In an effort to get a better idea of ​​which tents are the best, sometimes simply giving the stats isn’t enough. Sometimes the best way to find out what’s best is to compete head-to-head. This article will be the first in a series of tent comparisons to really compare the differences and declare which tent is better than the other. So here we go.

This episode of Tent Wars features a featherweight battle. Multi-week backpacking adventure requires lightweight backpacking tents to the extreme. We will be looking at the Eureka Spitfire 1 and the Eureka Solitaire 1. Both very popular and highly rated backpacking tents. Let’s take a look at the basic specifications of both stores.

Eureka Spitfire 1
The Eureka Spitfire 1 features a roomy approach to lightweight backing. The high profile makes it a comfortable sit-in backpack tent with an open mesh top for stargazing, an attachable fly for inclement weather, a cockpit floor, and a two-stake quick release system for easy setup. camp quick. At just 2 pounds 12 ounces, this nylon taffeta tent is truly a backpacker’s dream.

Eureka Solitaire 1
In the yellow corner, the Eureka Solitaire 1 is Eureka’s high adventure backpack flagship store. This tent features a low profile that allows for a warm sleep in windy conditions with a strong fiberglass frame. The cargo weight of 2 pounds 9 ounces and the small pack size of only 17 inches. by 4 in. makes it a superior backpack style tent that few others can rival.

With so many good looks at both stores, it’s a tough comparison. Here is my comparison of the two.

– Packing Capacity: The Spitfire 1 currently packs in 22 inches. by 5 inches and weighs 2 lbs. 12 oz. Solitaire 1 is packaged 12 in. by 4 in. and weighs only 2 lbs. 9 ounces At these ridiculously low weights and sizes, you’d barely notice a difference, but for sportiness’ sake, the numbers don’t lie.
Winner: Eureka Solitaire 1

– Habitability: Comparing the habitability and comfort of these two tents is like trying to ask if it is easier to sleep in the driver’s seat of a sports car or in a tractor. It’s going to be a tight squeeze either way. Arguably the Spitfire is a better choice as it has a higher profile that allows for sitting, but this can be the Achilles heel of this tent in windy weather when one wishes to just disappear from the cold whipping winds of the mountain. Still being able to sit up at night does psychological wonders for any long-term backpacker.
Winner: Eureka Spitfire 1

– Durability: The Eureka Spitfire features a 1200mm rated nylon taffeta construction. The Eureka Solitaire also features a 1200mm rated nylon taffeta construction. Ironically, the Eureka Spitfire’s frame is structured with aluminum studs, but it’s heavy. This means that there is more to the construction of the actual fabric in the Spitfire than in the Solitaire. This may mean that the actual fabric is more durable on the Spitfire than the Solitaire, but the Solitaire’s fiberglass frame means the frame will hold up longer than the Spitfire.
Winner: Tie

– Ease of installation: the smaller the tent, the easier it is to install. Both tents are as small as it gets. The Solitaire 1 features a 2-hoop bivy style frame, while the Spitfire 1 has a more domed roof design. The simpler design of the Solitaire 1 makes it simpler, but the Spitfire 1 only needs 2 stakes to be sure. Still with the 2-hoop bivy style frame, the Solitaire 1 will be much easier to set up.
Winner: Eureka Solitaire 1

– Features and Style: The Solitaire 1’s low profile and almost cocoon-like shape look a bit silly. The Spitifire 1, with its clear roof and aggressive roof design, makes it a bit more modern. Consider the fact that the Spitfire 1 has more room for a gear pocket, not to mention the included vestibule. Plus, the yellow is so 90s.
Winner: Eureka Spitfire 1

-Overall: Both tents are lightweight, durable, and well-designed for the solo sleeper long-distance hiker. In the end, the weight usually wins when it comes to long-distance walking. Going beyond that premise alone, the winner wins by just 3 ounces.
Overall Winner: Eureka Solitaire 1

Ultimately, the choice is yours and you won’t know until you try both. Neither is very expensive, and both are good enough that you’ll want to use them over and over again. Eureka! The brand is a very trustworthy brand. Try both. If you have a preference, give me a shout. I’ll probably be right on the other side of the ravine.