The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent is a 3-season, freestanding solo tent built for weekend campers who want durability and storage without paying a premium price.
This ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 review covers weight, weather resistance, storage, and setup so you can decide if it fits your camping style.
ALPS Mountaineering is a company founded by Dennis Brune in 1993. Since its inception, the brand has continued to grow and offer high-quality gear that is affordable to all outdoor enthusiasts. The Lynx 1 is a well-balanced tent that has an easy set-up and offers great value for money.
Now without further ado, let’s get this Alps Lynx review under away!
⭐ Quick Verdict: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1
Star Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
Price Range | Budget to Mid-Range |
Best For | 3-season solo camping, motorbike touring, hunting, fishing |
Not Ideal For | Ultralight backpacking, winter camping |
A durable, freestanding 3-season tent with generous vestibule storage and a lifetime warranty — at a price well below MSR or Big Agnes alternatives.
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Product Details & Specs
Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
Total Weight | 4 lbs. 4 oz. (1.93 kg) |
Minimum Weight | 3 lbs. 5 oz. |
Floor Area | 20 sq. ft (1.86 m²) |
Vestibule Area | 10 sq. ft |
Base Dimensions | 2’8″ x 7’6″ (229 x 81 cm) |
Packed Dimensions | 6″ x 17.5″ |
Center Height | 3 ft |
Design | Freestanding, 2-pole |
Fly Fabric | 75D 185T polyester taffeta |
Fly Coating | 1500mm hydrostatic rating |
Floor Coating | 2000mm hydrostatic rating |
Pole Diameter | 8.5mm (7000 series aluminum) |
Seasons | 3-season |
Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Who Is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent for?
The Lynx 1 suits weekend campers, motorbike tourers, hunters, and anglers who want a durable 3-season solo tent at a budget price. At 4 lbs. 4 oz., it is heavier than ultralight options like the Big Agnes UL, but it trades that weight for sturdier materials and more storage. If sub-3 lb. carry weight is your priority, check the Best 1-Person Backpacking Tents list instead.
Pros
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Durable, yet lightweight
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Vestibule storage
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Easy set-up
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Great ventilation
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Mesh storage pockets.
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Weatherproof
Cons
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There are better options for lightweight backpacking
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No footprint included
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Not for winter camping
Size & Storage
The tent has a base size of 7’6″ x 2’8″ for a tent area of 20 square feet, and has a 3′ center height for a good amount of head room. It is built to give one person enough space to live comfortably.
The vestibule extends usable space beyond the 20 sq. ft. sleeping area, giving campers a dedicated spot to store boots, packs, and wet gear outside the sleeping area. The vestibule area provides an additional 10 square feet of gear storage. With a 32″ vestibule depth, there’s space for even larger items under the vestibule. A gear loft and mesh pockets provide extra storage for small items like phones, headlamps, and water bottles.
The Lynx is very portable tent with packed dimensions of 6″ x 17.5″, a total weight of 4 lbs. 4 oz., and a minimum weight of just 3 lbs. 5 oz. It’s not the most lightweight tent, but this is an ideal weight for single person adventures. For ultralight options, check out the Best 1-Person Backpacking Tents.
Materials & Weather Resistance
The Lynx is a 3-season tent that is designed to keep you safe from the elements.
Is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 waterproof?
The Lynx 1 is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The polyester floor carries a 2000mm hydrostatic rating and the rainfly a 1500mm rating, both with factory-sealed seams. These ratings handle moderate rain reliably. In heavy, sustained downpours, seam tape can degrade over time, so reapplying seam sealer after heavy use is recommended.
It has half mesh walls, with a mesh top half to increase ventilation and a waterproof polyester bottom half to protect from the elements.
The 75d 185t poly taffeta floor is made out of the same material as the lower part of the walls and has a 2000mm coating to keep water out. The rainfly is again made out of that same poly taffeta material and has its own 1500mm coat. It’s also resistant to UV damage. The fly and floor seams are factory sealed to make sure water doesn’t get in that way either.
Two vents provide additional airflow when the weather turns humid. These vents can be opened and closed to create the perfect living conditions. The 7000-series aluminum poles (8.5mm diameter) resist rust and keep the overall packed weight at 4 lbs. 4 oz., competitive for a freestanding 3-season tent.
The tent doesn’t come with a footprint, but the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent Floor Saver can be bought separately if you wish to protect the underside of your tent.
