Open main menu

Eureka! Freedom

rated 3.5 of 5 stars

The Freedom has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best three-season tents for 2024.

I purchased this tent from a gentleman on eBay.  Being a wheelchair user I was looking for something that was easy access. 

It can be said this tent is definitely easy enough to access through the side doors/windows, the butterfly door at the vestibule, and the middle partition screen door which zips down the middle and completely around its perimeter. 

The ceiling height in the vestibule is just right for a manual wheelchair user.  The vestibule offers an awesome place to get in out of the weather quickly. 

I think this tent would work better for someone that is independent with getting in and out of their wheelchair. Considering the fact that I am a quadriparesis that requires attendant care this tent was a bit smaller because of my need to have a cot. This tent works better with no cot or a very low cot such that permits the user to stay within the sleeping area without touching the sloped foot area. Because of my elevated cot I had to sleep part way into the vestibule. 

I would be more likely to give this tent a greater rating if I did not have such a great need for an attendant.  But because of that need it is not all the tent I had hoped it to be.  For a quadriparesis it would be helpful if this tent were a couple feet greater in width and a couple feet greater in links in the sleeping area that would permit better cot placement without having to extend into the vestibule. 

I would also prefer a rain fly that extended awning like over the side doors/windows for a protected entry in the event of rain.  True, the tent permits access from within the vestibule but there again it is far easier for a paraplegic that is independent of attendant care for transfers. 

Another little quirk that needs to be worked out in the design is the rain fly puddles directly over the vestibule when it is raining of any significance. There is a bit of a flat area directly over the vestibule that needs to be rethought for a future tent models. 

Also when guying out the front of the tent at the butterfly door it tends to rack the tent in an unnatural position that wrinkles the rain fly such that holds water in those wrinkles.  There needs to be guy out positions pulling in opposition to those that are at the front.

In summary I would say this is a better choice of tent designed for those that are much more mobile and independent.

I would suggest a higher level injury that is in need of a personal attendant should look at something such as the Paha Que Pamo Valley or Temescal Creek which have protected awning covers, a huge door that makes it easier for attendant care, a smaller door on the opposite wall that permits exit and entry by able-bodied campers, and a tall ceiling that makes it far easier on attendant backs.

Design: Abilities camping
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Very easy
Weight: 17 pounds
Price Paid: $150

Your Review

You May Like

Specs

Price Historic Range: $155.76-$319.96
Reviewers Paid: $150.00

Recently on Trailspace

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Ultralite HDPE Bottle Review