Eureka Solitaire

Review Date
March 16, 2008

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: RyanWilliamCantrell ,  Car Camper

Price Paid:  $60.00 at Joe's Sporting Goods

Summary:
I purchased this tent due to it's small pack size and light weight for motorcycle camping. I've been very pleased with this tent EXCEPT that the front pole split and shattered upon it's 4th use, which was very disappointing. I used Gorilla tape to mend it, and have used it a dozen times since then. Very water proof in the rain, but condensation will soak the sleeping bag, and anything else that touches the side wall. Very quick to put up and pull down, which was the draw for me. Packs down very small.

Review Date
February 16, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: outbound ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $50.00 at Amazon.com

Summary:
Eureka Solitaire is a great little bikepacking bivy and you can't beat the price. Yes, the pole sleeves are a little tight, so you have to be gentle. Although I haven't had pole splitting, I had another tent that did. To prevent this you can reinforce the fiberglas by winding electrical tape as if you were taping bicycle handlebars.

Review Date
October 29, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Trish ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Internet

Summary:
This tent is just great. Sets up easily and compacts nicely in my backpack. Even if the described weight is a little off, it's still a full 1-2 pounds lighter than other tents in the same category. I've taken this out in 30 degrees in the mountains and 90 degrees in the desert and slept comfortably at all times.

My two minor complaints are condensation and like someone else mentioned, I wish it was just a little taller so I could sit up. I'm 5'2" and there was plenty of room for me and my pack but this tent would not be for the claustrophobic or a tall person.

Customer Service:
None needed

Review Date
June 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: zabazaba ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $60.00 at Online vendor

Summary:
People are scoring this product way too high. Cons: Weight was not as advertised. Pack weight ~3lbs 6 oz. Could get it down to hair over 3lbs by replacing all the metal stakes with aluminum. Condensation on fly a problem if totally enclosed. I am fairly small guy but this tent is for sleeping only. No head room. Too many stakes. Pros: Cheap, small, fairly lightweight, and flip back fly for star gazing is a nice feature.

Customer Service:
No issues to date other than poor design and erroneous weight information.

Similar Products Used:
REI Half Dome 2 person, Eureka Backcountry 2, Eureka Timberline 2. I would score all of these tents as better values, however, they aren't solos and aren't as compact and lightweight.

Review Date
January 24, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Nathan Willis(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $90.00 at Campmor

Summary:
I have had this tent for over three years now and absolutely love it. It is the best of everything. I originally bought it because it was small and light but I have had it on many trips through severe rain, snow, and summer heat and it has excelled in all conditions. My only complaint is that it requires so many stake points to set it up. Great buy and outstanding just don't buy it if you are claustrophobic or prefer lots of room to move.