ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season Review

Let’s Dive into ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season promises a luxurious camping experience, blending ample space with three-season versatility. Manufactured by ALPS Mountaineering, this tent aims to be your home away from home, offering near-vertical walls and large awnings for enhanced comfort and protection. I was particularly intrigued by its combination of fiberglass and steel poles, hinting at a robust yet spacious design.

My quest for a new family tent stemmed from a recurring issue: cramped quarters. Our previous tent, supposedly a “4-person” model, felt more like a sardine can with two adults and a child, leaving no room for gear or even comfortable movement. I needed a tent that could genuinely accommodate my family, plus some friends, with room to spare for cots and card games during those inevitable rainy camping days.

Upon unboxing, the Camp Creek 6 made a strong first impression. The Glacier Gray and Molten Lava color scheme is aesthetically pleasing, and the materials felt durable to the touch, especially the 150D Polyester Oxford floor. While the tent is substantial, weighing in at 23.5 lbs, this seemed a fair trade-off for the promise of increased space and stability.

I considered the Coleman Cabin Tent 6-Person and the CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent. The Coleman prioritizes quick setup but lacks the headroom of the Camp Creek 6. The CORE tent offers similar space but felt less sturdy in its construction. I chose the ALPS Mountaineering tent for its seemingly superior build quality and the attractive awning design.

Initial excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension given the weight, but the overall design and features left me hopeful this tent would solve my camping space woes. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype in a real-world setting.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season to the Test

First Use Experience

The inaugural test of the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 took place during a weekend camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The campsite was relatively flat, offering a good testing ground for setup and overall stability. The weather cooperated initially, but a moderate rainstorm rolled in during the night, providing a crucial test of its weather resistance.

Setup, while not instantaneous, was relatively straightforward, thanks to the hub design and pole clips. The combination of fiberglass and steel poles created a stable structure, even before staking it down. The ample interior space was immediately noticeable, easily accommodating two cots, gear, and leaving plenty of room to walk around. The rainfly, with its large awnings, performed admirably during the rainstorm, keeping the interior dry and providing sheltered entry and exit points.

No major issues arose during the first use, although I did find the single door slightly inconvenient for a tent of this size. Also, figuring out the optimal tension for the rainfly took a little trial and error to prevent sagging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several camping trips spanning different seasons, the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 has proven to be a reliable and comfortable shelter. The 75D 185T Polyester fly has shown no signs of UV damage or stretching, maintaining its tautness even after prolonged sun exposure. The 150D Polyester Oxford floor has held up well to repeated use, showing no punctures or tears despite being set up on rocky ground.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each trip has been sufficient to keep it clean. I did notice a slight discoloration on the floor after a particularly muddy outing, but this was easily removed with a mild soap solution. Compared to my previous experiences with lower-quality tents, the Camp Creek 6 has far surpassed expectations in terms of durability and weather resistance.

Breaking Down the Features of ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season

Specifications

• Sleep Capacity: 6-Person. This tent comfortably fits a family of four with room to spare, or six adults with minimal gear.
• Floor Area: 100 sq. ft. The spacious floor plan allows for cots, gear storage, and room to move around comfortably.
• Internal Height: 84 in. The impressive 7-foot center height allows most campers to stand fully upright, a significant advantage for longer camping trips.
• Weight: 23.5 lb. While not the lightest option, the weight is justifiable given the size and robust construction.
• Packed Size: 8 x 28 in. The packed size is reasonable, fitting easily in a car trunk or rooftop carrier.
• Body Material: Mesh/Polyester. The combination of mesh and polyester provides good ventilation and weather protection.
• Floor Material: 150D Polyester Oxford Floor with 1500mm Coating. The thick floor material with a waterproof coating ensures excellent protection from ground moisture.
• Rain Fly Material: 75D 185T Polyester Fly With 1500mm Coating. The rainfly offers reliable weather protection with UV resistance and a waterproof coating.
• Tent Poles: Fiberglass Poles. The fiberglass poles provide a good balance of strength and flexibility.

These specifications contribute to the Camp Creek 6’s overall performance by creating a spacious, weatherproof, and comfortable camping environment. The tall center height and near-vertical walls maximize usable space, while the robust materials and coatings ensure durability and protection from the elements.

Performance & Functionality

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 excels in providing a comfortable and functional camping experience. The ample interior space, combined with the tall center height, makes it feel less like a tent and more like a small cabin. The large awnings over the door and window offer excellent protection from rain and sun, allowing for ventilation even during inclement weather.

The tent’s main strength lies in its spaciousness and weather resistance. However, the single door can be inconvenient, especially when multiple occupants need to enter or exit. The tent meets and exceeds expectations in terms of space and weather protection, but could benefit from an additional door for improved accessibility.

Design & Ergonomics

The Camp Creek 6 features a well-thought-out design with a focus on maximizing space and usability. The materials are durable and feel well-made, while the Glacier Gray and Molten Lava color scheme is aesthetically pleasing. The tent is relatively easy to set up, although the initial setup may take a little longer due to the larger size and pole configuration.

The straight side walls are a significant design feature, creating more usable space than traditional dome tents. The single door, while functional, could be improved with a second door for better accessibility.

Durability & Maintenance

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 is built to last, with high-quality materials and robust construction. The 75D 185T Polyester fly and 150D Polyester Oxford floor are resistant to wear and tear, while the fiberglass poles provide a sturdy frame. With proper care and maintenance, this tent should provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. Periodic waterproofing treatments may be necessary to maintain the rainfly’s effectiveness over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camp Creek 6 comes with essential accessories, including a mesh storage shelf, steel stakes, and guy ropes. The mesh storage shelf is a convenient addition, providing a place to store small items and keep the tent organized. The steel stakes are durable and effective for securing the tent in various ground conditions.

While the tent itself offers limited customization options, it is compatible with standard tent footprints, providing an extra layer of protection for the floor. Additionally, aftermarket LED lighting systems can easily be added to enhance the interior ambiance.

Pros and Cons of ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season

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Who Should Buy ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season?

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 is perfect for families or groups of friends who enjoy car camping and need a spacious, comfortable, and reliable shelter. It is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize headroom and interior space over portability. This tent is also a great choice for campers who frequent areas with unpredictable weather, as the rainfly and durable floor provide excellent protection from the elements.

This product might not be ideal for backpackers or those who need a lightweight tent for solo adventures. The weight and bulk of the Camp Creek 6 make it unsuitable for carrying long distances.

A must-have accessory is a compatible tent footprint to further protect the floor from abrasion and punctures. Also, consider investing in a battery-powered or USB-rechargeable fan to circulate air inside the tent during hot and humid conditions.

Conclusion on ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent – 6 Person, 3 Season delivers on its promise of providing a luxurious camping experience with ample space and reliable weather protection. While the single door and weight may be minor drawbacks for some, the overall design, durability, and functionality make it an excellent choice for car campers who value comfort and space. The price of $215.49 is justified given the quality of materials and construction.

I would personally recommend the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 to anyone looking for a spacious and durable tent for family camping or group outings. If you value comfort, weather protection, and ample headroom, this tent is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your camping experience today with the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6!