I've been using my Mystique 1.5 for almost 5 years now. ZERO issues! Just returned from a few nights in the Eastern Sierra and got hit with HIGH winds and a snow storm. I stayed warm and dry the whole time. I'm on the small side, so I bring all my gear inside the tent except for my boots and bear canister. Also, I did not use my guy lines and the tent still stayed put - but I appreciate you showing how to use them in your video!
I only used it once because I wasn't a huge fan of it after a 2 night trip -- wanted to like it, was jealous of my friend's Zephyr 1 more. The roof kind of sagged for me and dripped a lot of condensation, just couldn't seem like I was able to pitch it taut enough.
I'm sorry to hear that but it surely has not been my experience. I'm not tent expert and the Mystique 1.5 is the only tent I've ever owned or pitched. I do know from camping with my husband in bigger tents that he insisted on not touching the tent material when it was wet outside as it creates the internal dripping ... so maybe I've been more mindful for that reason. In any case, I've gotten my money's worth and will continue to use it on my solo backpacking trips.
I live by Alps for my tents. I have one of their larger dome tents (the Meramac 4 person) for taking the family car camping and then I use the Lynx 1 for my hiking/primitive camping excursions. Buddy of mine has the Mystique 1.5, upgraded from a small 1 man tent, he absolutely loves it. Good review!
I have an opportunity to pick up a used one for $50, I was hesitant because I figured it was a cheap crappy tent, the owner is a physician who used it on a Doctors without borders assignment and doesn't need it anymore, so I think I'm gonna give her a call and see if she still has it. Thanks for the review, great job.
Sorry, I meant to say thank you for making this thorough video! Note the specs in your note are for the Mystique 1.0, I believe. The 1.5 is a bit larger and heavier. Also include the weight of the floor saver.
Great Review! I like to think of this tent as a halfway between a more expensive two person tent and a somewhat cramped 1 person tent. I'm sort of a big guy, so I think this will help with space issues I may have in smaller single person tents (Like Alps Mountaineering zephyr or Lynx good stuff!
This is the exact tent at the Weanas Mountaineering Adventure 1 person tent ($59.99 walmart) ($74.99 amazon). I was looking at this tent cause it has 2 exits/vestabules and had decent head room. Went with Weanas to save a few bucks and hit it with some waterproofer. Great review.
Good advice re the cost of a tent -- save on the tent, so you'll have some for other gear. I like that you didn't do the review until you used the tent for awhile. Can't say that for a lot of gear reviews. I like the look of the tent, but it seems a little heavy at 4 pounds -- where is the weight, just in the material, I guess?
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Thanks Evan. Appreciate the feedback. Trail weight is 3lbs 4 ozs. Without the extra stakes for the wind tie outs its around 3lbs. Certainly not ultra light but decent, especially to start out.
Good review. I’m looking for a new tent for Motorcycle camping, so weight isn’t important. I want something that is quick to set up, wind resistant and keeps the water out. I like the two vestibules. Good places to store boots, helmet and my Jetboil. At the same time there’s enough room inside for more gear if necessary. Seems like a great value to me. I’m surprised more companies aren’t making 1.5 person sized tents. I’d think they’d be a popular item, especially for people like me who aren’t backpacking and concerned about every extra ounce.
I just bought one today at The Goodwill store for $3.49.It was missing the poles,ground sheet and the rainfly.But I can find the poles and not that concerned about the rainfly when I could use a tarp.
Hey, great video review of the Mystique 1.5. I'm a broken record about Alps Gear, as I think they make great tents and gear at a really affordable price. And I agree with you on the notion of folks jumping into backpacking and getting a Big Agnes Copper Spur or Fly Creek. Big Agnes makes great tents, but maybe a little expensive for when you're just starting out. I have the Taurus 2, which is a great tent, albeit a bit (a lot) heavy for backpacking. I think the Mystique series is a great starter option for folks.
