Showing posts with label eurêka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eurêka. Show all posts

7/30/2011

Eureka Titan Luxury Family 13.5-Foot by 9.5-Foot Eight-Person Two-Room Tent Review

Eureka Titan Luxury Family 13.5-Foot by 9.5-Foot Eight-Person Two-Room Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am an avid backpacker and typically use much smaller tents. However, I recently used a Titan for 5 days at a music festival. While the first three days were sunny and warm, the 4th and 5th days brought rain and micro-burst wind conditions with gusts over 60 mph. Winds coming straight down that caused the tent to pump up and down like a bellows. The word 'scary' comes immediately to mind but the tent and all contents came through dry and without damage. The corner guy-out points are the key!!! Use nylon cord and take advantage of these above-ground points to anchor and stabilize this tent and you cannot go wrong. All around us, awnings were being ripped off of very expensive RV's and lesser quality tents turned into big kites. Thanks Eureka! for making a very tough and dry tent!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Titan Luxury Family 13.5-Foot by 9.5-Foot Eight-Person Two-Room Tent

The large Eureka Titan family tent offers room to roam with a 128 square foot area and enough space to comfortably sleep eight campers. The near vertical walls help to maximize the interior space. It also comes with a removable internal divider to create two rooms for added privacy. It features a number of homey touches, including a corner closet that enables the use of hangers, clothesline rings, and mesh storage pockets on the ceiling panels. This tent has two large doors for easy entry/exit as well as a total of six windows for optimal ventilation.
It's protected from the elements by a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford nylon that repels water. The multi-coated 75D Stormshield polyester fly improves durability and resistance to UV, acid rain, and tearing. The stable, long-lasting frame consists of a mix of lightweight, shockcorded 6000 Series aluminum poles that easily connect to a hub, thanks to the color-coded clip system.
Specifications:
Area: 128 square feet
Floor size: 13 feet, 6 inches by 9 feet, 6 inches
Center height: 7 feet
Wall fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta with 1200mm coating/ 1.9 oz. permeable taffeta nylon
Floor fabrics: 4-ounce 210D Oxford polyester with 1200mm coating
Fly fabrics: 2-ounce 75D StormShield
Pack size: 12 by 29 inches
Weight: 32 pounds

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy NowGet 19% OFF

Click here for more information about Eureka Titan Luxury Family 13.5-Foot by 9.5-Foot Eight-Person Two-Room Tent

7/18/2011

Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent Review

Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm not an avid camper so I knew I didn't need an expensive tent, but I also didn't want to skimp out and get a cheapo tent. The Eureka line fit the bill quite nicely. I was deciding between the Tetragon 7 and Apex XT since I'd be using it for 2 people and I wanted it to be lightweight enough for backpacking. After reading many reviews I went with the Tetragon 7 (and I'm very happy with my decision) for a few reasons:
1. Tent 'person' ratings tend to be liberal. A '2 person' tent is reasonably spaced for 2 average sized people, but leaves little room for extra gear and packs. Since I always put my backpack and gear IN the tent, I went a 3-person tent where my gear takes the place of the 3rd person. I'm definitely glad I went with this size.
2. The Tetragons have good rain flies. I read reviews of this tent having leaking problems, which was something that was swaying me toward the Apex XT which seems to have a nicer fly. Admittedly I haven't experienced inclimate weather yet, but I sealed the seams and have an extra tarp just in case the weather gets rough. I think the Tetragon 7 will work well for my uses.
3. Eureka's lifetime warranty is reassuring.
4. As I mentioned, the packaged tent is fairly lightweight and easy for a backpacking trip.
5. Setup was incredibly easy, I must not have camped in a long time because I could have sworn tents were hard to setup. It only took 2 minutes to get the tent up and fly on.
I'm very happy with my decision and especially Amazon's cheap price. As an intermediate camping person (1-3 trips/year) this tent is perfect for my purposes. If I was an avid camper, I might splurge on a more expensive tent, but this one is great for me!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent

A great choice for car camping, base camp, or three-season backpacking, the Eureka Tetragon 7 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps three people. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, and color coded webbing.
It's well ventilated, thanks to two vents and large areas of mesh in the side walls. The double-coated polyester hooded fly won't stretch, and it allows front and rear windows to remain open even in rain. Other features include:
Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
Brim over twin-track, side-opening door offers protected front entry
External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
Hanging gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 49 square feet
Floor size: 7 feet by 7 feet
Center height: 4 feet, 4 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 185T StormShield polyester with 800mm coating
Pack size: 6 by 27 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy NowGet 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent

