ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4 Tent Review

Product Review: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4 Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 - $150

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4 Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a sturdy, spacious 3 season tent for up to 4 people.

Pros: 

The Lynx 4 Tent uses a simple two pole design with a pole clip assembly that attaches the material to the poles, which means it couldn’t be easier to pitch. Total setup time takes only about 3-4 minutes.

This tent uses some very nice materials which contribute to its high durability and ability to withstand the elements. The floor is made from 75D taffeta with 2000 mm urethane coating. The fly is made from 75D polyester with 1500 mm urethane coating.

Featuring two doors and four half-mesh walls, the Lynx 2 Tent gives both campers easy access for convenient entry and exit while ensuring the interior is nicely ventilated and condensation is reduced.

A high quality fly is included which buckles onto the tent to provide added protection against rainy weather. The fly features adjustable vents which provide you extra ventilation while still keeping you dry plus windows to give you views of your surroundings. This is a really cool feature.

The 7 ft 6" x 8 ft 6" sized floor gives you 64 sq ft of floor space which accommodates four people just nicely. Two vestibules take care of gear storage to give you a convenient place to keep your camping gear dry. While the vestibules are quite small they provide enough space to store gear such as boots.

The included gear loft provides a great place for storing a light or fan to keep you cool. Pocket located on either side of the wall give you storage space for small items.

Cons: 

With a trail weight of 7 lb 9 oz, this tent weighs a fair bit so it isn’t one of the lightest backpacking tents out there. However, those prepared to carry its weight will appreciate its quality.

At 4 ft 4" high, it isn’t very high so we wouldn’t recommend this tent to very tall people or to those who wish to stand up and get changed inside the tent.

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4 Tent is a fine looking freestanding tent which impressed us with both its size and build quality particularly when considering its price.

If you’re looking for a well ventilated, medium sized tent for the whole family and you’re not into winter camping then this is a great one to go for.

Alpinismo 4 Season Tent with Aluminum Poles Review

Product Review: Alpinismo 4 Season Tent with Aluminum Poles

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 - $150

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Alpinismo 4 Season Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an affordable, lightweight, four season tent which can accommodate up to two people.

Pros:

The Alpinismo 4 Season Tent, known as the Hyper Lite Extreme weighs a mere 6.5 lbs making it one of the lightest 4 season tents in the market. Its compact size makes it suitable for backpackers.

This tent has been designed for very quick setup, taking under 3 minutes to pitch. It uses two lightweight aluminium poles which are shock corded for easy assembly. The seams simply clip onto the poles.

The build quality of this tent is impressive. With its robust aluminium poles it can withstand light snow loads in winter months without problem. The main tent materials are made from 100% polyester, while the floor is 2000 mm hydrostatic with sealed seams to ensure the interior stays watertight. The included 1000 mm rain fly ensures you stay dry in adverse weather. The side walls have anchor points to ensure the tent can withstand high winds.

Size-wise, the interior of the tent is 84" L x 61" W with a centre height of 45", providing sufficient space for two adult campers. Easy entry and exit for both campers is possible due to the two doors either ends of the tent. The mesh walls and top provide good ventilation so you can breathe easier on hotter days.

Inside there are two storage pockets on either side of the tent plus a mesh hanger which attaches to the top. The mesh hanger is handy for holding an electric light. Double vestibules provide plenty of dry storage space for storing camping gear when the fly is attached over the tent.

Cons:

While this tent is suitable for winter, it doesn’t stay at a 25 degrees temp inside when the temperature is below freezing as per the manufactures claim. Therefore, we don’t recommend it for extreme winter weather.

Not designed for heavy snow, only light snowy conditions.

The included aluminium stakes aren’t very good, so you’ll want to get some additional ones before you pitch the tent.

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The Alpinismo 4 Season Tent is a tent we like. It is very well made while still having a lightweight of under 7 lbs. Its versatile design ensures you stay comfortable in summer and in winter months.

The only caveat is that it lacks the warm retentive materials to keep the interior warm in sub zero temperatures. As long as you don’t intend to use it primarily as a winter tent in freezing climates then this tent should suit you just fine.

Kelty Parthenon 8 Review

Product Review: Kelty Parthenon 8

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $400 - $450

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Kelty Parthenon 8

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a sturdy, free standing tent which can accommodate up to 8 people. This large 3 season tent is ideal for a family of 5-6 people.

Pros:

The Kelty Parthenon 8 is quick and easy to setup in as little as 10 minutes thanks to its color-coded clip-sleeve design which uses 5 high quality DAC hybrid aluminium poles. We recommend you buy some additional stakes are the included ones aren’t very substantial.

The tent is made from lightweight, durable polyester materials. The freestanding design utilizes an ArcEdge floor made from 1800mm PU nylon taffeta which provides watertight sealing under the floor to keep you dry in wet weather.

