What To Look For
Before you buy a tent, decide on its primary use. Will you be camping in campgrounds or in back country, do you need a larger tent because of your height, will weather conditions play a factor?
Eureka offers 72 different tents, categorized as recreational camping, backpacking, and expedition. The recreational camping tents use cheaper, less durable fiberglass poles, and are generally best for car camping or family camping in big campsites close to the road. The back country tents, with three exceptions, use better aluminum poles, as do the expedition tents, which are designed for severe winter weather and will withstand high winds.
Check the space. While a two person tent might save weight, if you are tall, or like to spread out, a three person model might be a better choice. Eureka also offers four, five and six-person models.
Check the rainfly. Some of Eureka's tents only have a partial coverage rainfly, but if you are going to be camping in a rainy place, you should have a full coverage rainfly.
Common Pitfalls
Too many people buy their tent based on price alone. A good tent can last 10-20 years if properly cared for, and should be looked at as an investment. This is one reason to choose an aluminum pole model over a fiberglass pole one, as the aluminum poles are far more durable.
Where To Buy
Eureka has a dealer locator on its website. Most outdoor shops carry Eureka tents. Online retailers like Backcountry.com and REI.com are also a good place to look for Eureka tents.
Cost
Eureka tents range from $80-$550. Most Eureka tents fall in the $100-$200 price range in 2009.
Comparison Shopping
For backpacking tents, popular models include the Timberline 2 ($139) and Timberline 4 ($199). Solo campers will like the Backcountry 1 ($165). Campers needing a full-coverage rainfly can look at the Alpenlite XT ($299), which can also double as a four-season, winter camping tent. A good, roomier four-season tent is the K-2 XT ($469). For family car camping, the Headquarters ($409) is a roomy (6 person) tent that you can stand up in.
Accessories
Eureka makes a variety of ground cloths to place under the tent floor and protect it from damage. A gear loft can also be purchased to be placed in the ceiling of the tent for more storage.
Insider Tips
Eureka sells replacement poles for all tent models. If you are going on an extended backpacking trip, it can be a good idea to bring an extra pole with you in case you break one.
Buy good tent stakes, and makes sure you have enough to fully stake out your tent and the rainfly.
When camping on snow or sand, you may find that traditional stakes don't hold and you need "snow anchors," which you fill with snow or sand and then bury under the surface.
