Whether it’s a romantic getaway with your partner, a BFF bonding session, or perhaps a little one-on-one family time with your favorite child, ALPS Mountaineering has constructed a solid shelter for the occasional camper.
The Lynx 2 combines ALPS Mountaineering’s world-renowned outdoor technology with affordability.
You may suspect that with a reasonable price tag, the tent quality would suffer, but the Lynx 2 is as every bit as durable it’s expensive counterparts.
The free-standing, two-person tent also has an easy, dual-aluminum-pole setup, saving you the frustration of trying to piece together a bunch of heavy rods at the campsite.
Compared to another best-selling ALPS tent, the Taurus 2, the double-walled Lynx 2 contains more exterior mesh, which promotes ventilation without sacrificing warmth.
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ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Tent
If you are searching for a tent to dip your toes into the world of camping, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 may be your best option.
For all you solo adventurers, or people who want to camp with the whole family, ALPS also makes the Lynx in one- and four-person sizes.
For all you solo adventurers, or people who want to camp with the whole family, ALPS also makes the Lynx in one- and four-person sizes.
Although, if you are trekking long miles into the woods or facing harsh weather conditions, then the Lynx 2 may not be your best option.
It doesn’t hold well in extreme winds, and with a total weight of nearly six pounds, may be too heavy to haul in your pack.
Pros
– Affordable
– Spacious for two people
– Enhanced ventilation controls moisture
Cons
– Not ideal in high winds
– Heavier than most backpacking tents
Size: Roomy for Two
Lynx 2’s factory-sealed floor measures 5’ x 7’6”, leaving plenty of room for you and your partner to sleep comfortable and dry.
Although, the 46” center height can make it difficult to maneuver around the tent.
I don’t mind a lower ceiling though, since I mostly use my tent to sleep, not hang out.
But, if you’re wary about feeling cramped, the Lynx 2 has you covered with dual doors, complete with extra large zippers.
That way, when nature calls in the middle of the night, you don’t have to worry about stepping over each other while fumbling around to find the zipper in the dark.
If you’re like me, you hate sleeping next to your muddy, smelly camping clothes.
That’s why two of my favorite features of the Lynx 2 are the dual vestibules.
The 20 ft2 total vestibule area allows for plenty of room to store your gear, and provides an added layer of rain protection.
Inside the tent, there are also mesh storage pockets and a gear loft to store your sunglasses, maps, flashlights and essential electronics.
Three Season Capable
The Lynx 2 is classified as a three-season, double-walled tent, meaning it’s designed for use the spring, summer, and fall.
During the rainy months, you may want to utilize the polyester rain fly, even if the forecast doesn’t call for showers.
And trust me, if it pours in the middle of the night, you don’t want to be stuck in a non-waterproof tent!
The fly’s 150mm coating protects the material from UV damage and the adjustable weatherproof buckles keep it pulled tight.
If you do choose to brave the elements and remove the fly, you may get an opportunity to peer at the stars through the Lynx 2’s half-mesh walls.
This feature helps to increase ventilation through the tent, preventing you from drowning in your own sweat at night.
Be careful though: mesh can rip easily!
If you see a defect beginning to form, you may want to sew it immediately before it grows into a huge gash in your tent.
As for other downsides to the Lynx 2 material: the floor is a little thin.
Tossing and turning at night may cause loose rocks on the ground to tear through the fabric.
It’s advantageous to purchase a footprint to place underneath the tent, minimizing the chances that it rips.
Lucky for you, ALPS Mountaineering knew that already, and offers a quality two-person floor saver.
Quick and Simple Setup
After a long day of venturing to camp, the last thing I want to do is struggle to pitch my tent.
Fortunately, the Lynx 2 may help ease your frustrations with its quick, easy setup.
The two 8MM aluminum poles are connected with a bungee cord so you won’t lose any vital pieces.
To pitch, simply lay out the tent, insert the poles into the corner grommets, and snap on the pole clips.
Add a few stakes, and voila! You’ve got yourself a tent!
Okay, maybe I make it sound a little too easy.
The art of pitching a tent comes with a lot of practice, and I remember fumbling over the instructions the first time I went backpacking.
You may want to practice a few setups in your backyard, or at the park, before heading out on the trail!
Another great feature of the Lynx 2 that often goes overlooked is it’s packability.
If you are camping in the woods away from your car, the shelter packs down into 6” x 20” case, so you probably will be able to fit it into your backpack.
Although there are lighter backpacking tents available, the Lynx 2 is light enough carry on shorter hikes.
Then, if you are ready to head back to the city, there’s no annoying folding.
Simply separate the tent’s hardware, and stuff fabric into the sack.
Durability
Unfortunately, the Lynx 2 could use some improvement in its durability and privacy.
High winds will be damaging to almost any tent, but the large amount of mesh means that wind can rip through the interior, catching the solid material, and potentially carry the shelter like a kite up into the dense spruce canopy.
Also, the mesh may be disconcerting if you choose to camp at a crowded site, since nearly everyone can see inside.
One easy way of fixing these issues is by proper use of the rain fly.
Ensure the floor of the tent is secured and pull the fly tight, using with guy lines to adjust the tautness.
For all you outdoor newbies, you may want to purchase some separate stakes, or perhaps tie off the fly to a tree just to be safe!
$$ Affordable
Nobody wants to spend serious cash if they are only going to be outdoors a few times of year.
ALPS offers an inexpensive alternative to its pricey industry competitors with the Lynx 2, yet provides similar protection from the elements.
If this tent seems to be the best option for your outdoor adventures, you may want to use the extra money that you saved to purchase a bottle of seam sealer, which adds another layer of weather protection.
Best Alternative 2-Person Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2
If you are looking into backpacking or thru-hiking, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 maybe your best option.
Coming in just below 3 lbs – without stakes – this tent is one of the lightest free-standing shelters on the market.
Unlike many similar backpacker tents, the Copper Spur’s bent-support design and horizontal top crossbar create a surprising amount of headroom.
The tent’s materials are made of nylon infused-silicone, helping to keep you dry.
The unfortunate downside of the Copper Spur is that it may cost you an arm and a leg.
Also, its lightweight design leaves it prone and vulnerable in strong winds.
Still, Big Agnes is a top leader in the camping industry, and you should take the time to check out the Copper Spur HV UL 2.
Wrapping It Up…
Even though it’s inexpensive compared to the other free-standing 2-person tents available, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 doesn’t suffer in quality.
The adjustable fly and half-mesh walls provide an advanced moisture control system, saving you the same heartache that I once experienced.
It’s a great option for all the camping rookies out there.
Get your own Lynx 2 and let us know what you think!