It doesn’t provide the best weather protection for really cold weather, but it’s not designed to be a winter camping tent. For a great tent for winter camping, check out our recommendations for the Best Cold Weather Tents.
Pitching
The Lynx has a free-standing design that can be moved even when set-up. The two-pole design allows for easy assembly, even for first-time users.
How long does it take to set up the ALPS Lynx 1?
Most campers pitch the Lynx 1 in 5 to 10 minutes. The freestanding two-pole design means no complex staking pattern is required before the tent holds its shape, which speeds up setup on uneven ground.
You will want to use the guy-lines to secure the tent down, especially in high-winds.
To set the tent up, first unroll the tent onto the ground (make sure to spread out the Floor Saver first, if you’re using one). Then assemble the tent poles and lay them across the top of the tent to create an X.
The poles have little pegs at the end of them. Fit those into grommets at the corners of the tent to create the frame. Then use the pole clips to attach the body of the tent to the tent poles.
To finish, cover the tent with the rainfly, then use the included aluminum stakes to secure the tent to the ground. Don’t forget to stake out the guy ropes on the rainfly as well.
How Does the ALPS Lynx 1 Compare to Similar Tents?
The Lynx 1 sits in the budget-to-mid-range solo tent category. Compared to the MSR Hubba Hubba (2 lbs. 12 oz., roughly 2x the price), the Lynx 1 is heavier but significantly cheaper and includes more vestibule storage. Compared to the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 (1 lb. 13 oz., 3x the price), the Lynx 1 trades ultralight performance for durability and value. For campers who prioritize cost and storage over ounce-counting, the Lynx 1 wins.
FAQ
What is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1?
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 is a freestanding 3-season solo tent designed for budget-conscious campers. It features a two-pole design, 20 sq. ft of floor space, a 10 sq. ft vestibule for gear storage, half-mesh walls for ventilation, and a 2000mm-rated floor. It weighs 4 lbs. 4 oz. and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Is the ALPS Lynx 1 good for backpacking?
The Lynx 1 can work for light backpacking trips, but it is not a true ultralight tent. At 4 lbs. 4 oz. total weight (3 lbs. 5 oz. minimum), it is heavier than dedicated backpacking tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur. It is best suited to car camping, motorbike touring, and short overnight trips where weight is not the top priority.
How much does the ALPS Lynx 1 weigh?
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 has a total weight of 4 lbs. 4 oz. (1.93 kg), which includes the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, and stuff sack. The minimum weight — tent body, fly, and poles only — is 3 lbs. 5 oz. This makes it manageable for overnight trips but heavier than ultralight backpacking alternatives.
Does the Lynx 1 tent come with stakes?
Yes, the tent comes with guy-lines and stakes for you to secure the tent down in bad weather.
Does this Lynx come with footprint?
No, you will not receive a footprint with this tent. However, you shouldn’t really need one as the floor has a durable construction. You can purchase a footprint separately for extra protection if you want it.
Can I use this tent during the winter?
The tent is made for 3-season use, although you should be fine in cold weather if you have a winter sleeping bag.
Can a 6ft person sit-up in this tent?
Yes. I am 5’10” and there is plenty of room before I hit the ceiling.
Will the tent keep out bugs?
Yes. The tent is fully-screened.
Is there enough room for my 58L backpack?
Yes. You can store your backpack in the area provided by the vestibule.
Verdict
Here is a summary of the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1’s strengths and weaknesses:
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 is a strong choice for budget-conscious campers who need a durable, freestanding 3-season tent with generous storage. It costs significantly less than comparable tents from MSR or Big Agnes while offering a lifetime warranty.
It’s light enough for overnight adventures, but not quite light enough to make our list of the top 1-man backpacking tents. The tent is suitable for motorbike camping, hunting, or fishing.
Unlike many other 1-person tents, the Lynx 1 has plenty of storage space thanks to the vestibule. In fact, they offer a massive 10 square feet of extra space.
ALPS Mountaineering backs the Lynx 1 with a limited lifetime warranty. Contact their customer support directly if you experience any defects or damage.
The Lynx 1 delivers solid 3-season protection, generous vestibule storage, and a lifetime warranty at a price most budget campers can justify. Its main limitation is weight: at 4 lbs. 4 oz., it is not a true ultralight tent. For car camping, motorbike touring, hunting, and fishing trips, it is a dependable pick.
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