Eureka Tents started operating in Binghamton, New York in 1895. The company offered canvas products that were used as wagon covers and horse blankets for 19th century frontiersmen in the United States. It also manufactured flags, awnings and camping tents. At present, the manufacture of tents and canvas shelters is still the company’s biggest business.
The popularity of Eureka tents reached its peak in the 1940s when the company was asked to manufacture the tent cities for the annual stockholders’ meeting of IBM. Demand for the company’s products increased during World War II due to the need for more hospital tents and military camping shelters. After the war, the firm was inundated with orders for canvas shelters for people who have lost their homes during the war. The 1950s brought greater demand for mobile homes and the company was there to provide awnings for these homes all around the United States.
Eureka was associated with various historical expeditions during the 1960s. Its patented Draw-Tite tent was used by world famous explorer Edmund Hillary during an expedition to the Himalayas. The company was also involved in the 1963 American Mount Everest Expedition wherein its tents were used as shelter by participants in this historic adventure. In the 1970s and the 1980s, the company continued to be involved in several other historic expeditions and explorations. The brand of Eureka was, by then, established as one of the foremost names in the tent-making business.
Although the company is known for its involvement in historic travels, it also caters to ordinary campers with its camping tent product lines. Ordinary camping shelter models offered by Eureka include solo, family, adventure backpacking, luxury family, performance backpacking, screen houses, four seasons, expedition tents and outfitter tents. Camping accessories are also part of the company’s offerings.
Tents from Eureka feature the company’s patented StormShield design. The StormShield feature is incorporated in the fabrics of most of Eureka’s tents and was developed to make the products stronger and more able to withstand heavy rains and extreme weather conditions. Tents from the company can be made of nylon, polyester and canvas. Choices for tent frames include aluminum, fiberglass and steel. Different shapes are also available, with domes, A-frames, umbrella styles and screen houses as the most common.
Eureka tents continue to be used in high profile explorations until the 2000s. These activities helped the brand build a strong reputation in the tent industry and become popular even among ordinary campers. As proven by its extended lineup of camping shelters, the company has indeed cemented its position as a reliable provider of camping tents and other canvas products.
