Playing Tents again? (Gelert Quick Pitch SS)

Member Name: firemanspam

Product:	Gelert Quick Pitch SS
Date:	19/12/08 (421 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good light cheap tent.

Disadvantages: Not made to last forever.

If you require just details of these tents, look in your local outdoor pursuits shop, you could also go on their website, or contact the company direct:-

http://www.gelert.com

Gelert Ltd,
Gelert House.
Porthmadog,
Gwynedd,
LL49 9NX,
N. Wales.

Tel: 01766 510300
Fax: 01766 510301

E-mail address is info@gelert.com

Apparently the tent being reviewed is no longer being made, although I am sure there are loads of them in camping shops, possibly at discounted prices, especially at this time of year.

The Gelert range of tents are budget ones, designed for weekend use or backpacking. They are only made to last two to three seasons, but of course this depends on how you use and abuse them. The picture is of a Quickpitch, and my own one is very similar.

The container - this bag, or valise, is made from the same material as the tent, (handy if you ever need a patch) and measures 16 x 53 centimeters. It weighs in at four & a half Kilos, and may be worn on the back like a rucksack.

Inside this bag, you will find the easy to assemble tent plus accessories. You will see that the tent itself, comprises of a flysheet, an inner tent with a sewn in groundsheet, pegs are also included of course. Sewn to the bag, is an instruction sheet printed on material, this is a good idea as you can't lose it. These instructions are well written, and have pictogrammes.

The tent itself has some headroom in the centre, in this case 130 centimeters, but only in the middle. The floor is square, and measures 210 centimeters.
On one wall, is a handy storage pocket, I keep my knife in there, in case of fire. There is a vent in the back wall.
The door closes with a zip, making it draught free, plus there is a mosquito net screen, also with a zip.

Then there is a flysheet, this gives an extra layer of protection, and has doors which can be tied open. Some of these can form a porch using poles, but my tent does not have these. I will however, be making some up. This company does seem to change the spec from time to time, while keeping the same model number, so it is advisable to check the spec for each tent you look at, otherwise the tent you buy in one shop, could be different to the "same" one from down the road. I have not found this with any other company.

Between the flysheet and the inner tent, is a space you can use for dirty boots and wet gear, a very good idea. The current name for this is a vestibule. The tent pictured is in two shades of blue, as is mine, although these were made in other colours, so there may still be some other other colours available, while stocks last of course.

The tent is held down with conventional metal "meat skewers" and guy ropes, and is very quick to assemble.
It is advertised as being waterproof to 1500mm of hydrostatic head, although I don't understand that myself, if you do, please let me know.

The fabric is made of PU coated polyester, with taped seams, the inner is the same but this material is breathable, and the groundsheet is made from cheaper Polythene. I think this groundsheet is the weak link in the chain, so I use a second piece of polythene underneath.

As for the cost, the RRP is listed as £40.00 at the moment, but we won't pay that, shop around & you will find cheaper. Try in high street shops as well as online, and remember to allow for shipping if mail order. One reason I am doing this review in winter, is because you can get some very good out of season bargain now. I bought mine in the summer, and it was £25 from Millets, and I suspect you could get them a lot cheaper now. I have just looked and have seen them for £27.50 at Amazon.

Gelert are a Wholesale and retail outdoor equipment company, and have been on the go for 30 years now, and have a good reputation. They do very good quality tents as well as other equipment, although this particular one is aimed at people going to festivals etc.

The website not only shows you the entrire range of equipment, but will also help you to be able to locate places where you can buy their tents, as well as other products, i.e. sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, cooking equipment, and plenty of other camping and walking accessories.

You can join the "Gelert Online Club" and get the Gelert e-newsletter, giving you all the latest news and reviews. You can also register your product online.

Summary: A decent tent, small, light, cheap, but good.