SO Eolus vs Kuiu Summit Refuge

[Hoeger]

I'm looking to get a trekking pole tent and have been eyeing either the Seek Outside Eolus & the Kuiu Summit Refuge. All in (nest, stakes, etc.) the Eolus is 2lb 10 oz and has 30D rating. The Summit Refuge all in is 2lb 9.8 oz and has 20D rating. Eolus has 62 sq ft and Refuge has 65. Eolus all in is $483 and Refuge is $478.

All this to say it comes down to 30d v 20d. I'm in Minnesota and will almost always be camping on designated campsites (not pitching in the middle of a forest). Is the 30d really necessary?

 

[Jotis]

I have the eolus and like it. Used mostly for back country hunts. I am from Minnesota also

 

[Geewhiz]

I'm looking to get a trekking pole tent and have been eyeing either the Seek Outside Eolus & the Kuiu Summit Refuge. All in (nest, stakes, etc.) the Eolus is 2lb 10 oz and has 30D rating. The Summit Refuge all in is 2lb 9.8 oz and has 20D rating. Eolus has 62 sq ft and Refuge has 65. Eolus all in is $483 and Refuge is $478.

All this to say it comes down to 30d v 20d. I'm in Minnesota and will almost always be camping on designated campsites (not pitching in the middle of a forest). Is the 30d really necessary?

I guess I'm confused why your looking at ultralight (expensive) shelters if you will only be using it in designated campgrounds?

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

I'd get a big comfy tent if it's only for campgrounds.

I use the eolus for backpacking.

 

[Hoeger]

I guess I'm confused why your looking at ultralight (expensive) shelters if you will only be using it in designated campgrounds?

I should clarify what i meant by designated campsites. The Boundary Waters has designated campsites (cleared off area, designated fire pit and a loft toilet). However, these campsites are still remote and require canoeing and portaging to get too and are spread out tens of miles.

 

[Kelk]

Have the Eolus and love it. But now after seeing the side by side comparison, I did not realize how close these two are spec wise. Can’t go wrong with either but with no weight savings or even money savings, then why not opt for the 30d? Plus the zipperless doors on the vestibule is pretty nice.


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[Hoeger]

Have the Eolus and love it. But now after seeing the side by side comparison, I did not realize how close these two are spec wise. Can’t go wrong with either but with no weight savings or even money savings, then why not opt for the 30d? Plus the zipperless doors on the vestibule is pretty nice.


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Yeah that's what I thought. Basically it comes down to availability on the secondhand market. Once I get my 7 days in on the forum I'll be hitting the classifieds hard.

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

Or you could get a different Seek outside or kifaru that can run a stove if you ever wanted. Seems to be one of the only disadvantages I have with my eolus. Will have to buy a different one if I want to run a stove someday.

 

[Jimbob]

I have the Eolus and it works but I would make some changes.

Here is what I would change:
1. add zippered doors just like the Kuiu (very annoying to reach out to the very point of your vestibule to open your door.
2. Make it so it could be pitched tighter to the ground
3. add a peak vent (maybe)

If I was buying right not I would probably go with the KUIU Refuge. Purely for the lower pitch and zippered doors. Nice that you could add a stove jack if you wanted as well. Also, I like the added guy out points on the refuge.

If seek outside just tweaked a few things their shelter would be perfect for me. I use it solo and with my son on 10+ day sheep hunts. I don't use the inner.

 

[Kelk]

I have the Eolus and it works but I would make some changes.

Here is what I would change:
1. add zippered doors just like the Kuiu (very annoying to reach out to the very point of your vestibule to open your door.
2. Make it so it could be pitched tighter to the ground
3. add a peak vent (maybe)

If I was buying right not I would probably go with the KUIU Refuge. Purely for the lower pitch and zippered doors. Nice that you could add a stove jack if you wanted as well. Also, I like the added guy out points on the refuge.

If seek outside just tweaked a few things their shelter would be perfect for me. I use it solo and with my son on 10+ day sheep hunts. I don't use the inner.

Wouldn’t you still have to reach to the point to unzip? I always liked the lack of zippers. Could and has created problems before.
Totally agree with the peak vent though.
And I think a lower pitch would be better also but does the Kuiu pitch lower for sure? Haven’t seen one up close to know.


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[Jimbob]

Wouldn’t you still have to reach to the point to unzip? I always liked the lack of zippers. Could and has created problems before.
Totally agree with the peak vent though.
And I think a lower pitch would be better also but does the Kuiu pitch lower for sure? Haven’t seen one up close to know.


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The zipper door on the Refuge is at the corner not out at the point of the vestibule. I really hate the door opening going right up the middle of the vestibule, way more convenient at the corner.

The best tents in the world are made with zippers so having a zipper doesn't seem like a problem to me. The cool thing with no zipper is that it saves weight though.

Maybe this is even a better option:
Xmid 2

No stove jack but not a huge issue at a shelter this size.

 

[Superdoo]

Id second the X-mid for the BWCA. Especially if you’re not going when it’s cold. The insect populations are strong and a full tent would seem better suited unless you’re going when it’s cold.

 

[wind gypsy]

Xmid2 or stratospire2