn’t needed, the tarp will do a good job)
- It’s slightly smaller than other 3 person tents, this is a good choice if you don’t mind snuggling up together
- If you plan on camping somewhere with extremely high winds – I’d recommend you replace the stakes with stronger ones
See the current price here
Alternative/Similar Products
If you are after a tent that will actually hold 3 adults comfortably, this tent isn’t for you, you’re a lot better off investing in this 4 person tent. It’s from ALPS, can easily hold 3 adults, and half the price of the Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 tent ($92.59).
Or do you want a tent – not as high quality, but a lot of outside visibility even with the fly on, great for family weekend trips, very spacious and able to fit 2 queen size air mattresses with ease, then the Coleman 6 Person tent might be a better choice for you.
A Few Notes
- Use ALL the guy lines, they do an excellent job of directing the rain off, even if they look out of place, they aren’t
- ALPS have been known to have extraordinary customer service, and I stand by them 110%
- If you decide to use the vestibule area for storage, I recommend you use a tarp to stop your equipment from getting muddy, OR you can use plastic storage containers to keep your inventory extra protected
Do I Recommend This Tent?
Out of all tents I have reviewed – this one seems to stand out as the strongest, highest quality tent so far. I find that the most important aspect for a tent is being capable of standing in tough winds and staying dry with hours and even days of downpour, and this tent stands up to the job.
For that, I recommend this tent 100%.
My Final Opinion
It IS a more expensive tent, however I don’t think you can put a price on the safety of you and your family, especially if there’s little ones involved and expensive, fragile items in your tent (cellphone, GPS, handheld radios).
If you are wanting to pay this much for a tent then I can’t think of anything better at this price range, the quality is more than enough to keep you dry for the duration of the trip, and if the wind picks up, it should stay in place.
For those exact reasons, and if you don’t mind spending over $150 for a high quality, water-resistant tent, or you aren’t looking for something to house more than 2 people then this tent is right for you!
What a wonderful product review!
My husband and I have wanted to go “real” camping, for quite a while, but have never really been sure what sort of supplies we will need. This looks like the place to ask these sorts of questions! Wonderful product to let people know about. Thanks!
Hi Darcy, I’m glad you find my site helpful. And I know what you mean, camping can be quite difficult when you first start out as you have to purchase gear and most newbies don’t really know what to get. If you still need help, this article will steer you in the right direction so you know what you need for your first trip.
Thanks for the comment 🙂
-Brandon
This is a great review! I especially liked how you proposed the housing combinations. Ours would be 2 dogs and 2 people 🙂
I also like the fact that the tent is very waterproof. Nothing like spending the night in a tent that leaks. That was our last one. I would spend the money for one that doesn’t leak.
Oh thanks Kathy. It’s good for people to know if they can fit with there dog or not, that is the whole reason behind me providing this information, so I’m glad you found it helpful.
Yes, you are correct. Having a tent that leaks is not a tent at all, it is a disaster waiting to happen when this shouldn’t be the case. I wouldn’t say a tent is waterproof if it isn’t 🙂
Thanks for the comment, much appreciated.
-Brandon
This a wonderful, fully covered review. I will consider your advice when purchasing one. It’s always good to have some insight on what you plan to buy and you provided exactly that. Thanks.
Hello Ronnie, glad you found this post helpful. I enjoy providing people with honest opinions, because frankly – too many people are getting scammed lately.
Thanks for stopping by,
Brandon
Sounds like a great tent for the price! Being able to hold against 40mph winds is impressive!
It is a wonderful tent, and I find that it works brilliantly in rough conditions due to the sloped rain fly, wind blows upwards and away from the tent rather than into it.
Thanks for the comment Albert.
See you around,
Brandon
Hey Brandon!
I really enjoyed your review, I grew up camping in the mountains of Oregon where it RAINED randomly – but we expected it too. I could not stand leaking tents, I wanted my tents to be the refuge from the rain rather than pool up the rain and slowly drip it on my sleeping bag or myself.
So, I was impressed that you explained multiple times that this is a rain resistant tent – big plus in my book!
I thought it was interesting that this tent is advertised as a 3 person tent but it sounds like that would be a tight squeeze. I found it helpful that you included the arrangements of people, dogs, and gear that would fit within this tent. That is so helpful to better understand the right amount of space customers have in this tent.
Overall, sounds like a nice (and lightweight) tent to have no matter where you decide to camp out. Decent space, decent price, nice appearance, and seems simple enough to set up.
Hi Mallory, that sounds awesome! I really like how this tent is waterproof too, that’s why I put a lot of emphasis on it because a waterproof tent is a good one 🙂 Haha, yes – I like to include the combinations so people know if the tent will fit there needs before they even purchase it.
Thanks for the comment Mallory, definitely much appreciated.
-Brandon
This is an awesome review. This is the 1st tent I have personally purchased. I couldn’t be happier, super easy to setup with one, even better as a pair. Three people can sleep easily, and I was able to get a queen sized air mattress in with no problem.
Thanks for your wonderful feedback on this tent, E M Paul. After reading so many great reviews for this tent online, I have no doubts that you’re telling the truth!
See you around 🙂
-Brandon