Just had to tell everyone (especially as we are newbies):
We finally have had decent enough weather and a fairly firm garden to attempt to put up the new tent.
We bought the big Quechua pop up (base seconds 4.2) in January and have never seen one in the flesh so to speak. Finally it 'popped up' today. I was amazed at the ease it went up, it really did only take us 5 mins from start to finish. It's really quite big, I was surprised!
Right now to practice taking it down again (there is now way I going camping to have all you lot laughing at me struggling!!!). Well it all went to plan up to the last step... I must admit I was at a bit of a loss as the tent was fighting my attempts but then for some reason it suddenly and happily collapsed down into 3 circles which folded up and slid nicely back into it's bag.
Phew...
Now if only it does that next time.
Yay, I love my tent. Oh and against my initial thoughts the dogs also love it, bonus!
It's a great feeling when it suddenly all goes to plan init.
I spent a lot of time watching you tube vids, and there was one particular vid that really showed the trick of getting it to fold as required. I my opinion, our brain tries to lead us down the wrong path. On mine, the ends become the middle and the middle becomes the ends. Once I get that thought, a sort of reverse logic, then it all folds as required. On this particular vid, the underside of the floor had a white patch on. This was the point to which the ends folded in. once held there, the sides then collapsed inwards and the job was done.
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
Oh congratulations! I love the Quechua tents and bagged myself a 4.2 for weekends away. I 'popped' mine for the first time yesterday and am totally in love with it too.
I'm amazed by the space and we were discussing whether it would be big enough for a week with the addition of the Seconds Base we've had for a while. I just love the fact you can be with shelter in literally seconds. We had a horrible experience at a festival once when we had to pitch in torrential rain with 4 children huddled under a tarp. With one of these you can be dry in moments - they're so clever.
You'll be expert at folding it in no time. I thought the 4.2 might be tricky due to the pods but it is just as straightforward as the Base Seconds and it all came back to me as I was folding. As raf48 says the YouTube vids are good and also the Quechua site.
Once you have put it away a couple of times it really is no bother - when we were in France last year I was confused by the attention I was getting from a teenage lad who kept walking past and looking at me. Eventually he came over and beckoned me to his pitch around the corner and I was met by a French family who had no idea to put their 4.2 away. I had only done it once myself but not wanting to look foolish put all my efforts into it and managed it first time. The French family couldn't believe that a small 5' woman managed it as easily. Pity my husband was away with the dog cos he missed my moment of glory!
We bought ours in february and as yet have not put it up in the garden as the garden is a bit small but we did put it up sort of in doors but could only open one bedroom pod at a time, just to check it out of course! Then came time to put it away and lo and behold I did it straight away no problem, So when it comes to doing it for real it will hold no fears I am glad to say.
I love love love mine. We got ours last year and have been thrilled with it. We did buy a base to use as a porch for extra room, kicking off shoes etc and to keep the main tent cleaner but there is 4 of us, were it just me and the OH we probably wouldn't need it.
I'm 5'4" and easily manage it on my own in no time at all.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Finally `popped` the new tent!
