ALPS Mountaineering is one of the leading manufacturers of backpacking tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and outdoor gear.
They are best known for their high strength-to-weight ratio products. The company was founded in 1971 and today is located just outside of Denver, Colorado. They run three separate types of companies that turn into one parent company. First there is the retail store called ALPS Mountaineering Outfitters (ALPS MO Outdoors), which has outdoor specialty stores throughout the country. Second, they have a company based out of Westminster, Colorado called Alps Outdoorz which assemble all their tents, backpacks and other equipment over seas before sending them to the MO Outdoors Stores. Thirdly, they have a camping division based out of Boulder, Colorado where they design most of their gear. This division is named Alpine Design Group (ADG).
Table of Contents
TENTS
The alps mountaineering company has many different types of tents made for different purposes. These include camping, backpacking and mountaineering. Tents vary in weight as well as price as to what they offer and how much protection is needed. For example one of the most light weight tents they sell probably weighs around 5 lbs and would be used mostly for backpacking purposes where it may spend most its time on an individual’s back rather than being taken down often.
On the other hand their expedition tents that are mainly used for mountaineering weigh upwards of 12-15 lbs and customers must know that these heavy duty aluminum poles will hold up even in harsh conditions such as high winds and rainstorms. Also, with a little more money a customer can purchase a four or more person tent that will offer more space and protection.
Backpacking Tents A backpacking tent is a lightweight shelter designed for people on the move, which generally means covering long distances while carrying kit at relatively high speed over variable terrain. A backpacker’s main concerns are weight and bulk. In their book “The Complete Walker”, Colin Fletcher & Chip Rawlins use the term Ultralight to describe two categories of backpacking equipment: lightweight loads (25 pounds [11 kg] total weight) with few comforts for short trips on easy trails; ultralight loads (20 pounds [9 kg] total weight) with a bit more comfort and adequate performance in weather for trips up to three days on average trails. The lighter of the two is sometimes referred to as “fast packing”.
SLEEPING BAGS
Sleeping Bags A sleeping bag, also known as a camping bag or cagoule (Irish), is designed to provide warmth and shelter from cold/wet conditions while camping, backpacking, mountaineering, hill walking, traveling with military personnel etc. Sleeping bags are available in many different shapes and sizes for various purposes. They vary in weight and packed size depending on their construction material and what they are filled with (e.g., goose down, duck feathers, silk fibers).
A conventional sleeping bag consists of an inner liner usually made of some type of cotton flannel or similar fabric that helps retain heat by giving a more natural surface for the insulation to cling to. A sleeping bag may have a skin made of any number of water-resistant materials, or no skin at all. This is usually called a bivouac sack or “bivvy” in british English and can be accomplished by simply using one’s clothing as a blanket.
Sleeping bags are stuffed with different fillings that typically consist of either goose down, which is the lightest, but also least durable filling; duck down (more commonly found in sporting goods stores), which is more durable than goose down; synthetic fibers including polyester batting, hollowfiber thermal insulation products, urethane foam (polyisocyanurate), kapok fiber or some combination of these. Some bags are stitched with wider seams to keep the insulation from shifting around, which improves the bag’s ability to provide warmth.
SLEEPING PADS
Sleeping pads are typically a closed cell foam, open cell foam or air mattress. Generally a sleeping pad can add much needed insulation from the ground when sleeping in a tent. The main functions of a sleeping pad is to insulate and protect the user from cold below or hard surfaces such as rocks, roots or branches that would otherwise be uncomfortable to sleep on.
PACKS AND BAGS
Packs and bags are usually designed to carry heavy loads of gear over long distances, in comfort. Their shapes are usually optimized for balance and carrying efficiency, not necessarily for fashion or appearance. They may have special features such as pockets, straps, buckles, attachment loops for other gear etc.
Tents are available in different sizes, with basic designs intended to accommodate anywhere from one person to several people. Extra-large tents have recently been made that can accommodate more than a dozen people at once.
