I imagine getting the poles on the second pin is very difficult
Yes, me too. How do you do it, then, peeps?
I actually found it easier than I expected...
1st pin in...then nip round the other side..Lift and push the poles to flex/bend them into roughly the shape(inverted U bend) they would be when fully erected and slip the pin in the end...then loosely guy the finished pole to hold it and move on to the next one...
I was expecting a bit of a struggle on all the second pins what with the tension on the poles..But they all went in with no bother..All poles threaded through their sleeves while the tent was flat on the ground of course...
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
I imagine getting the poles on the second pin is very difficult
Yes, me too. How do you do it, then, peeps?
I actually found it easier than I expected...
1st pin in...then nip round the other side..Lift and push the poles to flex/bend them into roughly the shape(inverted U bend) they would be when fully erected and slip the pin in the end...then loosely guy the finished pole to hold it and move on to the next one...
I was expecting a bit of a struggle on all the second pins what with the tension on the poles..But they all went in with no bother..All poles threaded through their sleeves while the tent was flat on the ground of course...
Jelboy.
I know the 400 is smaller but that was my method when I pitched it the other day and it worked really well. Just make sure the first side is pointing down into the ground so it doesn't slip out. You can actually lift the poles quite high and still get the pin in with no problem. They bend more than you think they will.
I agree with all the above comments. I expected problems, which is one reason I delayed attempting, but it really was quite easy to lift each end and insert pin to pole. For me, being 5'4" with problematic (prefer that to arthritic!) shoulders, the most challenging part was lifting it all forward as the sections kept falling flat and it is quite high.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
I've dithered again and plumped for a Gelert Atlantis 3 instead: I'm sure if you can manage the Icarus 500, Fotogen, the Atlantis will be a walk in the park for me.
I liked the idea of the pitch as one, pre-attached inner tent as that will save a few curses bending down to attach the toggles on the corners of the inner to the outer tent.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
The Icarus 500 has the bedroom pod already intalled, or if you need to put it in yourself first tme, you can leave it there afterwards. It all fits in the bag fine with the bedroom pod still attached.
Quote: Originally posted by elizaD on 27/5/2012
The Icarus 500 has the bedroom pod already intalled, or if you need to put it in yourself first tme, you can leave it there afterwards. It all fits in the bag fine with the bedroom pod still attached.
Thanks for your post as I was going to ask. It came separate but wrapped with tent and poles. I Will probably need to ask for help to secure back base clips but can manage others. Once in place I know it can pitch as one which should make it easier and quicker but was unsure about it going back in bag.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
It was wet when I decamped in Glen Coe the last time so I took the inner tent down and packed it seperate from the main tent...Good to know someone has decamped with the inners still attached...I'll see how I feel re doing that on Friday....
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
I have a Sunncamp Family Vario tunnel tent (very similar to the Icarus series) and can pitch that on my own. From advice I had on here, I thread the poles through on the ground, after loosening each tensioning strap. Then, I put one end into the ring and pin down one side. I then pop round to the other and, working methodically back to front, I bend each pole into an arch and fit into the ring and pin on the other side, laying each arch down so they overlap on the ground (if that makes sense). Finally, I peg out the back end to anchor it, then come to the front and pull on the front hoop/guy rope to lift the tent to full height, a bit like a galleon in full sail! I then peg the front guy lines for anchorage, and fidget about with the other poles to make the tent even - and tighten the tension straps once more to give the full arch to the poles. It's not so good on your own in windy weather, but it can be done(I'm 5.5).
Well done anyway, I bet you feel really chuffed
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
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Topic: I solo pitched Icarus 500
