B + M

Anybody use the eureka spitfire? I've been thinking of getting one, I've seen them priced from $115 to $149 for the two person version. I'm thinking of doing some short camping trips and maybe a longer Pacific Coast tour later in the summer. Is this a good tent for that? What would you recomend in the $200 or less range for a two person tent? Thanks Brian

Mr. Jim

I have not used this exact tent, however i had the previous version of this tent and used it for many years. The only drawback I found was it was not freestanding and had to be staked which is a pain in rocky areas. Overall I have found Eureka products to be reliable. They are a little cheaper than others and maybe lacking in features or a little heavier but the durability and performance were on par with more expensive brands. I probably had over a 600 nights in that old tent before gifting it to a bike trekker that had his bike and all of his equipment stolen. As far as i know he is still using it.

genericbikedude

slightly OT, but I have a lot of backpacking experience, but less touring experience. is there anything different in what kind of tent you look for for touring? I imagine that its pretty much the same -- light weight, durability, and ability to handle weather.

Lake_Tom

Eureka makes rugged products. I recommend the REI Half Dome, self supporting, a shade over 5 pounds all up, handles snow and wind, room for two mattress pads. Reckon you could fit a forestry major coed in there with you.

Mr. Jim

I do a bit of both, I find that it is pretty much the same i pack almost exactly the same for either. Clothing is slightly different for the bike. I use the same tent stove sleeping bag etc.