| A great choice for car camping, base camp, or three-season backpacking, the Eureka Tetragon 8 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps four people. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, and color coded webbing. It's well ventilated, thanks to two vents and large areas of mesh in the side walls. The double-coated polyester hooded fly won't stretch, and it allows front and rear windows to remain open even in rain. Other features include: - Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
- Brim over twin-track, side-opening door offers protected front entry
- External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
- Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
- Hanging gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
- Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
- Tent, pole, and stake bags included
Specifications: - Area: 63.75 square feet
- Floor size: 8 feet, 6 inches by 7 feet, 6 inches
- Center height: 5 feet
- Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
- Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
- Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 185T StormShield polyester with 800mm coating
- Pack size: 6 by 26 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds, 6 ounces
About Eureka
Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents. The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased. In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition. For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary. Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian. Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity. Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness. For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive. Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome. Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters. Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering. |
 Great Tent | | Review Date: March 29, 2007 | | Reviewer: M. Waybright, Pelham, Alabama United States | | Used twice so far and love it. I ride a motorcycle and use the tent on weekend trips. The tent packs well on the motorcycle, sets up easy and is plenty big enough for two plus gear. The overhead loft has plenty of storage space and tucks up out of the way when not in use. The side pockets are convenient and can be placed on which ever wall you want. Extremely well vented, there was no condensation on the inside of the tent in the morning. This is my third Eureka tent, I have been pleased with all of them and only had one fail and it was 20 years old. I would highly recommend this tent. |
AWESOME Company. They Replaced A Tent after 20 Months With A Brand New Tent! | | Review Date: January 11, 2007 | | Reviewer: Bob, South Florida | Very easy to set up. Can set it up in under 3 minutes. It replaced an Ozark Mountain from Wal-Mart. Though it costs a little more than the Wal-Mart tent, it is made much better, easier to set up, and works flawlessly.
The Wal-Mart tent, though cheaper, had problems with zippers getting stuck, and took much longer to set up and tear down and ultimately tore in the middle of a rainy campout due to he zipper.
I've used this tent three times and it appears very solid. Many people I camp with have earlier models of this tent that are 4 and 5 years old.
In the long run, you will save money, and have a better camping experience.
----------------Update 18 months later- October 30 2009 -------------------------
I love Eureka Tents. We have 8 tetragons that are 6-7 years old. I bought a new tent 18 months ago in 2007. It looked like the old ones with a key difference in that the new one was made in China.
On a campout this past two weeks ago, I had 100% total tent failure. The two poles suddenly snapped ripping a whole in the fly. The loops on top that hold the poles in ripped out and the tent collapsed.....at 3:00 am.
No wind, No weather.
I first threw the tent away..but then decided to send it back to Eureka to see if they would replace it.
--------------Update November 2, 2009 ------------------------
What an AWESOME company. No questions asked. I sent the tent back and they just called me that they are sending out a brand new tent to replace the one that failed!!!!!
What a great company!!! Lifetime guarantees rock!!!!! How can you NOT buy from these guys!!!
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Great tent! | | Review Date: October 24, 2008 | | Reviewer: Gift Card Recipient, Huntsville, AL |
This tent was recently (Sept/Oct 2008) used on a 17-day camping trip through Yellowstone and the Black Hills. It performed flawlessly. The zippers were never a problem, the tent set up very easily, and it dried out very quickly when it became wet with rain, dew, or frost. The interior stayed dry in a heavy rain. The ventilation was excellent. We set up/took down the tent 12 times during those 17 days, and no problems at all. We're truly happy with it and plan to use it often in the future. |
Great for traveling on motorcycles | | Review Date: August 11, 2008 | | Reviewer: Slanger, Wisconsin USA | | I bought this tent to use during motorcycle touring. The packed size is a little long to allow it to be placed in the trunk of my 86 Goldwing but we take a trailer anyway. It is a good size for two large men with air mattresses and we have had three inside. It sets up easily but I found it necessary to upgrade on the tent stakes. The door is a simple zipper system that hasn't missed a beat, as long as you grab the zipper pull correctly, it easily navigates past the storm flap for the zipper across the bottom of the door. The pockets inside are adjustable to several locations and are very handy to keep track of items while you sleep. All of the mesh that is covered up by the rain fly is great for ventilation but doesn't retain much heat on cold nights. This is not a big deal as long as you plan accordingly with an appropriate sleeping bag. The extension over the door and window are a nice touch and I have observed no sign of the pole ripping through the pocket and I have used this tent for three years. My friend has a much larger tent, but we take this one because it is just that easy to set up, tear down and pack away. There are many models within the Tetragon series of Eureka tents, just select the size you need. |
Great car camping tent. | | Review Date: May 7, 2007 | | Reviewer: M. Martin, Boulder, CO | | While I wouldn't take it backpacking or into high wind conditions, this tent works great for the weekend car trip. It's airy and spacious, with plenty of small, hanging compartments to keep your stuff sorted and out of the way. |
It"s Cold in Here | | Review Date: March 5, 2009 | | Reviewer: S. Eason, McKinney, TX | I had a Eureka Alpine Meadows tent for ~12 years before it needed replacing. I chose the Eureka Tetragon 8 for it's size, features, and price. It sets up in minutes and is easy to take down also. It uses fiberglass poles and the clip system. We set it up for the first time in the backyard to check it over and try it out. We ran all of the guylines and stakes as we would on a real trip. The wind was gusty (25 mph)that night and temps were just below freezing before morning. The only problem we had was the stiff breeze coming thru the tent. The mesh windows that will be great to have this summer were a liability because they do not have covers that can be zipped closed. There is only the rainfly to stop direct exposure to winds. It was cold in there, but now I know what to expect.
