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ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 2

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 2 three-season tent

Fantastic value!!!

Pros

  • The value is very good!!!

Cons

  • For ounce counters it's a tad heavy.

I own both this and a 1.5 model. BOTH are fantastic values.

I hiked the Olympic Mountains in Washington (Read RAINS A LOT) and have no problem whatsoever with either of them. I usually use the 2 to allow for more space, unless I'm trying to cut weight. Then I'll which down to the 1.5. Are there better tents??? Yes, BUT there is no better value tent in this style that I have seen in 25 years of being a gear head.

I've had over 23 different tents/brands, 28 different packs, a slew of bags and 1000's of pounds of gear (stoves, filters, cook kits, etc.). For years working at Christian Safari I have had/used gear for 12 backpackers of all shapes and size (kids to adults), meaning I've tried many brands and styles and though 12 is usually the max allowed per group hiking I've had total gear for 18 at all times. Canoeing gear for 9 paddlers, and camping gear for 30+ people for large church camp outs.... yep a real gear head.

I have/had qualities ranging from Stansport to Gregory/Dana Design/Moss/MSR/etc. We always looked for great value, rather than most expensive with lots of bells and whistles.

In 2000, I re-walked Colin Fletcher's 1000 Mile Summer and used, of all items a Slumberjack Summer Bivy and would rate that at 3 stars (at the time it was the only side opener available). The only reason this Alps is not at 5 is it is just a little heavy.... I will say I had the wind shift one evening with my 1.5 and burned a hole in the fly. Alps CS was very good and helping me out!!! Hmmm... so maybe 5 stars when you do consider the good Customer Service.

Thanks for allowing me to share my opinions,

Hersh

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $140+/-

Took this little tent on its first outing in feb09, liked the ease of set up, rain fly went on quickly and easily, did not use guy lines. plenty of room inside for 2, and the vestibule held my kelty red cloud 6500 quite easily.

I was a little worried because the top is mostly mesh, but about 4:00 am the bottom fell out rained about 4" til dawn, I checked for leaks and there were none, I just rolled back over and slept well.

I would recommend this tent, it is very sturdy, and with the fly it is very nice inside. I don't like that it is made in china but the price is good.

Design: mystique 2
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: easy
Weight: 4.11
Price Paid: $120

Awesome, lightweight tent.

Loved it during my backpack hiking to Humboldt Peak, Colorado.

Source: bought it used
Price Paid: $90

Works great for me. New design has additional zipper on fly for easier entry.

Design: 3-season non-freestanding
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Very easy
Weight: 5
Price Paid: $99

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Specs

Price MSRP: $219.99
Historic Range: $89.93-$199.99
Reviewers Paid: $90.00-$140.00
Base Size 5 ft x 8 ft
Center Height 3 ft 4 in
Vestibule Depth 27 in
Tent Area 32 sq ft
Vestibule Area 18 sq ft
Tent and Fly Weight 4 lb 11 oz
Total Weight 5 lb 2 oz
Packed Size 5.75 in x 18 in
Pole Diameter 8.5 mm and 9.5 mm
Style Two-pole Non-Freestanding
Use Rating 3 Season
Sleeps Two
Product Details from ALPS Mountaineering »

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