Automatic tents: features, types and choice

It is difficult to imagine outdoor recreation without a tent. And if this is winter fishing, then you definitely can’t do without a temporary shelter. Recently, automatic models have been popular, it takes about 30 seconds to assemble them, and this is very attractive to "lazy" fishermen. Let's try to get acquainted with the automatic tent in more detail.

The design is based on a frame that can fold out on its own. The four walls of the tent include a sewn-in metal insert, closed in a ring in the form of a triangle with round corners when unfolded and rolled into a circle after assembly. The awning is usually made of synthetic materials, the top is light, the bottom is dense.

Most models are equipped with a window opposite the entrance and are protected by a mosquito net. When it rains, the product closes tightly. The average weight of the automatic tent is 3 kg, but it all depends on the materials and the number of places. Tents with a standard area of ​​​​180x180 cm can accommodate three people without things or two with things.

To make a self-folding tent a useful acquisition, it is worth learning more about its advantages.

• The main advantage is fast assembly. You can decompose a temporary house in a few seconds - a maximum of 2 minutes. In this case, a person will not spend much effort on assembly. The owner of a self-expanding tent will quickly learn how to perform all the actions.
• Another obvious plus is the light weight. This allows you to achieve design features. In addition, most models have covers with straps, they can be carried like a backpack on the back.
• These are inexpensive specimens, which are inferior in price to many semi-automatic models. Of course, there are also expensive options, but more often these are products of branded manufacturers, designed for a large company of vacationers.

Before buying an automatic tent, you should also get acquainted with the cons of the product. First of all, this is the rapid contamination of the floor, especially if the tent is set up on the ground. Also, the disadvantage is the likelihood of the bottom freezing if the tent is placed on ice.

Automatic tents can be classified by size.

• Large. Camping tents for a comfortable overnight stay.
• Small. Usually used in tourism, hunting, fishing.
• Winter fishing tents. Heated variant.

According to the type of construction, folding tents can be divided into the following types.

• Frame. They are based on metal, fiberglass or aluminum arcs. This is a standard version that has a classic assembly mechanism.The advantage of such a tent is resistance to strong gusts of wind, and the disadvantages are heavy weight and long unfolding.
• Automatic. Especially presented automatic tents are appreciated in the circles of anglers. Due to their light weight, they can be moved in search of a more promising bite. An experienced owner of such a tent assembles the structure in 20 seconds. When folded, the product also has compact dimensions.
• Cube. It can be either automatic or semi-automatic. The cubic shape allows maximum use of the interior space. The advantage of the instance is its height, thanks to which the “room” makes it possible to place as many things as possible.

In general, the shape of the tent may be different. Shops offer hexagon options, half-barrels and hemispheres, houses, tents and even "coffins". You can divide prefabricated tents and design. For example, camouflage style options are popular, thanks to which a vacationer can retire in the forest and be invisible to prying eyes.

Bright tents, on the contrary, will attract the attention of others, they will help determine the exact place where the fisherman is located. Products of white and light shades are also common, which create convenience in the daytime and make it possible to do without lighting.

Any tourist tents are classified by the number of places. So, single options usually have a diameter of 200 cm, and their height is a maximum of 100 cm. Double options are presented in a diameter of 200-300 cm and with a height of 150-190 cm. The diameter of triple samples can exceed 300 cm, and their height starts from 160 cm.

According to the material of the tent, there are single-layer and double-layer. By name, you can understand that single-layer tents have one awning.The advantage of this option is its low weight, and the disadvantage is a high probability of accumulation of condensate. Therefore, two-layer tents, although they have an increased mass, are still more popular. There is a gap of 10-15 cm between the inner and outer layer, so that condensation does not accumulate in this tent, the atmosphere remains more cozy and comfortable.

A rarity is the three-layer version. Usually in this case, between the layers, the manufacturer uses a synthetic winterizer as a filler. This is an example for fishing in the most severe winter conditions.

According to user reviews, you can compile a list of the most popular models with different characteristics from different manufacturers.

• "Mitek". Domestic production. The winter model "Nelma" is in demand among fishermen. Fans of extreme outdoor recreation highly appreciate this product. For example, they are attracted by the color variety of models. Users also like the choice of proposed forms, these are the popular cube and umbrella-type tent, single, double and triple options are offered. The winter model does not have a floor, and in some versions there are no pockets - these are the disadvantages, as tourists note.

• STEK CUBE. Automatic model with high-strength aluminum frame. It is noted that the awning well protects vacationers from cold and wind. The model accommodates four people at once, quickly assembles and unfolds.

• LOTOS Cube professional. The product retains heat well inside, and the high quality of the materials from which the awning is made prevents cold air from entering inside. For ventilation inside there are 2 windows. Users indicate that the structure itself is very durable and stable.

• Nova Tour. This model is highly appreciated by lovers of outdoor recreation for its spacious area and the presence of windows. Good resistance to wind and precipitation is also noted.

Before buying a tent-machine, you must immediately decide on its size. If fishermen friends have a tradition of going fishing with a company of 5-6 people on a certain day, then, of course, it is better to buy a large roomy model right away. But in general, the most popular options are the classic 2-3-seater copies.

Choosing a summer tent is more simple. In fact, a summer tent is an ordinary tourist or camping product, and there are no special requirements for it. Winter options are made of a denser awning, which has increased water resistance and strength. Make sure the awning is not blown.

If you need a tent for a short rest on a summer night, then you can get by with a single-layer option. It is lighter in weight. For longer stays, it is better to give preference to two-layer shelters, however, judging by the reviews of experienced tourists, it is not so easy to find a self-folding two-layer copy. If the tent is bought for winter fishing, then choose samples with a light yellow or white awning.Then the sunlight will penetrate to the maximum inside, and the fisherman will not need to use a flashlight to see the bite.

The tent must be airtight, but not completely, that is, it must be made of breathable material. Under conditions of absolute tightness, it will be difficult to breathe, condensation will accumulate inside, and frost will form. In a completely closed space, carbon dioxide can also accumulate, which negatively affects the well-being of the vacationer. Choose models with windows through which fresh air will enter and carbon dioxide will escape.

The process of assembling an automatic tent practically does not need a description. The instruction looks like this.

• Take the item out of the case.
• Fold all sides of the tent into one, that is, roll it up to a flat state. The result should be a square or triangular flat figure.
• Put the tent on the ground and pull one of the sides towards you, pressing it to the opposite edge of the plane. The frame arcs will begin to twist into a “figure eight”, and the assembler will only have to tighten the figure, turning the “figure eight” into a circle.

It takes about 20 seconds for an experienced hiker to assemble one tent. For beginners, it is suggested to use the following recommendations.

• Before going out into nature, practice several times in setting up a tent at home or in a summer cottage.
• For the first time, it is better to assemble a tent-machine together. Two people, standing opposite each other, should hold a tent folded into a sheet. Then one continues to hold, and the second twists the "eight". A few joint assemblies will be enough to quickly and easily set up a tent without a partner in the future.
• If this is a Chinese quick-assembly model (for example, Quechua), then it will have to be twisted several times before the final result.

In the next video you will find an overview of the 4-person tent-machine Cruise Comfort.