7/10/2011

Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent Review

Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)

This tent is well worth the purchase for anyone looking to travel light. I use it for motorcycle camping and its light weight and compact size are impressive.
The tent is an absolute cinch to set up. I purchased the optional footprint, and the entire setup, including rain fly, takes just a few minutes. As the prior review notes, the walls are steep which results in adequate space for a true one-person tent. The "vestibule" area under the rain fly is quite small, so don't expect to keep much beneath it.
Tear down is also easy, although I find the plastic clips for both the footprint and rain fly to be somewhat difficult to remove. This may be because I'm a bit concerned about the quality of the plastic "H-clips" and so I'm extra cautious when handling them. At the end of each tent strap (one at each corner), there is a single plastic piece with two H-clips. The plastic clips on the footprint and rain fly attach to the H-clips. The H-clips seem a bit flimsy to me. After just a couple uses, the H-clips are intact, so, at this point, this is more of a concern than a criticism. I have included a photo of the H-clips in the product description. I have no other concerns about the build quality. I have not used the tent in the rain, but have used it in colder weather when the grass is very wet from dew, and there has been no issue with water getting through the floor (there are no seams on the floor). I also have not used it in high winds, so I cannot yet comment on how well it would hold up.
I am 5'5" and about 160 pounds and this tent provides plenty of space for me, both in width and length. It should accommodate a person up to 6' or perhaps taller. Regarding interior dimensions, I use a Thermarest Pro Lite Plus mattress, size large, which is 25" x 77" (63cm x 196cm) and it fits just about perfectly on the tent floor.
Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent

One of the most important trail accessories for serious backpackers is a lightweight tent, as you don't want to trudge across miles of wilderness with extra pounds of poles and fabric. Enter the Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1, an ultralight tent that sleeps one person comfortably yet tips the scale at a mere 2 pounds 14 ounces. The tent is equipped with sturdy DAC Featherlite NSL poles, which undergo an anodization process during construction that is gentler on the environment than conventional methods. The tent's SuperSeal floor, meanwhile, combines the benefits of catenary and bathtub floors, with raised, PVC-free side seams to keep water out regardless of the conditions. And users needn't spend their first 15 minutes at the site fussing with a bunch of unruly poles and complicated instructions. Instead, the tent offers Spider Hub technology to keep all the poles locked in place, along with Jakes Feet at the tent corners for easily attaching the poles, fly, and footprint.
Despite its compact size, the tent is plenty large enough for one person, with 15.5 square feet of sleeping space. Other features include Ultralight Clips and a color-coded main door/rainfly; a 40-denier nylon taffeta floor; and a 7-square-foot vestibule. The tent comes with stuff sacks, stakes, and a guyline.
Specifications:
Seasons: 3
Design type: Freestanding
Sleeping capacity: 1
Fast pack weight: N/A
Average minimum weight: 2 pounds 14 ounces
Average packed weight: 3 pounds 7 ounces
Floor area: 15.5 square feet
Vestibule area: 7 square feet
Peak height: 38 inches
Doors: 1
Body material: 20-denier nylon ripstop
Floor material: 40-denier nylon taffeta
Rainfly material: 40-denier nylon taffeta
Pole material: Aluminum DAC Featherlite NSL



Buy NowGet 26% OFF

Click here for more information about Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent

