The Best Bikepacking Tent Under $100
My vote for the best bikepacking tent under $100 has to go to the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1. It’s a free-standing solo tent that offers plenty of space in both the tent itself and in the vestibule. Most tents in this price range cut quite a few corners but not this one. It comes packed with loads of features and its construction compares to that found on tents with a much higher price tag.
The upper body of the tent is made of a mesh material and the lower section of the body is made with a waterproof fabric with sealed seams. The side door is D-shaped mesh and it rolls out to be secured on the left side where you have clips and loops to hold the door open.
The tent is large enough on the inside to store some of your gear, but you also have an extra 10 sq. ft. of space under the vestibule.
Inside the tent, you have two mesh pockets, one at each end. Also built into the tent are a few clips above on the canopy to hang a light or dry some of your stinky riding clothes.
The freestanding design means this tent is very easy to set up. The two poles create a very stable X-structure and the tent body is attached through a series of hooks. Loops and grommets are on each corner for securing the ends of the tent poles.
The fly has two vents, both at the top on the narrow sides of the tent. They are secured with Velcro tabs and equipped with bars to prop them open for ventilation.
What’s Included
- A carry bag with two straps and buckles with a carrying handle, and a draw cord closure
- 10 aluminum pegs
- Aluminum tent poles
- Tent body
- Rain fly
- Extra fabric to patch the tent
Specs
- Total weight: 4 lb 4 oz
- Tent floor surface: 20 sq. ft
- Vestibule surface: 10 sq. ft
- Base size: 7’6 x 2’8
- Center height: 3′
- Vestibule depth: 32″
- Packed size: 6″ x 17.5″
- Pole diameter: 8.5 mm, 7000 series aluminum
- Free-standing two-pole design
- Easy assembly with pole clips that quickly snap over the tent poles
- Fabric:
- – 75D 185T polyester fly with 1500 mm coating resists UV damage
- – 75D 185T poly taffeta floor with 2000 mm coating
- Sealed fly and floor seams
- Extra-large zippers
- One door and one vestibule
- Mesh storage pockets
- Gear loft
- 7075 aluminum stakes included
- Guy ropes
- Rain fly attaches to tent frame for stability in windy conditions
- Easy entry
- Great ventilation
The Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 tent is not particularly lightweight, so it’s not ideal for extended bikepacking trips. But will work great for short overnighters or weekend adventures. Not to mention you could also use it for car camping, fishing, and hunting trips.
The tent offers loads of extra storage in the vestibule, with no less than 10 square feet.
The Lynx 1 comes with quality zippers on the door and vestibule, the aluminum frame is lightish but durable. My overall feeling about this tent is positive. I like its design and simplicity; it comes with all you need for a solo adventure.
