Reader Reviews

Rating: 3 / 5

What I like:
Inexpensive (commonly available around $50)
Very easy to set up
Zip-up bug proof
Claimed weight 2lb 9oz, less w/ titanium or aluminum stakes


What I don't like:
Some effort to get into
Very difficult to get out of
Measured weight was over 3 lbs
Poles snaped easily
Can't sit up in it
Very little space for gear


If you're on a tight budget, want bug resistance, can find some aluminum stakes, don't require a larger tent, and don't get claustrophobic, this might be worth considering.

If you're 6' or over, this can be a pain to get in and out of.

Rating: 4 / 5

I bought this tent at the Eureka! outlet store near me for around 40 dollars. I really wanted the new Zeus LE, but they weren't in the outlet system yet. I have several types of bivvies and solo tents, tarps, etc. to compare this to.

I think that as a fairly lightweight tent it is great for buggy summer trips. Took some practice to get a nice taught pitch. Fly rolls up, is permanently attached. The new model has a lengthwise zipper in the netting, supposedly for a second door, but I can't see how you could deal with the fly before/after using that as a door, since the fly stakes out over the foot-end pole to "close".

I finally figured out that you have to back into the tent on all fours, this keeps you and the tent driest in wet weather. As it's been said, there is little or no room for gear, although with my pack under my legs, and my other stuff on the sides of my head, it all fits fine. A shorter person (I'm 6'2") could probably put gear at either end, but I pretty much use all of the length. I will say that in good weather the views are spectacular. I've also seen bug bivvies that were a similar size and shape, for about the same price, which were just as heavy as this tent is.
There is an admitted problem with the earlier poles on this tent, they had a problem with splitting/breaking. I've always had great luck with Eureka service, and I can get parts a few minutes away. A broken pole on a rainy trip would really ruin your fun, but you could improvise a repair/re-rigging. Overall, a decent, fairly light tent for the price of a Wally World no-name lugger.

Rating: 3 / 5

Pros:

Cons:

Edited by zhiedeman on 08/11/2010 10:04:04 MDT.