ALPS Mountaineering

Park Table

Lightweight, Flimsy, Prefer Stoic's

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I compared this table with the ALPS Camp Table (can sit under), Stoic Dirtbag Square Table (closest equivalent) and Stoic Dirtbag Dining Table (large, can sit under). This was the lightest weight one and also felt the flimsiest. If I was looking for the easiest one to carry to the middle of a park, this would be the one, but I probably wouldn't buy it because it cross braces holding the legs together have significant play in the connecting pieces and feel like they could get bent easily. I don't get the sense that the table will have a long life. Compared to the competitor Stoic's Dirtbag Square Table, I would get the Stoic one. It has the same basic accordion design with two rods you stick, then the slats you roll out, but sturdier legs that are not pure aluminum (also makes it heavier). The Alps table has elastic cords pulling the slats together and you can't lift the table as one piece, and they make a little noise/shift when you touch it whereas the Stoic one is sturdier and quieter with lastic hinges keeping the slats in place. I also assume the elastic will go at some point giving this table a shorter lifespan. The Stoic one also has one end that you push onto the table to secure it, which is slightly easier than Alps' holes you have to get the table into on both sides - a slightly better design that involves less precision and looking under the table. Compared to the tables you can sit under, which have fold-out vs accordion legs, the sensor experience of this one is a lot nicer and quieter and has fewer icky pinch points that don't glide well. Pros: Would hold a Coleman stove just fine. Extremely light for its size. Puts together without hassle. Fits in the bag fine. Not a sensory nightmare in terms of noise and banging in the assembly and disassembly. The grey plastic matches the silver giving the appearance of all-silver. The plastic parts stay on as opposed to the Stoic Dirtbag Dining table. Cons: Feels like it's not going to last so I am not going to keep it. Can't sit under it to work or eat. Slightly less thoughtful design than Stoic's version of the same table. Would not trust it with that much weight. If I could redesign it: Make the braces sturdier. Get rid of the elastic and use Stoic's method. Make it easier to put the two rods on so you don't have to look under the table to put the pin in the hole.

Great Utility

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Used this table on a recent 101 day camping/fly fishing expedition. The table has great utility as a cook stand, fly tying station or inside the tent as a writing table inside the tent during inclement weather. Rated 4 stars as it is lightweight and I would not place more than 20 pounds on it. ALPS Mountaineering should place a working load sticker on the table or in the instructions.

too lightweight?

it's hard to tell from my photos because it's dark in my home but the frame bent and the top got scratched in multiple places when putting this together for the first time. I had high hopes but can't see the longevity in this.

Love it

I needed a new camp kitchen table, something more compact and light. This fit the bill perfectly. Easy up, easy down, packs real small and very stable. The size is perfect for my Jetboil half Gen stove top and to prepare food on.

Sturdy, Light & Easily Packable

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Used this already this year on some overnight car camping trips. Super light and easy to carry, easy to set up, sturdy and it didn't blow in the wind even with nothing to weight it down. Slighly wobbly if you put something too heavy, but this isn't supposed to hold a ton of weight.