ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
ALPS Mountaineering
ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent
Best for: Best for summer family car camping.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
Best for: Three-season backpacking and wild camping.
Our Take
Both are dome tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent is noticeably taller inside (6'0" peak height versus 3'8"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 80 sq ft versus 39 sq ft for the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3.
The Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 adds vestibule storage for muddy boots and wet gear.
On scores, the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 edges ahead — 7.5 overall versus 7.3.
The biggest gap is intangibles, where the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 holds a clear advantage.
The ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent also has a price edge — $200 less at $199 versus $399.
For most buyers, the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 is the stronger all-round pick — but check the full specs below before deciding.
🏆 Our pick: The Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent
- Roomy six-foot peak height
- Simple two-pole setup
- Durable aluminum pole ferrules
- Heavy fiberglass poles
- Brittle pole elastic
Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3
- Quick swivel hub setup
- Dual 9.2-sqft vestibules
- Recycled ripstop nylon fabric
- Cramped interior space
- Limited wind stability
Full Specs
| Spec | ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 5 Tent | Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome | Dome, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 3 people | 3 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $199 | $400 |
| Weight | 14.3 Lbs | 4 Lbs. 12 Oz. |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 4 Lbs. 4 Oz. |
| Floor Area | 80.0 ft² | 38.5 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | None | 18.4 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 72 | 44 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 96 X 120 Inches | 88 X 66 X 60 Inches |
| Pole Material | Fiberglass | 7000 Series Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | Polyester | High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | Polyester | High Tenacity, GRS Certified Recycled Mipan Regen Robic Double Ripstop Nylon |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 8 Mins |
| Warranty | None | Limited Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | USA |
Ready to Buy?
Still not sure? Let us recommend the perfect tent for your adventures.
Find Your Perfect Tent →