7/06/2011

Eureka Sunrise 9 4-Person 9-Foot by 9-Foot Family Tent Review

Eureka Sunrise 9 4-Person 9-Foot by 9-Foot Family Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have owned the Sunrise 9 since 2002 and have used it on dozens of camping trips in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California. At the time I purchased it, I was the only one using it and it's way more tent than one person needs, although I absolutely loved having it to myself.
For those doing intensive research on their next tent purchase, I will provide as much detail as I can, as I find reviews aren't terribly helpful if someone only says "the tent is great". Details are very important. :o) Read on..
SET-UP:
First and foremost, the tent is very easy to construct and only takes me [and my now partner] 10 minutes to stake and raise. I always stake tents first (and then raise them), as I never trust a free-standing tent. I don't recall ever having read the instructions, as Eureka makes this tent about as fail-safe as it gets. Staking out the corners first also allows the sidewalls to be very taught once the poles are raised.
SIZE AND COMFORT:
The center height of 6' is adequate for me and my partner, as we're both 5'7". We generally use a king size air mattress, which takes up the majority of the center of the floor, but we have plenty of room to store bags and shoes on either side of the mattress. Head room, on the other hand, is moderately compromised on either side of the mattress, as it is a dome tent. The tent would fit a queen air mattress and two children's sleeping bags with perhaps a little room to spare. It's a fabulous and very spacious two-person dream tent.
Cross-ventilation is superior, with large windows on all 4 walls (including the door), as well as a low vent on the bottom of the door to allow cooler air at lower levels. The ceiling also contains several mesh vents. Since the fly is elevated, air circulates throughout the tent and it never becomes stuffy.
There are very handy storage pockets below each window which provide a very useful space for sunglasses, reading glasses, flashlights and other gear. The hanging gear loft is great for things you use occasionally, but wouldn't need access to at night. It's also a great place to rig up a battery powered overhead lantern.
WEATHER:
Our Sunrise 9 has seen it all - rain, shine, snow, wind, hail and sleet. As noted above, I always stake first, then raise. Since the sidewalls are always taught, wind never conerns me. The tent flaps slightly, but integrity is always good and has never been jeopardized. I've never owned a tent that remains so confident during high winds.
Since Eureka tapes most seems, water has never been an issue. As always, we did waterproof each seem and the inside floor of the tent has NEVER seen a drop of water. The fly provides ultimate rain protection while still allowing a view out any window and without limiting air flow. The fly is genious and easy as pie to install. We also always place a tarp underneath the tent to prevent floor seepage.
We've camped at sea level in California and at 12,000 feet in Colorado and the tent has never disappointed when it comes to any weather conditions. Because of the excellent ventilation, the tent is never more uncomfortable inside than it is outside - an important note, especially in very hot temperatures. I've taken a nap in the tent with 98º outside and was perfectly comfortable (albeit quite warm).
BOTTOM LINE:
Without a doubt, Eureka makes one of the best budget-conscious tents you can buy if you plan to have your tent for many years. All tents require the owner to put forth a little effort and care to maintain its integrity. It's not going to remain perfect if you don't take the time to set it up properly, waterproof the seams, take it down carefully and re-pack it in the fashion you un-packed it. If it takes 5 minutes longer to ensure you're doing it right, spend the extra 5 minutes and your Eureka tent will provide you with years of enjoyable trips with your family.
I would like to think Eureka has good customer service, as I've heard they do, but my tent has not failed me in any way, so I've not needed their assistance. They make a great product, which is evidenced by the fact that they're still offering tents they've been manufacturing for many years with minimal changes.
I've recently ordered the Eureka N!ergy Screen House and the Eureka Copper Canyon 1512 so we have more room for lounging and relaxation and will post reviews once they've been put to good use!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Sunrise 9 4-Person 9-Foot by 9-Foot Family Tent

Spacious enough to comfortably sleep up to five campers, the Eureka Sunrise 9 dome-style family tent is easy to set up and very well ventilated with four large hooded windows and no-see-um mesh panels in the ceiling. It has triple-coated fabrics and a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford polyester that repels water.
The fly is made of Stormshield polyester, which won't stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown. It has a shockcorded fiberglass frame (two poles) that features a pin and ring as well as combination clip and sleeve system for quick assembly. Other features include:
Twin track D door with window for easy exit/entry
High/Low door vents top and bottom to aid air circulation
External guy points help secure the tent in high winds
Hanging gear loft/organizer
Two water bottle holders
Corner organizer and wall organizer with mirror
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 81 square feet
Floor size: 9 feet by 9 feet
Center height: 6 feet
Wall fabrics: 1.9 ounce Polyester Taffeta 1200mm coating/1.9 ounce breathable polyester
Floor fabrics: 4 ounce 210D Oxford Polyester with 1200mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9 ounce 75D StormShield polyester with 1200mm coating
Pack size: 9 by 27 inches
Weight: 16 pounds, 4 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy NowGet 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Eureka Sunrise 9 4-Person 9-Foot by 9-Foot Family Tent

7/04/2011

Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent - 2 Person Review

Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent - 2 Person
Average Reviews:

