USMC EUREKA 2 Man Combat Tent


I've used one of these for quite a while for cold weather camping. Definitely on the heavy side for backpacking, but I've done it, lol. Has anyone used a ecotat shelter?
View attachment 126582
I bought one plus the sleeping bag that goes with it, but have never used it, ended up going the hammock direction. According to the info, with the sleeping bag it is a poncho, shelter and can be used with the sleeping bag as a coat! It is designed as a 4 season shelter with a no see um net that zips in for warmer weather.

Sam
 
Last edited:
I've been looking for one of those Ecotat shelters for the past couple of weeks.
 
Usmc 2 man is an awesome tent if the total weight is not an issue for you. Have used this tent for over 20 years.
 
*ZAP* said:
Usmc 2 man is an awesome tent if the total weight is not an issue for you. Have used this tent for over 20 years.
Click to expand...

The original poster hasn't even logged on since 2016, doubt he's going to see this (just a heads up).

NorCalBigAl said:
Holy thread revival! Ironically I’ve been eyeballing this tent and similar surplus ones from the same period.
Click to expand...

Personally I've had good luck with them, they're my primary winter camping tent (have a couple). I use a single UCO candle and it's effective for warming the tent up. They're heavy for a single person tent (around 6lbs. I think), but robust and easy to keep warm. I don't have the USMC, but it is the Eureka TCOP...
8-png.2061902

9-png.2061910
 
Emjay said:
The original poster hasn't even logged on since 2016, doubt he's going to see this (just a heads up).



Personally I've had good luck with them, they're my primary winter camping tent (have a couple). I use a single UCO candle and it's effective for warming the tent up. They're heavy for a single person tent (around 6lbs. I think), but robust and easy to keep warm. I don't have the USMC, but it is the Eureka TCOP...
8-png.2061902

9-png.2061910
Click to expand...
Yes, I saw the original post date. The thread came up on a Google search for a usmc tent. I thought destiny wanted me to give input.
I have a tcop also but it is very different from a usmc 2 man in available space and height.
I am looking for a second usmc 2 man...
Searching for a decent deal.
Sportsman's guide has the pole set for under $10. McGuire has the tent body for $125 but I managed to get one from them for $110 total shipped and it was in great shape but had an odor which went away quickly after I left it set up.
The thing with buying surplus is that you can buy multiples from the same vendor and the condition will vary.
My opinion is the usmc 2 man is a hard tent to beat if cost is an issue. A good strategy may be to buy 2 from the same vendor and keep the best one. Sportsman's has the complete set up for $170, I think. Which is not bad if the item is used-like new.
Ymmv.
 
Found my usmc 2 man.
McGuire army-navy.
Grade B surplus = $145 shipped total.
Complete tent. I will check back in here with pics and a description of what came in a week or so.
 
Last edited:
I had a bad experience with mine. Most likely due to improper storage, mine arrived in unusable condition. The water proof coating was peeling off, and it smelled awful. I can deal with some bad stuff, but this smell was bad. I was so excited to get the tent, I didn't care that there was a "no return" policy. Never had a problem like this before. I researched techniques for removing the old waterproofing and re-applying, but it was extensive and very time consuming. I hope you have better luck and are able to return the tent if it arrives in poor condition.
 
Timex said:
I had a bad experience with mine. Most likely due to improper storage, mine arrived in unusable condition. The water proof coating was peeling off, and it smelled awful. I can deal with some bad stuff, but this smell was bad. I was so excited to get the tent, I didn't care that there was a "no return" policy. Never had a problem like this before. I researched techniques for removing the old waterproofing and re-applying, but it was extensive and very time consuming. I hope you have better luck and are able to return the tent if it arrives in poor condition.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear about that. McGuire is good to deal with. Should be no issues. Bad odors form surplus gear has usually gone away fast when I air the item out.
 
I can attest to the quality. I have the Eureka and Diamond versions both.
ZERO leaks and Zero failures in 4 season use.
 
diablo45 said:
more pics of ecotat shelter



Sam
Click to expand...
I had one very similar to this, I bought it from Brigade Quartermasters back in its hayday. It was Gortex and really expensive and I thought it was the best thing since sliced cheese, only problem was it zipped open on one end and not the whole length so I had to earthworm my way in and out. It worked for me for several years but as I grew out in size it just wasn’t worth using anymore, it was not a hammock style.
 
I’m using the USGI tent now but I hardly fit in it, my head touches and so does my feet. I like it because it has a separate compartment for my gear and I can get to it without getting wet. IMG_3308.jpeg
 
So, the repair kit was very complete and 18 good dac stakes. One pole had a broken shock cord and the tent body and fly were pretty dirty but in good condition. The tent must have been set up a long time because the inside of the pole sleeves were pretty dirty-sticky which made the set up take twice as long. Overall I would say low grade B or grade c. It was supposed to be grade B.
I purchased just the tent body from the same vendor a month ago and it is a night-day difference. The previous purchase was very good condition.
Set up and it will rain tonight and tomorrow so may wash a bit of the grit off.
Will contact McGuire and see what they say.
But, overall it is worth $146 to my door. A little elbow grease should get it and maybe they will have something good to say.
 
I have the Diamond Brand USMC two-man tent. I was looking for a free-standing tent easy to move since finding just the right spot on the ground is often a bit of trial and error. I wanted a vestibule where I could remove wet, muddy clothes before getting into the tent. In over ten years it has held up just fine in heavy rain, high winds, and snow. Setting up was a pain until I "color-coded" the pole ends and the appropriate corner anchor holes (red tape for one pole, black tape for another, and masking tape for the third pole). It is too heavy for backpacking but fine for car camping. The "black out" fly is nice to keep out annoying street lights found in campgrounds. Sadly, I don't think these are available new any more from Diamond Brand, and I understand Eureka has gotten out of the tent business.
 
Update:
Contacted McGuire and they offered me a partial refund of $50.
I accepted that as the easiest way to get this issue done.
 
*ZAP* said:
So, the repair kit was very complete and 18 good dac stakes. One pole had a broken shock cord and the tent body and fly were pretty dirty but in good condition. The tent must have been set up a long time because the inside of the pole sleeves were pretty dirty-sticky which made the set up take twice as long. Overall I would say low grade B or grade c. It was supposed to be grade B.
I purchased just the tent body from the same vendor a month ago and it is a night-day difference. The previous purchase was very good condition.
Set up and it will rain tonight and tomorrow so may wash a bit of the grit off.
Will contact McGuire and see what they say.
But, overall it is worth $146 to my door. A little elbow grease should get it and maybe they will have something good to say.
Click to expand...
Glad it worked out. Enjoy that tent. It will withstand some severe weather. WRT the odor in the one I purchased-I left is set up for a week in dry weather and couldn't get rid of it. I might try another one someday. The good news, I found a mil surplus bivy bag in nearly new condition!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top