ALPS Mountaineering Taurus AL 2

I purchased the Taurus for my three-season backpacking adventures and I'm very much impressed with this tent!

The two person model has plenty of room for my girlfriend and I plus all our gear thanks to the two generous sized stake-out vestibules on either side of the doors. Entering/exiting the tent is a breeze due to each occupant having their own door and this proves to be most convienent for those late night "potty breaks". Weather-proofing is superb with the Taurus's full coverage polyester rainfly that refuses to sag when wet and which is factory hot-taped. Four guylines at each corner assures stability during windy conditions. Condensation is not a problem (even with the vestibules closed) thanks to the smartly placed mesh roof vents, even in the worst of weather.

Personally, I can't find fault with this tent. I owned more expensive "big name" brand tents (such as Sierra Designs) and I actually like the ALPS tent better! ALPS simply gives more for your money like the polyester (as opposed to the saggy nylon rainfly the SD's tent had) and two doors and vestibules. In short, the ALPS Taurus compares well with the more well known brands! Plus setup is a breeze due to ALPS empolying the use of clips that attach to the poles which makes for a fast and uncomplicated pitch.

This is the first true tent for backpacking I have purchased. It was a very good value since it is an oversized 2-man tent. There is sufficient room between the two sleeping in the tent. Also, there is a lot of room between my feet and the end of the tent to store clothing or equipment.

The tent is very easy to set up and the fly is easy to attach. The fly is also have two large vestibules that allow for room to store equipment or to leave a pair of muddy boots.

The tent is only about 6 pounds so carrying it is not difficult.

Update: May 28, 2007

This is very good 2-man tent. The length of the tent provides for room to place clothing or equipment at the foot of a standard sleeping pad. There is also plenty of room between the two sleepers so that it does not feel tight. Also, the large vestibules, on each side, provide a place to store a backpack or other equipment. The tent is very easy to put up and the fly attached with clips which make it easier in wind.

The fly provides very good project in a driving rain storm. I will be purchasing another tent from Alps when the time comes.

This tent held up beautifully on a month long trip to Alaska in wind and weather. The full fly never even touched the inner tent. No sagging there. Even on the warmer nights it performed well -- no condensation problem ever. It's a perfect size for two people with the vestibules giving enough extra room to put on muddy boots or store them there away from the rain. The two doors are great, zippers did not snag once. It's heavier than other backpacking tents I have used, but still doable if you divide the load. It's great to have enough room to wait out a storm if necessary.

The only "complaint" I have about this tent is that the window in the fly (which is a feature I truly like) does not have a cover to pull down. I actually sewed on my own window shade made of super light plastic to get more privacy.

All around this tent is a winner. And at a great price, too.