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Having now taken this tent out several times, and in plenty of rain, I'm very happy with the performance. The fly has good coverage and good seam-taping and I've never had a wetness problem other than some small amounts of condensation on cold mornings. I've used this in seasonable weather, from low 50's to high 30's and it's performed well. The ventilation is decent even with the fly on and without much wind. It's not easy to stargaze, but you can get a view if you position your head at the door. One great feature is the fly vent, which pops up and stays open thanks to a little hoop of wire in it. Hopefully it will not get mangled over time. The floor is a little thin (cut yourself a tarp groundcover) and I think abrasion could definitely be a problem. Those with dogs might want to be take extra care tht Fido's nails don't rip right through the floor. Condensation was slight overnight and only at the foot of the tent, not bad for the humidity in WI. Also the mesh kept the bugs out, which was very important.
It's not the hugest--things would be tight with a second person, and taller folks might feel cramped in the length dept. However, the design does allow the tent to have a small footprint and yet seem ok for two people even if not super comfy. A good compromise for me, a camper who was wavering between 1 and 2 person tents. The vestibule isn't big, but it's better than many tents at a similar price point. There's a loop in the ceiling for hanging gear, and a couple of gear pockets at the front of the tent. Aluminum poles are good, although I was not expecting them to be shock-corded.
Probably bulky and a tad heavy for serious backpackers. Easy (EASY!) to setup and take down, though I agree with another review that I'm in the dark on the guywire operation. I didn't need 'em anyway, though the shape of the tent (basically rectangular) leads me to think that high winds could be a problem. Stakes are ok, but surely will get replaced sooner or later.
With aluminum poles, a good fly, some vestibule space, good amounts of mesh, sealed seams, some gear pockets, and an ok brand name, this is a good tent for the money. Similar models at this price point tend to skimp on at least one of these features. If you want to spend less than 130 for a freestanding tent, this is a very good option.

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The Kelty Grand Mesa tent is a great value for campers and backpackers. The Grand Mesa is easy to pitch and offers great ventilation with side wall vents and a mesh ceiling for star gazing. With taped floor seams you can leave your gear for the day and enjoy your favorite trail. For extra room you have internal pockets and a single vestibule giving you plenty of overnight storage. The noiseless zipper pulls are great for keeping tent mates asleep when you have to answer the call of nature. Weighing just over 4lbs you have a tent that will easily take you to the places you have always wanted to go without a big price tag.Other Features:Wall Material: 68D 190T Polyester TaffetaFloor Material: 1800mm PU Nylon TaffetaPoles: 2 Doors: 1 Clip/Sleeve: Clip Seam Sealed: Yes Pockets: Internal Dimensions: 82" x 58" x 44" Floor: 29 sq ft Vestibule Area: 6 sq ft Capacity: 2 Minimum Weight: 4 lb 2 ozPackaged Weight: 4 lb 10 oz Ventilation: Door, mesh and side vents Warranty: Lifetime Use: Backpacking, camping, 3 season

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7/01/2011

Eureka Backcountry 1 Tent - 1 Person 2010 Review

Eureka Backcountry 1 Tent - 1 Person 2010
Average Reviews:

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I do a couple of bicycle touring trips per year. I wanted a lightweight solo tent that would be easy to carry on the bike, accomodate my 6' 3" height and also be easy to put up and take down. I tried the Eureka Solitaire and found it to be a little too confining for me. Also tried a Wenzel Starlite bivy tent that was a little smaller than I'd like. I think the Backcountry 1 is just the right combination of size and weight for carrying on a bike or backpacking. I have used it three times now and am very happy with it.

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The Backcountry 1 by Eureka is a self-supporting , lightweight solo tent that features an aluminum frame and super-sized side opening door with twin-track zippers and an offset window. Post and grommet corner attachments make set up easy and its low impact colors make it a favorite among all solo campers. . Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 107675, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.

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6/25/2011

Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive) Review

Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive)
Average Reviews:

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We had been looking for a light-weight backpacking tent with enough room for two. That seems simple enough, unless you've actually been inside of some of the "two-person" tents. Some of the expedition tents meet the size requirements, but are too heavy to be considered backpacking tents. We have just used this tent for the first time, and we are so far pleased. Plenty of room inside for two adults with large sleeping mats and sleeping bags, and a bit of gear. A large vesitibule on each side provides plenty of room for packs. I believe this will be a great warm-weather tent, with all of the mesh. The night we used it, it dropped below freezing. We woke to a ceiling (rainfly) covered in ice (on the inside). Didn't really expect that, with all of the ventilation, but as it was ice, it didn't drip on us. I'll chalk this experience up to extreme conditions until we use it in warmer weather. One thing that I don't like, although thus far it has not been an issue, is a seam running through the middle of the floor. It has been taped and sealed at the factory, but I just don't like the looks of it. I will seal it again before spring use, and edit this report, as we are sure to end up in a downpour here in south Texas. The tent is in fact lightweight and roomy, and so far, I am pleased. I will amend this report after having enountered weather with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive)

