User Review: Eureka! Alpenlite XT

Eureka! Alpenlite XT
Above: The current Alpenlite XT, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed March 21, 2006 by Roger Neal

Rating:
Design: A-frame freestanding
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: easier than most 4-season tents
Weight: 7lb 4oz without footprint
Price Paid: $179

Had this tent for four years. It is a little tight for two people and the headroom could be a little more. However, any increase would result in more weight so those things are minor. Mine weighs out at 7lb 4oz which is light for a 4-season tent. Have always stayed dry and vestibule is big enough to cook in (carefully).

The newer version of the Alpenlite has more ventilation with the four added zippered window vents and one additional ceiling vent. It also has a fly vent. However, it is also much heavier than the older version. Either one however is still a great tent.

If you are going to own one tent this would be at the top of the list. I have three other winter tents (tnf nebula, eureka k-2, and REI Mountain Convert) but none are as versatile as the Alpenlite. Many people seem to think that Eureka is inferior to Marmot, Kelty, North Face, MSR, and the rest. I don't think so. I have 22 tents and six of them are Eureka. In fact, I still use my 4-person Timberline that I bought in 1976. Zippers are starting to wear out, but so am I.