Tent Product Review: Eureka’s Apex 2XT Adventure

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

When it comes to camping, there are campers, and there are campers who enjoy treks through what’s known as the “back country.” Depending on what kind of camper you are – either a casual camper with a family in tow or a borderline professional – you’ll want to get a tent that’s right fo you.

The Eureka Apex 2XT Adventure 7-Foot by 5-Foot Two-Person Tent is a straightforward, no-thrills tent that emphasizes performance over entertainment: you casual campers might want to try a different one. But if you’re looking for a tent product that is lightweight, flexible, and sturdy, the Apex Adventure is a camping tent that you’ll want to take with you on those trips through the back country across North America.

What does a tent that offers “performance” really do? In addition to being lightweight – hence easy to carry – a tent like the Apex Adventure is built for ideal storage space and ventilation, allowing for comfortable nights that protect you and your equipment from getting wet.

A clothesline loop and flashlight loop are also included if you really want to get serious about your camping trip and, you know, do your own laundry.

What are the disadvantages to a tent like the Eureka Apex Adventure? Unless you’re a hardcore “casual camper,” this tent could also work wel for you because of its simplicity and its structure – built for durability even in tough winds.

This means it’s not, shall we say, built for recreational camping, the way you might camp if you’re just camping out with the kids in the backyard. Many of the options featured in the Adventure would be lost on these “urban” campers, as storage space would become less of a worry and entertainment would become the top priority.

The Eureka Apex 2XT Adventure also weighs in at a hefty 99 dollars or so, making it an expensive tent for a two-person option. There are better ways to spend your money if you don’t plan on camping that much in the future.

If, however, you’re looking for a tent that will last through several hiking and camping trips per year and will support you when you feel adventurous, you might want to look into a tent like the Apex Adventure. Durability and security become higher priorities for the camper looking to travel the back-country, more worried about keeping him or herself dry with a tent they can trust than anything else.

This leads to the conclusion that the Apex is a tent for the hardcore camper, the ambitious camper, but not for the camper with kids who’s looking for a more casual time.