Remarkably lightweight with a compact pack size, Eureka's Juno offers top-performance features and makes a great option for three-season backpacking treks to the backcountry. Sized to sleep three campers comfortably and weighing less than six pounds, the freestanding design boasts two doors for convenient entry and exit and two large vestibules for an additional 13.4 square feet of storage space to stashing your gear out of the way.
The Juno offers superior ventilation--with its mesh side panel and mesh doors--to maximize air circulation for ultimate camping comfort. A no-see-um weave will keep out even the tiniest insects. while a poke-out vent at side of tent promotes cross ventilation. All major seams and reinforcements are factory sealed to prevent water entry through stitching. The wrap-up bathtub floor minimizes ground level seams to keep water out and the floor dry, ensuring a dry and comfortable adventure. In addition, the full-coverage fly provides great rain protection while side-release buckles attach to the tent body and frame, allowing for incremental adjustment.
Designed with Eureka's StormShield features, this two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, taffeta rod pockets, clip attachments, and pole sleeve attachments. The pole pocket captures the frame on one end while a locking post and grommet is used at the other end to attach the tent's body and frame at the base. Pole sections are interconnected with shockcords for quick set-up and to prevent lost parts. A ball end helps guide the pole effortlessly through the rod sleeve and prevents wear and tear to the pocket end.
Lightweight and durable, the frame is constructed of 7000 aluminum, shockcorded poles for easy set-up. The tent's fly and floor is made of UV-resistant polyester fabric. With a nicely sized footprint measuring 7 feet, six inches by six feet, six inches, the Juno is ideal for a weekend camping trip for two or three adventure seekers.
Specifications:
Style: Two-pole rectangular dome
Seasons: Three
Sleeps: Three
Footprint: 7 feet, 6 inches by 6 feet, 6 inches
Peak height: 4 feet, 2 inches
Area: 48.75 square feet
Vestibule area: 13.4 square feet
Weight: 5 pounds, 15 ounces

Materials:
Floor: 70D 190T nylon taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Fly: 75D 185T polyester taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Walls: 70D 190T nylon taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Mesh: 40D Nylon no-see-um
Frame: 9.5mm 7000-series aluminum

StormShield Construction Details:
Double-wall construction minimizes condensation build-up inside tent by allowing air to circulate between the mesh tent roof and waterproof fly.
Doors vent from the top and/or bottom, providing options for moderating air flow; warm air exits from the top and cool air enters at the bottom.
Cross ventilation through breathable interior fabric, large windows, and roof vents allows fresh air to enter and moist air to escape the tent.
High perimeter seams of the bathtub floors couple with factory taped floor seams and fly seams to keep water out.
Self-supporting frames flex to absorb and dissipate stress from strong winds.
Fabric reinforcements add an extra layer of protection to high wear and high stress areas.
Anchors for harsh weather include storm guyout rings, loops, and webs.
Nickel sliders on self-healing nylon coil zippers keep windows and doors working smoothly.
Shockcorded poles take the guesswork out of assembly, save time, and prevent lost parts.
Ring and pin assemblies make setup easy and reduce stress and abrasion where the frame and tent floor connect.
Post and grommet attachments speed set up and augment the tent’s structural integrity.
The twin-track zipper system allows door windows to operate independently of doors for convenience and ease of entry and exit.

What's in the Box? Eureka Juno tent, fly, two shockcorded aluminum poles, stakes, stuff sack
Manufacturer's Warranty Limited lifetime warranty
About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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6/10/2011

Coleman SunDome 9- by 7- Foot Four- Person Dome Tent (Orange/Grey) Review

Coleman SunDome 9- by 7- Foot Four- Person Dome Tent (Orange/Grey)
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My wife and I went camping to an isolated beach quite far inside Brazil, they were charging for a rented tent about US$ 100 a night, so I decided to bring my own tent there, and I bought this one only for it's price and low weight.
What a pleasant surprise it was, we setted it up in 10 minutes during the night (first time camping for us), it was spacious enough for the queen size inflatable bed and two suitcases, even with wind and two big thunderstorms with rains the tent never fainted, only about 10 drops of water fell from the seams, but that was all, we stayed in it 5 nights, of course a bigger tent would have been better, but for the price and the weight (I had to travel 4 countries by plane + 5 hours in bus) it definitely was the best deal.

