Eureka! Sunrise 9 -Tent (sleeps 4-5)

by Eureka

Product Features

• Spacious square, dome-style tent sleeps up to five (9 by 9 floor; 81 square foot area)
• Heavy duty bathtub floor made of 4-ounce 210D oxford polyester
• Multicoated StormShield polyester fly won't stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown
• Includes corner organizer, wall organizer with mirror, two water bottle pockets
• Center height of 72 inches; weighs 16 pounds, 4 ounces

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Spacious enough to comfortably sleep up to five campers, the Eureka Sunrise 9 dome-style family tent is easy to set up and very well ventilated with four large hooded windows and no-see-um mesh panels in the ceiling. It has triple-coated fabrics and a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford polyester that repels water.

The fly is made of Stormshield polyester, which won't stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown. It has a shockcorded fiberglass frame (two poles) that features a pin and ring as well as combination clip and sleeve system for quick assembly. Other features include:

• Twin track D door with window for easy exit/entry
• High/Low door vents top and bottom to aid air circulation
• External guy points help secure the tent in high winds
• Hanging gear loft/organizer
• Two water bottle holders
• Corner organizer and wall organizer with mirror
• Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:

• Area: 81 square feet
• Floor size: 9 feet by 9 feet
• Center height: 6 feet
• Wall fabrics: 1.9 ounce Polyester Taffeta 1200mm coating/1.9 ounce breathable polyester
• Floor fabrics: 4 ounce 210D Oxford Polyester with 1200mm coating
• Fly fabrics: 1.9 ounce 75D StormShield polyester with 1200mm coating
• Pack size: 9 by 27 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds, 4 ounces

About Eureka
Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.

The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.

In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.

For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.

Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.

Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.

Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.

For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.

Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.

Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.

Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.

Product Description

The family-sized version of our spacious Sunrise series. This tent sleeps 4-5 people comfortably.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 28.5 x 8.5 x 8.2 inches ; 18.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 18.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000EQCWO2
• Item model number: 2628333
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,095 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always have, Always will.. love Eureka!, March 4, 2009

By 

NickMan (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eureka! Sunrise 9 -Tent (sleeps 4-5) (Sports)

I have owned the Sunrise 9 since 2002 and have used it on dozens of camping trips in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California. At the time I purchased it, I was the only one using it and it's way more tent than one person needs, although I absolutely loved having it to myself.

For those doing intensive research on their next tent purchase, I will provide as much detail as I can, as I find reviews aren't terribly helpful if someone only says "the tent is great". Details are very important. :o) Read on..

SET-UP:

First and foremost, the tent is very easy to construct and only takes me [and my now partner] 10 minutes to stake and raise. I always stake tents first (and then raise them), as I never trust a free-standing tent. I don't recall ever having read the instructions, as Eureka makes this tent about as fail-safe as it gets. Staking out the corners first also allows the sidewalls to be very taught once the poles are raised.

SIZE AND COMFORT:

The center height of 6' is adequate for me and my partner, as we're both 5'7". We generally use a king size air mattress, which takes up the majority of the center of the floor, but we have plenty of room to store bags and shoes on either side of the mattress. Head room, on the other hand, is moderately compromised on either side of the mattress, as it is a dome tent. The tent would fit a queen air mattress and two children's sleeping bags with perhaps a little room to spare. It's a fabulous and very spacious two-person dream tent.

Cross-ventilation is superior, with large windows on all 4 walls (including the door), as well as a low vent on the bottom of the door to allow cooler air at lower levels. The ceiling also contains several mesh vents. Since the fly is elevated, air circulates throughout the tent and it never becomes stuffy.

There are very handy storage pockets below each window which provide a very useful space for sunglasses, reading glasses, flashlights and other gear. The hanging gear loft is great for things you use occasionally, but wouldn't need access to at night. It's also a great place to rig up a battery powered overhead lantern.

WEATHER:

Our Sunrise 9 has seen it all - rain, shine, snow, wind, hail and sleet. As noted above, I always stake first, then raise. Since the sidewalls are always taught, wind never conerns me. The tent flaps slightly, but integrity is always good and has never been jeopardized. I've never owned a tent that remains so confident during high winds.

Since Eureka tapes most seems, water has never been an issue. As always, we did waterproof each seem and the inside floor of the tent has NEVER seen a drop of water. The fly provides ultimate rain protection while still allowing a view out any window and without limiting air flow. The fly is genious and easy as pie to install. We also always place a tarp underneath the tent to prevent floor seepage.

