Review of the self-assembling tent Xiaomi ZaoFeng Camping Double Tent

Automatic tents are quick-assembled structures that can be set up in 1-2 minutes without outside help. Such models are relevant for those who often change places while traveling and are forced to constantly assemble and disassemble a temporary shelter. It is also a great option for short camping, fishing or hunting trips. Quick-assembled tents are most often designed for the warm season, but there are models that can be used not only in spring or autumn, but also in winter.

When choosing an automatic tent, it is worth considering not only the speed of installation, but also other characteristics:

• Water resistance . The minimum value for the summer model should be at least 2000-3000 mm H.S. If you plan to use the tent in spring or autumn, when there is more rainfall, then it is better to choose a model with a water resistance of at least 5000 mm w.c. In this case, the water resistance of the bottom should be greater - 5000-10000 mm h.s.
• Quality of materials . The fabric for the top awning should not only repel moisture, but also not stretch over time. For the floor, the ideal option is a reinforced material that protects against moisture and is reliable and wear-resistant.
• Dimensions and weight . As a rule, automatic structures are quite large both when folded and assembled. The only exceptions are models for fishing and hunting. Also, due to the frame, such structures weigh quite a lot. However, there are also lighter options exclusively for recreation in the summer.

We analyzed the market and selected the best automatic tents with high levels of water resistance, quality and reliability. The rating includes models from well-known brands that have received good reviews from customers.

There is an exit

An automatic self-folding tent will do everything for you. There is no longer any need to spend a lot of time and effort, learn to lay it out correctly, and get nervous when something doesn’t work out. All you need to do is get a self-folding tent. Place it on a level place and observe. In less than a minute, a blanket lying on the ground will turn into a spacious tent.

The 2-person self-folding tent is made of composite material (elastic rings) and lined with synthetic fabric. Height - from 120 to 150 cm (depending on the brand). The diameter is 70-90 cm. The self-folding tent has the shape of a huge equilateral triangle. Once installed, it can be freely moved to any other space.

A self-folding tent can be bought at any hunting or fishing store, as well as on specialized websites. Due to its low cost and availability, the number of sales increases every season. Many people use it for winter fishing and hunting. It can comfortably accommodate two people with all the necessary things. This is a very comfortable and practical choice.

How to assemble a winter tent with a figure eight

Winter model shelters are made from more advanced materials. Mostly synthetic fabric is used - lavsan, polyester, nylon.

To fold a Chinese winter tent, a similar method is used as for an automatic one. The corners are folded diagonally towards the middle. The shape is a square. The diagonal ends are taken in the hands - the upper left corner with the left hand, and the right corner with the right. Next, a circular movement is made - left away from you, right towards you. The tent rolls up into a circle and fits comfortably in the cover.

What it is

An automatic tent is a structure that consists of a frame made of rods made of light and durable materials. Most often, such a material is an alloy of fiberglass or aluminum. Such a design can not only withstand bad weather and withstand frequent installations and movements, it is also characterized by a high degree of flexibility and, accordingly, is less susceptible to breakdowns. To assemble the tent, springs are built into the frame, allowing you to fold or disassemble the sleeping area. Most often, a few seconds are enough for this. The design is a bit like an umbrella.

The big advantage of such structures is the ability to quickly and alone install a sleeping place. As for the coating, polyester is used for this. This material has the following characteristics: it does not allow moisture to pass through, is not subject to wind blowing, is durable and at the same time allows fresh air to get inside. The floor covering is also made of durable material that does not allow insects, dampness and moisture to enter the structure. In addition, the product package always includes a mosquito net and a cover for transporting the tent.

In what cases is it used? It is most convenient to use such equipment on family hikes, picnics, and fishing trips. The ease of installation will allow even the most inexperienced user to quickly handle the tent. Automatic tents also have disadvantages. Firstly, they are not weather resistant enough. Secondly, with active use, the frame quickly fails.

Automatic tent (self-folding) 2-person CAMO

A self-opening tent arrived. https://vizhivai.com/shop/poxodnoe-snaryazhenie/palatki/-/3167-palatka-avtomat-samoraskladyvayushhayasya-2-x-mestnaya-camo?keyword=tent Initially, it was taken as a spare tire for every fireman, and simply from interest. And now, in order: there are no papers in the package, no product characteristics, no assembly and disassembly diagrams. Therefore, I cannot definitely say what kind of fabric it is and what loads it is designed for. It felt like Chinese nonsense. There were tears in the fabric already on the tent that was not yet unpacked.

