Review of Eureka Spitfire 1 Tents  

Eureka has come a long way from its days supplying canvas products in the new frontier. Now, it is possible for tent makers to make such weightless tents that a single person can carry one all by himself without incurring any burden. Of course, this has been possible for several years now, but only in the past decade have we been able to see outdoor shelters so light, well designed and still able to deal with all kinds of weather. The three-season Spitfire 1 is one of these. All-around practicality and coolness make this tent a good purchase for the lone hiker.

 

 

For most hikers, lightweight gear is essential for a good long hike. Not many can trek for long with too much baggage dragging them down. At only two pounds and twelve ounces, the Spitfire is very competitive compared to other brands on weight alone. There are other tents that may provide a little more space, but they’re not as easy to pitch or as weather resistant as Eureka’s offering. Clips make setting up the poles trouble-free and side buckles allow for quick and easy fly sheet attachment. Despite the lack of weight, its Featherlite aluminum frame feels sturdy, and the Stormshield polyester that makes up the outer fly does its job against strong wind and rain. Some even claim to have used the tent in the snow, despite the tent not being built for this function. Guy lines also prevent nasty gusts from relocating your tent to the tree tops. Stakes could be lighter, but at least they contribute to the Spitfire 1’s overall sturdiness.

Because of the frame’s design and the flysheet’s color, the combination makes the Eureka Spitfire look like a stealth boat patrolling the forest floor. That’s really got nothing to do with anything but the tent’s attitude. This design alone would already convince some to buy it instantly. Without the flysheet, it still looks like a cool mosquito net as it’s got a ton of mesh, making for good ventilation and star gazing. Aside from preventing water from entering at the bottom, taped seams add to the already good bug protection.

An obvious drawback to this piece of gear is its snug interior space. It may not feel like a coffin as you can sit a little inside, but it’s pretty darn close. There is also no vestibule as advertised, so people bigger than 6 feet might have to stuff their gear some other way. Those that claim to have slept with their canine pals inside must really love their dogs. It is also practically impossible to have a dry entrance during the rain, as the flysheet sticks really close to the body. That also goes for pitching in the rain. It’s a good thing this tent is a really quick pitch. Admittedly, these aren’t major problems and at $75 or less, the Eureka Spitfire 1 is still a steal for all that it can do. If you’re looking for a super light tent with a little personality, you can do worse than this tent. You can buy it online here.

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