Tent question: REI Half Dome 2 HC vs. Eureka Spitfire 2

[Dan McCuaig]

I "need" a spring/summer tent for two six-footers taking ~4-day bike trips,
mainly in the Mid Atlantic region. I had figured the Spitfire 2 was the way
to go, but now REI has gone and put their Half Dome on sale for $110, so I'm
having a second look at it.

The Spitfire's advantages vis-a-vis the Half Dome seem to be:

- Bigger
- Lighter
- Packs smaller
- More mesh -- better ventilation (potentially a big deal on muggy
summer nights)

The Spitfire's DISadvantages vis-a-vis the Half Dome seem to be:

- Not free-standing (requires two stakes)
- No vestibule (versus two good vestibules for the Half Dome)
- "U" doors rather than "D" doors
- Doesn't appear to have a tent-specific footprint
- Doesn't appear to have an "attic" (but see "more mesh," above)
- May not have factory-sealed seams on its rainfly?

I would very much welcome any corrections/additions/suggestions! (My
biggest concerns with the Half Dome are size -- some reviews at REI.com
suggest that it would be "snug" for two six-footers -- and ventilation. My
biggest concerns with the Spitfire are durability/sturdiness and water
resistance.)

Many thanks in advance! Dan


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[Byron Rushing]

Post by Dan McCuaig
I "need" a spring/summer tent for two six-footers taking ~4-day bike trips,
mainly in the Mid Atlantic region. I had figured the Spitfire 2 was the way
to go, but now REI has gone and put their Half Dome on sale for $110, so I'm
having a second look at it.

Disclaimer: I work part-time at REI, though in the cycling department not
camping.

For two folks, regardless of size, I would go with the free-standing,
two-door Half Dome in a heartbeat. Weight shouldn't be a huge deal if you're
splitting the tent or other gear between two people. The Spitfire is bigger,
but the Half Dome style is much more efficient for two people.

Two opposing side doors are WAY easier for people to get in and out of,
especially at night. And two big vestibules can store gear to get it out of
the sleeping area. I've never needed an "attic," though maybe a small side
pocket for glasses and flashlight. I don't hang out in my tents long enough
to arrange things strategically.

Don't worry about tent specific footprints, those expensive foot prints just
get torn up anyway. Buy a 3 mil painter's tarp at the hardware store and cut
as many custom foot prints as you want.
--
Byron Rushing
USA::GA::Decatur


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