Eureka Zues exo tents

imported
#1

I am looking for info on these tents I have read that they leak in moderate to heavy rain Does anyone know about this tent. I don’t want to be out there with a leaky tent.

Pops

#2

Don’t waste your money on that tent.
Condensation is a real issue with that tent, along with the zipper, it would constantly get caught on the fabric.
They need to have more ventilation, built in to that tent, and a better way to zip it up.
I bought this tent along with a bunch of other hikers, we all had the same issue condensation, and the zipper!!!. When the wind blows it like it is raining in the tent.
NO FUN!!
The tent probably didn’t leak it was condensation build up and running down the walls.
Stay away from that tent it’s bad news!!.
Sorry to be so negative about the tent, but it is the worse tents that I bought.(I have been backpacking for 25 years, and my first pop tent was better than this tent)
If you actually weight the tent it is a lot more than what they say it weights too.
Try Wanderlust tent,
this tent has some condensation (your going to get some with a single wall tent anyway), and it is real light. http://www.wanderlustgear.com/
If you buy a tent with Kurt Russell plan ahead because he usually takes longer than what he says it will take.
Good luck on your tent search.

POOH-BEAR

#3

I am not trying to put down Wanderlust at all but think anyone looking at his tents should know that the wait for a tent, according to several hikers on Whiteblaze, has been 10+ months for some of them. They eventually got their tents but that is too long to wait in my opinion. I hope Kurt has gotten himself back on track with production. This is a classic case of demand being way higher that the supply out there. This is something you need to really plan in advance I think if you want one. On a better note, everyone I have seen with one one the trail howver loved their Wanderlust tent.
tribes:smokin

tribes

#4

So if I can’t get a tent from wanderlust which light weight alternative should I try? I am over 6feet so I need a little larger tent. Oh yeah I am leaving mid march so I need one in a hurry.

Pops

#5

Look up Dancing light gear. Great tents and tarps, and I see they have some in stock. I’m getting ready to buy a second tarp from this outfit. Good gear, quality service, can you ask for more?

totally Boagus

#6

Pops,
I looked at the Zeus Exo and turned away from it since it had no rain fly and didn’t seem to be made as well as some others. You might consider the new quarter dome tent which REI has just come out with. It is rated for two people but in reality is just a big one person tent with two doors. It weighs under 4 pounds and is available now at REI. It is self standing so you don’t need to mess with stakes, etc.
You can see it on the rei website. Just a thought.
See you at the Sidetrack.
Bum

Damascus Bum

#7

I am taking a Walrus Swift with me. It is a 1 person (2 if spoon tightly) tent that is the best I found over the years. Weight: 3.25lbs It is long enough for you to throw a large pack at the foot while still using your 25x77" sleeping pad. The tent body is all no-seeum around the top, and the walls are vertical for the first 12" from the ground (more useable space). You cant sit up all the way, but it is much bigger than a bivy sack. Great protection from blowing rain/snow. I’m going to ditch the tent body & use the poles/fly when the weather warms up.

The downside is that it isn’t made anymore. I believe MSR/REI bought Walrus a few years ago & it became the Zoid series (not as good as Walrus). I see one on Ebay right now (Item: 2785862188) & it looks like a Swift, although it could be the Arch-Rival (the true 2 man version). For specs & pictures, try: www.honedesign.com/sites/walrusgear/bp_micro_swift.html
It similar to the tent as I have.

30-30

#8

Being new to backpacking I read in a major b/p mag that this was a great b/p tent. I broke it in on an 2 nighter in Florida Jan. 19-20. Condensation was a great problem! Water literally ran down the inside walls, wet the stored items not elevated. Some small leaks in the seams but i would consider them minor. Later did the seam sealing at home. It was raining most of the night. I slept through most of the dampness. Didn’t have to backpack the tent the next day though. Then last week I went on a solo overnighter on the White springs to Deep Creek Trailhead on the FNST. Again plagued with cond. Slept next to the Suwanne River at a prem. Campsite. Inside was wet. Prior to packing I decided to knock the condensation and rain off the tent sides. In doing so the inside of the tent “rained on my s/i matress”. I marched out the next 6 miles with a wet tent, mat and l/s shirt I hung to dry in the tent. Must have carried another 3lbs of weight in wet gear! I like the set up, design, and looks, but it is not going to work for me. I’d hopped for something that would get me on the at and keep me dry. This one will not work. Whoever recommended this did not use it in my seciton of the hiking world! There must be something better at that price. Avoid this tent.

Mitch

#9

I ordered a Brawny TarpTent from Dancing light gear and it arrived in 7 days, custom made. It is a simple design with quality craftsmanship and plenty of room, for 20 ounces.

Mark

#10

I’ve had the Zeus 2 for about a year and a half, and contrary to other opinions here, I kinda like it.

The only two issues I have with it are the zippers and condensation.

The zippers tend to snag, but you quickly learn the little trick to defeat that problem. When zipping open or shut, just use your little finger and the one next to it to “run interference” and problem solved. So, that one’s really a non-issue for me.

Condensation is gonna happen in a single-wall tent in humid or cold conditions. It happens in a DOUBLE-wall tent, only most of it occurs on the inside of the rainfly. My old Clip Flashlight’s rainfly dripped like a shower in humid conditions right through the mesh of the main tent body.

I carry a small supply of those blue Shop Towels sold on a roll at places like Wal-Mart and auto parts stores. They soak up the condensation well, can be wrung out and reused, and dry very fast once you get some sun. Another problem defeated, tho I’ll admit this tent could be better engineered to sweat less.

After about 45 nights in it, the positives of the Zeus outweigh the negatives IMO. It’s spacious to the point of being luxurious, sets up/breaks down in a flash, and is relatively lightweight. As is the price. If you remember to zip it up before stuffing it, you can set it up in the rain without the inside getting very wet. I can get me, my 55# dawg, and all my gear inside and have plenty of room to spare.

“Skyline”

#11

Thanks for the info guy’s I am always amazed at how the hiking community comes through. See you out there!

Pops

#12

Pops, if you need an ultralight tent in a hurry, you may wish consider the Europa II from Six Moon Designs (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com). It has significantly more ventilation than Zeus or other single wall tents.

It’s been used by a number of people on AT thru-hikes and is available immediately and priced less than similar ultralight tents.

Ron

#13

Why has no one recommended the tarp tent? http://www.tarptent.com/ I’m new to hiking, but after doing some online research this is the one I’d planned on purchasing. Am I missing something?

JohnnyQuest

#14

Out of all the gear, tents ,I have many of. Like cooking gear, I buy lots of new stuff. I just love all my little toys. The Zeus EXO was a big disappointment. Same problem as everyone else. Pops, if your still checking in on this post. I now own a Hilleberg. The Akto. Single person, 4 season tent. One pole, 10 pegs/ 3lbs 12 oz. Checkout their website. These tents are terrific. But expensive. They have an inner and outer tent, that set up simultaneously. The inner does not get wet if its raining. Its 8 ft long, I’m 5’3", I have plenty of room. They are not freestanding while both tents are attached. the inner can be set up as a freestanding unit. I had no problem setting up entire tent on wooden platforms, which are very popular here in the northeast.

Chef