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Eureka Spitfire 1 vs. Backcountry 1..help me decide..

Battle Creek Knives

Battle Creek Knives

Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
4,355
I've pretty much narrowed down my solo tent search, Eureka Backcountry 1 or the Eureka spitfire 1...

Its probably a stretch asking here on BF but I'm not a member of backpacking/tent forums..

anyone have any advice on either or both??? I've searched google and all the reviews on both but still on the fence...

other recommendations also considered below $150...

thanks
 
:D okay in a nutshell the backcountry has a little more room, but weighs over a lb more.. adn is around $50 more..

spitfire is lighter, a little smaller, has all mesh walls but is $50cheaper...

spitfire has small vestibule while BC doesn't which is no way a deal breaker...

hopefully someone has had one or the other or both:) and could help sway my decision.. .
 
Unless you're counting ounces, I would go for the heavier one for the extra room and I imagine that it would be a bit more durable in the long run .
 
When are you camping?

A double skin tent is warmer for colder weather

I find a net tent delightful to use, to be open when the weather is good and bug proof
Also a vestibule is very useful in rain

I would choose the net tent which is lighter
 
I've got the spitfire and other than it being tight, not real complaints when I'm going light. I'd not do without a vestuble. I've also heard and agree with the saying that the best solo tent is what they call a "two man tent." Again, your results may vary, but for me, the extra few ounces between a 1 and a 2 person tent is worth it. Especially if there is any type of rain in the forecast.
 
Battle Creek Knives said:
:D okay in a nutshell the backcountry has a little more room, but weighs over a lb more.. adn is around $50 more..

spitfire is lighter, a little smaller, has all mesh walls but is $50cheaper...

spitfire has small vestibule while BC doesn't which is no way a deal breaker...

hopefully someone has had one or the other or both:) and could help sway my decision.. .
Click to expand...
I pulled them up and looked at the specs and pics, and as far as I can see, the Backcountry offers nothing. Higher cost, 18oz heavier, less ventilation, more condensation. Awkward entry, and crappy visibility with the fly off.
In return, you get some extra width at your feet where you don't need it, some extra height on the end you're not sitting up on, loops for a gear loft you won't use, and an extra storage pocket. You'd be able to keep your pack inside the Backcountry vs. crammed under the Spitfire's small vestibule, but whoop-te-do, it's a 1P backpacking tent that you're going to lay down and sleep in. Doesn't seem like a tough decision to me!
 
thanks guys,

I was thinking, on the spitfire the small vestibule could be used for boots and such but really not much else, and I think I would take my pack in with me and use it for a head rest if needed.. I have an Apex XT2 but the weight comes in around 7lbs Its nice and roomy if I'm with my son but for a solo I'd like to shave some ounces...

right now I can get the spitfire for like 85 and the other for 135, guess I'll probably go with the spitfire and see how she does, guess the worse part would be stuck in there if it rained all day..
 
I'd go with the Spitfire. Like somebody else said, you don't need the room by your feet, you got plenty of room by your head and shoulders (where you need it) in the Spitfire. Actually if you don't mind the weight then go with a Spitfire 2. You get plenty of space for about the same weight as the Backcountry.
 
never even looked at the spitfire2 I may have to compare the two now...

otherwise I think I'm sold on the spitfire... after reading another review about the BC if it rains good with wind you're out of luck as the fly is very shallow and this guy was soaked...
 
How bout the eureka solitaire? Lighter and pack size is smaller. The spit is bigger which might actually be a plus for your gear.
 
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