Favorite Eureka Tents Review.
You have probably noticed Eureka tents like the Timberline while camping or hiking, but they are not created equally. Some Eureka tents offer more than others... Eureka! has been around since before 1895. They originally got their start making canvas covers for wagons and horse blankets for the American frontiersmen. Of course a lot of progress has been made since then... Eureka camping tents have even been to Mount Everest. One of the things that impresses me most about Eureka is that they worked with Blue Sky Designs to create the industry-first "Freedom" tent. The Freedom is designed specifically for people with disabilities. The tent sleeps 2 but the vestibule is big enough for 2 wheelchairs. The door is zipper-less and the zippers for the windows are designed to be easier to use if you have limited dexterity. A great idea. Eureka! has some quality tents that I've listed below, especially considering the prices are usually very reasonable. Keep in mind though, no matter what brand you choose all have their winners and losers. So even though a brand has a great reputation, it's highly unlikely that every tent will be considered to be great. I hope my hiking equipment and camping gear recommendations will make things easier for you. If you're just getting started camping and aren't sure if you want to take the plunge and invest a fair amount of money into your first tent, Eureka tents can be a good place to start. The company states Eureka tents are expected to last an average 7 to 10 years, if used 2 or 3 times per year, for 3 to 7 day trips. Which should be more than long enough to decide how well you like camping. ;-) Eureka stands behind their product and has one of the better repair/return policies in the industry. I've heard of someone admitting they did something "dumb" with their fiberglass tent pole and it snapped. Even though it was his fault the company sent him a replacement free. I've also heard of someone having a six year old tent that had naturally worn through, and the company sent a free repair kit. In the 1970's the Eureka timberline tents were introduced and became extremely popular, with over 1 million tents sold within 10 years time. Though I'm no fan of A-frame designs the Eureka Timberline is one of their most mentioned tents. The tents themselves usually hold up quite well and are a favorite among boy scout troops. They've also supplied the military with various tents to fit their needs. There are over 30 Eureka tents currently being made that you could use for camping or hiking (this doesn't include their military tents, etc.). From that number I've narrowed down that list to the best tents they offer. If you insist on a Eureka tent this is the page you want, if you're also open to other brands take a look at
the camping tents page. The Timberline has a decent rainfly (my cheapo didn't) and I've heard so many good things about this Eureka tent that I'd feel wrong leaving it off the list. The fact that this tent has sold millions makes a statement, but it still wouldn't be my first choice, because I like more room. So unless you're just starting out or you're buying a tent for your child, I'd take a look at the Alpenlite. A few people have reported issues with floor leaks but I've heard more people say they hold up well in the rain, so I have to wonder if the seams were sealed in the first group of leakers. Pros: This Eureka tent can last decades and even up to 30 years, easy set-up, inexpensive. Eureka Alpenlite Pros: Shock-corded aluminum poles, medium vestibule for storage, 6 or so pounds, easy set-up, good in wind, and good ventilation. Eureka Sunrise This is a good tent for the average mild weather camper that may get caught in moderate rain/wind occasionally, and for warmer camping when ventilation can mean the difference between a comfortable trip and sweat soaked clothing. Pros: Inexpensive, good ventilation, gear storage. Eureka Equinox 6 The heavy-duty bathtub floor and long rainfly (except for the door) do a good job of keeping out the weather. It also holds up well to the wind. If you're serious about getting a nice large tent that does a great job protecting you and keeping you comfortable from whatever nature can throw at you take a look at this tent. Even though this tent looks like a baseball cap it's really hard to fault it. ;-) Pros: Aluminum shock-corded poles, room to stand even if you're over 6 feet, good in wind and rain, good ventilation, a great value. Solo Eureka Solitaire Personally though I'd rather add a pound or two and pay another $100 or so to get a taller backpacking tent. But if all you're looking for is a place to sleep and are careful with your equipment this Eureka tent should serve you well. Pros: Extremely light and inexpensive.
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The Timberline 2 weighs in at about 6 lbs, while the Timberline 4 is 2 lbs heavier. While not ultra-light you can't complain about it at this price. As I mentioned I'm not a big fan of A-frames because their triangular design limits shoulder and head room. Add to that my experience with a cheap off-brand tent I had in college that let three inches of rain pour in one night... and chased two of us out to sleep in my two-seater CRX. So I'll admit I'm biased, but...
If you need a small 4-season Eureka tent this is it. For the price this is one heck of a tent, and you get aluminum poles! It keeps the rain out, holds up in the wind, is strong, relatively light for a 4-season tent, and is easy to set up. All these good points make it easier to overlook the cheap tent stakes. Just order some sturdy light stakes when you get the tent, do a little seam sealing and you're good to go.
1/2 rainfly trades off ventilation for full rain protection but it is a decent size and well-flared to keep most of the rain away from the tent unless it's nasty and wind-driven. This Eureka tent is a basic car camping tent that is best suited for the campground where the 13-21 pound weight isn't an issue. As with any tent, sealing with a good quality flexible seam sealer is always a good idea, especially the floor. If you're looking for a Eureka tent to laugh at really nasty weather I'd take a look at the Equinox below, this tent should be fine in mild rain but the 1/2 fly design doesn't protect as well as a full fly.
If you're looking for a 6-person Eureka tent with room to stand in that resists the weather well than take a look at the Equinox. The walls are close to vertical so they help to maximize floor space. This tent also has good ventilation which can make hot humid nights easier to sleep through.
This 3 1/2 pound tent is for backpacking where a few pounds can quickly add up to slow you down on the trail. This tent wouldn't be one you'd want to wait out a 12 hour thunderstorm in as you wouldn't be able to sit up to make yourself more comfortable. But the weight, water resistance (except in wind driven rain), and price go a long way toward forgiving some of it's drawbacks.
