Eureka Spitfire 1 Tent Review

The Eureka Spitfire 1 Tent is a low-cost, lightweight, and durable double wall camping and backpacking tent that weighs 2 lbs 12 oz. Easy-to-setup, this classic hoop-style shelter has plenty of interior room to sit up inside, change your clothes, or store essential gear. Complete with durable aluminum poles, the Spitfire provides plenty of wind and rain protection with an abundance of interior mesh for good ventilation. If price is a priority, but you want to get a quality product that is going to work well and last for years, the Spitfire 1 is a top pick. That's why I've included it in my list of the 10 Best One-Person Backpacking Tents.

Specs at a Glance

• Type: Double wall
• Doors: 1 side door
• Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz (confirmed)
  • Inner Tent: 18.5 oz
  • Rainfly: 16.6 oz
  • Aluminum Poles (2): 8.9 oz
• Inner Tent Dimensions: 100″ long, 42″ wide at chest, narrowing to 24″ wide at foot. Due to the diamond shape, tent is best used by people who are 72″ tall or less.
• Maximum pole segment length: 19.5 inches
• Minimum number of stakes to pitch: 4, although I'd recommend using 6-8 for maximum tautness.
• Maximum pole segment length: 19.5 inches
• Materials:
  • 75D polyester taffeta fly (1800mm)
  • 40D Polyester no-see-um
  • 75D polyester taffeta floor (1800mm)

Inner Tent

The Spitfire 1 has a diamond-shaped inner tent that has a deep bathtub tub floor suitable for camping on wet ground. The inner tent is suspended from two hoop-style aluminum poles which fit into side grommets, and staked at the head and foot end. When purchasing inexpensive tents, it's always important to get a tent with aluminum poles and not fiberglass ones, which break very easily. The Aluminum DAC poles provided with the Spitfire are much more durable.

While the inner tent is 100″ in length, the pointed ends are two narrow to lay in. The effective floor dimensions are closer to 72″ long x 39″ high x (42″ wide at the chest, tapering to 24″ wide) at the feet. In other words, the tent is best used for people who are 6′ tall or less, while the pointed ends are still quite good for gear storage.

The inner tent is so well ventilated and spacious that it's almost worth buying the Spitfire 1 just to use it alone.

In addition to the abundant side-wall mesh, there are mesh panels situated near the feet to help keep the foot end of your sleeping bag or quilt dry, or dry out wet shoes if you stash them here at night. The amount of ventilation is quite nice, particularly when you can roll back the rain fly and let the wind blow through the side walls unfettered.

There are side mesh pockets along the inner support walls to hold valuables. The inner tent also has a zipper in the roof, so you can reach open or close a roof vent in the rain fly without having to get out of the inner tent to do so.

The inner tent has one zippered side door, with a long J-shaped zipper that provides easy entry and exit. The mesh side door can also be rolled up and secured if insect protection is not an issue.

The large side door makes it easy to get in and out of the Spitfire 1

Rain Fly

The Spitfire rain fly drapes over the inner tents aluminum hoops and secures to its corners using durable plastic buckles.  The head end is color-coded, so you can orient the fly in the right direction without having to think too much. Two stakes are needed to secure the vestibule door and the opposite side of the tent to the ground while velcro loops on the underside of the fly can be used to secure the fly to the hoop poles. There are also additional guy out points on the fly to stake down the tent in very windy weather, but you'll need to supply your own reflective cord to guy them out.

The Spitfire 1 has one vestibule on the door side, which is quite narrow and difficult to store gear in because it blocks the side door. If your pack is fairly empty, you can scoot it into the narrow space behind the door as shown. You can also compensate for this lack of vestibule storage by unloading keeping gear in the triangular head and foot end of inner tent, or even alongside you in the tent because it's so wide. While there is a second covered space on the opposite side from the door, it's not reachable from inside the inner tent. Adding a zipper there or a "closet-style" pass through, like those found on some Sierra Designs tents, would make that space a lot more functional.

The roof vent provides much needed ventilation when you have to batten down the hatches in bad weather.

One place where the rain fly does shine is the top vent, which can be propped open or closed from inside the inner tent. It is ideal for venting the warm air that accumulates inside the tent (since it rises) and is the leading cause of internal condensation.

