Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Alps Mountaineering Tent
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Cedarboy |
We had to purchase a replacement fly for our Outfitter 5 after a Laborador puppy mishap. My fault not his or hers. Lesson learned, never put said tent up in the back yard then let dogs out UNATTENDED, while you go inside to have a cup of coffee. They were great to work with and it was cheaper to get a new fly than to get it repaired. CB |
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kennk |
I have the very same advice when putting up a Scoutmaster's tent too close to a group of young Scouts. Storm guylines or other pullouts are an invitation to a tripping disaster as Scotus tear around the place. Even the corners of tents - where the fly clips to the tent corner - can get clipped as a Scout runs past a tent. I can yell "No running around tents" 'till I'm blue in the face, but it doesn't have much affect. In general I advise folks in the troop to leave guylnes unstaked until just before bedtime in order to minimize the risk. As I'd mentioned before, do keep in mind that the taller 6' tall 5-person and 6-person tents are bigger targets in strong wind. The shorter 4-person tents should do much better. |
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CW |
One note, I did return the first Taurus Outfitter for a replacement because I was not happy with the stitching where the middle top clip was sewn to the body/netting. There were some large enough holes in the netting to allow bugs in and the workmanship was just plain sloppy. They were prompt with the replacement but I ended up paying extra for the shipping on the return which didn't make me happy. But, all in all I've been happy with the tent for our family. I would definitely get a smaller version of the Taurus for when just my son and I camp but the CCS Lean Plus is calling which is a whole other thread and topic of conversation. good luck, cw |
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kennk |
They are very nice people. Here are some pics of my Alps Moutaineering Taurus Outfitter 5-person (tan) and my Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6-person (blue): |
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Eljer |
Taurus Tent Thanks |
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dogwoodgirl |
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Boppa |
Boppa |
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Voyageur |
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Eljer |
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overthehill |
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knothead180 |
I think of these tents as being mid-range on the quality scale, but often available at bargain prices. If that sounds like what you are looking for, go for it. |
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TwoByGreenCanoe |
Chuck |
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kennk |
I have lots of other tents - mostly Eurekas - and I can say that the Alps has equivalent quality and much better - simpler - design. Last spring I was out in EXTREMELY high winds in a large field. The wind was knocking all sorts of gear around. At 6' high the 5-person tent is a big sail. I had two storm guys on each corner at 90 degree angles or so, and with some gusts it still bowed in pretty far. It started making me pretty nervous. I really thought the aluminum poles would snap. Afterwards I looked over the tent and the only damage I could see was a bit of the mosquito netting that had stetched a little near one of the pole clips such that there was a 1/8" hole. Not even enough to have to stitch up. Whew! As I said, I like the simplicity. Insert the two poles in the corners, snap on the tent, put the fly overhead, fasten the Velcro tabs, pull the vestibules out, stake it down, and you're done. The 5-person version may be too tall for some to put the fly on solo, but I'm 6'5" so its not too hard for me. I especially like that with the vesibule and tent door open I can stand upright with my feet just inside the door and my head outside. This makes it easy to put on boots without doing funny dances. The vesibules are big enough to store a fair amount of gear out of rain. I store lanterns and camp chairs and other gear under the unused side. Oh, the other thing I like is that it doesn't have too much netting on the tent body. I had the Alps Merimac first, and it has lots of netting on the body. That's good for ventilation in hot weather, but when it gets cool out that leads to a LOT of draft. Ventilation is one thing, but having cold air blowing through the tent is not fun. After my complaining, my wife OK'd my purchase of the Taurus. With the two upper popout vents, the mosquito netting on the doors, and the breathable nylon walls, the Taurus has plenty of ventilation. I strongly suggest you invest in the aluminum poles, though I have the fiberglass poles for my Merimac (I still used it for summer camp due to the very warm weather), and the poles have done VERY well. I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend the Alps 4-person Taurus. You'll love it. |
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buz |
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Brik847 |
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mongo65 |
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kennk |
The hooded entrances loose the utiliy of vestibule storage, BUT they allow you to keep the doors unzipped in moderate rains, thus enhancing ventilation. |