10 Best Eureka Tents Reviewed [Are They Worth It?]

Here are our thoughts on the best Eureka tents and whether they are worth it.

I’ve been camping for several years and never stopped the hunt for the best shelter. I spent 10+ hours researching the most popular Eureka tents and compared them to the competition.

If you are wondering if Eureka tents are good, here’s my conclusion: Eureka makes great tents that are known for how livable and durable they are. Many of their car camping models are tall enough for you to stand up in and stretch around, while Eureka’s backpacking tents can last for decades.

The best Eureka tent for car camping is the Eureka Jade Canyon, and the best Eureka tent for backpacking is the Timberline SQ. For the mix of price, comfort, durability, and weather protection, these are hard to beat. 

Let’s jump into more details.

Eureka Car Camping Tents

Have you heard that you have to “size up” when purchasing a tent? If you are new to camping, it means you should get a tent a size larger than how many campers would be sleeping in it. That’s because most tents are actually too small for their declared capacity. 

But this is not the case with Eureka tents. When Eureka says a tent is for 4-person, it means you can actually fit 4 adults in there without feeling cramped.

On top of that, Eureka’s car camping tents are also very livable. The best Copper Canyon LX and Jade Canyon tents feature a 7 feet high ceiling with large doors. Just imagine how comfortable it would be to walk in and out of your tent without bending down. 

Not all Eureka car camping tents are equally waterproof, though. The Copper Canyon and Tetragon NX are made for camping in good weather. But all other models should hold up in moderate rain. 

Eureka Copper Canyon LX 3-Season Tent

Best for: Couples and families who want to spend time in a spacious tent in fair weather; $$$ 

Verdict: the 7 feet ceiling sets it apart from the competition

Tired of hunching over to get into your tent? It won’t be an issue with the Eureka Copper Canyon Tent. 

Unless you play in the NBA, you should be able to stand up straight inside with the 7-feet high ceiling. That creates a lot of possibilities for what you can do inside the tent. You can put up a kitchen table and cut vegetables or run around to chase your children or furry friends. 

It’s incredibly spacious. The 4-person model actually has enough room for 4 adults. The floor area is 8 ft x 8 ft, which averages 2 ft per person. I’ve looked at many 4-person tents, and most will be very cramped with 4 people and gear. 

The walls also don’t slope inward like those on dome tents but instead go up almost vertically. 

This means you’ll have enough space even if you have to be on the side of the tent. And you’ll have no problem with thick air mattresses or tall camping cots.

But like all tall cabin tents, the Copper Canyon catches wind more than dome tents. The non-flexible fiberglass poles don’t help either, as they might snap. This is not a tent for those windy days.  

Pros:

• Extremely roomy with straight walls, generous floor space, and tall ceiling
• Can stand up inside the tent
• 4 large meshed windows offer excellent ventilation, especially for hot and humid summer nights  
• Rainfly keeps the inside dry during storms, according to the reviews
• Power port allows you to bring electricity into your tent 

Cons: 

• The floor is very thin, and water may get inside when raining; expect to get a thick carpet or outdoor rug with this tent
• Fiberglass poles aren’t particularly sturdy in high winds; guy lines are needed to keep the tent stable

The competition:

Among tents this tall, the Copper Canyon offers excellent value. Most cabin tents have walls that slope inward more and are less roomy.  

If you don’t need a 7 feet high ceiling, here are some more affordable alternatives:

• Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds: center height around 6 feet, instant setup, WeatherTec protection
• CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent: Center height 6 feet, instant 60 seconds set up, sturdier steel poles

Eureka Jade Canyon 3-Season Tent

Best for: Couples and families who want a tall tent that’s more windproof; $$$$

Verdict: unique tent, comparable to other high-end brands 

Worried about a tall tent getting destroyed by the wind? Check out the Jade Canyon by Eureka. 

It comes in the exact same dimensions and shape as the Copper Canyon tent. Both are 7 feet tall and have 8 feet by 8 feet floors. It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking they are in the same tent.

But there’s one key difference – the Jade Canyon is more weather resistant since its aluminum poles are more durable in windy conditions. They tend to bend instead of snap.  