Honestly, it's difficult to get a super taut pitch with the Spitfire 1 rain fly because the fabric doesn't have much stretch, like the lighter weight fabrics you'll find on more expensive tents. The buckle tensioners and webbing can't be pulled tight enough and the overall shape of the tent requires a uniformly flat pitching surface that you'll be more likely to find in a campground than at a wild, off-trail trail site. If you're willing to ignore these pitch aesthetics, the rain fly will still protect you in heavy rain and wind, even if it's not the prettiest looking rain fly you've ever seen. The aluminum poles are plenty strong to maintain the structure of the tent, provided you stake it out completely before a storm.

If cost is a priority, it is hard to beat the value of the Spitfire 1. There are plenty of thru-hikers who've hiked the Appalachian Trail with the Spitfire 1 and it's not going to hold you back either.

Recommendation

The Eureka Spitfire 1 is a surprisingly good value for a one person backpacking tent. It weighs just 2 lbs 12 oz and has durable aluminum poles, a spacious interior with excellent ventilation, and it's easy to set up. While it's quite long on paper, it's best used by someone who's 6 feet or less in height because the diamond-shaped interior isn't completely usable as sleeping space. If that's not a limitation, but cost is, you'll have hard time buying a tent that's as good at the Spitfire at a comparable price. It really is a great value, perfect for the occasional backpacker or scout.

Compare 3 Prices

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Last updated: 2018-05-28 12:36:31

The author purchased this product.

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Marca by Mortise in South Surrey

Marca by Mortise is a new townhouse development located in South Surrey. Thoughtful touches and contemporary materials come complete with a luxurious set of standard finishes that feel bespoke. Designed to inspire and with the space to match, this community of 18 townhomes is an exclusive opportunity beyond comparison.

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IndieView with Steven Storrie, author of The Northern Sunset

I don’t target people, I target truths.

Steven Storrie – 27 May 2018

The Back Flap

One thing I learned. Never share coffee with your heroes. I was in a shabby diner with the greatest writer of his generation when two masked men burst in wielding guns. In what I couldn’t help but think to be conspicuous clothing for a daytime robbery the assailants, wearing fluorescent ski masks and camouflage jackets, waved their weapons over the crowd and told everyone to BE STILL. I remember looking at the guns, then at the half-finished coffee we hadn’t yet paid for, then back to the guns, and feeling like, if nothing else, that was some sort of victory at the time.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s a book about transition and emotions that only flow one way. It’s a book about heart and soul, blood and thunder, truth and consequence. It’s about having the guts to be bold in life and go for what you really want, rather than hanging back shyly in the shadows and hoping things still go your way. It’s about living in a sleazy motel and all the crazies that you’re forced to spend time with. It’s about her.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book about a year ago. I worked at it on and off while completing other projects, which is why it has ended up coming out so swiftly after my poetry collection, Yours Sincerely, Axl Rose.

How long did it take you to write it?

If condensed into one period of time it probably took 4-6 weeks to complete, start to finish.

Where did you get the idea from?

It’s a true story, with a twist of exaggeration. I always wanted to write a ‘motel’ novel, similar to something Tom Waits might write, or Charles Bukowski. In fact, the book has been described as being like Chuck Palahniuk and Charles Bukowski going on holiday together. I’ll take that.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I wanted to convey images and emotions that were diamond sharp, with a brevity of language. It was a constant process of refinement. And I wanted the pace to be right, not plod along too much but not zip by without impact, either. The hardest thing was capturing the essence of the lead female character, presenting her in the way I wanted her to be seen, and accurately depicting the dynamic between her and the narrator, with all that was going on underneath.

What came easily?

All the stuff that wasn’t to do with the two main characters and their relationship came easily. All the motel scenes, the characters, and the recurring ‘two things I earned’ pieces that closed each chapter.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Some are real, some not. I’ll let people guess which is which.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I’ve already mentioned Palahniuk and Bukowski as influences on this book. The writers that have had the greatest influence on my writing overall have been Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, Hunter S Thompson, Jack Kerouac, Albert Camus and Irvine Welsh.

Do you have a target reader?

