ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent Review – Pros Cons

Regardless of whether you are a lifelong outdoors enthusiast or are headed out on your first camping trip, you likely have one nagging question in mind: what do I need to bring with me?

While many campers will debate on the usefulness of packing items like extra sleeping pads, cookware, and other “essentials” like cases of beer, nobody will argue that a tent is necessary for an ideal camping experience. That’s why we’re reviewing the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent.

 

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However, navigating the many options available can be a confusing and daunting process. Let us do the work for you, and consider the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent Review in our overview of its pros, cons, features, and benefits.

ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent – What We Say

ALPS Mountaineering offers many tents, and users have reported significant improvements in the performance of this tent, the Taurus, over that of its “sister” products.

For example, while other models use aluminum poles, the Taurus utilizes fiberglass, which tends to be slightly less durable. That being said, the Taurus assembles much more easily than its counterparts, offering a free-standing two-pole design for the same dimensions and interior space as comparable products.

How Roomy Is The Taurus 4 Person Tent?

This tent is marketed as being able to sleep four people comfortably, but many people say sleeping three is more realistic. This is particularly the case if you are camping with three fully grown adults or larger individuals. With a short height, it can be challenging to stand up inside, but sleeping three people comfortably is not a major chore.

The tent has a rain fly that is made out of polyester and is incredibly durable. I haven’t yet seen issues with weatherproofing or moisture build-up and that makes this a decent bet for camping in inhospitable conditions.

That said, the rain fly does not go all the way down to the ground, so it’s not a bad idea to lay a tarp underneath the tent for those particularly rainy, damp nights. This will help prevent the floor from becoming wet and causing damage to your belongings.

Ease Of Assembly

This tent is relatively easy to assemble, utilizing a pin at the end of each pole to attach to the ground. It should only take about ten or twenty minutes total to assemble the tent.

While some reviewers state that the pins require more delicate fumbling than do typical tent grommets, others praise the simplicity of this system and like that it is not challenging to locate or assemble. The fiberglass poles are heavier than aluminum poles, making it a bit bulkier to pack in as well.

That being said, tent stakes and poles are one of the most commonly complained about features of tents in general. Luckily, it’s easy to replace poles to make the tent more fitting for your current conditions.

The Taurus 4-Person Tent – Features and Benefits

This tent is an affordable option with the durability and good structure of a more expensive option. With two separate vestibules, it is easy to bring the whole family along the camping trip and still enjoy a small amount of privacy. There are two doors, allowing easy and quiet entry and exit.

Each door also has a zippered window, allowing for maximum ventilation during different weather conditions and precipitation. There is a mesh roof and mesh storage pockets to help keep everything contained and up off the ground, as well as a relatively long lasting rain fly.

Weatherproofing

This tent keeps campers nice and dry on even the rainiest nights, with the polyester rain fly offering maximum protection regardless of whether you are in the vestibules or main sleeping area. The rain fly also helps to keep the sun out of the tent, allowing it to remain cooler or allow for a comfortable (not blinding!) midday nap.

Another nice feature? The walls of the tent have long, clear windows, making it easier to allow in sunlight when you want it most. That being said, you may need to fashion a makeshift cover so that you aren’t bathed in sunlight when you’re trying to catch some hard-earned rest.

The tent has a lightweight design, making it easy to carry around as it comes in at only around ten pounds. It is low in profile, meaning it will hold up well against windy conditions.

That being said, it can be a challenge to put multiple people in this tent, particularly if you are planning on bringing along cots or air mattresses. The tent does not rise terribly far off the ground, so you won’t have a lot of head-space if you sleep high off the ground.

The Taurus 4-Person Tent – What’s in the Box

One of the coolest extra features of this tent is the additional miniature shelf that is built in at the top of the tent. This is useful for carrying and storing your essentials, like your car keys or flashlight, so that they are well within reach and off the floor. This is called the Gear Loft, and it is one of the coolest built-in features of this product.

How It Stacks Up

Offering relatively easy assembly and durable materials, this tent compares well to similar products. It has plenty of storage space and is ranked as one of the best among its competitors in regards to weatherproofing and overall quality.

You could get poor sealing in a few corners and on zippers, but we didn’t have a problem with how the tent stood up to moisture and drafts as a result. So that wasn’t much of a problem after all. These are some of the most significant pros and cons of the Taurus 4-Person Tent, as compared to similar products.

Pros

• Fantastic waterproofing makes it hold up well to all weather conditions
• Maximum ventilation with two doors, multiple windows, and mesh linings
• Two entryways and zippered windows on each door provide easy access
• Quick setup and take-down processes make campground assembly nice and easy

Cons

• Low in profile, which makes it wind-resistant, but also not possible to stand up inside
• Heavy fiberglass poles make it a bit more challenging to pack in for long distances

Verdict on This 4-Person Tent

A four-person tent is ideal for most campers, even if you plan on heading out there by yourself. This is because the spaciousness provided by a four-person tent will give you plenty of room to stash your gear, entertain a couple of additional campers, or even bring along your favorite four-legged friend.

ALPS Mountaineering was founded in 1993, and ever since has provided durable, high-performance tents. They have an excellent reputation, and the Taurus tent is no exception. It is a quality product offered at an affordable price.

While it’s not perfect – we aren’t crazy about the side windows or the fiberglass poles of this tent – its few flaws are heavily outweighed by the many benefits this product offers.

If you constantly find yourself getting soaked on your camping trips, or struggling to access a tent with stubborn zippers, then this tent is the right choice for you. A simple, two-pole dome tent, this product is an excellent choice for a small group of people looking for an exceptional tent to use on their next outdoor excursion.

Not quite made your mind up yet?  Why not read our Top 5 Best 4 Person Tents Review: Read it Here.

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