Reviews of Tents

The Backpacker's Guide

Reviews of Tents

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Model

Type

Usage

Capacity

Floor size, layout

Height

Weight

Price

Eureka!

Timberline 2XT

A Frame

3 season

38 sq. ft., rectangle

42 inches

6 lb 2 oz

~$175

Tetragon 5

Dome, Free Standing

3 season

35 sq ft., square

48 inches

5 lb 10 oz

~$95

Tetragon 7

Dome, Free Standing

3 season

49 sq ft., square

52 inches

6 lb 7 oz

~$120

Hard to find a better value than Eureka tents. They are excellent for light to moderate use. I've used the Windriver and the Eureka dome tents for years and they have held up well. The Timberline has been around for years and has the classic A Frame design. It could probably withstand a pretty good snow load, since it has aluminum poles and a peaked design. Good sturdy tent.

Model

Type

Usage

Capacity

Floor size, layout

Height

Weight

Price

Kelty, Inc.

Zen

Hoop, 2 alum. poles

3 season

30.7 sq. ft., rectangle

46 inches

4 lb 10 oz

~$155

If you're looking for a great backpacking tent, consider the Kelty Zen. Packs small, lightweight, fits 2 people (you have to like each other), and accomodates tall hikers like myself (I'm 6'2"). My son and I have spent many nights in a Kelty Zen and found it comfortable. The vestibule fits wet boots, but not packs. Put them under a tree or cover them with a tarp or space blanket. Last summer we endured driving rain, hail and snow in August in the Uinta Mountains. Normal weather for a summer there. We stayed dry, while the entire scout troop we were camping with packed up and left early. Great tent. Used it this Spring in the desert. You can sleep secure knowing the creepy crawlers can't get in!

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