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Great for family car campers and small groups, the Coleman Sundome 4 Tent sleeps four people comfortably. It measures 9'x7', with a 4'11" center height. The Sundome 4 Tent features a new Ground Vent for improved airflow; a privacy vent window offers more ventilation; and you can control airflow with Coleman's VariFlow adjustable ventilation. A convenient electrical-access port lets you run a cord from your device in the tent to a power supply outside. An interior gear pocket helps keep your things organized. Setting up this 2-pole dome tent is a breeze -- it sets up in 10 minutes or less, thanks to color-coded poles and sleeves, shock-corded poles, continuous pole sleeves, pin-and-ring design and InstaClip attachments. Easy-to-follow set-up instructions are sewn right into the carry bag, so you'll always have them handy. The frame is strong and wind-resistant, with 8.5mm fiberglass poles; the tent fabric is 68D polyester mesh and 75D polyester taffeta inside, with a 75D polyester taffeta flysheet. The durable carry bag includes separate storage sacks for tent, poles and stakes. Limited 1-year warranty.

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6/09/2011

Eureka Spitfire Tent - 1 Person 2010 Review

Eureka Spitfire Tent - 1 Person 2010
Average Reviews:

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In January of 2008, REI put their Chrysalis UL single person backpacking tent on sell (115 dollars). I had just received an Eureka Spitfire (not UL) tent as a Christmas gift (89 dollars). Both of these two wall tents received many favorable reviews on the internet. Both tents advertise a weight of ~3 lbs. I decided to do a non-outing tent to tent comparison. If you look at all the web reviews available, it is clear both these tents can handle weather that you would prefer not to be out in. That was not my concern. I was more interested in which of these tents worked best for me and if there were any show stoppers between the two.
Component weights (ozs):
--------------------------------------------------------
Eureka Spitfire
Poles:................8.875
Fly:...................18
Body:..................17
Stakes:...............6.25
Stake Bag:............0.375
Pole Bag:.............0.625
Stuff Sack:...........1
Guy Lines:...........0.5
---------------------------
Total wt:...........52.625
Ti Stakes:...........2.5 (8)
Total wt. with
Ti Stakes:..........48.25
---------------------------
Min wt. (poles,
fly, body,
Ti Stakes,
Guy Lines):..........46.875
................(2 lb 14.875 oz)
--------------------------------------------------------
REI Chrysalis UL
Poles:.................12.125
w/o pole repair tube:..11.75
Fly:...................16.125
Body:..................17.375
Stakes:.................3.375
Stake Bag:..............0.25
Pole Bag:...............0.5
Stuff Sack:.............2.75
Guy Lines:,.............1.375
------------------------------
Total wt................53.875
Ti Stakes................2.25 (7)
Total wt. with
Ti Stakes...............52.375
-------------------------------
Min wt. (poles,
fly, body,
Ti Stakes,
Guy Lines)..............49.25
....................(3 lb 1.25 oz)
--------------------------------------------------------
The component weights show some of the compromises that were made in packaging the tents for sell. The fact that the Chrysalis is free standing results in a higher pole weight. The steel stakes that are standard with the Spitfire weigh too much. The Chrysalis UL's stakes are lighter, and of better quality, however I personally do not like the design. I strongly suggest the stakes for both tents be replaced with Ti stakes. The stuff sack used on the Spitfire is a simple no frill sack. The Chrysalis UL stuff sack has provisions for compressing the radius of the sack. This results in extra weight without any real advantage. If you wanted to use a tent compression bag, it should be the tent fabric parts only, and compress both the radius and length.
Both tents have a vent in their fly to help control condensation. The Spitfire also has a zipper at the top of the tent body that allows you to access the vent. When examining this zipper, I noticed as others have that the zipper does not completely close. A small opening about 1/2 the size of the radius of a tent stake remains open. A little better zipper termination would have eliminated this issue. This should be of no major concern, but it distracts from the tent's design. In the Chrysalis, the tent door needs to be opened to reach the vent.
The overall quality of the materials, sewing, and finishing of both tents is very good. The Chrysalis is a little better than the Spitfire, but this should not be an issue for either of the tents. When examining the fly coverage of the tents I noticed that the very end of the Spitfire tent body was not completely covered by the fly. There is about 1 to 2 inches of seam right at the end buckle that you would need to be sure you sealed. I do not consider this a major issue, but again something that could have been avoided in the tent design.
Both tents are very easy to set up. As mentioned before, the Chrysalis is free standing. The Spitfire is not free standing. The Spitfire is so easy to setup, I do not consider this a major reason for choosing one tent over the other. One of the advantages of a free standing tent is that the poles and fly can be put up first in rain and the rest of the tent pitched under the protection of the fly. In the case of the Spitfire, Velco ties on the underside of the fly and the tent body's external clip system also allow the fly to be setup first in the rain. You do have to improvise a loop on the fly end snaps (both ends) to do this. In this manner, both tents can be setup as a fly/poles only tarp.
The Spitfire's vestibule is only large enough for boots. It is triangular shaped with a ground apex of ~ 1 foot. A second similar area is available under the fly, but only accessable by being outside and reaching under the fly. The vestibule is considerably larger in the Chrysalis (apex ~2.5 feet). You could put your boots and a small pack in it. A large pack would not fit. The Spitfire has some built in pockets in the mesh side that are big enough to hold glasses and a flashlight. Head room in both tents is adequate for me to sit without touching the roof. The Spitfire has a few extra inches of head room compared to the Chrysalis UL.
The Spitfire has considerable more mesh than the Chrysalis. This would be an advantage when a person wanted to do without the fly. The Chrysalis has a little porthole window in the fly, and the tent body has some panels of translucent fabric that make it very light inside. The porthole window is intriguing. It would be easier to look out at the weather with the fly on, but I would need more data on whether it would hold up. It seems a little like a gimmick.
When I lay in both tents, I came across a show stopper. I was able to lie in the Spitfire with over 6 inches at both ends of the tent to spare. Not all of this space would be usable by a taller individual, but it was there never the less. I was able to roll side to side without touching the tent sides. In the Chrysalis, my feet were touching the bottom of the tent and my head was touching the front of the tent. It was very uncomfortable. I'm 5 feet, 8 inches tall. The Chrysalis floor plan is nonsymmetrical at the wide end and narrow end of the tent. It forms an uneven parallelogram like shape. This results in an large unusable area next to your head and a similar small area at your feet.
My decision was to keep the Eureka Spitfire and return the REI Chrysalis UL.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Spitfire Tent - 1 Person 2010

