View Full Version : Europa II, Tarptent, or SD Flashlight
Does anyone have any experience with these tents. I know the SD is a classic, but its heavier than the other 2. I will be attempting a thru with my wife. I want a light, weatherproof tent, but I need a vestibule and a floor. (My wife would not approve of no floor. What about any customer service experience with these companies? Any help would be apperciated.
hikerjohnd
03-18-2005, 09:32
I assume you mean Shires Tarptent (http://www.tarptent.com/) - Excellent service - High quality products - experienced by me and anyone I have heard from. They are currently backordered, so getting one in time for a thru might be a problem - contact them and see.
The Europa II from Six Moon Designs (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/default.asp) has a new design coming out - the Europa 05. The Europa II does not have an integrated vestibule, but you can order one. The combined weight of tent and vestibule is 37 ozs - very comprable to the Europa 05 (36 oz light floor / 40 ozs heavy floor). I spoke with Ron yesterday about the shipping time for the 05 and he said they should be out at the beginning of April. I left a message and he called back within 4 hours - that bodes well in my book for customer service.
I have little experince with SD, but owners of their products seem very loyal - that says something about the product and the company to me.
Hope this helps!
Thats ok. Its not for this year. But thanks for the info. Sounds like personal preference. Does anyone have problems with the lighter tents breaking down? Do you feel like you have to be very careful with it? Will the Europa 05 or the Shires hold up well in the adverse conditions know in March and April on the AT? Much thanks.
Kerosene
03-18-2005, 13:39
I have two Six Moon Designs tents: the 2-man Europa II and the Lunar Solo. They've been very prompt in delivery, but I haven't had the need for any additional customer service.
I haven't heard of anyone with any complaints about any of these companies. You should note that the TarpTents and Europa are single-wall designs and will experience condensation in cool, moist conditions (so make sure your sleeping bags are DWR-coated and bring a small sponge to wipe down the walls before you pack up).
hikerjohnd
03-18-2005, 15:06
You should note that the TarpTents and Europa are single-wall designs and will experience condensation in cool, moist conditions (so make sure your sleeping bags are DWR-coated and bring a small sponge to wipe down the walls before you pack up).
The new Europa 05 is a hybrid design - the sides of the tent are mesh, but the top is single wall. It's really quite interesting to look at (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=40). I think some of the condensation issues of a single wall tent have been addressed with this new design. Kerosene's point about sleeping bags and sponge is still excellent advice.