Camping Tent

[dullard]

I have two tents to choose from. Would I be disappointed in the cheaper tent?

#1 Wenzel Pinon Tent

#2 Eureka Apex 2 Tent

Clearly the Eureka 2 is a better tent. But it comes at an extra cost.

My use: I want to camp 1-2 times a summer for a quick weekend trip with my GF. The tent won't have heavy use, and I don't need any special features. So would I be unhappy with the Pinon tent?

Background:

I occasionally fill out online surveys. This time I was given a survey that I really enjoyed: one of the official Bush public opinion polls. Anyways, this latest poll put me into a situation where I can get free items. I want a tent. I qualify for either tent but I can't get any other type of tent and none of the other prizes are very good at the moment. If I get the cheaper tent, I can get another small prize in addition to the tent (I'll probably select a couple of DVDs). Is (Eureka 2 tent) > (Wenzel tent + a couple of DVDs)?

 

[clamum]

If you don't use it a lot or don't need any fancy sh!t, get whatever's cheaper.

 

[TheNinja]

It's hard to say man. If you don't use it a lot, a cheaper one might be nice. But I don't think you are your gf are going to like it too much if it leaks, the zipper is always stuck, or it tears really easy though.

 

[buck]

I own that very Eureka, you will not be disappointed. I would buy it 10x over again, other than one bent pole (wasnt my fault), its still holding strong, no tears or leaks.
Another awesome feature is that if you are in a hot area with no morning moisture, you dont need the outter layer, sleep under the stars. Works great in cold weather too.

 

[SSSnail]

It is now the winter of our discount tent yet?

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: SSSnail
It is now the winter of our discount tent yet?

:thumbsup:

 

[ViviTheMage]

how did you qualify for a free one? I want one...haha

 

[Kelemvor]

Man, those are the tiniest tents I've seen in a long time. If you have any gear with you, don't plan on keeping it in the tent. We have one that's huge. sleeps 2 people on cots, area for gear, area for the dog, etc.

 

[dullard]

Clamum and TheNinja, those are basically my thoughts. The cheap one would be sufficient. But if it is too flimsy (anyone with experience with that tent?) cheap isn't always the best choice.

Buck, glad you like it, I may be leaning towards the Eureka.

ViviTheMage, many online polling places give points. Points earn free stuff. But I don't recommend the one I'm using, since there are much better poll places to get free stuff. Once I cash out with this tent, I'm stopping the place that I currently use, it doesn't give enough free stuff anymore. I won't link them, because I'm not turning this into that type of thread.

Kelemvor, it'll just be my GF and I. No need for a big chasm between the two of us.

 

[vi edit]

The cheaper one has more sq/ft and is also taller. That seems like it would be more important for very infrequent use.

Weights between the two are neglible, again considering the limited use it would be seeing.

 

[LS20]

a quality 2 person Mountain Hardwear is only 100 more dollars at REI ( RETURN WHENEVER!). over 4 camping trips thats +25$ per person for a fancy high quality brand

 

[theblackbox]

i use a msr hubba hubba. light weight, airy, and a easy to set up tent. it's the one we are using on our thru hike

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
The cheaper one has more sq/ft and is also taller. That seems like it would be more important for very infrequent use.

That's what I was thinking as well. 7x7 plus 7 inches of height vs roughly 6x6. I dunno about OPer but I'm over 6ft and I wouldn't want my head and feet right against the sides or have to sleep on an angle.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I would definitely definitely get the Eureka. The Wenzel + DVDs... the tent is going to be pretty bad and the DVDs have not much replay value.

One thing about that Wenzel tent: see how the dark green rainfly does not go very far down and has an overhanging awning? In windy conditions, say... by the beach, that rainfly will catch the wind and the tent will literally become a kite, or at the very least get completely knocked over. This is speaking from personal experience with a Coleman tent that's designed practically identical to the Wenzel.

The Eureka seems lower to the ground and more aerodynamic, plus it is lightweight enough to carry around in a backpack. Not to mention it's probably got a few subtle design features that make it much more stormproof than the Wenzel.