Eureka Zues 2 vs Clip Flashlight

“Kinda torn between these tents. Those that own either one would you please respond. The Eureka Zeuss or Zeos or whatever they cal it, weighs less than Clip, has more sq footage and a larger vestibule. It is also freestanding where the Clp flashlight isn't. Only drawback is that it is a single wall tent and IT WILL get condensation. But how much? Give me your feedback please...But only interested in these two tents so if you own either one please respond. I am, and remain, The Dodder.”

“I love my Zeus... I have had it for a little over a year. I replaced the orginal tent stakes with some titatium ones...and brought the weight for a 2 person down to less than 3 lbs... I wouldnt' trade it for anything. The other tent I dont' know much about.”

“I have a clip flashlight. I see no reason to get any other tent.”

“I like the space... some people can go into smaller spaces I can not..so that is a big choice to make.”

“I have owned the Eureka Zeus 2 since they first came out, I think it was Spring 2 years ago. It is why I now own the Squall Tarptent (as mentioned in the other thread).

Yes, of all the commercial tents out there the Zeus is just about the lightest and roomiest (+1). And not too expensive (+1). It assembles in 2 minutes using their exoskeleton clip system - which is great when it is raining or cold(+1).

But when the door on the vestibule is opened to get in, the door is almost completely exposed to the rain (-1). Also has little ventilation contrary to the advertisements (-1). Had it about a year w/o rain on any trip, dry conditions and humid, usually had some condensation but I knew I couldn't complain since it is a single-wall tent (+0).

First big all-night downpour I settled in for the night and about 20 minutes later I heard a drip. Then I felt one on my face. Turned on my light and every panel on the tent had water hanging from it - but not the seams, which I had seam sealed and were dry (-10). Soon after had to go out in the rain and cover up the tent with a silnylon tarp (5x8) I carry for rainy lunch breaks or a cooking vestibule if its raining. Glad I had it so I could use it as a rain fly! When I got home I sprayed it with silicone, but then bought the Tarptent and haven't used the Zeus since. The Tarptent is half the weight, almost twice the size assembled but about half the size packed. The Zeus is a loaner now.

Bottom line, its a great tent until it rains, and if you can accept that it will get condensation and doesn't have good ventilation. Maybe my tent was unusual since it was a first-run. Maybe they fixed it with future production runs, I don't know.”

“Good to see you Dodder.

(you lurker you.)”

“The SD Clip is a proven design, if a little dated and heavy.

I have a lite version called the SD ultra clip or something like that for use when I packing as a couple.

I use my Henry Shires TarpTent Squall all other times.”

“I have a Clip 2 and have never gotten wet in it.”

“Rox 1-have you evwer been thru bad rain with you Zeus? Did you get wet? TownDog-Thanks man...give me a kiss! Stove Stomper have you ever been thru bad weather with your Squall? Did you get wet? Did it come thru the bottom? .”

“Dodder, OK, so don't ask me!! ;-P

I have the Zeus Exo one-person. Yes, it gets horrendous condensation. Then again, I live in a humid area.

If I knew it's gonna rain, it's not the tent I take on a trip. However, that said, I was on a trip where a guy was in a 2-person Zeus Exo and it withstood maybe 3 minutes of quarter-size hail.

I was in my bombproof (but heavy) Sierra Designs, waiting for the Zeus to collapse on that guy. LOL! But it didn't.

Like I said, I can't speak to rain. But if it's nice weather, I take. Also, I use little bungees to the tent stakes on the side vents to get them off the ground more. Not that it helps much.”

“I yam sorry. I appreciate your feedback. It looks like I will opt to buy the Clip falshlight because of the condensation problem and ventilation. With the Clip I can leave the Rain fly off if I nned too. Only weighs 5 0z more...and whats another pound? "I am and remain the Dodder."”

“This may be a little late, but I also have the Clip Flashlight 2. It may be a tad heavier, but it's the best tent I've ever had. I've never gotten wet in it, even after setting it up in the pouring rain. I used the rainfly to cover up the tent when I was setting it up. I've also never had a condensation problem with it.”

“Camped with two folks using the clip last weekend, they both raved about it. Get the footprint too so you have the option of using the fly alone in good, non-buggy weather.”

“I have a Zeus expo solo and have had condensation problems, but no leaks. Last night, after dark, I drove to the St. Croix River and put my 82 year old mother in the tent on a small island. I'll post her gear review when I pick her up sometime next week.”

“I have used the Clip2 and own a Clip3 (which is hopefully still usable) - I really like it. It's a classic and a proven design and cheap ones are available (Campmor, for example, often adds extra discounts to the previous year's model).

I considered a Zeus, but worried about condensation and rain storm worthiness - a little leakage or condensation drip can add up over a week or two of backpacking if you have bad luck with the weather.”