Eureka Apex 2A Review

"I bought the Eureka Apex 2a tent three years ago to use backpacking with Boy Scouts, and have few complaints. My first trip was a three day two night weekender in rain, heavy wind, and snow. I noticed right off (setting up in the rain and dark) that you had to be quick getting in & out, as there's no overhang to keep rain from entering. The tent was relatively watertight, with minor leakage around the zippers where they met the washtub floor (I should have seam sealed them before I used it). I pitched the tent with the "storm shield"� facing the main wind direction, and the tent felt quite secure without guying, even in 20 mph winds with higher gusts. Not bad for it's maiden voyage.

Over the past three years, I've used the Apex 2a in all seasons and all weather in Virginia and West Virginia. Ventilation is quite good, and I have no problems with condensation. The "wings"� require a larger footprint than you might expect, so it can be tough pitching the Apex 2a with fly in thick undergrowth. The vestibules are tiny, but adequate for a pair of boots or day pack. I find the gear pockets to be well located, and use them regularly. I made my own gear loft, and have adequate head room even when I've loaded the loft with clothing (I'm 5'10"� 165 lb). Sleeps two comfortably, and is roomy for one and a backpack. I like the rectangular footprint, which is just right for using a heavy duty space blanket as a ground cover.

In summary, good ventilation, little to no condensation, easy to pitch by yourself, sleeps two comfortably, tiny "vestibules"� (calling them "vestibules" is stretching it - carry a good pack cover), and rain enters every time you open the door. Overall a good tent, and I don't hesitate to load it up for every outing. I may replace it soon, but only if I find a one-man tent that is not claustrophobia-inducing and has good ventilation.
"

"I have had this tent for about 2 years and have used it about 8 times in FL, Ga, and NC. Last summer I got pounded by heavy torrential rains out on the Chunky Gal Trail in NC. I had a few drips around the rear wall vent and near the zipper ends on both sides. But I was satisfied with its performance as the rain was very heavy and non stop for hours on one particular night. I resealed these spots and now they are fine. The Stormshield rainfly, which does not cover the rear wall, worked as advertised. The tent is largely mesh except for the doors and rear wall. Maybe Eureka could have made the rear wall mesh and had the fly cover the entire tent without sacrificing added weight- just a thought. All in all, a really a good tent and I won't hesitate to use it again in pending bad weather."

"I bought this tent because I wanted a good, lightweight, 2 person Tent for myself, and my bag when i go backpacing. I did not want to spend $300 on a tent, and i felt this one was lighter then some of the other tents in its class or even some more expensive models(i bought 2 other tents and returned them). Overall i am happy with the tent except the one time it rained, and i woke up with pools of water around the corners and edges."