Eureka Alpine Meadows

Review Date
July 30, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Tom Holleran ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $117.00 at Recreational Equipme

Summary:
I am a Former canoe guide of the BWCA / Quetico, a sub zero winter camper & backpacker. Alpine Meadows 4 may be stretched into a moderate 4 season tent, is a bit heavy for backpacking but OK, more stormworthy than Timberline 4, from which it is derived. Add a vestibule at both ends and properly guy the tent to make it as bomb-proof as any non-geodesic dome can be, a door at each end is a terrific feature! The addition of a central hoop (a'la Conestoga Wagon) from side to side makes the interior very dome-like, eliminating the great flaw of "A frame" tents, namely that people do not get the benefit of all the alleged height/head room; since our heads aren't triangular we cannot use the top 1' of any "A Frame" tent.

The 2 man version benefits from the inadvertant ruggedness of the Timberline 2; add those vestibules and I rate Alpine Meadows 2 as being as stormworthy as any tent short of the most extreme geodomes, those intended for the tops of 14,000m peaks.

Bought mine off the used / returned table at an REI Co-op Sale. An excellent source for bagrgains IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: be there at opening on day 1.

Similar Products Used:
REI Geodome 2, 6, North Face Dome 25, Eureka Timberline 2, 4, Sierra Designs Meteorlight, Clip Flashlight

Review Date
August 26, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Cloudwlkr(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Kamloops, BC

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Mountain Equipment Coop

Summary:
I bought this tent a number of years ago and I have LOVED IT. In it I NEVER ever got wet. It is quick to set up and quick to take down and there is quite a bit of room with the vestibule.

As I'm now in need of more room, today I just bought the North Face Roadrunner 3. So...I'm retiring my old tent. If anyone is interested in this tent or would like mine for parts drop me an email.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Troy Anderson(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper , from Edina, MN, USA

Summary:
Got my Eureka Alpine Meadows 4 as a gift. I've used it maybe a dozen times for park-n-camp & paddle-n-camping. It has worked very well under normal circumstances. Last year, in stormy conditions the center top horizontal pole cracked lengthwise in a couple of places. The tent held up fine though and kept us dry. I didn't find the cracks until I was taking the tent apart. I fixed the pole with a few small round metal hose clamps.
Today, in another storm, the tent frame was destroyed in high winds. There were other tents destroyed at the same campsite so it is not necessarly a reflection on this particular tent. The wind was blowing toward the door end of the tent and the majority of the damage to the frame was once again to the horizontal pole. This time it bent the pole like a banana. The before mentioned cracks were not a factor but it seems that the horizontal pole may be the weakest link in the frame. I wonder if the wind was coming from a different angle it it would have held up?
I haven't found replacement parts yet as this site is the beginning of my search. If I cannot find reasonable replacement parts, I may try a tent with fiberglass poles or look for some sort of wind rating.
I guess I would still recommend this tent but personally will look for something stronger in the future. Having equipment failure change your long made plans stinks.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 16, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Kay(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper , from Western NY

Price Paid:  $125.00 at campmor

Summary:
One fantastic tent, great headroom because of the middle hoop and great weight to space ratio. Mine is about 15 years old BUT they are no longer making this tent!! If you can find a store with them still in stock, be aware that it may be your last chance to buy one.

Customer Service:
Great service, lots of spare parts available, parts to Eureka's classic Timberline fit the Alpine Meadows.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 8, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: rick pope(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from moraine wi

Price Paid:  $140.00 at sporting goods store

Summary:
Alpine is agood solid performer , I would opt for the simpler timberline if I buy another Eureka.The alpine has to have the fly staked out seperate and does not seem as stormworthy to me. I would use either ,but feel the timberline is my choice

Customer Service:
They replaced adoor zipper on a six year old tent for free.KELTY

Similar Products Used:
KELTY