You are considering going camping this summer but still hesitating about which kind of tent to have for a beautiful sleep with nature? ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Zephyr can be the best option for your trip since they both have excellent reviews from users.
To help you make the best choice, the article will point out a detailed comparison between two types to know which one suits you the most.
Let’s go through some preliminary technical information about Lynx and Zephyr:
Lynx and Zephyr – Which is the best one?
In brief, in respect of a perfect space for two, excellent rainproof features, and extra warmth in the winter, Lynx would be a better answer than Zephyr. But if you wish to have a tent with greater longevity, a better sky view, and air circulation, Zephyr can outperform Lynx.
Lynx
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Key feature
Lynx 2-person-tent has a reputation for its main features despite the low price. Suppose you are a beginner at camping, setting up a tent is not a challenge.
For this reason, Lynx’s free-standing and aluminum two-pole design can let you set it up within minutes.
As this series is equipped with many storage pockets, a gear loft, and two vestibules, you will have additional space for storing essentials.
With an item weight of 5.8 pounds and dimensions of 90 x 60 x 46 inches (LxWxH), it is seen as super spacious but bulkier for backpacking or hiking.
Pro
- Wide and comfortable space for two people
- Old version: A small window on the rainfly for anyone who loves to enjoy the scenery outside.
- Large and smooth zippers
Con
- Slightly heavy and oversized => More effort to bring it along
- Light material leads to low-quality walls/floor and difficulty unzipping the door.
- The space between the bottom and ground of the doors makes it hard to get into the tent.
- The window on the fly of the old version affects users’ privacy, especially in crowded camping areas. Luckily, the latest update has removed it.
Zephyr
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Key feature
Zephyr’s key feature is the same as Lynx’s regarding their free-standing, two-pole, two-door, two-vestibule design and storage space.
5.5 pounds in item weight and 88 x 58 x 38 inches (LxWxH) in dimensions make it lighter and smaller to pack up.
Pro
- High-quality poles
- Lightweight
- Small and convenient package size for enjoyable movement
- The rainfly stretches closely to the ground => Less wind into the tent.
Con
- Too cramped to fit in two people and other things
- Raindrops into the tent because the bottom of the tent extends farther than the door of the fly.
- The entire net causes rain or humidity to get trapped inside the tent.
- Poor zippers are a common problem of this type. Some said that they could not be moved up and down. Others saw that under heavy and prolonged rainfall, they suffered from leaks as the seams of the zippers on the doors/vestibules are not taped-sealed.
Lynx vs. Zephyr Comparison
Similarity:
One outstanding advantage of Lynx and Zephyr tents is their free-standing and two-pole design.
You won’t have any difficulty setting them up, hence more time for entertainment activities.
Moreover, both types have two doors and two ample vestibules, which will give you more storage space and the comfort of not disturbing your partner when you want to get in or out.
Lynx‘s half mesh (cre: BaseCampChris)
They are both excellent options for keeping the rain out and ensuring your stuff dry inside the tents because their material is polyester with a waterproof function.
Difference
Weight and Size
If you are seeking a more expansive space, Lynx would be better for you as all of its widths, length, and height far outpace those of Zephyr.
Zephyr can offer a sense of comfort for one person, but its area is just enough for two people.
Lynx would be highly recommended if you wish to bring more stuff to your adventure.
On the other hand, the smaller Zephyr has the simplicity and the ability for you to carry it on your shoulders easily.
Zephyr’s entire mesh (cre: gideonstactical)
In terms of weight, because Lynx is bigger than Zephyr, it is also heavier for your trip.
However, the difference in weight between these two types is not apparent (5.8 pounds of Lynx compared to 5.5 pounds of Zephyr).
Therefore, this slight drawback of Lynx can be compensated by its bigger room.
Ventilation
In general, both ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Zephyr takes advantage of the ventilation mesh to improve the airflow.
But the main difference here is that Zephyr has entire mesh walls, while Lynx’s ventilation system is supported by its half mesh. This point results in both pros and cons of each type.
Though Zephyr cannot bring you enough warmth and protect you from the freezing air, its full mesh makes it become an ideal choice in hot weather.
Furthermore, you and your friend can be immersed in nature with full mesh.
In contrast, the half mesh of Lynx is suitable for a winter camping adventure, except for the fact that it can be pretty hot inside when summer comes.
Durability
Unluckily, the ultralightweight Lynx shows its lack of durability.
After a short time using Lynx, its users experienced a rip in some parts of the tent, such as floors or the plastic window.
It is hard to move the zip due to the super-thin fabric.
Despite being made from the same material, Zephyr received more positive feedback about its durability.
The mesh, rainfly, zippers, poles, and taped seams are popular parts that got great reviews.
Rainproof
Although the polyester fabric resists water, there are some points you should note when using the tent if you are unlucky to face rainfall during your adventure.
For Zephyr, the floor of the tent extends far beyond the top of the rainfly door.
For this reason, water is likely to drip into the tent immediately if the door is fully open.
One tip for you is to remember to tap the fly firmly for all water to fall before unzipping the door.
Talking of Lynx, there are almost no complaints about its rainproof function.
The rainfly covers the ten brilliantly, so no moisture is trapped inside the tent. This can be seen as a good feature for heavy rain.
Watch two videos below for more realistic images:
FAQs
1. Is the footprint included in the original purchase?
For both types, the footprint is sold separately here. It would help add extra protection to the tent’s floor and thus a longer life span.
2. Are they suitable to be used in the winter?
According to some reviews from previous users, both ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Zephyr can be used in the winter.
Nevertheless, here are some points you should pay attention to.
While it improves air circulation, the ventilation mesh can lead to a wet tent if you have not set up the rainfly.
Additionally, because the mesh and the lightweight material cannot fully protect you from the external temperature, you will likely feel pretty cold in the winter.
Bring a suitable sleeping bag or heating bag for better warmth.
3. Do you have any suggestions for shutting down the narrow window on the rainfly of Lynx?
This pretty small window is designed for you to see the outside view without sacrificing your privacy too much.
However, if you hope to close it, one recommendation would be spraying paints or using tape in dark colors.
4. Having an entire mesh with a rainfly, can condensation happen in Zephyr?
In normal conditions, you don’t need to worry about condensation.
Two vestibules are set for improving airflow inside the tent and controlling condensation.
Note that little condensation will build up if you stay in extreme conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from my point of view, the final decision of ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Zephyr depends on your specific needs.
If you want a lighter and more convenient tent, go for Zephyr. Its full mesh ventilation will give you complete coolness and a spectacular nature view. Above all, it is well-known for its toughness that you are not afraid of tearing your tent.
On the contrary, Lynx will provide extra protection from the cold. Its inner space is also ampler and more pleasant for two people to lie down. Moreover, camping in the rain would not be your worry with the rainfly’s excellent cover.
A camping trip would never be complete if you chose the wrong type of tent!
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