This tent should also be more waterproof as Eureka noted the walls are rated at 2000mm. If you’re not familiar with waterproof ratings, 2000mm is enough to handle occasional downpours.

Pros: 

• Extremely spacious with near-vertical walls and large floor area 
• Most people can stand up straight in it 
• Better weather resistance with high waterproof ratings and aluminum poles 
• Great for hot and humid summer nights with 4 large meshed windows
• Easy to set up
• Power port for electricity

Cons:  

• Rainfly that only covers the ceiling means wind could blow rain into the tent 
• 1-door design lags behind its competition at this price point 

The Competition: 

The Jade Canyon is quite a unique tent. We didn’t find anything very similar. Here are some comparable models: 

• REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent – larger floor space, lower 6’3” height, full-coverage rainfly, added vestibules, 2 doors, more expensive 
• Big Agnes House Dog 4 Person Tent – the Jade Canyon is better unless you really want 2 doors. The House Dog 4 is similarly priced with smaller floor space and lower height. No added vestibule or full rainfly. The Jade Canyon also seems more wind-resistant based on the reviews. 

Eureka Space Camp Tent

Best for: Couples and families who want a spacious tent that’s very waterproof; $$$$

Verdict: great all-around tent, but perhaps a bit expensive for what it offers 

Do you expect to camp in the rain pretty often? If so, the Space Camp might be a better choice for you. 

The Space Camp takes rain protection to a new level with a rainfly covering the tent from top-to-bottom, leaving no meshed walls exposed. 

You may wonder, then, how on earth could the tent stay well-ventilated? Don’t worry. Eureka’s got adjustable high and low air vents so that you can get the right amount of airflow every time. Reviewers have said there’s minimal condensation, and the tent is never stuffy. 

The vestibule adds a lot of space to store your gear and dirty shoes and doubles as a weatherproof entrance. 

Getting in and out of the tent won’t be a struggle, either. With 2 large doors, everyone can enter and exit in a breeze.

But there’s a catch. 

Compared to the Jade Canyon and Copper Canyon, the Space Camp is more than a foot shorter at only 5’8” tall. This means some tall folks will have to bend down. 

Pros:

• Full-coverage rainfly keeps the inside dry even in thunderstorms, based on the reviews.
• Aluminum poles make the Space Camp durable in windy conditions despite its height.  
• 2 vestibules create a weatherproof entrance with space to take off your shoes and gear
• You can adjust the flaps to get the ventilation just right.
• Roomy with straight walls (modified dome), generous floor space, and tall ceiling
• 10 storage pockets with gear loft 

Cons: 

• Set up instructions aren’t clear, especially for the adjustable air vents 
• Fabrics may not be durable in rough and rainy conditions; holes may appear

The competition: 

The Eureka Space Camp is pretty standard among straight-wall tents in this price range. Here are some alternatives if you want even more space.

• REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent – a great alternative if you’re tall and want to completely stand up. The Grand Hut 4 is 75 inches tall, with all other features very similar to the Space Camp.
• REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent  – pricier with more floor space and height; large panels of meshed walls under rainfly 

Eureka Kohana Tent

Best for: car campers who want a livable dome tent with excellent weather protection; $$$

Verdict: All-around great tent that’s hard to beat 

Tired of trying to fit all your stuff in your tent or worry about bad weather? Meet the Kohana tent. 

With 2 vestibules, everyone can just leave their gear outside, which frees up precious space inside the tent. Not to mention the 2 doors make getting in and out of the tent so much easier. 

The rainfly covers the tent from top to bottom as opposed to only the ceiling. Combined with a heavy-duty floor, the Kohana won’t let in any rain.

High winds won’t be a concern, either. The aluminum poles will remain sturdy.

And, of course, like all Eureka tents we talked about so far, the Kohana is quite spacious. Its floor area is 96” x 90”, while similar models are around 90” x 88”. 

Pros: 

• 2 doors and 2 vestibules for easy entry and storage
• Highly waterproof with full-coverage rainfly and heavy-duty floor 
• Windproof with lightweight and sturdy aluminum poles
• Great ventilation with roof vents and vestibule vents
• Easy to carry
• 6 storage compartments

Cons:

• Too heavy to take backpacking

The competition: 

I must say the Kohana is a great tent. I didn’t find anything better across the board. It beats the REI Trail Hut, which is more expensive, less roomy, and otherwise pretty much the same. 