The Parthenon 8 features two doors to give campers easy access for entering and leaving the tent. No-see-um mesh wall panels provide great ventilation to keep you cool on hot days while still giving you privacy. Additionally, the mesh roof is perfect for those summer nights when you want to lie back and relax.

The included rain fly features quiet zipper pulls, fly vents, taped seams and guyout points. This excellent fly does a great job of keeping out rain to ensure you keep dry.

The roomy interior has a footprint of 13 ft x 11 ft, giving you enough space to fit in 8 campers at a squeeze. To allow enough space for gear, we'd recommend no more than 6 people sleeping in this tent. The removable interior divider wall comes in handy when you need to get changed inside the tent and need some privacy. At the front of the tent, a 4 ft 5" sized vestibule provides a reasonable amount of dry storage for all your camping gear.

Gear loft loops allow you to hang lights from the ceiling or other gear. Organizer wall storage is provided.

Cons:

The included aluminium stakes are flimsy and poor quality so we recommend you get some sturdy steel stakes ready.

No footprint is included with the tent. You’ll want to get one to ensure that the floor is well protected.

The vestibule area is a little smaller than we’d hoped for.

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Specifications

• Packaged Weight: 27 lbs 3 oz
• Floor space: 143 ft2
• Vestibule space: 28.7 ft2
• Rainfly included: Yes

Summary

The Kelty Parthenon 8 is a great family tent which has the advantages of a nice roomy interior and high quality construction in addition to being easy to pitch. Its impressive height gives you plenty of room to stand up inside without feeling cramped.

We rate this tent as a fine choice if you want to take no more than 6 people camping either in dry or wet conditions.

Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent Review

Product Review: Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $300 - $350

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, spacious, sturdy tent for up to 3 people for use on backpacking or general camping. The high wall design makes it suitable for tall campers.

Pros:

The innovative design of the Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent makes it a cinch to assemble even by just 1 person. The inclusion of four curved, lightweight aluminium poles and the clip pole attachments make for a quick setup.

The steepness of the interior walls is brought about by the use of ridge poles which end several inches above the ground. This is one of the unique features of this tent, which creates more interior space compared to angler type structures. The use of a foot corner anchor system provides high fabric tension to prevent the material sagging.

Constructed of 30D PU Nylon ripstop fabric, the Losi 3 is both highly durable and resistant to rips, while still retaining a lightweight.

NEMO say their record for the most adults in this tent is 24. That gives you some idea of how spacious the interior is. However, we’d recommend no more than 3 adults max unless you’re intending to try to beat NEMO’s record.

The two door design gives you the convenience of easy entry/exit to and from the tent. Plus with two vestibules each camper will have their own storage area for camping gear. A cool mesh Gear Caddy is included which detaches for flexibility. It has two LightPockets which allow you to fix head lamps on to brighten up the inside.

A rollup style stuff sack is included which features separate compartments for the different parts. It features a cool glow in the dark chart so you can still read the instructions in low lighting.

The versatility of this tent allows you to create a shelter using the rainfly and the poles so the main tent can be left at home or in your trunk. This is great for the summer months when you want something to protect you from the sun.

Cons:

None.

Guarantee: Limited lifetime warranty.

Specifications

Trail Weight: 6 lbs 13 oz
Floor space: 50 sq ft
Vestibule space: 24 sq ft
Rainfly included: Yes

Summary

The Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent is a great tent which is worthy of its awarding winning status. Every user speaks highly of its quick no-hassle setup, highly spacious interior and brilliant all-round design. We highly recommend this Nemo tent, particularly if space is something you hold dearly.

We also recommend you get the optional Losi 3P Pawprint. This lines the flooring with a nice soft fabric for added comfort and provides extra floor protection.

Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent Review

Product Review: Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $150 - $200

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, dome-style tent for up to 2 campers with gear or up to 3 campers without gear.

Pros: 

At just 6 lbs 11 oz, the 3XT Tent is light enough to take on backpacking adventures without straining your back. The light green fabric color is elegant and blends nicely into most camp site scenery.

Quick and easy assembly – Setting up the Scenic Pass 3XT Tent on your own takes just a few minutes. The tent includes DAV Pressfit aluminium poles which are lightweight and durable. The use of tension clips helps make attaching the tent fabric onto the poles very quick.

Inside, the tent has a 48.75 square ft sized floor area with a centre height of 51-inches. It’s rated for 3 people, but we’d recommend only two so there is plenty of space to fit gear.

Two doors and two vestibules on either side of the tent give you good access and storage options. Each vestibule has 13.81 sq feet of storage space, which is ideal for two campers. Additionally, four storage pockets give you plenty of space to store smaller items, plus a gear loft in the centre of the tent which can hold about 10 lbs.