Typically standard backpacking tents come with two “groundsheet” options–a thicker floor made of tough material which is useful if you plan on using the groundsheet as a tarp/rain catchment system by placing it outside the tent, or a much thinner “footprint” which is usually lighter and less expensive.
Who makes Alps Mountaineering?
The Alps Mountaineering Company, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado USA, is an American company that specializes in outdoor recreation. It was founded in 1962 by two former NOLS instructors, Dick Errera and Jeff Errera.
What are the origins of Alps Mountaineering?
Alps Mountaineering has roots back to June 20th, 1949. At the time, Joseph Wilk established a small store in downtown Evergreen near Denver called Evergreen Mountain Sports (EMS). The EMS main goals were to offer top quality equipment for skiing along with being an outfitting supplier for high country expeditions.
Where is ALPS Mountaineering based?
Alps Mountaineering is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
What year was ALPS Mountaineering founded?
1962.
Who are the founders of Alps Mountaineering?
The founders of Alps Mountaineering were Dick Errera and Jeff Errera
How do you fold an ALPS Mountaineering tent?
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 3 Tent can easily be folded so that it fits back into it’s carrying bag. Here are the steps:
- Lay down the tent completely spread out.
- You will fold up one of side panels on top of the other, repeat this for all four sides.
- All three poles should now be sticking up out of the center of the folded tent.
- Fold each pole tip into itself and push towards the folding edge you just created with your hands
- Find yourself a nice open space to lay your tent flat then open up your carry bag and place it in there accordingly
- Zip closed and you’re good to go!
How do you set up an Alps Mountaineering tent?
For exampke let’s take ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 Tent:
- Spread out the tent and find a nice flat surface to lay it out on.
- Lay your tent down with the two center poles going through the black loops at either end of the flysheet. The ALPS logo should be pointing towards you as you’re setting up your tent
- Gather all four corners of the flysheet together and raise them upwards over the poles.
- Position one of your side panels so that it rests horizontally against your body then pull tight to secure into place using both top and bottom clips
- Repeat this for each side panel, pulling each tight in succession so you have a well made shelter by this point!
- Insert all your remaining poles along the center of the tent, making sure all pole tips are inside the black loops.
- Position all four corner poles into their corresponding clips on both sides of your tent
- All that is left is to zip up the door by pulling it upwards
- You’re done!
What are some unique or standout features of Alps Mountaineering?
Alps Mountaineering makes very sturdy tents which can withstand some extreme weather conditions. Their footprints (groundsheets) are also made with a thicker material than other brands which adds an extra layer of protection for crossing hazardous terrain. For storage purposes all ALPS tents come with high quality stuff sacks and packing bags. Some models also come equipped with gear loft loops that you can use to hang lights, wet clothes or keys.
What are the pros/cons of Alps Mountaineering?
Pros: Alps Mountaineering is a very reliable company that offers great value for money. It has been around for years and still remains one of the top ten brands in outdoor gear. Their products are designed to last, so they’ll most likely be your go-to choice when buying new outdoor equipment
Alps Mountaineering doesn’t produce cheap tents but you can rest assured they will last you many seasons if looked after well. They’re made with incredibly strong materials that stand up to the harshest of conditions then packed away into durable stuff sacks once you’re done using them
Cons: Some people believe ALPS tents are overpriced compared to other brands, however this is largely due to their quality; which is very good! They are definitely worth the money in my opinion.
What size pack do the ALPS Mountaineering tents come in?
The Lynx 3, Lynx 2 and Alpinisto 8 all come with their own separate pack bag. The Lynx2 is roughly 28 inches long by 11 inches wide while the Lynx3 is around 32 inches long by 11 inches wide
How much do Alps Mountaineering Tents weigh?
The Alpine Light 8 Tent weighs 4 lbs 7 oz. The Challenger AT 5+ tent weights 5 lbs 12 oz. And finally the Lynx 2 comes in at 6 lbs 14 oz
What do Alps mountaineering tents come with?
All Alps Mountaineering Tents come with their own storage bag, stakes, guy lines and DAC aluminum poles for framework.