Well, to hell with him, for such and such a price, I decided. Go ahead. The declared internal size of 200×200×135 turned out to be smaller.

If you take into account the angle at which the walls of the tent are in relation to the floor, then the actual usable area of ​​the interior is “eaten up” even more decently. A man about 180 cm tall already rests his head and feet against the fabric of the walls. It is optimal for such growth to take a diagonal position, filling the remaining corners with equipment. True, the foam will stick out. By the way, about the bottom of the tent - this is where the most important thing begins - it is made of material identical to the walls, if not thinner! Moreover, there is a hatch in the bottom! And this is not a glitch. See for yourself:

This was the view from the inside. This is what the bottom of the tent looks like from the outside:

Excuse me, what is this anyway? Our guys, although “all their own and sporty,” smiled for a long time and sympathetically, without putting forward their own intelligible versions. We'll omit the swearing here because it's unsportsmanlike and so on. In short, thicker foam, more alcohol, and it’s best to put a raincoat or awning on the floor; by the way, there are options here (in the store). We've dealt with the floor, now with the door. The zippers are flimsy, the “dogs” (two out of three) are generally plastic, and they don’t even fit together.

As in Mike’s song: “we hold donors in high esteem.” Well, okay, again, for such a price it’s a sin to complain. In conclusion, I can say the following: the tent is assembled and disassembled quite simply, you just need to do it a couple of times. Although without a diagram it will be problematic. In words, if, then the main thing when assembling is to fold the house into one plane, and then, holding the corners corresponding to the top of the tent and one of the bottom with both hands, bring your hands together with an hugging motion, while the remaining corner (and in the plane we have a triangle) itself will bend on its own. The video is on YouTube, if you are interested, take a look. Indeed, everything is simple and clear, although there is one point - be careful when performing this exercise: the wire is there, it tends to hit your teeth! When folded, the tent really takes up minimal space, and it weighs about one and a half kilograms, maybe a little more.

In total, we have a completely suitable emergency support house for short trips for ridiculous, in our unsportsmanlike times, money. Simbirsk perseverance to everyone, but not stubborn Simbirstism! Let's listen to ROCK, please!

How to choose?

Before buying an automatic tent, you must immediately decide on its size. If fisherman friends have a tradition of going fishing on a certain day with a group of 5-6 people, then, of course, it is better to immediately buy a large, capacious model. But in general, the most popular options are the classic 2-3-seater models.

Choosing a summer tent is easier. In essence, a summer tent-automatic 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 ventilated.

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It is better to give preference to models that have an additional protective strip on the entrance clasp that does not allow cold air and snow to pass through the fittings.

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, finding a self-folding two-layer copy is not so easy. If you are buying a tent for winter fishing, then choose samples with a light yellow or white awning. Then the sunlight will penetrate to the maximum, and the fisherman will not need to use a flashlight to see the bite.

The tent must be sealed, but not completely, that is, it must be made of breathable material. In conditions of absolute tightness, it will be difficult to breathe, condensation will accumulate inside, and frost will form. In a completely enclosed 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.

Types of Chinese tents

Products from the Middle Kingdom are in demand all over the world - they are cheaper than analogues from other countries, and sometimes are in no way inferior in quality. This also applies to tents. There are 3 types of them:

• Automatic or semi-automatic. Their advantage is fast, simple installation, taking only a few seconds. You just need to take the mini-tent out of the case. The rods will straighten, the fabric will stretch - everything is ready. They differ in bottom area and number of places.
• Fishermen's. It is an indispensable attribute of winter overnight fishing. They have more durable material, an insulated bottom and additional compartments for gear.
• Tourist tents. Great for camping in any conditions. There can be both automatic machines and stage-by-stage assembly.

Keep in mind that the characteristics of the tent will also depend on its material.

Self-folding tent review

A self-folding tent (automatic tent) is a tent whose frame is made of one-piece elastic rings. Unlike a traditional tent, which takes a long time to install, secure pegs, stretch with ropes, etc., an automatic tent just needs to be freed from the cover and straightened.

