Zephyr 2 Tent Review
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Mitch | Filed under: Camping Gear | Tags: agnes, alloy, Alps, aluminum, and, backpacking, big, cabelas, camping, clips, coated, coleman, cr0cket20, crocket, dayhike, eureka, face, floor, fly, gear, guy, hiking, inexpensive, kelty, lines, Mountaineering, North, outdoor, poles, REI, review, Sale, sealed, seams, season, shelter, tent, tents, the, urethane, waterproof, wilderness, zephyr | 26 Comments »Reviewing the Zephyr 2 tent made by Alps Mountaineering. Purchased mine about 1.5-2 years ago and have enjoyed the tent. Does have some drawbacks to it, but certainly drawbacks I can either remedy or live with. Comes with sealed seams and urethane-coated fly and floor. Two alloy aluminum poles (and one small one for stability) with a clip to tent system help to set up quickly (does have small portion of the ol’ sleeve for the poles. However only 1.5 to 2 feet worth). All mesh sides help for great ventilation. But where I go I always have the fly on as one never knows when the moisture will roll in overnight and very suddenly. Price at this point is pretty good. Just a quick search online came up with prices from 0 – 0. Not bad at all and I have no problems recommending the tent, especially at that price. I paid more for mine when it first came out…honestly I would jump all over this tent for 0.
@CampfireTalk Welcome, so far so good.
@leetshots I noticed that in editing. I think I’m just going to start calling them vegies for short : )
@gullars83 yes
@usframe thank you for watching.
@HawkLMT thanks hawk.
Very informative. Thanks for posting.
Cr0cket . . . many thanks for a great review . . . that was a well done and detailed review packed into a short concise video. I like how you balance the good, the not so good and your experience with the tent.
Good review (even half asleep). If I didn’t already have a tent I would buy one of these. “Vestibules” is a bitch of a word to say… isn’t it? LOL
@Royalsfan55 LOL from now on I’m just calling them veggies.
LOL I could tell you just woke up.. Great review! =)
@Cr0cket20 I gave up trying to say it a long time ago… my wife made fun of me. LOL
@Verilioness Thanks. Mountain sleep + allergies = monotone stuffy review : )
@Cr0cket20 Well, at least you have an excuse. I sound just like that every morning. Ok, maybe my voice is a little higher, but not much.
Gotta love those “vegetables”!
REIOutlet currently has some really great deals on the Alps Triton and Neptune 2 tents. Both are usually over $150, but are currently on sale for under $100….and FREE SHIPPING.. hmmmm…
I’m thinking that something like this will take the place of the “family” tent when my son and I go camping by ourselves or just hike-camping. You said that it does great with inclemant weather. Did you use this during “Glacier”?
The only tents I’ve ever owned already had a tarped bath-tub bottom. I noticed that this design does not. Is this something that is normal for a hiking type tent? would you suggest getting one as you have with yours? Being that I’ve never gone winter camping before, is it able to keep warmth in well? I take it that layering would be in order if one was using it as a temporary “home” in some type of cold nasty accumulation outside.
@74Hobbes Yes. I’ve been hit many times with weather and it has done fine. While it is only a 3 season tent, I would like to take it out this winter and see how it performs.
@74Hobbes I haven’t taken it out during actually winter time, but certainly have taken it out and been snowed on several occasions. So far it has done well (except that flat spot on top that accumulates snow). This winter I might give it a try just to see how it holds up. Hopefully I won’t turn into a popsicle.
@Cr0cket20 Cool! I think with watching both yours and Nutn’s vids with the hiking/backpacking tents, it has definitely gotten me to think about adding a few more tools to my toolbox when it comes to enjoying the outdoors…if you know what I mean. Thanks!
I really appreciate the review! Just bought this on overstock. I’ve read many positive reviews on this product as well as other tents by Alps, but it’s nice to actually see a video review and hear your thoughts. It took me a few days to decide between this and the Catalyst 2 which was just marked down on REI and sold out. Ultimately I think the Zephyr will serve me well in FL where air flow is a critical on hot nights, but will serve me equally as well on backpacking excursions. Nice job!!
I really appreciate the review!! Just bought this on Overstock. I’ve read many positive reviews on this product as well as other tents by Alps, but it’s nice to actually see a video review and hear your thoughts. It took me a few days to decide between this and the Catalyst 2 which was just marked down on REI and sold out. Ultimately I think the Zephyr 2 will serve me well where air flow is a critical on hot nights, but will serve me equally as well on my backpacking excursions. Nice job!!
@orageman I’m the same way. I like to actually see the product, that helps me out a lot in my decision. Hope you enjoy it and get lots of use from the tent.
steapandcheapdotcom 79.99 right now this review sold it for me get it while you can
I love my Zephyr 2… also have a Zephyr 3. Have used them on only about 10 outings but agree with all. They are an outstanding value, and the newer Alps line that is out now seems to have skimped a bit on some features in favor of quicker setup. Still, my Zephyr takes only 5 minutes to set up. My wife and I share the Zephyr 3, while my young son and daughter use the 2. I also use the 2 when I am solo– it makes a great solo tent and can store a lot of gear. Thx for the review.
@mthirschberg I’m like you, I really enjoy the 2 for solo (some may argue the weight factor though). It just gives a lot of extra room and allows one to be very comfortable. Thanks for watching.
@Cr0cket20 I just carry an LCP instead of a Glock (or 1911 in my case) to make up the weight of the Z2… Lots of room for 1 and versatility for 2. With the Z3, I really can’t see fitting three adults, it is a very comfortable 2+ a good amount of gear for an extra pound over the Z2.
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