[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

[at-l] Eureka Zephyr solo tent

After 30 years of marriage, my wife is still my sweetheart. She proved
that today by giving me a Eureka Zephyr for a Valentine presents.

I have been looking for a tent to substitute for my old REI Halfdome. It
has served me very well but it is heavy for solo backpacking. Low weight
and a low price were two things I was looking for. Well, a local sporting
goods store put their tents on sale at 40% off! I was able to get the
Zephyr for $78.00 plus tax.

When we got home from the store, I put the tent on our scales. The tent,
fly, poles, stuff sack and pegs weight in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces. BP
lists it at 4, 1. Our scales are the balance beam sort, like you'd find
in a doctor's office. I checked the calibration so I am confident that
the true pack weight is 3, 12. I should say that I substituted a
Therma-rest stuff sack for the Zephyr's sack and didn't have a separate
sack for the poles. I guess this accounts for the difference.

The Zephyr goes up easier than my old trusty Halfdome but not a fast as a
Clipflashlite. It has a center height of 36 inches which is just right
for me. I stand 5' 8" tall. The floor space is 3' x 8' so there should be
room for me and my gear. I'll have to test that yet. The Zephyr will take
almost two pound out of my pack. I don't know how its weight compares to
true pack weight for the Clipflashlite. When I was a scout leader, we
used Eureka Timberline, 2 man tents. This past experience makes me feel
that Eureka puts out a reliable and durable product. They always gave us
good service after the sales. We bent or broke several poles which they
replaced for free. 

BTW, for those with backpacking partner spouses, such a present may not
seem like much of a deal. But you have to understand that my wife's idea
of roughing it is to be on one of those thousand foot long cruise boats
while they are washing the swimming pool. It'll be roses for her again
this Valentine's.    Hopeful

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

==============================================================================