Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 Tent

Features of the Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 Tent

The Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 tent sleeps four and weighs 13.5 pounds. Its domed shape allows it to easily shed heavy snow and rain while withstanding strong winds which is essential for quickly changing winter weather patterns.

Even for two campers, this roomy tent is an excellent choice. You can store some of your camping gear outdoors in the summer, but in the winter you will want to keep it inside your tent. This should be kept in mind when you are tent shopping.

Important Features in a Four Season Tent

According to Tomas Gooch, there are five important features to look for in a tent suitable for winter camping:

• Full coverage fly—"The tent fly needs to come down to the ground to prevent wind and rain from blowing into the tent."
• Vestibules with ground flaps—"This will help hold the vestibule down to keep the wind from blowing up and under."
• Fly vent covers—"All fly vents should have covers so they can be closed in case of blowing snow and rain."
• Strong frame—"Four season tents should have a stronger frame than standard tents to withstand tougher weather conditions."
• Breathable material—"Breathable material on the inner part of the tent allows the tent to breathe while still giving some thermal protection. This will also help guard against condensation."

Quality Tent Features

There are a few features that high quality tents, like the Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 tent, will have that lower quality tents do not offer. Mr. Gooch mentions these features:

• Breathable walls on inner tent
• Good quality YKK zippers
• Strong DAC frames
• Guy line points for additional strength
• Reinforcements at guy out points and stake out points
• Taped seams all over fly and tent, including reinforcements

Winter Sleeping Bags

Mr. Gooch also offers some insight on selecting the best sleeping bag for winter camping. Here are the features that he says are most important:

• "A temperature rating that you can trust. Big name brands know their bags will meet the temperature ratings they advertise."
• "Double offset or shingle construction quilting. This means that no seams give the cold temperatures a direct path into the sleeping bag."
• "Insulated zipper cover. Zippers will let the cold in if left by themselves."
• "A two-way zipper. Since it is better to pack for the coldest temperatures you can expect to see, a two-way zipper allows you to open the lower part of the zipper for venting if it is too warm in the bag."
• "A trapezoidal foot box. This fits around the natural position of a camper's feet without allowing them to press up against the side. Feet usually are among the first things to get cold. If your feet press against the bag, it reduces the insulation of the bag."
• "A storm collar keeps warm air from escaping through the top opening of the bag."
• "A good hood to fit around the head where most heat is lost."

According to Mr. Gooch, a winter sleeping bag should be selected based on temperature rating, the features mentioned above and the weather you anticipate experiencing. "If any type of wet weather is anticipated, use a synthetic insulation. Down does not work when it is wet."

More Winter Camping Tips

Mr. Gooch offers more great winter camping tips that everyone should keep in mind.

• "Every winter camper or hiker should have a compass. GPSs are great, but what if the batteries die? What if it gets wet and shorts out? Every camper should have a compass and map with them no matter what—and know how to use them."

• "Pack for the coldest temperature you could possibly experience. No one likes trying to sleep when it's cold. It's easier to take clothes off than to not have them."

• "Make sure you check the weather before your trip."

• "Bring your cell phone, but don't use it unless it's an emergency to save the batteries. Don't trust that you will have reception. Bring something brightly colored as well as a whistle and signaling mirror."

• "Make sure someone knows where you are going and what your timeline is. If you are going out for a long time, have periodic check-ins."

• "If you get lost or in trouble, stay put and try to keep warm. Conserve energy and food. Because you have let someone know where you are going and been having check-ins, people will come looking. Make it easy for them to find you."

• "Take a kid camping. It is something the child will always remember, even if it rains the whole time. One of my fondest memories is the winter Klondike my scout troop did when I was growing up in Colorado."

Final Notes

LoveToKnow would like to thank Mr. Thomas Gooch for taking time for this interview and sharing his great tips on winter camping.