Eureka BigHorn as winter tent?

hikingfish · Sep 11, 2006

Hi All!
I recently went to an outdoor shop and saw the Eureka BigHorn (2 ppl model). I like the big vestibule and I think it looks kind of like a Stephensen tent. I also thought it would be a nice substitute for the icebox igloo maker (which alas, the girlfriend doesn't approve of hehe). Anyways, dig a foot or two deep in the vestibule of that BigHorn and it would be very comfortable during winter months.

Weight/size isn't that much of an issue, since I'd be bringing it in my pulk (project still pending completion...but now that winter's around the corner, I'll get working on it again!).

My one gripe is that the tent is classified as a 3 season tent. I thought that these models where designed to withstanding windy and snowy conditions. They even stated the design has been tested in the Canadian Arctic. What do you guys think: Do you think it'd be a comfortable and safe place to stay in winter?

Thanks!

Fish

PS: Here's a link to the BigHorn

MissionsMan · Sep 11, 2006

Hi Hikingfish -

It looks like a great tent - HUGE comes to mind (reminds me a bit of a Hilleberg knock-off - imitation is the best compliment).

Eureka tents are *usually* pretty decent and they are grrrrreat w/Customer Service. Just a guess, as my opinion of the tent is from what i saw on the net, but i think it would hold up quite well - if it has adequate stake-out points and is strong enough where needed. Also, how well do you think the tent will vent in terms of your usual winter venting habits?

Since wgt and size are non-items for you, it could be a great addition!

fm

sardog1 · Sep 11, 2006

Eureka differentiates its tents by geographic markets. The Big Horn 2XD is a model sold in Europe and Canada but not the U.S. as far as I know, so you might have better luck asking north of 49N and east of 141W.

This tent resembles several brands sold in Europe and occasionally here in the U.S., Hilleberg being the obvious first example. Like many of those, the Big Horn 2XD tent is not freestanding, which is a drawback in a winter tent in my opinion. For winter use I like freestanding tents that can withstand wind and snow dumps on their own and need anchoring only to stay put.

Not having seen the Big Horn 2XD firsthand, I'm reluctant to offer further opinions.

Rick · Sep 11, 2006

Longtime Eureka fan.
I wish that Johnson Worldwide (JWA) would bring some of the European and Canadian Eureka models over to the states. Used to be you could get some great deals on Jack Wolfskin gear at the tent outlet in Johnson City (Binghamton), but it appears JWA just doesn't seem have as many backcountry selections to the US market as to other marklets - It appears they are more into commercial, military and family stuff in the states.

Eureka Canada
Jack Wolfskin

nazdarovye · Sep 11, 2006

hikingfish said:
My one gripe is that the tent is classified as a 3 season tent. I thought that these models where designed to withstanding windy and snowy conditions. They even stated the design has been tested in the Canadian Arctic.

I went to the page and looked - that might just be clever wording meaning that tunnel tents have been proven in the Arctic - not necessarily this one.

The vestibule would be nice for winter (looks similar to the GT vestibules on the Hilleberg tunnel tents), so my main question would be whether the inner tent has any exposed mesh. If all mesh can be completely sealed up against wind and spindrift, then this might be a fine tent for winter use.

Can't tell how sturdy its guy-outs and fabric and poles are...a weakness in any of those areas could make this less than ideal for winter.

hikingfish · Sep 11, 2006

nazdarovye said:
I went to the page and looked - that might just be clever wording meaning that tunnel tents have been proven in the Arctic - not necessarily this one.

The vestibule would be nice for winter (looks similar to the GT vestibules on the Hilleberg tunnel tents), so my main question would be whether the inner tent has any exposed mesh. If all mesh can be completely sealed up against wind and spindrift, then this might be a fine tent for winter use.

Can't tell how sturdy its guy-outs and fabric and poles are...a weakness in any of those areas could make this less than ideal for winter.

HI All,
Thanks for all the great replies! Nazdarovye, I was thinking of that exact same model too (GT vestibules). I had looked at the Hilleberg tents, but I just couldn't justify the prices. Also, this tent appears to have a 30% rebate on it here at a local store (don't remember the price, the guy at the store is supposed to call me back today). I'm going to go check it again, see the mesh situation, guylines and perhaps put a bit of weight on the tent to see how it reacts...

Thanks again all!

Fish