Monday, August 19, 2013

Product review: ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2 AL tent


This past weekend I got to try out the Taurus 2 AL for the first time.   I was able to test it on a weekend back packing trip.  At 6 lbs. 2 oz it might weight a little more than most people would want.   Since I only have one tent for all my camping I needed a three season tent.  I also wanted plenty of room to store my pack.  I've been happy with my Alps internal frame pack so I decided to give one of their tents a try.

The tent has a MSRP of $199.  I was able to find it several places for a considerable discount.  The Taurus 2 AL is value packed with features.  AL stands for Aluminum, the material the poles are made out of.  Its marketed as a two man tent.  Which two adults could fit in the tent, with room for gear under the vestibules.  I had plenty of room for my pack in the tent.  My sleeping bag & two pads fit perfect.  Some thing I had been wanting in a tent was a gear loft.  The supplied loft worked great for my wallet, camera & assorted gear.  All in all a great value priced product.  My only grip was it didn't come with a ground cloth.  Other brands I've used included the ground cloth.  I plan on contacting Alps to see if one is available to purchase separately.  The Taurus 2 is well worth the price I paid, & I'm sure I will get years of use out of it.



Included
Rain fly, 7000 Series Aluminum Poles, Pole Bag, Stake Bag, 6061 Aluminum Stakes, Guy Rope, Repair Swatches, Gear Loft, Mesh Storage Pockets, and Tent Bag with Drawstring
Features
•Free Standing 2 Pole System with 7000 Series Aluminum Poles
•Easy Assembly with Pole Clips that quickly snap over the tent poles
•75D 185T Polyester Fly resists UV damage and stays taut
•Factory Sealed Fly & Floor Seams give best weather protection
•75D 185T Taffeta Floor with 2000mm Coating
•Extra Large #8 Zippers on Doors and Vestibules
•Easy Entry & Great Ventilation with 2 Doors (both with zippered mesh windows)
•2 Vestibules for gear storage and extra weather protection
•Weatherproof Fly Buckles on for maximum adjustability and protection
•Mesh Roof Vents increase ventilation and improve star gazing
Total Wt. 6 lbs. 2 oz.



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