Anybody who enjoys good writing, wild characters, and a little insight into the human condition. I don’t target people, I target truths.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Ideally I’ll sit somewhere quiet with a cup of coffee (black, thank you), read over and reply to some emails to warm up, then read over what I wrote the day before to get back into the character and the style of writing I’m working on, then I’ll write for around 3-4 hours, or just until I hit the wall. Hemingway always stopped at a point where he knew what came next, that way when he sat down the next day he wasn’t stuck for what to write. I try to incorporate that idea too.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t outline. When I write I want it to be the real thing, not a rehearsal. I’ll have the idea already, then I’ll just start spilling it onto the page.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go, while I’m reading over the stuff from the day before.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I try to listen to music that reflects the story and the style I’m working on at that time. So, for this one it was a lot of high octane stuff for some parts, a lot of Tom Waits in others. When I’m editing I do it with the music off, so I can try to get a sense of whether I’ve got the right mood and pace for what I’m trying to say. But generally, it’s anything that gets that adrenaline pumping. I don’t think feeling sluggish and lazy is conducive to good writing. Fast. And loud.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I didn’t, but that is going to be the next step.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I was specifically approached by the publisher to see if I would be interested in writing something for them. I already had the book sitting there, largely complete, and it just seemed to fit.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I chose the image and the publisher took care of the rest. The cover is actually a drawing by the talented artist, Marcel Herms.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I just want to put it into as many hands as possible. The work will take care of the rest. I’m a writer, not an advertising executive.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Believe in yourself, but assess yourself honestly. Do the work. Read A LOT. And never give up. If you’re good enough and you want it badly enough, you’ll get there.

About You

Where did you grow up?

In Middlesbrough, a small steel town in the north of England.

Where do you live now?

My own world, most of the time. I’d recommend everyone else live in theirs, too.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m not what’s important, the writing is. I care about being great at this more than anything else in the world. It’s my reason for getting up on a morning and drawing breath. I want the writing to do the talking. If there’s anything they’re still desperate to know about me, I’m more than happy to answer.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Northern Sunset from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

from The IndieView https://ift.tt/2L1lBEj

IndieView with Steven Storrie, author of The Northern Sunset

I don't target people, I target truths.

Steven Storrie – 27 May 2018

The Back Flap

One thing I learned. Never share coffee with your heroes. I was in a shabby diner with the greatest writer of his generation when two masked men burst in wielding guns. In what I couldn't help but think to be conspicuous clothing for a daytime robbery the assailants, wearing fluorescent ski masks and camouflage jackets, waved their weapons over the crowd and told everyone to BE STILL. I remember looking at the guns, then at the half-finished coffee we hadn't yet paid for, then back to the guns, and feeling like, if nothing else, that was some sort of victory at the time.

About the book

What is the book about?

It's a book about transition and emotions that only flow one way. It's a book about heart and soul, blood and thunder, truth and consequence. It's about having the guts to be bold in life and go for what you really want, rather than hanging back shyly in the shadows and hoping things still go your way. It's about living in a sleazy motel and all the crazies that you're forced to spend time with. It's about her.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book about a year ago. I worked at it on and off while completing other projects, which is why it has ended up coming out so swiftly after my poetry collection, Yours Sincerely, Axl Rose.

How long did it take you to write it?

If condensed into one period of time it probably took 4-6 weeks to complete, start to finish.

Where did you get the idea from?

It's a true story, with a twist of exaggeration. I always wanted to write a 'motel' novel, similar to something Tom Waits might write, or Charles Bukowski. In fact, the book has been described as being like Chuck Palahniuk and Charles Bukowski going on holiday together. I'll take that.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I wanted to convey images and emotions that were diamond sharp, with a brevity of language. It was a constant process of refinement. And I wanted the pace to be right, not plod along too much but not zip by without impact, either. The hardest thing was capturing the essence of the lead female character, presenting her in the way I wanted her to be seen, and accurately depicting the dynamic between her and the narrator, with all that was going on underneath.

What came easily?

All the stuff that wasn't to do with the two main characters and their relationship came easily. All the motel scenes, the characters, and the recurring 'two things I earned' pieces that closed each chapter.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Some are real, some not. I'll let people guess which is which.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I've already mentioned Palahniuk and Bukowski as influences on this book. The writers that have had the greatest influence on my writing overall have been Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, Hunter S Thompson, Jack Kerouac, Albert Camus and Irvine Welsh.

