Eddie Bauer 2-Person Backpacking Tent

I used this tent for 5 years before the zippers finally bit the dust. This tent is a good size. A small footprint just big enough to sleep two plus gear in the vestibule. The first year or so I had this tent it was great in the rain. After that it started allowing water to seep through the floor. This is normal with nylon-coated floors that have been subject to a year's worth of abrasion on sandy surfaces. Also I had a problem in the Florida Keys. On a sandy beach there where no-see-um biting insects that were small enough to get inside somehow.

I used this tent for backpacking annually in Big Bend National Park for five years and it was adequate. A little heavier and larger than a good solo backpacking tent should be, so I finally got a new tent for that purpose.

The poles are lightweight aluminum and durable by comparison to my friend's MSR tent. He got his (expensive) MSR solo tent at the same time and we took all the same camping trips together. His poles failed after about three years, mine are still going strong, although my zippers have now failed.

Pros:
Freestanding
Intermediate size suitable for both car camping and backpacking
Handles wind very well due to low profile and shape with rainfly.
Low cost.
No condensation, ever.
Fast setup and take down with pole hooks rather than sleeves.

Cons:
Zippers failed after 5 years
Floor began to seep water after first year (not using a footprint or groundcloth).
Slightly heavy for solo backpacking

I was looking for a freestanding tent. I saw this at Target once, but went on looking for awhile. I found that Target had a clearance on them. I soon found this tent on ebay at $45 dollars. It has gone on three or four outings. Gone thru some severe rain and showers with no problems, but I did seam seal the tent when it was new. I also color coded the main/front pole for ease of set up in the night. So far it has served me well.

I bought this tent on clearance at Target. The floor is a tub-type nylon, with factory waterproof taped seams. I set the tent up and lifted it over my head, and I could see small holes throught the seams. I sealed these areas and the tent has kept me dry. With two people in the tent, I have not had any condensation problems. The rainfly/vestibule is small, but useable.

Great value! Used it on my last hiking/camping trip and was the only dry person the next day. It really sleeps two.