The Decathlon Quechua 2 Seconds Easy Fresh & Black tent is a popular choice for car campers, and this review delves into whether it lives up to the hype. We'll examine its ease of setup, durability, weather resistance, and overall practicality for a two-person camping experience. From the initial unpacking and setup process to the tent's features, including its impressive waterproofing and innovative "Fresh & Black" technology, we’ll provide a comprehensive assessment. We'll also discuss its weight and suitability for different types of camping trips, considering its advantages and potential drawbacks.This in-depth review covers everything from the tent's packaging and included accessories to its internal space and ventilation. We'll evaluate the performance of its materials in real-world conditions, considering wind and rain resistance. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons, considering the price point and Decathlon's warranty and customer service, to determine if this tent is a worthwhile investment for your camping adventures. Read on to find out if the Decathlon Quechua 2 Seconds Easy Fresh & Black tent is the right choice for you.
Pros And Cons
- Budget-friendly
- Well-made
- Super easy to pitch
- Pleasure to sleep in
- Comes with a well-made storage bag with compression straps and handle
- Pop-up tent (poles pre-connected)
- Two outer doors, two vestibules, two inner doors
- Two mesh windows at the top
- Rainfly automatically pops up
- Completely waterproof (2000mm hydrostatic head, double-stitched and tape-sealed seams)
- Withstands wind up to 31 mph
- Zips are reliable
- Outer doors can be rolled back halfway or fully
- Silver alloy coating on inner door reflects sun and protects from UV rays
- Inner door has mesh window for airflow and bug protection
- Three storage pockets inside (two mesh windows)
- Line for hanging damp clothes
- Lamp hook
- Black inner fabric blocks up to 99% of light
- Keeps inner tent cooler in summer
- Provides privacy
- 5-year warranty
- Spare parts and repair service available
- Heavy (4.9 kg), not suitable for backpacking
- Small vestibule
- Inner door doesn't unzip all the way
- Rain can enter if doors are open, awning recommended
- Classed as a three-season tent (performs best in warmer weather)
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The tent arrives in a well-made, durable storage bag with compression straps and a handle for easy carrying. The bag itself is not overly compact, measuring approximately 59cm in length and 20cm in width. The packed weight is around 4.9kg, making it unsuitable for backpacking but ideal for car or motorbike camping.
The included instruction leaflet is sewn to the storage bag, providing clear assembly and disassembly instructions. There are also two internal storage pockets within the bag: one for the ground pegs and another for the guy lines.
Setup and Design
This is a pop-up tent; the inner tent, outer flysheet, and poles are pre-assembled. Setup is incredibly simple: spread the tent, pull the red cords attached to handles on each side, and the tent will pop up. Make minor adjustments, then secure the tent with ground pegs and guy lines.
The tent's frame is constructed from fiberglass poles and offers a surprisingly sturdy build. Though it doesn’t include a footprint, adding one provides additional protection for the tent base. The color scheme consists of ultra-white, teal blue, and ash blue.
Features and Specifications
The tent features two outer doors, two vestibules, two inner doors, and two mesh windows at the top for ventilation. The outer fabric is PU-coated polyester with a 2000mm hydrostatic head rating; all seams are double-stitched and taped for waterproofing. Decathlon rigorously tests their tents, subjecting this model to 200L of water per hour for three hours, simulating a heavy downpour.
Wind resistance is also impressive; the tent has been tested in winds up to 31mph. The outer doors have storm flaps and velcro closures, and all zips are robust and reliable. The inner doors have mesh sections, and there are additional mesh windows on the ceiling and ends for ventilation and insect protection.
Interior and Dimensions
Inside the tent, there are three storage pockets, including one mesh pocket on the ceiling. Internal dimensions are generous for a two-person tent: 205cm in length, 145cm in width, and 110cm in height. The dark inner fabric is designed to block 99% of light, promote cooler temperatures, and enhance privacy.
While spacious for a single person, two adults might find it a little snug, though suitable for two people of average size or one adult and a child/pet. The generous height allows for comfortable movement.
Blackout Fabric and Additional Considerations
The tent's dark inner fabric—Decathlon's 'Fresh & Black' technology—effectively blocks 99% of light, keeping the interior cooler in summer and ensuring privacy. The floor boasts a 5000mm hydrostatic head rating. This tent is considered a three-season tent, performing optimally in warmer weather. An optional awning is available for increased protection from rain.
While heavier than backpacking tents (4.9kg), its weight is appropriate for car or motorbike campers. Decathlon provides excellent customer service, a 5-year warranty, and a spare parts/repair service. Though not perfect, the tent's numerous features and robust build quality make it a strong contender in its category.
Taking Down the Tent
To take down the tent, remove all pegs and guy lines. Then push the button located where you initially pulled the cords to erect the tent. Push the button on each side and the tent will collapse. Pull the tent together and store it back in its bag.
Final Verdict
The Decathlon Quechua 2 Seconds Easy Fresh & Black 2-person tent is a fantastic option for car or motorbike camping. Its easy setup, robust construction, and thoughtful features—like the blackout fabric, ample interior space, and excellent waterproofing—make it a worthwhile investment. The weight might be a drawback for backpackers, but for those who can transport it easily, it's a highly recommended choice.
While not perfect (some might wish for a larger vestibule), its numerous positives far outweigh any minor flaws. Decathlon's warranty and readily available spare parts also add significant value. The tent’s performance in wind and rain tests, combined with numerous positive user reviews, solidifies its position as a top-performing budget-friendly tent.