User Review: Eureka! Spitfire UL

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

Reviewed May 16, 2008 by Rakshakmishak

Rating:
Design: 3-Season, non-freestanding, solo tent
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: One stake at the head, 2 at the feet, put the pole in the grommets, clip it on and you're done. The rainfly uses clips, existing stakes and one additional for the vestibule. Just make sure the Vestibule is zipped shut when staking out, otherwise it coul
Weight: ~2lb
Price Paid: ~$90

I got this tent for myself as my first solo tent for its lightweight single-pole design, ease of use and price. With just a couple of practice runs, this tent is a breeze to set up just about anywhere due to its small footprint. There is ample room to sit up, change your clothes (in total privacy with the fly up) and roll around plenty in your sleep.

I recently did a section hike of the Appalachian Trail with this tent in western Mass and it kept me dry, warm and comfortable every night. I was able to put my pack under the vestibule with my boots if I kept it tight against the tent body right in front of the door, which is just right for me.

The only downside I had with it was that it is a bit fragile. One of the 2 built-in support mini-poles in the foot of the tent body that help keep the fly from touching the mesh poked through the fly on this trip on a particularly rainy night. Luckily I was able to re-position the fly so that the hole wasn't over the tent. This could have been avoided by not trying to stake out the fly so taut, but these points should be reinforced on the rainfly or rubber stoppers be put over the ends of these poles to prevent this from happening so easily.

Overall, for the price I am satisfied with the tent and am looking forward to having the rainfly repaired / replaced by Eureka so I can use it again this season!