Do you have a target reader?

Anybody who enjoys good writing, wild characters, and a little insight into the human condition. I don't target people, I target truths.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Ideally I'll sit somewhere quiet with a cup of coffee (black, thank you), read over and reply to some emails to warm up, then read over what I wrote the day before to get back into the character and the style of writing I'm working on, then I'll write for around 3-4 hours, or just until I hit the wall. Hemingway always stopped at a point where he knew what came next, that way when he sat down the next day he wasn't stuck for what to write. I try to incorporate that idea too.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don't outline. When I write I want it to be the real thing, not a rehearsal. I'll have the idea already, then I'll just start spilling it onto the page.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you've finished?

I edit as I go, while I'm reading over the stuff from the day before.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I try to listen to music that reflects the story and the style I'm working on at that time. So, for this one it was a lot of high octane stuff for some parts, a lot of Tom Waits in others. When I'm editing I do it with the music off, so I can try to get a sense of whether I've got the right mood and pace for what I'm trying to say. But generally, it's anything that gets that adrenaline pumping. I don't think feeling sluggish and lazy is conducive to good writing. Fast. And loud.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I didn't, but that is going to be the next step.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I was specifically approached by the publisher to see if I would be interested in writing something for them. I already had the book sitting there, largely complete, and it just seemed to fit.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I chose the image and the publisher took care of the rest. The cover is actually a drawing by the talented artist, Marcel Herms.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I just want to put it into as many hands as possible. The work will take care of the rest. I'm a writer, not an advertising executive.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Believe in yourself, but assess yourself honestly. Do the work. Read A LOT. And never give up. If you're good enough and you want it badly enough, you'll get there.

About You

Where did you grow up?

In Middlesbrough, a small steel town in the north of England.

Where do you live now?

My own world, most of the time. I'd recommend everyone else live in theirs, too.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I'm not what's important, the writing is. I care about being great at this more than anything else in the world. It's my reason for getting up on a morning and drawing breath. I want the writing to do the talking. If there's anything they're still desperate to know about me, I'm more than happy to answer.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Northern Sunset from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

from The IndieView https://ift.tt/2L1lBEj

Bravo on Broadway in Vancouver

Bravo on Broadway by Legendary Developments is a new townhouse development located at 903 East Broadway. Bravo on Broadway is an urban paradise unlike any other. Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Mt. Pleasant in Vancouver, Bravo boasts striking New England-style architecture that uniquely complements the natural surroundings.

Each Bravo residence has been meticulously planned to maximize functionality and personality. With only 8 suites ranging from 1,186 to 1,422 sqft, along with distinct main-level entries, gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms, Bravo is truly the perfect urban retreat.

The post Bravo on Broadway in Vancouver appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Get excited – SheaMoisture launches in Australia!

Hair Romance x Shea Moisture Collaboration

So I have been keeping a little bit of secret from you…

I’ve known for a little while now that SheaMoisture would be coming to Australia and I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.

The best bit is that SheaMoisture is now stocked in Priceline stores and so it’s super easy to find around Australia and to order online.

This has made me extra happy as it’s saving me from bringing my SheaMoisture products home from my travels! You see, I’ve already been using SheaMoisture for years. Their Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is one of my favourite curl products.

Now I’m excited to have four ranges of hair products as well as skin care and body care products available in Priceline for me to try. You can find out more in the video below.

The secret is out – SheaMoisture is now in Australia!

Click here if you can’t see the video above

Behind the scenes

I’m also so thrilled to be chosen as the hair ambassador for the launch here in Australia.

They asked me to be in a photoshoot and I had to check if they wanted my hair to be blonde or pink as I was about to go and get it coloured.

I first though I should stay blonde (just to be a little bit safer) but SheaMoisture came back and said they preferred pink, which made me love them even more.

Here are some shots from behind the scenes (and I’ll post more on Instagram too!)

Why you should get excited about SheaMoisture

Shea Moisture has an amazing heritage and is a cult favourite for a reason.

The brand was started way back in 1912 by Sofi Tucker, a young widow who created her own shea butter soaps. Now four generations of her family have expanded SheaMoisture to a full range of hair care for all hair types as well as skin care and body care.

