No doubt you already know that ALPS Mountaineering is one of the biggest brands on the outdoor market, so, I won’t bother you with the brand and I will jump into the comparison of ALPS Mountaineering Lynx vs Zephyr.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is one of the most efficient tents in the market, It has four sizes (one, two, three, and four-person).
Both of the tents come with different sizes, but most famous ones are their one-person versions, therefore, I will be comparing one-person versions of the tents, but the only thing that changes between bigger sizes is the dimensions. So, feel free to use this guide if you are looking for a two-person or three-person version as well.
In summary, both tents offer great interior volume for a one-person tent, they are nearly the same when it comes to weight and packed size. The question you need to ask yourself is, in what season you’re going to need a tent. If you need a tent for summer, don’t hesitate, go with the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr, If you need a tent for relatively colder conditions, go with the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 vs Zephyr 1: Specs
ALPS MOUNTAINEERING LYNX 1 | ALPS MOUNTAINEERING ZEPHYR 1 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Minimum Weight | 3 lbs. 8 oz | 3 lbs. 10 oz. |
Packed Weight | 4 lbs. 4 oz. | 4 lbs. 5 oz. |
Pack Size | Ø6" x 17.5" | Ø6" x 18" |
Floor Dimensions | 7'6 x 2'8 | 7'2 x 3'8 |
Height | 3' | 3' |
Floor Area | 20 ft² | 23 ft² |
Vestibule Area | 10 ft² | 5.5 ft² |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters | 7.9 millimeters |
Fly Fabric | 75D 185T Polyester Taffeta 1500mm | 75D 185T Polyester Taffeta 1500mm |
Floor Fabric | 75D 185T Polyester Taffeta 2000mm | 75D 185T Polyester Taffeta 3000mm |
Footprint | Not Included | Not Included |
Freestanding | Freestanding | Freestanding |
Check Prices |
Detailed Comparison of ALPS Mountaineering Lynx vs Zephyr
Capacity
Both tents are very similar when it comes to weight / interior volume / packed size.
- Lynx offers a 10 sq ft of vestibule area, whereas Zephyr only offers 5.5 sq ft.
- Zephyr offers a 23 sq ft of floor area, whereas Lynx offers 20 sq ft.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is longer but narrower compared to Zephyr. Here is a dimension comparison of ALPS Mountaineering Lynx vs Zephyr:
Season
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is a 3-season+ tent that has a lesser mesh ratio, therefore, it’s the better option for relatively cold weather campings.
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr has a body that is composed of mesh, therefore it offers great ventilation which makes it the better option for summer.
Longevity & Weather Resistance
Both tents are equally the same when it comes to durability, they both are made of 75D Polyester taffeta which is considered a highly durable fabric for a one-person tent.
When it comes to weather resistance ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is the winner, it has a lesser mesh ratio to keep the heat inside, and it is the better option for rainy conditions, ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr tends to leak in hard rains.
One important thing to mention is, neither of the tents comes with a footprint, you need to buy it separately. And I strongly recommend getting one to increase the longevity of your tent.
Check out the latest prices of ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Footprint and ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr Footprint.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Review
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is one of the most efficient tents in the market, It has four sizes (one, two, three, and four-person).
It’s a freestanding tent that has one door and one vestibule, and it offers 20 ft² of floor area, 10 ft² of vestibule areas which is more than enough for one person.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1
It’s made of 75D polyester which is a highly durable material, and its floor and fly are respectively laminated with 2000 mm and 1500 mm coating (this is a waterproofness rating), it’s not much but it’s enough to keep you dry in 3 seasons.
The tent weighs 4 lbs 4 oz when packed, it’s a bit much for a one-person tent, but considering its price, and durability, this weight sacrifice would worth it. If you’re looking for a lighter tent, I would recommend Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL and Nemo Hornet (they are not as pocket friendly as ALPS mountaineering though).
The tent is rated as a 3-season tent, but due to its very denier material and low mesh ratio (compared to its other 3-season alternatives), it keeps the heat inside, therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this tent for hot summer camping, but it would be a perfect option for slightly colder conditions.
Overall the tent is excellent for its price, it probably has the highest Performance/Price ratio in the tent market. But as I’ve mentioned, only go for this tent if you’re going to use it in slightly colder days.
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Review
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 is a freestanding, budget-friendly, 3-season tent that features one door and one vestibule. It has mesh all around the canopy, therefore, it offers great ventilation. It’s perfect for hot summer camps. If you’re into rainy, cold weather camping though I wouldn’t recommend this tent, it doesn’t perform very well in rainy conditions.
There are also two-person and three-person versions of Alps Mountaineering Zephyr.
One difference of this tent is, it has a different pole structure than its other alternatives in the market, therefore it offers a bigger interior volume.
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1
Considering its price this tent also strikes the perfect Performance/Price ratio. There aren’t any tent except ALPS Mountaineering tents that feature aluminum poles, waterproof high denier material at this price.
When packed, the tent weighs 4 lbs 5 oz, it’s a little much for a one-person tent, but this weight sacrifice worth it, considering its price and features.
The downsides of this tent are, it has a small vestibule, and not great for relatively cold weather camping.