Eureka Apex Tent
The Eureka Apex 2xt Backpacking Tent Review

The Eureka Apex Tent is a lightweight, dome camping shelter. While touted by Eureka as one of their best backpacking tents, consumer tent reviews are mixed, making it difficult for anyone to justify the Apex 2xt price tag.

As usual, the Eureka tent company implements great design in their tent. Two side opening doors allow for both air circulation and privacy, interior storage pockets keep your headlamp and books easily accessible, and another poke-out vent in the side wall provides extra ventilation when needed.

But did Eureka skimp on the Apex 2 tent's waterproofing? According to many, yes.

Many owners of the Eureka Apex tent (also known as the Scenic Pass tent), which comes without a vestibule, found their backpacking tent inadequately waterproofed.

Others that opted to spend another 20 dollars on the Eureka Apex 2xt Tent, which comes with a vestibule, had additional room for gear and some were lucky to stay dry through the night.

Eureka Apex Camping Tent Review

The Apex Tent Fully Pitched

About 80% of consumer reviews state that the Eureka Apex tent leaked through the top of the tent and fly zippers on each side. So, while the Apex 2xt provides plenty of ventilation, it also can convert into a swimming pool--not what you want out of expensive outdoor camping equipment.

Still, the Apex 2, 2xt, and 3xt come with many thoughtful features, such as:

• 2 side opening panels for excellent ventilation
  
  
• A poke-out vent for additional ventilation on stuffy nights
  
  
• 2 storage pockets for headlamps, snacks, books, etc.
  
  
• Freestanding fiberglass frame
  
  
• Apex 2xt footprint covers stargazing ceiling in poor weather
  
  
• Easy to assemble with only 2 poles

Are these all beneficial? Unquestionably, all campers enjoy ventilation. Many backpacking tents provide inadequate ventilation and the Eureka tent company acknowledged this by providing the Eureka Apex tent with the best ventilation possible.

Many backpacking shelters come with aluminum tent poles, as they are easier to repair, if necessary. The Apex 2, 2xt, and 3xt come with fiberglass tent poles. This can be problematic if a pole breaks while camping miles away from civilization.

Learn More About the Apex Tents at Amazon.com

While the Eureka Apex 2xt and 3xt tents come with vestibules for gear, the Apex 2 does not. Vestibules provide valuable storage space for gear and are almost always necessary when backpacking.

A mesh ceiling is a luxury, as it allows you and your backpacking partner to stargaze in this 3 season tent. However, campers would rather stay dry than stargaze; since the Eureka is leaky, perhaps the manufacturers should have focused more on keeping their backcountry tent dry than allowing campers the luxury of stargazing.

Eureka Apex 2XT Tent Specifications

The Eureka Apex 2XT Tent Specs

• Area: 36.5 square feet
• Height: 3 feet, 7.5 inches
• Floor Size: 7'5" x 4'11"
• Weight: 5 lbs. 6 oz.
• Pack Size: 6" x 18.5"
• Number of Windows: 2
• Number of Doors: 2
• Sleeps: 2
• Tent Pole Material: Fiberglass
• Seasons: 3
• Vestibule Area: 13.4 sq ft.

Eureka Apex Tents: Advantages

One of the greatest selling points is the Eureka Apex 2xt Tent/Scenic Pass Tent Price Tag.

Like all Eureka tents, the Apex is easy and quick to assemble, which is nice when needing to get your camping equipment inside a shelter during a storm. However, since it's prone to leaking, it might not matter if your gear makes it inside the Eureka Apex--it will probably get wet no matter what.

Finally, the Apex's superb ventilation is a luxury few backpacking tents provide.

Apex Tents: Disadvantages

When purchasing a backpacking tent, weight and leakage must always be considered. In the weight category, the Apex 2xt is average when compared to the best backpacking tents.

Weight can be overlooked if you are not an ultralight backpacker, but when investing in camping equipment, a tent should never be purchased if it is prone to leaking.

Eureka Apex Tents: Consumer Reviews

Summary

Eureka Apex/Scenic Pass Tents are mediocre backpacking tents. Since they are at least half the price of the best backpacking tents, consumers get what they pay for when purchasing the Apex 2, 2xt, or 3xt tent.

If you hate getting your camping equipment wet (as all campers do), avoid the Eureka Apex camping tent. While reviews are mixed, it is not worth the risk. Additionally, as mentioned, it's of average weight for a backpacking tent. While carrying extra weight can be sacrificed for comfort, sleeping in a puddle is never enjoyable.

Since the Eureka Apex 2, 2xt, and 3xt tents may make your bed a waterbed, you should think twice before purchasing.

Where to Buy

Out of all the stores that we monitor,t the only one that still carries the Eureka Apex tents is Amazon.com.

Here's a link to all the Apex tents they carry.

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