Why the ECLIPSE II Is Built for Easy Pitching
The ECLIPSE II is a free-standing dome tent, which means its structure holds its shape without needing pegs or guylines for support. This design makes it particularly useful when you're camping on very hard or rocky ground where stakes won't easily penetrate. The free-standing frame also allows you to move the tent to a better position after it's assembled, saving you from having to repitch from scratch.
For summer travels, the tent sleeps two people comfortably and is made predominantly from recycled materials. Its two side entrances each come with a vestibule and a window, giving you separate gear storage and easy access without climbing over your tentmate.
How to Pitch the ECLIPSE II Dome Tent
The following steps use the tent's free-standing design to get you set up quickly. Adjust the order based on your campsite conditions.
- 1. Choose a level site and lay out the tent body: Unfold the inner tent on the ground, orienting it so the two entrances face the directions you prefer. Because the tent is free-standing, you don't need to worry about finding soft soil for stakes.
- 2. Assemble the pole structure: Connect the dome poles (typically two crossing poles) and feed them through the pole sleeves or clips on the inner tent. Raise the poles to create the dome shape. The tent should stand upright on its own.
- 3. Attach the flysheet: Drape the flysheet over the raised inner tent, aligning the two side entrances and the roof air vents. Clip or hook the flysheet to the poles and tent body. The two roof vents allow airflow even when the entrances are fully closed.
- 4. Stake out only as needed: Because the tent is free-standing, pegs are optional for basic shape. Use them to secure the vestibules and guylines if wind is forecast or if you want extra stability. On hard ground, you can skip staking entirely.
- 5. Adjust ventilation before sleeping: Open the side windows or leave the vestibule doors partially unzipped for airflow. With entrances closed, the roof vents still provide fresh air. Good ventilation reduces condensation and keeps the interior comfortable.
Key Features That Help With Setup and Use
- ECLIPSE II: The free-standing dome design requires minimal pegs and guylines – a highly practical feature when pitching the tent on very hard ground. You can set up the ECLIPSE II on rocky, sandy, or frozen surfaces where traditional staking is difficult or impossible. This saves time and frustration.
ECLIPSE II - ECLIPSE II: On each side, there’s an entrance with a vestibule and a window, which means it’s very easy to ventilate the tent. Each occupant has their own door and storage area, and the windows help cross-ventilate without letting in bugs when zipped.
- ECLIPSE II: With the entrances closed, the two air vents in the roof allow a flow of fresh air into the inner tent. Even in rain or wind, you can keep the flysheet fully closed and still get airflow, reducing condensation buildup overnight.
- ECLIPSE II: In summer, you can pitch the inner tent on its own without the flysheet. On warm, dry nights, leaving off the flysheet gives you a star view and maximum ventilation. The inner tent's mesh panels keep insects out.
Fire Safety and Campfire Placement
The ECLIPSE II is made from flame-resistant fabric, but it is not fireproof. The manufacturer warns that the fabric will burn if left in continuous contact with a flame source. Always follow these precautions:
Keep all flames and heat sources away from the tent fabric. Do not use candles, matches, or open flames inside or near the tent. Cook outside, at least several meters away from the tent. If using fuel-powered lanterns or heaters, ensure adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide risk, and turn them off before sleeping. Build campfires downwind and well away from the tent, and fully extinguish them before leaving the site or retiring for the night.
These practices are essential for any tent, but the ECLIPSE II's free-standing design means you can position it a safe distance from your cooking area without worrying about staking constraints.
Storage and Comfort Inside the Tent
The ECLIPSE II includes four internal storage pockets for small items like glasses, headlamps, or a phone. This keeps the sleeping area tidy and prevents gear from getting lost in the dark. With two separate entrances and vestibules, each person can store their pack and boots outside the sleeping area but still under cover.
For summer use, the tent is designed to sleep two in comfort. If you're tall or prefer extra space, consider using it as a spacious one-person shelter for solo trips.
