Is ALPS Mountaineering a good tent brand?
I’ve reviewed more than enough ALPS tents in the last year and a half to know the quality of their tents and how they perform.
I’m going to share my knowledge so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into with this brand.
The Good Things About ALPS Mountaineering Tents
- Their tents are specifically designed handle bad weather conditions (they are waterproof and highly windproof, even their 3-season tents!)
- They don’t skimp on storage. Most of their tents have vestibules for storing equipment
- A lot of their tents also have 2 doors, maximizing convenience and ease-of-use in the great outdoors
- Their ventilation is amazing. Because their tents have a good amount of mesh material, there is no condensation buildup
- ALL ALPS tents are factory seam sealed. This means no additional weatherproofing is needed – they are ready-to-go straight out of the box
- The quality and durability is what puts them ahead of their competitors. They almost always produce a flawless tent
- Their tents receive good feedback from the camping community. The positive reviews outweigh the negatives by a LOT
- They are reasonably-priced considering the amount of quality and benefits you will gain from their tents
The Bad Things About ALPS Mountaineering Tents
- They are a little heavy; so quite difficult to go backpacking with unless you split the weight up with someone else or cut weight somewhere else
- There is minimal outside view with the rain fly on
- They have a very limited number of tents with stargazing opportunities
- Panoramic views are also limited to a small number of tents
My Take & What I Really Think Of The ALPS Mountaineering Brand
Due to ALPS Mountaineering tents not having enough tents with stargazing opportunities or panoramic views, they aren’t the best option for summer camping.
But in saying that, the water and windproof abilities are outstanding.
For the price and the quality of their tents, they really do blow the competition out of the water.
And that’s the reason why they are called “ALPS Mountaineering”, because they specialize in mountain camping or anywhere where bad weather will be experienced.
So what do I really think about them?
They offer high value tents at a GREAT price and have no trouble keeping rain out or standing strong in high winds.
Certainly I wouldn’t categorize this a bad tent brand.
In A Nutshell
Your options are limited if you want to watch the night sky or view the surrounding areas with the rain fly removed, but in my opinion, being able to stand in the wind and keep the rain out is more important.
If you’re going camping in the winter, spring or fall, ALPS is the way to go!
However, for summer camping I would very much prefer the Kelty brand for the simple reason that there are far more options for outside viewing.
Bottom line…
Kelty are a little more expensive, so stick with ALPS if you’re on a smaller budget.
They still have tents that you can stargaze with anyway!
Give me a comment below.
1. What are your personal experiences with ALPS Mountaineering tents, or with any of their products for that matter?
2. Do you think ALPS tents are good for you? If not, why?
[Read: ALPS Mountaineering tents – reviews]
Cheers.
-Brandon
Camping Mastery
Hi, your review of the ALPS tents is really informative and useful! Now I know where to look when I’m ready to get my next tent! We just threw a very old one away.
Hello Joo. Thanks for the comment and I wholeheartedly believe that if you get an ALPS tent you won’t be disappointed.
Their tents are truly that good!
Hi, Brandon, this is why we need writers like you 🙂 I mean reviews on tents are hard to distinguish which brand to go with, but you were able to give us your honest opinion which is great. At least consumers have a better buying decision.
Thank you Viviana. Your kind words mean a lot 😀
Hi Brandon and thanks for your review. The ALPS tent sound wonderful for camping in poorer weather, but seeing as I’m a fair weather camper, I would probably prefer the Kelty brand. In my opinion, if you’re going to sleep outside, you want to star gaze LOL.
Thanks again,
Suzanne
Haha, that is a great way to look at it. The whole point of being outdoors is to be in nature, right? Experience it in all its true beauty I say!
Thanks for doing this review. My son was looking for a tent that would really hold up to the unpredictable spring weather, usually rain and wind around here. My only question is do they have ANY tents that would be light enough for hiking or do you recommend another brand for that. With your extensive knowledge in this area I would really value our opinion.
Thanks again, Pam
Thanks for the question Pam.
Yes they do but you’ll have to get a 1-person tent. The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent is only 3.6 pounds and the ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 is 4.4 pounds.
Hope your son finds these tents useful 🙂 Get back to me if he still needs help.
I love to go camping. I have a cheap tent that I use, but most of the anchor loops have ripped and my rain cover is pretty much useless. You sold me on ALPS. I will definitely look into purchasing one before my next camping trip! Thanks
Logan
Hello Logan. You definitely cannot go wrong with the ALPS Mountaineering brand. They are inexpensive and provide a great shelter that’s PROVEN to keep you safe from the rain and wind. Happy to help, brother!
With camping, a tent that is safe and robust is key. I had the experience of using a tent (from another brand) that couldn’t stand the strong wind and halfway through the night, it collapsed on me. I had to survive the rest of the night with the tent cover on my body. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been that keen to go camping…(one of my excuses lol). The ALPS mountaineering tent seems like a good choice but yes, what a pity it doesn’t allow for stargazing. I thought this would be the nice finishing touch if they can include a mini stargazing outlet.
Damn that sounds like a story straight out of a horror film.
Many people have in fact experienced what you did and it sucks because (also just like you) they end up not going camping ever again, just to not go through the same experiences.
The lack of stargazing opportunities does suck but what can you do? Maybe if ALPS see this they can do something about it, lol.
Sounds good. Thanks for filling me in on the product. How hard is it to put up these tents? I can tell by how you speak of it it does have some great qualities as far as being weatherproof.
They are usually a freestanding design, so can literally be pitched in less than 5 minutes with the rain fly…otherwise 2-3 minutes without.
Hey thanks so much for the indepth review Brandon. so easy to read i and i definitely think that the pros outweigh the cons with this one though i think it would be cool to star gaze but you need to take into account the space that these tents give.
Thanks again for your help. love the ease of reading
There are some cons but I have to agree with you, the pros are much greater. The cons aren’t even much of an issue anyway.
I guess it’s all about the purpose of buying a tent. These tents are made especially to withstand bad weather which is a very good strength for people looking for this kind. I and my friends occasionally camp as well, most of the time in beaches. I haven’t tried camping in mountains, and always check the weather before going, but once we do, given the good things you elaborated and the positive reviews they receive, I for sure will take this into consideration.
Like I said, ALPS offer high-value-for-money products.
The fact that their 3-season tents can withstand winter conditions is incredible. Some of them can handle minor snowfall too, which says a lot about the quality.
I never thought about tent quality..I thought they all the same but reading your reviews got me a good much of information. If I ever need one I know what to look for ..thanks.
Nope, just like anything in this world. There are brands with bad quality and brands with good quality.
I come along and show you which tents ones are worth investing in and which ones to stay away from.
I’ve reviewed many tents over the last few years and can help you choose one that’s right for you. Just leave a comment when you’re after one. I’m always online and happy to help.
Nice information. Much better than a review I read that went something like “My granddaughter LOVES her new play tent”
I have the Alps mountaineering meramac 6 person tent. After purchasing other tents that leak. I did my research and I chose Alps.
I’m pleased to say that not one drop of rain entered the tent after a 12 hour heavy rain fall with wind. There was no condensation at all. The quality is outstanding. The floor is lightweight compared to other tents, but I always use a heavy tarp under and inside my tent to protect the floor. 5***** . Great price.