How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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The freestanding ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2 Tent features a single continuous pole design, 2 mesh doors for easy entry and 2 vestibules for gear storage and weather protection.
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View all ALPS Mountaineering Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 14 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | Not applicable |
Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 6 oz. |
Packed Size | 6.5 x 22 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 86 x 56 inches |
Floor Area | 33 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 17 + 17 square feet |
Peak Height | 41 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | Aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Polyester taffeta/no-see-um mesh |
Floor Fabric | Coated polyester taffeta |
Rainfly Fabric | Coated polyester taffeta |
Footprint Included | No |
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Bought this as Catalyst 2 last time it was offered on REI outlet. Chaos 2 and Catalyst 2 are the same tent or at least have the same specs afaict. Weight a little heavy for backpacking but the extra room is appreciated. You could fit two people and a dog(or child, if you're into that) easily. Could be a bit more taught when pitched but it's minor OCD stuff. Doesn't effect performance. Could pitch this with just one hand I think. Easiest up I've ever owned. Plenty of ventilation when the fly is in use. Haven't been tested by a serious rainstorm to comment on that but I'm happy with the purchase I made at the price I got it for. (Closeout) If you go with it, enjoy!
I bought this tent in the beginning of summer after deciding that my 3 man tent was too much space and weight. I've been extremely pleased with the performance of the Chaos 2. Set up is a breeze. Alone, I can set up this tent in under 3 minutes. Two poles with external clips that are very self explanatory. I love that most of the tent is mesh. All of the stars without the mosquitoes. The rain fly has been effective in the rain showers that I've tested it in so far. We haven't hit any real gales this summer, but in the light showers it's been through there were no leaks, and the gear under the vestibules was still dry in the morning. Overall, very pleased with its performance, weight, and packability. Great product!
I have been very happy with this tent! It is possibly the easiest tent to set up I have ever owned. The poles are shock corded into one piece, and allows me to set up on my own in about 2 minutes. I use this tent when camping with scouts, and as a lone lady scouter, I don't have to share my tent. That said, there is plenty of room to do so. The tent is long enough that gear could easily store at your feet. The vestibules make a great place to leave boots and other gear, so things stay dry. I recently camped for a weekend where the rain just kept coming. I stayed nice and dry. The sides tend to be a bit 'floppy', but it in no way impedes the function. There are many gear pockets, and the fact that the gear loft is included is a nice touch. Also included are small fabric samples to use as patches. Again, a nice touch. I like it well enough that I will be buying another shortly.
I've now had this tent for for about 6 months, and have taken it on a variety of trips. This tent functioned well in all of them. My last trip was into the mountains at 8,000 feet elevation, temperatures in the teens, winds up to 30 mph and snow falling all night. I didn't have a problem at all, it help up against the wind and snow and kept me warm. There was slight condensation when I woke up but that was only because I forgot to open the vents, which would have corrected the problem. This tent is a true 2-person, as my and my girlfriend have plenty of room (both of with full size pads). With the weight split between the both of us, it really isn't a problem. There are plenty of lighter tents of the market but I was looking for a cheaper one that was still good quality, and that what this tent it. The perfect balance between quality and price.
I have one season use in this. Seen all weather types but snow. I was concerned about the one pole design but is solid when fly is on. If you do not crank the fly down you can use zippers with one hand. If you crank it the walls will sag. Took me a bit to find the sweet spot but if set up right it works well. Use it as a large 1 man and have to say it would be tight as a 2 man. Vestibules are useful but a little too small for my liking. This replaced a tent with 2 monster vestibules and they are missed at times. Sides of the fly are too lose and will lay on the tent in the rain but there are little loops that I rigged para cord to and once staked it works very well. I do not like that it does not have a 1 piece floor and the seam runs down middle of tent. This has not failed as it is taped but could be a longevity issue. Tent is small when packed and certainly lightweight enough for one person to carry. Got 20 percent off outlet price last year and for that money it cannot be beat.
I bought this tent to use in cold snowy conditions in Northern Arizona. Tent holds up well in 20F degree weather. Large enough for my 100lbs German Shepherd and myself (5'11ft and 150lbs male) with a lot of extra space inside for my gear. No condensation builds up on the inside of the tent, only on the inside of the fly. The fly is very tight, so it takes some adjusting to find the perfect fit. Like other reviews mentioned, it is very easy to set up. Only one pole that basically straightens itself out. Love the look of this tent. Other tents in this price range all look the same with horrid color combinations, but this one just looks like a serious tent. Haven't really tested the rain fly too much, but I'm confident that it will keep me dry from above and below. I recommend this tent especially at its sale price.
Bought this tent earlier this year, so far have used it on roughly 5 or 6 outings and in various conditions. I have used it in rain, wind, and temperatures from high 30's to 90's and it has had no issues. I have been dry and have used it as a 2 person tent with plenty of room. On one outing we even took 2 large dogs with us, which I have to say was very tight (as expected). Set up is quick and easy, after you set it up the first time you will have it mastered. I have found that in cooler weather there is a lot of condensation on the underside of the fly. This could be due to my lack of experience, but the fly was completely soaked in the morning. The inside of the tent has never gotten wet though, and I have had it out 3 days in constant rain. One minor issue is that after having it out 2 times, I noticed a small hole in one of the doors (in the mesh). It just seemed to appear, and I was extra careful as it was a new tent. Not a major issue, just a little annoying after getting a new tent. Overall, it has been a great tent for the money.
I used this tent for the first time last night at 11,000 feet and it was great. So easy to put together and take apart. Easy to enter and exit and comes with guy ropes and a handy-dandy equipment net to hang from the ceiling. The fly kept the high mountain winds out.
I bought my first ALPS tent 6 years ago and was pleased with its performance. Decided to buy the Chaos 2 and test it out for myself. I ended up buying this over the REI Half Dome 2 because the vents are engineered to prevent any rain at all from leaking in. I love that this tent has large vestibules with enough room for stashing packs out of the rain. It has a superior rainfly design with 2 vents that allow for cross ventilation and zero leakage. The slightly loose vestibule coverings actually allow for more gear to be stored underneath without exposing it to the elements, which is is great, and the fly comes all the way down to the ground which helps keep you dry and warm on rainy and windy nights. The straight-zip design on the doors relieves pressure on the zippers themselves (although the velcro rainflaps are annoying). It is made of durable fabrics, and came in a cinchable stuffsack, which was an added bonus. The mesh feels very durable, even more so than other brands, but we'll see how it holds up in practice. I thought the pole design was a single pole (even though specs said 2), but it is indeed two poles. However, it is still very quick to set up and the "Y" joints allow the poles to be packed together tightly, saving space. The pockets are numerous and well placed to keep even documents dry, and the boxy siding makes for a roomy interior. Multiple tie down points make sure this tent will hold up in high winds.
I actually have the Chaos 3, but wanted to put my two cents in because it's been a great little tent. It's a little heavy for back-country stuff and may not be as durable as others, but for the price it's been great! We've taken it everywhere: fishing in a downpour all weekend, biking trips, backpacking, car camping, kayaking, canoeing, rain sun and snow. Super easy to set up and it's never failed us and has always kept us dry. These tents are pretty roomy too, even at capacity we have some extra room for gear. One of the zippers has been funky and it's starting to get little holes, but it's been through a lot and has lasted a few years so I have no complaints and definitely recommend it to someone just starting off. We are now upgrading to something smaller and lighter, but will definitely keep this one around for car camping road trips.