The Spitfire by Eureka sets up fast and easy with post and grommet corner attachments and clips for attachment to of the body to the frame. A large side entry, ample headroom (3ft. 4in center height), ventilation, and lightweight make the Spitfire a desirable choice of all backpackers. . Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 107676, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.

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6/04/2011

Eureka Tetragon 5 Adventure 7-Foot by 5-Foot Two-Person Tent Review

Eureka Tetragon 5 Adventure 7-Foot by 5-Foot Two-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

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For the price, I figured this was the dirt tent.
I was wrong...When I opened this tent, I water proofed it first thing. Sealed the seams and the fly. Left it outside and of course, we got a healthy DUMPING of rain! It wasn't intentional but as it turned out, it was the ultimate test. This tent does not have high marks for water resistant but let me tell you that after sealing it, it DOES! Like all other EUREKA tents, this one has the "bathtub" bottom which means they designed it to stay dry by engineering the material to have little seams AT the bottom. Instead they are sewn 3-4 inches above the ground line which creates a lip that keeps the whole bottom dry. You have to step over it to get in but ... who cares! Once sealed, this tent hits a home run!
So now the durability test: The kids played in the tent for three days. I have two boys that know how to test stuff, believe me! Little did I know that they were playing ball with the dog and were tossing the ball inside the tent. I was horrified to watch the dog jumping in and out of the tent. Oh, the dog tried to jump through the screen as well! AUUGHH...but the tent not only survived, it came out unscathed. The fabric is VERY tough and took a beating with no scratches!
The tent was easily packed into a hiking backpack and is very lightweight. The room inside is terrific and you CAN share it with two full adults if you HAD to. I don't recommend it unless you really LIKE that other adult. he he...
Overall, this tent rocks. My only thing is that between the tent price and the shipping, I paid too much for it. :(($60)
It was on sale at our local *grocery store* for much less!
*DOH*
So Amazon is great and you get good research but sometimes it doesn't hurt to look locally once you are finished because the vendors charge WAY to much for shipping and thats disappointing. This does not take away from the tent itself though. This tent is the best backpacking tent I've had bar none.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Tetragon 5 Adventure 7-Foot by 5-Foot Two-Person Tent