A more affordable alternative is the Kelty Wireless 4. It’s slightly less roomy at 90”x87” and might be less sturdy in high winds due to fiberglass poles.

Eureka Tetragon NX

Best for: Casual campers who want a basic tent that gets the job done; $$

Verdict: Many similar tents on the market; value proposition not convincing

Are you only camping a few nights a year in good weather? Then Eureka’s Tetragon NX is targeted towards you. 

It has a simple dome structure, the most common one for tents. The floor space is quite generous at 102” x 90” for the 4-person model, so it can truly fit 4 adults.

A highlight of this tent is that it’s straightforward to set up. It would probably take you less than 10 minutes, even if you’ve never done it before. 

It’s also relatively light at just over 6lbs, which means you can potentially take this backpacking, especially if you have a buddy to share the weight with you.

All this being said, the Tetragon NX’s weather resistance is questionable, and, frankly, I don’t see how it’s better than some of the more affordable tents. 

Pros: 

• Easy to set up 
• A meshed ceiling provides great ventilation for hot summer nights 
• Lightweight and easy to transport 

Cons:

• Don’t bet on it to perform well in heavy rain; Eureka has specified it’s for fair weather camping
• Undifferentiated from the competition; expensive compared to similar models

The Competition:

Just search on Amazon “4-person tent”, and you will see so many tents just like this one. I recommend you consider the Coleman Sundome Tent as an alternative:

• Bargain price
• Similar structure and size 
• Larger meshed walls with higher-coverage rainfly
• Better weatherproofing with Coleman’s Weathertec
• More proven with more reviews
• The only downside is that it’s probably less durable than the Tetragon NX 

Eureka Backpacking Tents

The classic Eureka Timberline Backpacking Tent is the star of the show. I’d argue it’s the most well-known tent from Eureka. 

Why, you may ask? It’s highly durable and spacious. Many have used their Timberline for 30+ years and have become true fans of the tent.  

Eureka Timberline Backpacking Tent

Best for: backpackers who want a classic-style tent that really lasts; $$$

Verdict: really stands out for its A-frame design and ample floor space, but its features are very basic

If you want a very durable backpacking tent that gives you peace of mind, look no further than the Eureka Timberline. 

It has been in production for more than 40 years as the demand for it never waned. When you consider most models only last a few years, as well as how much tent technology has improved over the past decades, Timberline’s history is truly impressive. 

Many people have used their Timberline for more than 30 years through rain, hail, wind, snow, and heat. And the frame remained very sturdy. 

If that’s not enough to convince you of the quality of this tent, then realize this is the one used by the Scouts. The consequences of breakage are a lot more severe in those conditions.

That being said, you still need to apply the waterproof treatment every 3 – 5 years as the coating will get damaged by UV rays.

Some may favor the A-frame style for the classical look, but it serves practical functions. To begin with, it’s roomier. With only 2 sloping walls rather than 4, you’ll have more vertical space.

And the shape provides the largest sqft I could find in this weight range. At around 6lbs, it has 38 sqft of floor space. As a point of reference, the floor area of most 2-person backpacking tents falls in the range of 27 – 33 sqft. 

The A-frame structure is also super easy to set up. Most can set it up in under 5 minutes. And with some practice, it’ll be a breeze even in the dark or rainy weather.

Pros: 

• Highly durable aluminum poles and 75D polyester fabric 
• Windproof and waterproof 
• Spacious 
• Large areas of uncoated materials provide great ventilation
• Easy to set up
• Classic A-frame model  

Cons:

• Not the lightest among 2-person backpacking tents 
• Vestibule sold separately; it comes standard on most tents at this price point
• 1-door design is a bit inconvenient and worse than most of the competition 

The competition: 

This one really depends on what you value in a tent. I have no doubt that the Timberline is the best if you like the classic A-frame. 

If you just want a very roomy backpacking tent, the Timberline is still one of the best. It’s uncommon to see 2P models having more than 35sqft of space. 