One of the doors has a no-see-um mesh panel which improves air flow for keeping cool. The mesh panel is fully adjustable so you can have as much privacy as you want.

The full-sized rain fly keeps you protected against heavy rains, making this a tent geared for murkier weather. Additionally, the polyester bathtub floor keeps the ground dry and waterproof.

Cons:

One drawback is that this is heavier than many other 3 person backpacking tents so hardcore backpackers may want to opt for a lighter tent.

The centre height of the tent is average so taller campers may find it a little too cramped.

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

We were impressed with the Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent. It’s durable, lightweight, very quick to assembly and has very good ventilation. Unless you’re a hardcore backpacker who needs to pack a very lightweight tent, add this to your shortlist of dependable 3 person tents.

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent Review

Product Review: Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $550 - $600

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a high-durable, all-weather tent which can accommodate up to 8 campers. Perfect for car camping.

Pros:

The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent is built for all seasons with its incredible durable and strong materials. The main material is its Hydra-Shield 100% Cotton duck canvas, which has been custom-woven for first class durability to handle the elements in all 4 seasons of the year. The polyester-reinforced vinyl floor is smooth, thick with double sewn seems and leak resistant. The frame doesn’t let the side down either. Its flex-bow frame comprises of thick galvanized steel tubing and 3/8 inch flew-bow spring roads to ensure maximum stability even in windy weather.

We found this tent is very easy to setup due to its simple 4 pole design. It can be setup by just one person although we’d recommend you have an assistant. You’re looking at about 20 minutes to complete the assembly. Make sure you bring a good mallet with you as the steel-rod stakes are very heavy-duty. It comes in a very nice roll-up bag which cleverly wraps around the tent for easy storage plus has separate bags for the poles and stakes to make it easy to carry.

At the front and back of the tent are two large D-shaped with durable YKK zippers for easy entry and exit. The four large windows (two front and back) feature a no-see-um mesh for excellent ventilation. Additionally, the two funnel-flow vents keep air circulated.

The 10 x 14 ft sized interior with a 6 ft 6" ceiling height provides a very roomy living space. You can fit 2 adults and 4 children in the tent comfortably, but we wouldn’t recommend 8 people unless you’re prepared to be stuck for space.

For storing your camping gear there are two organizer pockets plus a customizable gear loft. There are also hooks situated in the ceiling which are very handy for hanging items on.

Cons: 

Heavy. With a pack weight of 79 lbs, you’ll need transport to get this tent to your destination unless you’re one of the world’s strongest men.

The tent cannot be stored away when wet or it will degrade the materials so you need to let it dry before packing it away.

Guarantee: Lifetime limited warranty.

Summary

For car camping, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent has got all the hallmarks of a first class tent which can last for many years. It’s ultra-tough, spacious, well ventilated and easy to assemble/pack away. If you have a family of 4-6 people who don’t just want to camp in fair weather, this canvas tent should suit just nicely.

Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent Review

Product Review: Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 - $150

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, roomy 3 season tent with great ventilation, for up to 2 people. The large size makes it suitable for people above 6 ft.

Pros: 

The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is very easy to setup due to its user-friendly two pole design. The assembly instructions are printed clearly on the storage bag for convenience. The tent features clip attachments which attach easily to the color-coded aluminium poles on the tent fabric for quick assembly. Eight strong aluminium v-stakes ensure that the tent is securely pitched to the ground. Most users report setup taking only 5-10 minutes.

The main material of the tent is made from polyester, which is lightweight and breathable for optimal comfort. The bathtub floor provides waterproofing to ensure the tent stays dry even in heavy rains.

Inside, the 35 sq ft floor provides ample space for two campers with gear. The 43-inch height isn’t the highest we’ve seen in a 2 person tent, but is still pretty roomy.

Interior mesh storage pockets situated throughout gives you storage space. The detachable ceiling loft pocket gives you extra storage if needed.

The tent features dual doors and dual vestibules, so you have the convenience of going out from either side of the tent. If you have a sleepy tent mate, this feature comes in particularly handy.

The no-see-um mesh wall panels ensure superior ventilation so your kept cool in the summer season and provide an excellent view so you can gaze at the stars while listening to chill out music at those long summer nights.

Cons:

The vestibule areas are quite small so you can’t fit much gear there.

We found this is a little bulkier and heavier than other 2 person tents.

Specifications

• Weight: 4 lbs 11 oz
• Floor space: 35 ft² / 3.25 m²
• Vestibule space: 17 ft² / 1.6 m²
• Rainfly included: Yes

Guarantee: Lifetime limited warranty.

Summary

While this isn’t the lightest backpacking tent in the market, the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is a step-up in quality from other tents in the same class, but still remains affordable.

With its stylish looks, quick easy setup, roomy spacious interior, waterproof design and great ventilation, we whole heartedly recommend this without reservation to all budding backpackers.