Hello All, Gadget from Just Go Backpacking here. Sorry this response is way over due (understatement) but shortly after shooting this video I was converted from ground dweller to hammock hanger. Not using this tent, it's components ended up everywhere. Now that I have them gathered I was able to weigh them. All weights include all original equipment including the nylon bags that each component come in. Here are the specs: Stakes & Tie Downs - 10.08oz Poles - 10.12oz Tent & Fly - 50.97oz Total. 71.17oz. or 4.44Lbs Factory Floor Saver - 7.05oz Now for the dimensions: As stated in the video the tent is 8'L x 3' at the head end x 4' at the widest sleeping point x 18" at the feet. The vestibules are 20" deep each. The slightly smaller 1.0 is 7'10"L x 27" at the head end x 3'6" at the widest sleeping point x 17" at the feet. The side vestibules are 15". I hope this answered most questions and once again sorry it took so long for the response. Thanks for stopping by the channel! Gadget, JGBP
Considering this tent. Any comment about after using it a while? Or about the fact it is not free standing? or its weight? I do wish it was a bit lighter.
As wilderness camping is a mentored sport - I’d like to offer this to all in answer to this question/concern. At around 4 lbs (including ground cover, fly & stakes) for a solo tent is not bad and quite standard. Consider the following; a tent is crucial gear and shelter from the storm. Its strengths are in the frame/pole design, taffeta material durability & thickness, DWR density and tie-down/stake-out management. Now each OEM will balance/joggle these parameters to fit a given need-functionality/weight/cost specification. Keep in mind that as you add or subtract to meet a target functionality/weight/cost specification, you also add or subtract to its design strengths and that’s a balancing process. There are lighter tents but only two way to accomplish this (in deign engineering); either cut the functionality-durability of the materials OR use advanced lighter materials that won’t degrade functionality-durability but this will cost more (about $200 per 8oz). A third way would be to use makeshift poles (trek poles) and use rocks/trees as tie-downs instead of stakes (but these not always practical). That’s about it on the subject. Enjoyed the video - Cheers
Hi. The advertised weight is 4.3 lbs plus 0.45 lbs for the floor saver. I am curious if you have put the whole package in a scale to check? I have been eyeing this tent for some time but the weight is making me leery. The last four tents I have bought, the advertised weight and the scale never match, and always in the wrong direction - a pond+
Thanks for the review! It is really helpful! I'm considering this or the Lynx 1 person. Can you fit two regular sleeping pads in this tent side by side or would they overlap? If you can't fit two on the floor, what do you use for pads for two people? Also, do you have much condensation problems with only one vent on top?
+Dan Rosenbush Hey Dan, They do overlap slightly at the end. That is using the rectangular Thermarest foam pads. The tapered inflatables would not overlap, but would be close. Condensation is not a problem. The tent is well vented. The two side vestibules can be adjusted to let a cross ventilation as well.
Steve Everett Really?? Come a long way in tent engineering? ?What a snobby remark. Your quarter dome is no better engineered than this tent. You are wrong to think that free standing tents are far superior to non free standing. My non free standing tent weighs 27 oz, and I would choose it night after night. Yes I agree this particular tent is heavy. However, if he's happy with it then it's the best tent for him. Don't tell him it's a bad , poorly engineered tent, as it isnt. Alps mountaineering makes good tents and has a great warranty. And don't scare people away from perfectly fine non free standing tents. Sheesh. Tents are highly subjective, like packs, sleeping bags, most backpacking gear, what works awesome for one may be a fail for another and vice versa. This tent is not an old school type tent at all. Have you ever used a non free standing tent? If you have, and didn't like it, fine. But others may find them wonderful. Don't write off a whole species due to 1 experience.
The 3LB14oz (almost 4LB) tent the guy in the video uses probably works just swell in back yard suburbia where he's set the tent up. The problem with tents like this is when you have two different poles that do not connect, what you have is a tent that's not as wind resistant as some of the modern style tents. That's not to say it can't stand up against some heavy winds, and It's a good old school style backpackers tent, but we've advanced quite a bit in engineering tents. I own an REI quarter Dome 1 Tent that I have used for many backpacking adventures. I don't claim it to be the best tent but it weighs in at 2LBS 2oz, packs down much smaller than the tent in the video and has stood up against some very serious elements, wind, rain, snow, sleet, and ice. When you're on the AT or at the coast with the wind blowing 60+ miles an hour and wind gusts of 100+ miles an hour you'll want something more modern and stout than a tent like pictured in the video. Here's a photo of my tent set up on a beach, in which the night before was wind gusts of 100+mph. The REI Quarter Dome has yet to let me down! I'm 6'2" and have plenty of space for everything I need with an Osprey Atmos 65 packed full. Hope this helps.
