Eureka! Mountain Pass 2XTE

A great entry level tent if you are going to split the load with a hiking companion. If you are carrying this yourself look elsewhere. There are much lighter options available.

Great tent. First time I used it I was deep in the backcountry. Temps dropped from 43 with steady rain to 23 with sleet/snow and woke up to everything coated in ice. Tent was covered in a film of ice as well.

I stayed very dry/comfortable and condensation was very minimal. I did not seam seal. The 2xte is a little tight as far as I am concerned for 2 people. I like elbow room. 

The first time I set this tent up it was in the rain w/o instructions at night and set-up was very easy. 7 minutes easy.

The tent is a post and grommet design with 3 aluminum poles (2 frame 8.5mm and 1 for the fly 9.5mm)with clip attachments for the tent. It also has a center hub which is webbing with a dogbone. It has a bath-tub floor (5000mm)

The fly(2000mm) is dual entry and has 4 vents, 2 top and 2 doggie-door style on the bottom that can be closed.

The fly is attached by placing a support pole(via 2 heavy duty pockets w/velcro in the center)into the center of the fly spanning both entry points to increases dry entry in inclimate weather. I have noticed that this also increases the tents rigidity.

The fly is then attached to the tent by velcro tabs to the frame poles and locking it into 4 quick release buckles (adjustable) on the tent body corners.

The fly has 4 guy points and there are 14 tent stakes total. It is a lot simpler than it sounds and the fly is clearly marked on 1 corner with bright orange webbing so putting the fly on the 1st time is the only time. Just match the orange corners.

The tent is a dual entry model with doors that can either be solid panels or zipped back with no-see-um mesh (which is very nice) and there are dual vestibules (equal size) with see-thru windows which hold my pack and gear rather easily.

When set properly this is a VERY solid tent.

I have no doubt in its weather handling capabilities. I make my own ground cloths. There is a video on you tube that shows you how (not mine.) Yes, I do believe it could handle a snow load and no, I would not take it to Everest.

I spend weeks at a time in the backcountry and just about every weekend. This tent will definitely handle anything I can throw at it in regards to 3-season use. I would not use this tent in the winter above treeline.

The tent is a bit heavy but the materials (especially the fly) more than makes up for that. I honestly think that this tent is one of the top 3 three season tents on the market. I liked it so much I bought the Mountain Pass 3xte as well for my 2-man tent. After having the 2xte it was a no-brainer. 

If the product works it works, if it doesn't trust me I will be one of the first people to let you know.

I in no way, shape, or form have any ties to Eureka or paid to support their products. It just works. 10 out of 10 from me. This is a grand slam. Happy hiking.

Update: November 28, 2011

The 2XTE is a great little shelter. The materials are really burly and I trust it in anything up to heavy snow loads. On the downside it is heavy.

Like I said about the 3XTE, if one splits this shelter up with a bud then it's doable, but for me it can be a hassle being I am solo 99.9% of the time I am out there.