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Super easy setup! | | Review Date: May 8, 2009 | | Reviewer: Virginia Newcomb, Kansas City, MO | | I ordered this tent because I need a tent I can set it up by myself. It was so easy to set up the very first time. The two poles set up first and then, beginning at the bottom, the tent is easily snapped onto the poles. Lots of ventilation for warm weather camping, yet the fly that goes over the whole thing keeps rain out. I really love this tent. |
Easy setup and great for beginners. | | Review Date: June 17, 2010 | | Reviewer: Alex P. Kimball, Massachusetts, USA | Bought this tent primarily for weekend camping by myself, though it's easily big enough for a couple more people. For one person it's a lot of space unless you're tall like me, and then it's still a lot of space but you aren't always banging your head or sleeping curled up which is very nice.
Incredibly simple setup - multiple times I have set it up alone, in the pitch dark, with a small lantern on the ground nearby, in probably ten minutes tops. This is my first tent, too, so it's not like I'm experienced at all with tent setup.
It's also weathered a few thunderstorms, and served me very well. Kept everything dry, and with overhangs over the window/door you can even have part of the windows unzipped for airflow. I did seam-seal, and I do use a cheap tarp for a groundcloth, but it keeps the rain off fantastically. The included tent stakes are kind of small, so if wind is going to be a big issue where you're going I would get better stakes, but overall a great deal and a solid tent. |
Eureka Tetragon | | Review Date: October 1, 2007 | | Reviewer: Steve Parks, | | Easiest tent I've ever put up. Will save a divorce if doing it with a spouse. |
go for it | | Review Date: January 26, 2009 | | Reviewer: J. Zima, Tavernier, FL United States | | We've used this twice already for two adults and two kids in Everglades National Park. It's easy to set up, sturdy and holds up in wind. We bought Eureka based on other customer reviews and thus far are really happy with the purchase, and expect a couple years of usage from it. |
Great tent | | Review Date: April 26, 2009 | | Reviewer: MD Crab, EllicotT City, MD, USa | | Typical Eureka product: well made. Easy to set up and take down. Compact size carrying size makes packing easy. Definitely not a "four person" tent - very comfortable for two people. |
Love this tent | | Review Date: June 2, 2010 | | Reviewer: Chad Cunningham, Lost in North America | I purchased this tent to backpack with my 3 kids. While this isn't exactly a backpacking tent at 8.5 lbs, it's really only about 1lb heavier than other 4 person backpacking tents I could find, all of which cost at least 3 times as much. The lightest 4 person tent I found was $400 and 7lbs, so I figured for a $300 savings I could deal with a little extra weight.
I just used it for the first trip last weekend and it worked great. The tent part packed down nice and small and was compressed pretty easily, the only negative is that the poles are exceptionally long. I had to unzip the sleeping bag compartment a little and slide the poles down into it to get it in the pack (it's a 65L pack with an expanding collar on top). When we got to the camp it was very easy to set up, even though I'd never done it before nor had any instructions. The tent looks good and is a great size, although 4 adults would be cozy in it (at 8' wide, essentially each person gets 2' of room which is plenty for a thermarest, but no extra for gear).
And of course, it poured down rain the entire time. I'm happy to say the tent is 99% waterproof. After a night of heavy downpours I found 2 quarter sized spots of water in the tent, not enough to get anyone wet but I'll probably go over it with seam sealer to be safe.
Overall I'm happy with the performance and price, and although it's not really meant to be used for backpacking, it will do the job in a pinch. |
Perfect tent for Dad and Lad! | | Review Date: October 28, 2009 | | Reviewer: Randall L. Rudeen, Allen, Texas USA | | I purchased this tent for a Dad and Lad Scout campout this last weekend. I was able to get it from Academy marked down to $59.99. Felt I got a great deal. My son and I arrived at camp right at dusk and the tent went up easily and quickly, even in the dark. The temperatures reached the low 40s both nights and we stayed comfortable and dry. I love the extra pockets included for small gear storage. With two air mattresses and our gear, we probably couldn't have fit anyone else in the tent...but perfect for the two of us. I plan on buying cots for the next campout so we can store our stuff under them, thus creating more space. |
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