Curious about Eureka Timberline 4 or 6 tents

[Eric Esche]

Does anyone have experience with a Eureka Timberline TL4 or TL6, regular, outfitter, or the SQ XT4 Sequoia or SQ Outfitter versions. Not looking to buy one immediately, but trying to do research now as I am looking to move to a larger tent from my 30+ year old Eureka Timberline 2 and have been VERY happy with the Timberline 2. It has been bombproof in everything from deep snow to mild hurricanes, and I can set it up in the dark without a head lamp in high winds and rain. Might get one used or new, depending on how much money I can save up and what I find on eBay.

Not looking at housing more people or back packing with it, just finding that the contortions of maneuvering in the Timberline 2 as I get older are getting painful with my neck, knee, and shoulder problems, and have been having to store gear in the tent during the day to empty out the Pathfinder for shuttle duties when canoe base camping.

Susan bought a Coleman dome 3 person that she was/is very proud of a few years ago and had me borrow it to go to an ACC board meeting. Liked the size and set up, but we had much rain that night, combined with high winds which pushed water up the sides into the mesh roof vents. Woke up once during night to notice it was raining INSIDE the tent, but went back to sleep knowing I had a gore-tex Bivy bag cover over my bag and I was warm and dry, after throwing a drybag over the top of my gore-tex boots so they would be dry. The next morning I found over 2" of water IN the tent. Says a lot about the quality of the seam tape/sealent on the Coleman Tents that it held that much water. I had used a queen sized air mattress for a change and was on a slight slope, so I was high and dry on it, just with a moat inside the tent. Have used the Coleman tent once or twice since then, but only when I know it is not going to rain. Still think that the sides did not come up high enough and that the fly needed to extend lower, but it is Susan's tent and she is pleased with it, and she can use it with her seakayak. I tend to paddle open canoes now and can get away with more weight and pole length, saving the Timberline 2 for backpacking if ever needed.

Thanks for any replies. Eric Esche

[Shep]

If you buy a new TL4, you will be able to put it up in your sleep with one arm tied behind your back. It is EXACTLY the same as your 30 year old TL2. We used TL2's and 4's at Outward Bound because they are simple, pretty rugged, and consistent. When I saw one on my staff training expedition, I was shocked it was exactly what I learned to help my dad set up 25 years ago. The only difference between the TL2 and TL4 that I am aware of is that the TL2 has 5 poles of identical length, and the TL4 has a shorter ridge-pole than leg poles.

Shep

[okieboater]

amazon dot com reviews

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Timberline ... B000EQAU50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Deuce]

Boy does that take me back. I remember when Troop two switched from canvas tents to Eureka Timberlines. We was uptown then. Can't tell you how many nights I spent in one. Here's a scratch and dent at good old Campmor. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___S27919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[okieboater]

OK Deuce, I will take that "I remember when" and raise you one.

I remember when Troop 81 sponsored by Cascade Baptist Church switched from surplus US Army pup tent halfs that buttoned down the center to Eureka Timberline's.

That was back in the day of pup tents with a open end, trenches and sleeping on US Army OD green/ brown wool blankets.

Things have definitely gotten a bunch more comfortable with new gear. And, I for one can remember "the good ole days" as exciting camping but sure am glad technology is now giving us dry tents, cushy sleeping pads and sleeping bags that do not leak chicken feathers !!

Speaking of comfort, hopefully the cool fall weather and a few rains will get us some Buffalo Gravel Bar, DO cooking and campfire story telling.

[Deuce]

Speaking of comfort, hopefully the cool fall weather and a few rains will get us some Buffalo Gravel Bar, DO cooking and campfire story telling.

Agreed Okie. Hope sooner than later.

[Eztouche]

I had the Timberline 6 some years ago when I was going to canoe races etc with wife and daughter. It is a bit heavy for canoe camping and would be hard to set up by 1 person. It was roomy and a tall guy could stand up.

However, like all Eureka tents, you can get parts and repairs easily.
I have been looking at the Eureka Assault outfitter. I think it is patterned after the Combat tent manufactured for the military by Eureka and Diamond.

You can get it for $300+

http://store.eurekatent.com/assault-out ... &m=583&c=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Eric Esche]

Thanks for the comments. I think I will go with an outfitter TL4 when I buy one. Had a tent I could stand up in once, and it was for car camping only. It had been my dad's, and he could only carry it with his VW on a rack on top of the car. I had a type III squareback VW and it would fit inside. Never took that tent canoe camping.

Eric Esche

[Roger]

Eric, think about getting the fly w/the vestibule. Makes for gear storage heaven.

[Eric Esche]

Yes, that is on my wish list.

Thanks for the reminder. Tent is on hold until rehab is more complete. Not exactly feeling like crawling around in any tent right now with knee, shoulder, and neck all complaining.

Wish y'all some water.

Eric

[okieboater]

Eric,
As a boater whose spinal column is wearing out, here is a tip.

A tent sized to let you get some sort of folding cot in, will make living out of a tent a lot easier on the back. I can tell the difference when I sleep on my cot or have to crawl into a small tent even tho I use the big Paco Pad.

[Eric Esche]

Haven't slept on a cot in over 40 years. I knew Richard has been and likes them. Will admit that the wood and canvas WWII army cot I used way back then is not representative of the cots sold today and that I need to try one, but then, I need to try out a paco pad as well. Maybe this winter or next spring. Just bought a new mattress and box spring set for the bed at home and I am sleeping an additional 2 hours a night.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will compare them to a larger air mattress as well since I am looking at canoe or raft carriable items.

Eric Esche

[Deuce]

I use an Aire Landing Pad. It's the cats. Just couldn't justify the cost of a Paco.

[Richard]

For the Buffalo River, here is what I use and love it.
Paha Que 10x10 screenroom/tent. It is floorless. Perfect for gravel bars. And very roomy.
Cot. I still have not convinced Ken Smith to sleep on one but I love it. Even at home.
Pad. A cot without a sleeping pad is asking for trouble if it is cold. Ask Ken. 25"x76"x2". 30"x79"x3" ZzzzZZ
Rectangular synthetic sleeping bag. I like to have room, I want to stay somewhat warm if it gets soaked.
Table. I have moved up a notch from caveman days.
LED Headlamp. I bring two.