Eureka! Tetragon 5 tent in Everglades National Park (Sarah West)
What To Look For
It isn't hard to find a Eureka tent that will fit your outdoors needs. Are you looking for a shelter for family camping vacations? In that case, a large-capacity model like the N!ergy 1310, which sleeps up to 10 people and can be partitioned into two "rooms," is an option. Those who travel the back country will want a smaller, lighter and more compact backpacking tent. Casual campers may decide to make do with a two-season tent, which is often the cheapest. People who camp more frequently will want at least a three-season variety. Eureka also produces four-season tents, which are sturdier to withstand heavy snow.
Common Pitfalls
If you shop in a store, set it up the tent before buying. If you shop online, check out a local outdoor retailer first and investigate the model in person. Think about how often you will use the tent. If you go camping frequently, consider one with a more durable fabric, like Eureka's 75D or 150D StormShield Cloth. As with many tents, door and window zippers on Eureka models can sometimes catch (replacement zippers are available). Also, the fiberglass poles that come with inexpensive models are not as sturdy as the aluminum supports of Eureka's higher-end, all-season tents.
Where To Buy
Eureka is one of the top tent manufacturers; its products are widely available. If you are buying online, peruse Eureka's site (www.eurekatent.com) and other outlets to find the best deal.
Cost
Eureka tents typically range in price from $80 to $550, depending on the size and material. Shipping rates for online purchases are often waived for expensive items like tents, depending on the distributor.
