TREKKING
Product 2018
Femme, Homme, Enfant
It’s been almost 15 years since Quechua launched the famous 2-second tent. A superb technical and commercial success! Since then the brand continues to develop and improve its concept. With the new model, Fresh & Black, they are hitting on one of the major camping problems – the lie-in! Not needing to crawl out of the sauna induced tent as soon as the sun rises and starts heating it up, or when the sunlight penetrates through and gives you that bright early morning alarm call.
They have tried to resolve this problem by the composition of the materials used. This model is made from 4 layers, one titanium dioxide, one polyester, one aluminum and one Black. A superposition that enables counteraction of the heat and the light. And …. It works! Nights are perfectly night ! Inside it is totally dark and also no shadow puppet intimacy is seen from outside!
In the daytime you are really in the dark, with the impression of being in a cool shady place under a tree. There is a large difference between exterior and interior temperatures. You can also play with the lateral ventilation flaps to increase this and create a nice air flow to enjoy that perfect siesta!
But first – you need to put the tent up …or should we say unfold it. Thanks to its automatic 2 second system, it’s pretty easy. You undo the strap that holds it in place, 4 clips and push it gently into place, magic ensues and the tent is up! But don’t forget to plant a few pegs and tension the guy ropes for a perfect set-up – especially in case of rain. Three positions for the lateral ventilation: rolled up, stretched out onto cords laterally for direct airflow entry and shade, or closed completely. All of the ventilation system can be adjusted from the inside of the tent, practical for during the night if it rains, or gets cold.
Now that we are sure of being in the shade, sheltered from the rain let’s talk about breathability. Ok, it’s not bad, but not brilliant either, condensation occurs. Obviously when you have 4 non-breathable layers. But there is always advantages and inconveniences that go hand-in-hand, shade or breathability, siesta or sauna! Of course breathable materials exist – but then you are looking at a price range that would be out of range.
As far as the ground sheet goes, it’s pretty good, tough, insulating enough for summer use, better with an extra tarp underneath if you will be camping in a rainy zone. Waterproofness, we tested it under a massive storm and no problem at all. Well set-up with the guy ropes installed it protects against a storm no problem. The only comment would be the entry shelter is a little short to protect from wind and rain as you climb in. And the space at the entrance only gives you enough room to leave your flip flops. The zips don’t slide that easily, they are a bit small for easy handling.
Then it’s time to pack it away! 2 seconds to put it up – a few more to have the knack of refolding it and getting it safely back in its hold. Read the instructions carefully, and practice, practice, practice!
It’s not too heavy for its size, 4.3kg, but it is rather bulky, it takes up a lot of space in the boot, or complicated to carry in the train, on a motorbike – forget it, get a hotel room.
The three person model is perfect for two people. It isn’t very high so for large builds your head quickly scrapes the ceiling. There are four handy inside pockets. A storage bag provided with pegs and guy ropes. Fold the ropes down neatly before folding up the tent or you risk doing some knitting once trying to open it up again as they get caught around the parts that want to open.
A great practical tent, once you have sussed out how to fold it up again! Perfect for summer, in warm temperatures, the Fresh & Black system is a definite bonus, real added comfort. The breathability limits its use mid-season. It’s a little bulky but its designed for camping so usually you’re in the car. And perfect for those long awaited lie-ins!
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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