A handy changing tent for the beach (Beach Cabina)

Member Name: katew

Product:	Beach Cabina
Date:	03/08/09 (245 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Packs small, spacious, not too expensive

Disadvantages: Takes a while to master folding it away

We do a lot of outdoor photoshoots, and changing outfits can be a problem, both from the point of view of the models' privacy and of the weather. So when we saw the Beach Cabina advertised in a photography magazine, we had to give it a try.

So what is it?
The Beach Cabina, as you can see from the photo, is a nylon tent for use on beaches, picnics, etc. It comes in two types: the one we have is as in the picture above. Its dimensions are 120 x 120 x 200cm, which translates to around 4 feet square at the base, and about 6 feet 6 inches high. It has mesh windows at the top, which can be covered with the nylon flaps and zipped closed. Inside is an attached pouch on the wall, into which you can put valuables etc. There is a fixed floor, plus a detachable inner mat which can be zipped up to contain wet swimsuits and towels. It can be fixed solely at the base with four metal pegs which go through loops, or you can use guy ropes which fix just below the 'windows' for extra stability. You can also fix the guy ropes to your car, and there is a zip in one wall through which you can reach to take towels etc from the boot of your car. The 'door' is zipped around 3 sides.

The other version available is the Half Cabina, which is 150 cm (app 5 feet) tall with no 'roof', and would make a good windbreak, or a changing tent for children.

When collapsed, the Cabina fits into a round zipped bag about 2 feet in diameter. The bag has a shoulder strap.

Erecting the Cabina
This is really easy. You simply take the Cabina from its bag, give it a shake, and up it pops. You then anchor it with the metal pegs and any combination of guy ropes according to the weather and terrain. One hint: if it's windy, pitch it so that it's corner-on to the wind direction - this makes it less likely to blow over!

Using the Cabina
At 6 feet 6 tall, this is high enough for most people, and the 4 feet by 4 feet base size gives plenty of room to move about. Our models found it very comfortable to change in.

Packing the Cabina away
This is where we had a steep learning curve. The Cabina comes with a booklet, which has step by step instructions, with photos, to show you how to fold it away. The same instructions are on the website. However, we found it almost impossible to fold down without bending the rods which give it its structure. The instructions did warn that it was difficult to get the hang of at first, and they were right. Then suddenly, it clicked - I'll explain. You pack it away by laying it flat on the floor, rolling it into a 'tube' and then giving it a twist so that you have two circular shapes, one on top of the other (rather like those photographic reflector sets you can buy). The big secret is that it only works one way up. Two of the sides have the logo on, and a particular one of these logos must be facing upwards. So if you can't fold it, turn it over and try again, then mark which side is 'upwards' so that you'll know for next time. Having discovered this, my husband can now fold and pack the Cabina in less than 9 seconds!

So where can I get one, and how much is it?
The only place I've seen these is on the manufacturers' website, which is at http://www.beachcabina.com/home.htm. In mainland UK, the Cabina costs £49.95, plus £9.95 P&P. The Half Cabina costs £14.95, plus £7.95 P&P. Prices are slightly higher for offshore UK, mainland Europe and the rest of the world. Our Cabina arrived in 3 - 4 days from the date of order. You can also order associated items, such as a spare wet bag, guy ropes, pegs, etc.

My opinion
My initial opinion was that this was too much hassle. However, now we know how to fold it, it's worth its weight in gold. It's spacious enough to change comfortably in, but folds down small enough not to take up too much room in the car. It's moderately heavy to carry, but easier with the shoulder strap. I'd recommend it to anyone who spends a lot of time at the beach or, like us, does outdoor model shoots.

Summary: Glad we spotted the advert!