Does anyone else have a Gelert Horizon 8. We've just returned from our first trip with this tent and had terrible problems pitching it. We previously had a Lakesbury 5 that went up really easily and assumed the Horizon 8 would be the same especially after reading many reviews. We lost the first day of our holidays trying to get it right and got really stressed with the whole thing.
One pole splintered even though we barely put any pressure on it, and we just couldn't get the tension right. Too slack and it raised off the floor and flapped, or too tight and the doors wouldn't zip closed.
We also had a few niggles with velcro being stitched in the wrong places, zips on the bedroom panel came off, toggles on the zips came off, steel poles on the porch were scratched brfore use. Not the quality we expected from Gelert,
Any one else got one and had any problems, or anyone got any tips on the pitching? We have the footprint but hubbie found it more of a hinderance than a help
Post last edited on 01/08/2011 23:23:19
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Its a fantastic tent,just look at the reviews. make sure you fasten down the footprint,spread tent out, insert poles then open both doors,then starting at one end one of you go inside and lift the tent up while other inserts poles and pins,then peg down with some decent pegs. When inserting the pins if it feels too tight pull the tent pole sleeve down as it can snag.Also when inserting pins gently bend each pole into an arch. Also the porch is a good addition. remember practice makes perfect.
Aside from the pitching and broken pole (always take spares for a fibreglass poled tent) I would take it back due to the zip and toggle issues to be honest.
Hopefully the next one might be better regarding the pitching too if your lucky.... though that could also be down to uneven ground, or just getting to know the tent a bit better over time. They all have their foibles.
------------- (Quechua popup addict!)
Planned for next year, hopefully!
Summer Solstice wild camp.
Chilled in a Field, July.
Crantock, August. Fouth year with the fantastic Quechua Base Seconds 4.2!
..... and the odd night wild camping in my Argos 1 man tent...
We have the same tent and used it for the first time last weekend too. No problems at all barring it looked a little skewiff when we'd finished putting it up. We put that down to not having the sleeves pulled level on both sides. The quality was excellent, warm in the night and cool in the day. We put the extension on too and will admit we need to get that better but that was us not the tent.
It went up quicker than our previous nylon and fibreglass tents, the Hartford XXL and Diablo 600, maybe not as quick as the Icarus but definately quicker than our Amazon (steel poles).
Excellent tent, no major issues at all. Maybe you got a "Friday afternoon" one?
------------- Coming soon to a campsite near you, Jake, Mrs Jake, Little legs, Bosdog the Doodle and Olly the Cavachon.
2014:
August: Scarborough, High Yedmandale. Not tenting though, using one of their lovely holiday homes!
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
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: Gelert Horizon 8