I've been using my Mystique 1.5 for almost 5 years now. ZERO issues! Just returned from a few nights in the Eastern Sierra and got hit with HIGH winds and a snow storm. I stayed warm and dry the whole time. I'm on the small side, so I bring all my gear inside the tent except for my boots and bear canister. Also, I did not use my guy lines and the tent still stayed put - but I appreciate you showing how to use them in your video!
Wow. Great to hear. We love the tent, though we've been experimenting with others and some hammocks. Thanks so much for watching!
I only used it once because I wasn't a huge fan of it after a 2 night trip -- wanted to like it, was jealous of my friend's Zephyr 1 more. The roof kind of sagged for me and dripped a lot of condensation, just couldn't seem like I was able to pitch it taut enough.
I'm sorry to hear that but it surely has not been my experience. I'm not tent expert and the Mystique 1.5 is the only tent I've ever owned or pitched. I do know from camping with my husband in bigger tents that he insisted on not touching the tent material when it was wet outside as it creates the internal dripping ... so maybe I've been more mindful for that reason. In any case, I've gotten my money's worth and will continue to use it on my solo backpacking trips.
Gadget did a great job on his first review. I guess I'll have to review my Big Agnes tent, since he showed BA no love!
Great review! I just picked up one from REI for $108 shipped (free shipping while the stores are closed). I also picked up the ground cloth for $16
I live by Alps for my tents. I have one of their larger dome tents (the Meramac 4 person) for taking the family car camping and then I use the Lynx 1 for my hiking/primitive camping excursions. Buddy of mine has the Mystique 1.5, upgraded from a small 1 man tent, he absolutely loves it. Good review!
So.....4 1/2 years later. Do you still have the tent? Still enjoy it? Thanks
I have an opportunity to pick up a used one for $50, I was hesitant because I figured it was a cheap crappy tent, the owner is a physician who used it on a Doctors without borders assignment and doesn't need it anymore, so I think I'm gonna give her a call and see if she still has it. Thanks for the review, great job.
Sorry, I meant to say thank you for making this thorough video! Note the specs in your note are for the Mystique 1.0, I believe. The 1.5 is a bit larger and heavier. Also include the weight of the floor saver.
We'll have to check that out. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching.
Great Review! I like to think of this tent as a halfway between a more expensive two person tent and a somewhat cramped 1 person tent. I'm sort of a big guy, so I think this will help with space issues I may have in smaller single person tents (Like Alps Mountaineering zephyr or Lynx
good stuff!
Thanks. I think you're on the right track. We've been lucky with out major gear choices so far. Good luck!
Great video. Thanks!
Rad video, thanks man. You've inspired me to look in to this tent further.
Thanks! Good luck with your search.
This is the exact tent at the Weanas Mountaineering Adventure 1 person tent ($59.99 walmart) ($74.99 amazon). I was looking at this tent cause it has 2 exits/vestabules and had decent head room. Went with Weanas to save a few bucks and hit it with some waterproofer. Great review.
Great video. Just bought one Never set it up . I didnt know it was not freestanding so I bought the Zephur 2. Now I have one for the wife. jajaja
Good advice re the cost of a tent -- save on the tent, so you'll have some for other gear. I like that you didn't do the review until you used the tent for awhile. Can't say that for a lot of gear reviews. I like the look of the tent, but it seems a little heavy at 4 pounds -- where is the weight, just in the material, I guess?
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Thanks Evan. Appreciate the feedback. Trail weight is 3lbs 4 ozs. Without the extra stakes for the wind tie outs its around 3lbs. Certainly not ultra light but decent, especially to start out.
