Eureka

[texasfarmboy]

I got a tent for christmas last year because I started putting together camping gear. I bought a farm that has lots of woods, a pond and mucho acreage so that I could camp without having to watch my back. Animals are one thing, humans are another. Anyway, I received a Eureka high camp, because I wanted to be able to camp in colder weather, however, this is Texas and you never know when that will be. So far I have tried twice to camp in this thing to test it in the rain but lord have mercy. It has been dubbed the little yellow oven. It stays dry because I have had it in the rain but you cannot stay in the tent it is so hot with or without the rain fly. It packs small, has lightweight aluminum rods, everything you would want if it was 30 below. Got the Teton mammoth sleeping bag, oven in an oven, on top of two thermarest dream whatevers. It is comfy but really hot. Any ideas for a lighter cooler tent for my area?

[MacGyver]

Re: Eureka

That looks like a really nice tent - but it's a 4-season tent. And, when it comes down to it, a 4-season tent is actually only a 1-season tent - Winter. They're hot because they have very little ventilation. As for recommending an alternative, you'll get as many opinions as there are tents. I would say to get any tent with lots of mesh instead of solid panels. For the ultimate in ventilation, there are tents that are nothing BUT mesh.

[ppine]

Re: Eureka

I would consider a big tarp with mosquito netting draped over it or maybe a hammock if your back can take it.

For bedding I would use a sheet and a light cotton blanket from home and forget about sleeping bags altogether.

[Mike]

Re: Eureka

Ya. That's correct. Winter tents are made for extreme winter conditions. I camp in what most people would consider extreme cold with temps typically hoovering between -10 to +15 degrees F, but I make due with three season tents or snow shelters (or more luxurously in canvas tents). A small few of my single friends with more money than kids own winter tents and the rest of us look at those guys.... really THAT (one) guy with a certain amount of awe

While you can stretch a three season tent into winter use, I wouldn't want to be in a winter tent in warm or even mild weather.

[hwc1954]

Re: Eureka

Yeah. For warm weather, you want a tent with a lot of mesh like the REI Half Dome 2+ or the Marmot Limelight 3:

http://www.rei.com/product/845481/

http://marmot.com/products/limelight_3p

Or even something that is all mesh:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mar...colorFamily=01

I would also look for tents with two doors/vestibules on opposite sides so that you can open them up and get some breeze. Also, roof vents in the fly that can be opened up probably help, especially when you are in the rain. I like a little bigger tent for hot weather. Not quite so stuffy.

For sleeping, you could just go with a cotton sheet. Or a fleece sleepingbag/blanket.

Or a lightweight sleeping bag liner:

http://www.campmor.com/kelty-fleece-travel-sheet.shtml

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/...liner-bag.html

[markkee]

Re: Eureka

From Eureka's website: "This freestanding, four season tent provides high camp comfort for two in Everest-like conditions. Designed and tested by renowned expeditionist Eric Simonson of International Mountain Guides."

You have me laughing (not at you) because Texas on it's coldest day could not compare to Mount Everest on it's warmest day.

You have a great tent! Sell it on Ebay and buy something for Texas winters.

I like tents with a lot of mesh. My current go to tent is the REI Base Camp 4. It rarely rains during the summer months in California, so we sleep with the fly off or partially attached. My wife gets easily gets cold when it dips below 60 degrees. She would like the tent that you camp in. I prefer sleeping under the stars.

[sunnymw]

Re: Eureka

Yeah, being from the South, and even back when I camped in Indiana, I don't recall the whole "sleeping bag" thing. They've just always been too hot! Give me a single layer thin air mattress and a sheet and call it a day :D