Eureka! Pinnacle Pass Tents (updated Apexs?)

[DSKYZD]

It looks as though Eureka has split it's Apex line. Apex models same as last year for figerglass poled Apex 2, and XT. The aluminum framed models are now branded as "Pinnacle Pass", 2A, 2XTA, and 3XTA. Pinnacle Pass tents aren't yellow. They're green and blue.

Did the old Apex models have mesh sleeves that the tent poles threaded through?

The new PP model (and the Apex for that matter) seem to have a clip system to attatch the tent to the poles.

Did the old Apex models have mesh doors?

The new PP (and the Apex for that matter) seem to have mesh doors.

Pinnacle Pass 2XTA/3XTA

Apex 2XT

If you buy before July 31st there's a $20 rebate:

Rebate Form

I think I've found my new tent!!

Let's talk gear lofts and footprints.

DSKYZD

[Boxer]

One of the only reasons for dissatifaction with my Apex is that it does NOT have the mesh doors. Not enough air flow without letting bugs in with it. This mesh door feature is a BIG plus!

I'm assuming you also have a solid fabric zip-up door as well.

In the drawing it appears to have a full fly with vestibules. Another biggie. My vestibules ar only on half the tent. I can get the cases in under the vesitbules but that's about it.

[DSKYZD]

Phil,

So you have an Apex 2 or 2A with the batwing fly?

In looking at the different models on the website the Apex 2 now boasts "2 twin-track doors and 2 demi-vestibules."

In the pictures, the non-XT models seem to have solid fabric doors, but what is the "twin-track" business? Is that a mesh door in addition to the solid fabric door?

Am I making this too complicated? Doesn't matter because it's fun to sort out the details.


DSKYZD

[Boxer]

I have the old model 2A. I guess its old. I don't even see it on the Eureka web site.

That new Eureka Apex 2 looks like mine except it has the 2-track doors. I'm thinking that means it has a screen mesh track and a solid fabric door track. At least that's what it appears to be.

That other one (2X?)appears to have a fly over the whole tent with big vestibules but no zip-up door inside the tent. Just the mesh.

My 2A has the aluminum poles. I think they are supposed to be more durable than the fiberglass. zatright?

Mine will have to last another few season. I only need some Nikwax spray stuff to respray the fabric.

[DSKYZD]

Everything I read says aluminum poles are better than fiberglass. Lighter, stronger, don't break as often.

MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....Nikwax!!!

[NoRRmad]

A long time ago I used to take bicycle trips, camping along the way. On a bicycle, weight of your gear is the most important thing. I used a seven-by-nine plasticized tarp for a tent, which could be pitched in a number of ways, depending on conditions. When I got the Roadster, I decided I didn't want a tiny tent; I wanted to be able to stand up inside occasionally -- like when I put on my pants. After a lot of research I got a Eureka Tetragon 9. Nine by nine feet footprint, six feet of headroom. Yes, it's on the heavy side, compared to one-man backpacking tents, but the ability to stand, to be able to set up my folding chair inside on a rainy day, to keep all my gear right inside with me, makes the extra weight worth it. The poles slide right into the center of my Thermarest bedroll without any wasted space, and everything else -- including the poly ground cloth -- goes into a 6 by 16 inch dry bag. And the Roadster doesn't seem to even notice the extra ten pounds of weight.

[MikeCam]

So aside from new colors, which seem somewhat seagreen-ish to me, the Pinnacle boasts clip-on carabiners in place of the sleeved fabric and two track doors - inner mesh and outer solid; while retaining the option of fiberglass or aluminum poles and fly style (bat wing or full). I EXPECT THE SEAMS ARE FACTORY TAPED? Good job freshening up the line.

The Apex has to be one of the best success stories in tents: durable, proven design and shape, well priced, good fabrics and lightweight enough to compete with the more stylish brands.

Who is going to buy one and test it for us?

[wncbmw]

Similar to NoRRmad, I used to be a hard core backpacker instead of bicycling (both are fanatics on weight!) and used tarps a lot. All my tents have tended to be small, light weight backpacking models. When I last shopped for a tent, I looked for one with poles that would fit in the saddlebags!

Now, also like NoRRmad (does me stating our similarities scare you NoRRmad! ), I have decided size and weight are less important on the bike than ease of getting in and out and room to pull on the gear. During one of our Hungry Mother trips, when I recycled the two beers I drank about 5 times during the night, I wanted a tent with fewer zippers to operate also! Also, for motorcycle camping, a tent that is good for winter camping in Montana is not required!

So by next season, I hope to find an inexpensive tent that will give me more room and still fit in my Helen Two Wheels tent bag! So this is a good thread!

[kbc68]

Here's my X3TC i used it on my summer trip last year.

That new Eureka Apex 2 looks like mine except it has the 2-track doors. I'm thinking that means it has a screen mesh track and a solid fabric door track. At least that's what it appears to be.

Yes boxer your correct!
My doors have Mesh and fabric.
I haven't sprayed anything on mine yet , but you should
always hose them off with water when you first bring it
home , this will tighten up the new fabric to incease water resistance.
I always left my cases on the bike when i camped , you could put
them in the vestuble, you do have option of 2 doors .
This tent is awesome if your going solo, lots of room inside to
set your stuff around . It would still good with 2 , but i haven't
tried that yet

[DSKYZD]

kbc68,

That's a Mountain Pass, right?


Anyone use gear lofts? How about this one?
Sierra Designs Portable Attic

I have pretty much decided to get the Pinnacle Pass 3XTA. Pack size is essentially the same (still should fit in Medium Helen2Wheels cord close sack), yet gives me more room to spread out in. I'm big, my riding gear is big, I like the space.
So ground cloths? You guys that already have Apexs, what do you use? I found this on the Campmor site as well, but thought there might be some with more of an exact fit.
Eureka Floor Savers Pre-Cut 6 Mil Polyethylene - Small Rectangle

[Deans BMW]

I bought a Coleman 7'x7' Dome tent 4 summers ago for $49.00 thinking that after one season I would throw it away and get a new one. It has lasted for 4 heavy seasons of M/C camping, heavy rain and wind storms and prolly over 60 nites of camping and still as good as new, never leaked and never blew down.

Cody Wyoming



Range of Lights tour last summer on the Northern California coast



At the 49er last summer

[MikeCam]

Buy the cheapest 5x7 sold at wal mart.

[wncbmw]

Buy the cheapest 5x7 sold at wal mart.

File this under the "do as I say, not as I do" heading, Mike? Mr. tent collector!

[DSKYZD]

I've already got the blue tarp thing going on. Custom cut it smaller than my current tent and even made a little door mat for putting on dirty boots.

Problem is it doesn't pack that well. I roll my tent in it and then slide the bundle into the H2W med. cord close. That tarp keep all sorts of crud on it. Seems I saw (maybe you Vann) someone who's ground cloth was nylon like the tent and would stuff/pack pretty small.

For the cost, I'd probably still go with the Eureka 6mil tarp because it's already cut. Then again I could cut my own and make a small floor for the vestibules if the rain wouldn't get to it.

Ok, back to the taxes. I gotta file and get this moola back.

"I got plans for those millions, and it ain't for f!@#$ng sandwiches!" - Jason Newsted (Metallica)

[wncbmw]

Seems I saw (maybe you Vann) someone who's ground cloth was nylon like the tent and would stuff/pack pretty small.

Probably me at Willville or Hungry Mother. I have the Mountain Hardware footprint that goes with my tent. If I were hauling it on my back, I would leave it home but on the bike, no sweat.

[kbc68]

kbc68,

That's a Mountain Pass, right?

Yes this is a mountain pass!