Oh, 3 pounds makes more sense. Thanks!
The trail weight for the tent in the video is 3lbs 14oz, almost 4lbs.
I almost got this one. But I went with the lynx 1 also by alps. I like th4 free standing tents more due to the places I camp.
great thing i can see from this design is that if its raining at an angle you can just fully open the other side and stay ventilated and look out
Good review. I’m looking for a new tent for Motorcycle camping, so weight isn’t important. I want something that is quick to set up, wind resistant and keeps the water out. I like the two vestibules. Good places to store boots, helmet and my Jetboil. At the same time there’s enough room inside for more gear if necessary. Seems like a great value to me. I’m surprised more companies aren’t making 1.5 person sized tents. I’d think they’d be a popular item, especially for people like me who aren’t backpacking and concerned about every extra ounce.
I use the Alps Lynx2 for bike camping. It’s a larger with the same features.
Yes, great review! Time for the Eureka solitare review also!
I hope that one is next!
Great review! Much appreciated!
I just bought one today at The Goodwill store for $3.49.It was missing the poles,ground sheet and the rainfly.But I can find the poles and not that concerned about the rainfly when I could use a tarp.
Hey, great video review of the Mystique 1.5. I'm a broken record about Alps Gear, as I think they make great tents and gear at a really affordable price. And I agree with you on the notion of folks jumping into backpacking and getting a Big Agnes Copper Spur or Fly Creek. Big Agnes makes great tents, but maybe a little expensive for when you're just starting out. I have the Taurus 2, which is a great tent, albeit a bit (a lot) heavy for backpacking. I think the Mystique series is a great starter option for folks.
Thanks, Peter. Appreciate it. We agree with you. Always looking for good quality gear without needing a mortgage.
Hello All,
Gadget from Just Go Backpacking here. Sorry this response is way over due (understatement) but shortly after shooting this video I was converted from ground dweller to hammock hanger. Not using this tent, it's components ended up everywhere. Now that I have them gathered I was able to weigh them. All weights include all original equipment including the nylon bags that each component come in. Here are the specs:
Stakes & Tie Downs - 10.08oz
Poles - 10.12oz
Tent & Fly - 50.97oz
Total. 71.17oz. or 4.44Lbs
Factory Floor Saver - 7.05oz
Now for the dimensions:
As stated in the video the tent is 8'L x 3' at the head end x 4' at the widest sleeping point x 18" at the feet. The vestibules are 20" deep each. The slightly smaller 1.0 is 7'10"L x 27" at the head end x 3'6" at the widest sleeping point x 17" at the feet. The side vestibules are 15". I hope this answered most questions and once again sorry it took so long for the response. Thanks for stopping by the channel!
Gadget, JGBP
great review thanks for sharing !
Thanks, great vid
Thanks brotha
I'm sold on it.
Great! We hope you enjoy it!
Is this a free standing tent? or must you stake it down first, then complete the setup. THANKS
Hawk Man If you check the description of the video he said it’s not a freestanding tent.
do people generally find theres enough room for a 65L bag in a 1.5 to 1 person tent... outside or inside the inner layer
Eric Inglis a large pack will fit inside with you for sure. It will also fit in the vestibule. Thanks for watching!
Hey brother can u tell me the brand and maybe model of ur hat, I need one
does that floor matt come with the tent
Hey what's that song playing in the intro & closing?
Valerie Hupp Its called "Mountain Top" by Cletus got Shot. Thanks for watching!
Considering this tent. Any comment about after using it a while? Or about the fact it is not free standing? or its weight? I do wish it was a bit lighter.
As wilderness camping is a mentored sport - I’d like to offer this to all in answer to this question/concern. At around 4 lbs (including ground cover, fly & stakes) for a solo tent is not bad and quite standard.
