BWCA Review of Eureka Spitfire 1 tent Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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      Review of Eureka Spitfire 1 tent     

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10/16/2018 11:29AM  
I did my first solo trip this summer (thanks for all of the tips I gleaned from you forum members). I wanted a single-person tent that would be under 3 pounds but that would give me some elbow room, enough height for kneeling and sitting without my head scraping the fabric, and space at the head and foot of the tent for some clothing. I wasn't satisfied with the offerings from REI, my usual source for camping gear, and then I found the Eureka Spitfire 1 tent on the Eureka website for $139. It is a 3-season tent with lots of mesh and 1 large door, 2 hoop poles, a rain fly with a vent, and guy-out tabs on the fly that are anchored to the poles. It is not a self-supporting tent: it requires a minimum of 2 stakes, one each at the head and the foot. The fly needs 2 stakes, one for each side vestibule. Only 1 vestibule is accessible from the inside of the tent. The tent withstood winds estimated at 20 mph and torrential rains without leaking. I did not feel cramped (I am 5 ft 8 in tall). I would have liked more room at either the head or the foot for gear, but overall I was very happy with the tent. I never needed more than 4 stakes and I did not guy-out the tent.

Some specifications:
Interior height: 40 inches
Max width (at the elbows/shoulders): 42 inches
Max length: 9 feet
Min weight: around 3 pounds with 4 aluminum stakes

 
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SevenofNine
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10/16/2018 07:48PM  
This is a lot like my Kelty Crestone 1 but with slightly larger dimensions which I’m sure is an improvement. Looks like your tent has more screen for more air flow.

Glad you enjoyed your purchase and got up north.
 
10/16/2018 08:24PM  
Nice looking shelter. Simple to use and nice setup! Many similar designs have and are made. I had an Alps Mystique but the door opened the opposite way and a hassle to use, then a Mountain Hardware Stiletto, 3 hoop that weighed 2 1/2 pounds.



butthead
 
SinglePortage
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10/16/2018 08:26PM  
Do you know how much the tent weighs without the rain fly?
 
HammerII
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10/16/2018 09:04PM  
At 6' 4" and tipping the scale at 295lbs this morning I've given up on a "single Solo tent" I always feel like a worm in a cocoon lol
 
10/16/2018 09:18PM  
SinglePortage: "Do you know how much the tent weighs without the rain fly?"

Interesting question. I don't have access to a scale that would accurately measure the difference. If I were to guess, maybe 2 pounds or a little less.

I feel a bit chagrined having posted my review. I did a search on this site after posting and found several threads in which the tent was mentioned.
 
10/17/2018 06:46AM  
If you're looking for a quality lightweight tent be sure to look at Sierra Trading Post. Back in 2013 I caught one of their 24 hour "flash sales" for members of their email list. I bought a new but 2 - 3 year old Sierra Designs "Lightning 2" that weighs 3 .5 lbs. It retailed at $385 when new and they lowered it to $140 for this sale. My best gear purchase yet! It's very roomy and hasn't leaked a drop.



 
pswith5
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10/17/2018 07:29AM  
HammerII: "At 6' 4" and tipping the scale at 295lbs this morning I've given up on a "single Solo tent" I always feel like a worm in a cocoon lol
"
at 6'4" and 295 seems like Hammer would be an appropriate name. :)
 
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