And even if they do, they won’t have the stellar track record of the Timberline. But of course, there’s always the option of sizing up to a 3P tent. 

If you really care about weight, the Timberline isn’t ideal. There are plenty of 2P backpacking tents that are less roomy (around 30sqft) but 1 – 2 pounds lighter. They also tend to come with 2 doors and 2 vestibules. The Marmot Crane Creek is a good example. 

If you don’t mind the weight, like the A-frame, but want more features, then check out the Timberline SQ and SQ Outfitter. 

Eureka Timberline SQ and SQ Outfitter

Best for: backpackers who want a classic-style tent that really lasts; $$$

Verdict: really stands out for its A-frame design, ample floor space, and advanced features

Did you fall in love with the Timberline but felt it’s too basic? Check out the Timberline SQ and SQ Outfitter with all the bells and whistles of a modern Eureka tent. 

Both models are more livable than the Timberline. Though they still come in the traditional A-frame style, their poles are bent outward a little bit to create more interior space. 

And we all love vestibules. Not only do they provide more space to store our gear, but they also create a weatherproof entrance. Combined with a full-coverage rainfly, you’ll never have to worry about getting wet in your tent again. 

Also, note that the SQ 2 person, SQ 4 person and SQ Outfitter 6 person come with 2 doors instead of 1. This makes getting in and out of the tent so much easier for everyone. 

The SQ and SQ outfitter are pretty similar, and it took me some time to figure out the differences. I’d say the SQ Outfitter is more suited for large organizations, and the SQ is more than enough for individuals. 

To begin with, the SQ Outfitter comes in 4-person and 6-person models, while the SQ comes in 2-person and 4-person models. As you can imagine, getting the 6-person SQ Outfitter makes a lot of sense when you’re buying for a large group of Scouts. 

The SQ Outfitter also comes with a heavy-duty floor. Since all Eureka tents are already quite durable, you’ll only get value from this added protection if you use it very often, like 150 days a year. 

Pros: 

• Larger interior space
• More weatherproof with full-coverage rainfly and bathtub floor
• Vestibules included 
• Adjustable airflow with Eureka’s high/low vent system 
• SQ models come with 2 doors 
• 4 storage pockets

Cons: 

• A bit too heavy for extended backpacking trips; you would want a buddy to share the weight with you

The competition: 

The argument here is similar to the base Timberline model. The SQ has more features for comfort and convenience. 

It’s hands down one of the best options out there unless you really care about getting the lightest tent possible.

Eureka Suma Tent

Best for: people who want to get into the backcountry on a budget with a no-frills tent; $$

Verdict: Outstanding weight-to-space ratio among entry-level backpacking tents 

New to backpacking? Want to just dip your toes in without spending a fortune? Are you budget-conscious, or don’t backpack too often? If the answer to any of these is yes, then Eureka’s Suma tent is made for you. 

Eureka is known for making high-end gear, but the Suma is very basic. It has a simple two-pole design with only 1 door. Compared to having 2 doors, it’s less convenient but saves weight. The Suma is one of the lightest in its class, at around 4lbs.

The rest of the tent is pretty standard. The floor area is 88” x 55”, so it’ll be a snug fit for two people but fabulous for a solo backpacker. The meshed walls provide great ventilation, while the full coverage rainfly and vestibule keep you dry. 

Pros: 

• Very lightweight in its class
• Relatively affordable
• Fast and easy to set up 
• Meshed walls for ventilation and stargazing
• Weatherproof with full coverage rainfly 
• Vestibule gives space for gear storage 

Cons: 

• Having only 1 door may be inconvenient when there are 2 campers
• A bit hard to put it back into the sack

The competition: 

The Suma is an excellent tent for the price. Its strength is how lightweight it is for the amount of space it offers. But the competition is fierce. 

I find the Featherstone 2 person backpacking tent to be a good alternative. It has 2 doors with similar floor space. It’s more weatherproof (3000mm + rating), a little more affordable, but about 1 pound heavier than the Suma.