Consider the following; a tent is crucial gear and shelter from the storm. Its strengths are in the frame/pole design, taffeta material durability & thickness, DWR density and tie-down/stake-out management. Now each OEM will balance/joggle these parameters to fit a given need-functionality/weight/cost specification. Keep in mind that as you add or subtract to meet a target functionality/weight/cost specification, you also add or subtract to its design strengths and that’s a balancing process. There are lighter tents but only two way to accomplish this (in deign engineering); either cut the functionality-durability of the materials OR use advanced lighter materials that won’t degrade functionality-durability but this will cost more (about $200 per 8oz). A third way would be to use makeshift poles (trek poles) and use rocks/trees as tie-downs instead of stakes (but these not always practical). That’s about it on the subject. Enjoyed the video - Cheers
Hi. The advertised weight is 4.3 lbs plus 0.45 lbs for the floor saver. I am curious if you have put the whole package in a scale to check? I have been eyeing this tent for some time but the weight is making me leery. The last four tents I have bought, the advertised weight and the scale never match, and always in the wrong direction - a pond+
Sorry it took so long to reply. When I get home I will put each component on the scale to see where the weight comes from, and what can be shaved.
Thanks for the review! It is really helpful! I'm considering this or the Lynx 1 person. Can you fit two regular sleeping pads in this tent side by side or would they overlap? If you can't fit two on the floor, what do you use for pads for two people? Also, do you have much condensation problems with only one vent on top?
+Dan Rosenbush Hey Dan,
They do overlap slightly at the end. That is using the rectangular Thermarest foam pads. The tapered inflatables would not overlap, but would be close. Condensation is not a problem. The tent is well vented. The two side vestibules can be adjusted to let a cross ventilation as well.
Packed down, would this fit in a 35-40 liter pack?
+Kolton Howell Yes it will but it will leave little room for other items. It crushes down slightly, but not as much as a silnylon will.
Older video but throwing this out there. I have a lightly used Mystique 1.5 for sale if anybody is looking. Make me an offer!
Please don't shoot in the shadows. We can[t see anything in shadows.
Bob Snider thanks for the feedback. We try to get better as we go!
Steve Everett
Really?? Come a long way in tent engineering? ?What a snobby remark. Your quarter dome is no better engineered than this tent. You are wrong to think that free standing tents are far superior to non free standing. My non free standing tent weighs 27 oz, and I would choose it night after night.
Yes I agree this particular tent is heavy. However, if he's happy with it then it's the best tent for him. Don't tell him it's a bad , poorly engineered tent, as it isnt. Alps mountaineering makes good tents and has a great warranty. And don't scare people away from perfectly fine non free standing tents. Sheesh. Tents are highly subjective, like packs, sleeping bags, most backpacking gear, what works awesome for one may be a fail for another and vice versa. This tent is not an old school type tent at all. Have you ever used a non free standing tent? If you have, and didn't like it, fine. But others may find them wonderful. Don't write off a whole species due to 1 experience.
I have the big agness to got the $375.00 one on sale for $225.000 Yikes . I cant make up my mind. Some hiker eh?
The 3LB14oz (almost 4LB) tent the guy in the video uses probably works just swell in back yard suburbia where he's set the tent up. The problem with tents like this is when you have two different poles that do not connect, what you have is a tent that's not as wind resistant as some of the modern style tents. That's not to say it can't stand up against some heavy winds, and It's a good old school style backpackers tent, but we've advanced quite a bit in engineering tents. I own an REI quarter Dome 1 Tent that I have used for many backpacking adventures. I don't claim it to be the best tent but it weighs in at 2LBS 2oz, packs down much smaller than the tent in the video and has stood up against some very serious elements, wind, rain, snow, sleet, and ice. When you're on the AT or at the coast with the wind blowing 60+ miles an hour and wind gusts of 100+ miles an hour you'll want something more modern and stout than a tent like pictured in the video. Here's a photo of my tent set up on a beach, in which the night before was wind gusts of 100+mph. The REI Quarter Dome has yet to let me down! I'm 6'2" and have plenty of space for everything I need with an Osprey Atmos 65 packed full. Hope this helps.
+Steve Everett It also costs $100 more. Did you miss the part about his tent being cheap?
+Josef Roesler Nope. I did not miss the part about it being cheap. Cheap is what it is.
Josef Roesler actually costs 200 more right now on amazon