The Eureka Tetragon 5 two-person tent provides all the shelter you need for a trip to the backcountry. Designed using Eureka's StormShield technology--which combines moisture-repelling materials with a tough, reinforced construction that resists wear and tear--the tent keeps you warm and dry for spring, summer, and fall camping. The tent features 35 square feet of sleeping space, with a twin-track, brim-covered side-opening door, a brimmed rear window, and a pair of vents. As a result, you'll enjoy extra sun and rain protection and plenty of ventilation during inclement weather. The tent's Tetragon bathtub floor, meanwhile, protects you and your gear against splashing rain, a must during downpours. Best of all for serious hikers, the tent sets up quickly and easily, with a durable shock-corded fiberglass frame, ring-and-pin attachments, and color-coded webbing.
Other features include a hanging gear loft, two detachable interior storage pockets to keep essential items handy, mesh panels that allow for clip-in accessories, and a center height of 4 feet.
Specifications:
Seasons: 3
Sleeps: 2
Floor size: 7 by 5 feet
Tent area: 35 square feet
Pack size: 4 by 25 inches
Center height: 4 feet
Minimum weight: 5 pounds, 13 ounces
Frame: 7.9mm fiberglass
Vents: 2
Doors: 1
Windows: 2
Walls: 75D polyester taffeta, 800mm coated/uncoated
Fly: 75D StormShield polyester, 800mm
Floor: 75D polyester taffeta, 800mm
Mesh: 50D no-see-um

About Eureka Although the exact year is unknown, Eureka's long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, NY, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for 19th-century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and early 1940s. The company even fabricated and erected a series of IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton, housing thousands of IBM salesmen during the company's annual stockholders meeting, which had outgrown its previous locale. With the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, renowned explorer Sir Edmund Hillary used Eureka's new and innovative Draw-Tite tent--with its practical, freestanding external frame--in a Himalayan expedition to Nepal (Hillary had climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest only six years earlier). In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants during the first all-American Mt. Everest Expedition, where explorers braved fierce 60-plus mph winds and temperatures reached below -20F.
Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s, targeting it to backpackers and families. The first to employ the StormShield design, the lightweight, self-supporting backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents in the industry, with sales reaching over 1 million by its 10-year anniversary. Eureka tents have also traveled as companions on other historic expeditions, including the American Women's Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent years, Eureka designed and donated tents to Eric Simonson and his team. The group took two historic research expeditions to Mt. Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history by finding the remains of George Mallory, but the overall mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found several historical artifacts that are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all-purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in. If you're a backpacker, alpine climber, or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to use something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall, and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproof camping.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types: freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floorplan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one- and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it with less weight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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4/27/2011

Eureka Apex 2XT Adventure Two-Person Tent Review

Eureka Apex 2XT Adventure Two-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've taken this tent out three times so far. Once "car camping" and two backpacking trips. Two of those trips we had very heavy rains. Both times the tent stayed completely dry. I was very impressed. This is also one of the only two person tents that I've camped with that is actually comfortable for two people. The dual vestibules give plenty of gear room. Set up is simple even for one person. It's a little on the heavy side for backpacking - if that will be your main use I suggest looking at the Pinnacle Pass which is the same tent but with aluminum poles that make it about a pound lighter.

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Nicely lightweight with a compact fold size, the Eureka Apex 2 is a great choice for three-season backpacking treks to the backcountry. It also offers good storage space, with full vestibules on each side (6.7 square foot apiece) for stashing your gear out of the way. The Apex XT balances maximal thermal efficiency with superior ventilation, thanks to one entire wall of no-see-um mesh--great for stargazing on clear summer nights. The other walls are waterproof while a sturdy double-coated StormShield polyester fly protects the mesh wall in inclement weather. It also features a factory-taped, bathtub floor that keeps seams taught and high off the ground for superior protection.
This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, pole sleeve attachments, and color coded webbing. A poke out vent in the sidewall provides additional ventilation when needed. Other features include:
Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
Two mesh gear pockets for internal storage
Clothes line loop, flashlight loop
2 doors, 2 windows
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 36.5 square feet
Floor size: 7 feet, 5 inches by 4 feet, 11 inches
Center height: 3 feet, 7.5 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 70D Polyester taffeta 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 70D Polyester taffeta 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 185T StormShield Polyester 800mm coating
Pack size: 6 by 18.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 12 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy NowGet 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Eureka Apex 2XT Adventure Two-Person Tent