Eureka Midori Tent

Best for: entry-level backpackers who want a livable and affordable tent; $$

Verdict: an all-around great tent, but undifferentiated from the competition

Remember how the Suma is pretty basic? Well, the Midori filled that gap with more features. 

The most notable difference is how the Midori features 2 large doors. This means you can get in and out of the tent without disturbing your tentmate. And with 2 vestibules, you have enough space to store your gear separately.

Midori also offers a bit more headroom and more storage pockets. But the floor dimensions and center height are the same as the Suma. It actually does fit 2 people, and the height is enough for tall people to sit up. 

At ~5 pounds, it’s still pretty light compared to similar models.

Pros: 

• Livable with 2 doors and 2 vestibules 
• Relatively affordable
• Fast and easy setup 
• Weatherproof with full coverage rainfly

Cons: 

• Somewhat undifferentiated from the competition

The competition:

Many high-end brands have a tent just like the Midori. Examples include the Marmot Crane Creek and Big Agnes Blacktail. The features are too similar, so the ultimate decision would come down to personal preferences. 

If you want entire meshed walls for stargazing, check out the Summer Pass. It is a few inches narrower and lower than the Midori, though. 

Eureka Mountain Pass

Best for: backpackers who occasionally camp in cold weather; $$$$

Verdict: won’t be a great value unless you will camp in cold weather

Do you worry that the typical backpacking tent with mesh walls might be too cold for you? Well, check out the Eureka Mountain Pass. 

You can use it as both a 3-season and a 4-season tent. It has an inner wall made from traditional tent fabrics as opposed to mesh. This adds a bit of weight but helps to keep the tent warmer if needed. Of course, there will also be a full-coverage rainfly. 

There are adjustable vents to help with ventilation in warmer weather. But, obviously, it’s still not as ideal as mesh walls. So I wouldn’t recommend you get this tent if you are only planning to use it in the summer.   

In terms of size and space, it’s basically the same as the Midori tent. 

Pros: 

• Versatile for different seasons 
• Highly weatherproof 
• Spacious 
• 2 doors and 2 vestibules 
• Gear loft and lots of storage pockets 

Cons: 

• It could be a little stuffy in the summer 
• Pretty expensive; you won’t get the value out of it if you only use it in warm conditions

Eureka 4 Season Tents 

Eureka also makes some great 4 season tents. If you are unfamiliar with these, they are built for very harsh weather conditions, such as high winds and snow. 

A common misconception is that 4 season tents are significantly warmer than 3 season ones. After all, it’s built for the winter, right? 

Well, that’s not always the case. They are still made with nylon and polyester with no insulating material. I discussed this in more detail in my article titled “Are Tents Insulated.” 

Instead, most of the added weather resistance comes from the sturdier poles that can stand up to the worst mountain winds. 

You probably won’t ever encounter these conditions as a casual camper, so these tents are geared more towards professionals. 

Here are Eureka’s 4 season tents: 

• Eureka Alpenlite XT – sturdy 6-pole A-frame design; storm-shield rainfly
• Eureka K-2 XT 3-Person – extreme weatherproof features, roomy for 3 people, full of gear storage pockets
• Assault Outfitter – roomy 4 person tent, U.S. Marine Corps design, extra sturdy 

Brand FAQs

Are Eureka tents waterproof?

Yes, all Eureka tents are waterproof, albeit to different degrees. You can tell how waterproof it is based on the waterproof rating, the seams, and floor design. 

The Jade Canyon and Space Camp are the most waterproof among car camping tents. You can expect all Eureka backpacking tents to hold up in moderate rain.

That being said, waterproof coatings will deteriorate over time, so you still have to waterproof your Eureka tent every few years.  

How do I repair a Eureka tent?

Eureka has your back. You can simply email them and send your tent to their workshop in Binghamton to repair.

They also offer a 60-day trial – you can return or exchange your tent within 6 days of purchase if you’re unsatisfied with anything.

Final Verdict

I know that was a long read. You’ve come here for a summary, and here you go:

Best Eureka car camping tent – Jade Canyon. It’s rare to find a tall tent that’s also very weather resistant. 
Best Eureka backpacking tent – Timberline SQ. The combination of durability, roominess, and A-frame style puts it one cut above its competition.