THE GEAR:
The Backcountry 1 from Eureka is a freestanding, post and grommet style one person backpacking tent. The 3-season shelter has a floor size of 8 x 3, a total tent area of 24 square feet, and a minimum pack weight of 3 lbs 14 oz. The Backcountry 1 features a large side opening door, mesh side panels and rear wall, and 2 storage pockets, 4 loft loops, and a flashlight loop.
THE TEST:
One of the big pluses of any freestanding tent is ease of set up. Utilizing only two aluminum poles, the Backcountry 1 fits right in with its peers in that category. What immediately put a Cheshire grin on my face however, was the size of the tent. At 6 foot 2 (6 '3 if I've been doing yoga), many solo tents simply do not afford enough space for me to sleep comfortably, let alone stow gear. With ultralight tents, you generally have to rely on a large vestibule if you're going to keep your stuff dry when the sky opens up. The Backcountry 1 has no vestibule, instead opting to provide more interior room. Of course the extra space that the tent provides comes at a cost. The Backcountry 1 weighs about 6-12 oz more than most ultralight solo tents. Though it may weigh a few more ounces, you'd be hard-pressed to find a similarly roomy tent that doesn't outweigh the Backcountry 1.
The factory sealed main fly and floor seems kept the tent perfectly dry in wet weather. The large side door made exit and entry into the tent very easy and the mesh construction provided much needed airflow in the warmer months. The rain fly does not completely cover the door but the window zips shut, so this was never an issue for me.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
I'm not an ultralight backpacker, I'm a lightweight backpacker. Eureka's Backountry 1 provides all the things that I personally look for in a solo tent; freestanding, easy set up, easy entry/exit, mesh construction, and enough room to sleep comfortably. At a total weight that's under 4 lbs and a price under $170, the Backcountry 1 offers an affordable way to pack light without sacrificing a good night's sleep.
Backcountry 1 features and specs:
* 2 pole rectangular dome tent
* 9 mm DAC Press-fit 7000 series aluminum frame
* Post and grommet corner attachments make set up easy
* Super sized side opening door with twin-track zippers and offset window
* 4 storm guyouts on fly
* Mesh side panels and rear wall vent aid air flow
* Includes 2 storage pockets, 4 gear loft loops, and 1 flashlight loop
BASICS
Sleeps: 1
Floor Size: 8' x 3'
Pack Size: 6" x 15.5"
Min Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz.
Seasons: 3
Tent Area: 24 sq. ft.
Center Height: 3' 2"
ARCHITECTURE
Frame: 9 mm DAC Press fit 7000 series aluminum
Vents: Wrap around vents
Doors: 1 supersized for easy access
Windows: 1
Vestibules: N/A
FABRIC
Wall: 70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
Fly: 75D StormShield polyester, 1200mm
Floor: 70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
Mesh: 40D No-see-um
$169.99
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
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