All of the products are made with natural and organic ingredients and are sustainably produced. They’re made with love and they’ll help you to love your hair.

As well as their sustainable business practices, SheaMoisture also have some amazing initiatives giving back to the community through their charity programs.

For the Australian launch, SheaMoisture has chosen their four most popular lines to bring down under:

• 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Range – perfect for all hair types, the leave-in conditioner is light and great for fine hair or refreshing curls
• Coconut & Hibiscus Range – ideal for thick, frizzy or curly hair and the Curl Smoothie is a personal favourite
• Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Range – provides intense moisture and omegas to nourish dry hair
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil Range – designed to strengthen hair that is chemically processed or heat damaged, the masque is amazing

Where to find SheaMoisture products

Run to Priceline and you’ll find it on shelves now! Or if you love online shopping like me, you can check out the range here.

And for my non-Aussie friends, you can find SheaMoisture products here in the USA, and in Canada and here in the UK. Plus this online store ships elsewhere in Europe.

Now if you’re a fan of SheaMoisture I really want to know, what are your favourite products?

The post Get excited – SheaMoisture launches in Australia! appeared first on Hair Romance.

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How to Make GeoPDF Maps in Caltopo

A GeoPDF Map is a PDF map that you can use for GPS Navigation on a Smartphone. You can easily make your own GeoPDF maps using a FREE online mapping tool called Caltopo.com (best used with a computer), email them to your phone, and navigate with them in a FREE GPS navigation app called Avenza Maps (IOS, Android). The US Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the National Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management all provide FREE GeoPDF maps for the lands and recreation trails they manage, and recommend the Avenza Smartphone app for reading them, so this is very mainstream stuff.

When I teach Smartphone GPS Navigation for Hikers, I show students how they can create their own on-trail or off-trail hiking maps in Caltopo, save them as GeoPDF documents, open them in the Avenza GPS app, and start navigating with them. It's a straightforward process, so let me show you how it's done. Once you understand the steps, it's easy to create a custom map for every hike you take, print it out on paper, or open it on your smartphone to find your current location and follow your route.

You might also find the following background posts useful if you want to dig deeper into the details.

• How to Navigate with GeoPDF Maps
• GPS Navigation with Avenza PDF Maps in Smartphones
• Caltopo: A Great Online Mapping and Planning Tool for Hikers

Step 1: Draw a Map in Caltopo.com

Caltopo is a powerful online mapping tool that gives you the option to use a wide variety of maps, everything from USGS  quads to satellite imagery. Open it up, search for the area where you want to plan a hike, and draw a route, like I've done in the map above. This is the hike I plan to do tomorrow, climbing a mountain called North Moat, before descending on a long exposed ridge, called Red Ridge. The last time I hiked the Red Ridge Trail was about 10 years ago and I remember that the trail was difficult to follow in spots. So this time, I'll bring a GeoPDF map on my phone, that I'll make now.

Step 2: Print to PDF

Pull down the Caltopo print menu and select "Print to PDF or JPG." All of the PDF maps the Caltopo generates are GeoPDF maps, so there's nothing extra that you need to do to create one.

Step 3: Select Print Area and Scale

When you select "Print", Caltopo superimposes a transparent red overlay on the map. Drag it to the portion of the map you want to print and adjust the map scale so the red area covers everything you want to print. I've selected 1:24,000 below, which is a very common scale used by the US Geological Survey.

Select Print Area and Scale

Step 4: Generate PDF

Navigate to the left hand side of the screen and click on the Generate PDF Button. This will generate the PDF Document shown here, which has a scale at the bottom and other important information like the current declination.

Red Ridge GeoPDF Map

If you'd like to download a copy of this map, just click on this link and then save it.

Summary

There are a lot of things you can do, once you've learned a few Caltopo basics and start planning your own hiking routes. When you add GPS enabled maps to that mix, you can mix and match on-trail navigation and off-trail navigation with ease. There's definitely a learning curve to using Caltopo.com, but if you've ever used Garmin Basecamp or a similar mapping app, you won't have any problems coming up to speed. By making your own GeoPDF maps, you can explore areas where you've never been and with greater confidence, knowing that you can navigate yourself out of a jam if needed.

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