We've camped at sea level in California and at 12,000 feet in Colorado and the tent has never disappointed when it comes to any weather conditions. Because of the excellent ventilation, the tent is never more uncomfortable inside than it is outside - an important note, especially in very hot temperatures. I've taken a nap in the tent with 98º outside and was perfectly comfortable (albeit quite warm).

BOTTOM LINE:

Without a doubt, Eureka makes one of the best budget-conscious tents you can buy if you plan to have your tent for many years. All tents require the owner to put forth a little effort and care to maintain its integrity. It's not going to remain perfect if you don't take the time to set it up properly, waterproof the seams, take it down carefully and re-pack it in the fashion you un-packed it. If it takes 5 minutes longer to ensure you're doing it right, spend the extra 5 minutes and your Eureka tent will provide you with years of enjoyable trips with your family.

I would like to think Eureka has good customer service, as I've heard they do, but my tent has not failed me in any way, so I've not needed their assistance. They make a great product, which is evidenced by the fact that they're still offering tents they've been manufacturing for many years with minimal changes.

I've recently ordered the Eureka N!ergy Screen House and the Eureka Copper Canyon 1512 so we have more room for lounging and relaxation and will post reviews once they've been put to good use!

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eureka Sunrise 9 . . . A very well made tent!, September 10, 2007

By 

Edward Weiss "EggWhites" (Sayreville, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eureka! Sunrise 9 -Tent (sleeps 4-5) (Sports)

I am happy to say that I have nothing but good words about the Eureka Sunrise 9 tent! I just purchased the tent after doing my homework... Chances are if you are reading this, it's because you care about the quality of what you are buying- well look no further because the short end of it all is that the materials used to make this tent (even within the other line of tents that Eureka makes) you will find that the walls of the Sunrise are thicker, the floor is thicker and the overall design is much better. I am a heavyset guy and like alot of room to myself. Would be plenty of room in the tent for two people with a ton of gear! (Overall rule is take the number and divide it in half- so a 4-5 person tent comfortably fits 2-3 people and all their 'stuff'!) I had purchased an XL cot from Cabela's and found it would not fit inside the Sunrise 8... So I bought the Sunrise 9, and the cot just makes it with inches to spare at the head and foot of the cot- -use furniture sliders or any type of floor-saving material under the legs of the cot to avoid putting a hole in the floor of the tent. Also, Eureka makes a pre-cut floor-saver to put under the tent and protect it from mud and dirt and debris- one word of caution... Even after you stake your tent to the ground, you will find that if you have the grey floor-saver plastic protecting the underside of the tent floor, that it makes the insides very slippery to walk on! Almost felt like walking on ice the way the tent floor would slip on the floor-saver material... Looking for a way to make the two grip each other a little so it's easier to stand on and not slip around... Other than that, one other word about the ventilation... The windows and floor and ceiling are all mesh screened and they are great, just remember to keep the windows unzipped for cross ventilation during the day, or the tent gets very warm when it's hot outside. At night, it's very comfortable to sleep in. The Hi-Lo door vent on the bottom is "ok" for extra ventilation, but nothing like what I was hoping it would do- although it's better than not having the vent at all! One final word about the whole tenting experience and bugs- The second you set your tent up, keep the door zipped up tight except to get in and out of it- with the windows unzipped for a breeze and the door zipped closed, the tent makes a great bug-free place to hang out in during the day! Looking forward to using my Sunrise 9 tent again soon!

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great 4 person family tent, June 26, 2007

By 

R. Baevsky "camping doc" (Springfield, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eureka! Sunrise 9 -Tent (sleeps 4-5) (Sports)

I have camped all my life, and now that I do a fair amount of "car camping" with the kids, I look for a tent that sets up quickly (5 min), keeps you dry in rain (excellent design), won't break the bank (good price), and reasonable size. This 9x9 foot print is ideal for 2-4 people with gear. Three wide sleeping bags with extra room on the sides and plenty at the head for your duffles (aka. pillows) and feet for clothing/gear). The company stands behind their product, and when used with a ground cloth (sheet of plastic works great), it will last years! I have one that is 10 years old and in very good shape. Only needed to replace the poles once due to fiberglass fatigue from use. Just bought another for the kids to use. The next size up uses bigger poles, has a higher ceiling height and is a bit more combersome due to its size and weight, but for 5 adults, go for it! The design is awesome!