The idea of ​​buying a self-folding tent from hardened tourists evokes ironic skepticism: “Somehow it’s not serious!” I humbly adhered to the opinion of the authoritative majority...

Late night... A nasty cold rain is drizzling. After a long and difficult journey, the halt seemed like a sweet cradle, a haven for exhausted souls... I nervously closed the posts of my old tourist tent with wet, tired hands. Each action caused irritation - in the dim light of a damp fire, posts fell, pegs were lost, and an unnoticed branch broke through the bottom. I looked at my friend for hope. He held the support of my tent from the opposite end and yawned very enviously... “Stop! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you pack yours?” Extending a sweet yawn, he turned to the side where he left his things. In their place stood an automatic tent, already prepared for sleep. Yes, the one in whose honor I made jokes all the way.

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On my next trip I already had my own self-folding tent. Among the possible options, I liked the 2-seater for fishing. As a winter tent, it doesn’t inspire much confidence, but the fact that there is clearly more space in it than is necessary for two is good news. The price of an automatic tent is approximately the same as that of a frame tourist tent.

How to fold a Chinese tent into a ring

Automatic tents are made from steel rods and polyester, which gives them an advantage in assembly. In the store, before purchasing, they show you how to properly assemble a Chinese tent. But in field conditions, this process becomes more complicated than it seems. Therefore, it is better to assemble it at home before going into nature, so that there are no problems.

Necessary:

• Place all the edges of the semi-automatic machine together so that it becomes flat.
• Place the resulting figure on a flat surface, pull one of the ends of the tent in your direction.
• Press it to the opposite side, the arcs will twist and be shaped like a figure eight.
• All that remains is to tighten the rods so that they turn into a circle. Then you can put it in a case.

Top – 4 Best Double Automatic Tents in 2020

TT6-1

1 place

The dimensions are quite appropriate and not quite large: 200x200x130 cm.

TT6-1

Advantages:

• spacious (even 3 people can easily fit inside if desired);
• price;
• appearance;
• easy installation;
• bright.

Flaws:

• small number of windows.

The Chinese-made model, however, is not inferior to the quality of the best American and Russian manufacturers, and is also quite budget-friendly. The construction is single-layer, but nevertheless very dense, does not allow wind to pass through and retains moisture well.

Campinger BC – 145

2nd place

Dimensions: 107x187x120 cm.

Campinger BC – 145

Advantages:

• appearance;
• good water resistance;
• high-quality mechanism, does not break;
• strength;
• large capacity inside.

Flaws:

• lack of windows;
• Only suitable for summer.

It is not advisable to use an awning in northern latitudes. The material is not thick enough for cold winters. The maximum temperature in the cool season should not fall below -5 degrees.

LY-1623

3rd place

Tent dimensions: 250x250x155 cm.

LY-1623

Advantages:

• Inside there is a specialized pocket for various small items;
• complete protection from moisture (awning - 3000 mm w.st., and the bottom as much as 8000 mm w.c.);
• durable arcs made of fiberglass;
• The seams are sealed with heat-shrinkable waterproof tape.

Flaws:

Not detected.

The model has camouflage colors, which will help you not stand out among the greenery in the forest.

Columbus Sea shell

4th place

Assembled size: 242 cm x 152 cm x 137 cm.

Columbus Sea shell

Advantages:

• UV protection (50+);
• versatility for all weather conditions;
• removable floor;
• in hot weather, the air inside does not warm up quickly;
• durable mechanism.

Flaws:

• no protection against mosquitoes;
• heavy when assembled (in a bag);
• It is impossible to make additional ventilation without opening the inlet/outlet.

The tent can be used as a single canopy because the floor can be detached. Fishermen note that even in rainy and windy weather they collect it no longer than 1.5 minutes.

Basically, double tents are very roomy and can accommodate 3 people if desired. There is a small selection of double “automatic” cars on the market. But the rating presents only the highest quality ones and those with positive customer reviews.

How to fold a children's tent into a ring

Children should have their own space in which they can spend time alone or with friends. A children's mini-tent has many differences from ordinary camping shelters. This includes the presence of numerous tunnels, the general shape of the structure, and the colors. It may have several exits or additional compartments.

Installing such structures is simple - automatic opening occurs in a few seconds. But some models are quite difficult to assemble. To simplify the work, it is better to know some of the assembly diagrams that the seller provides.

Design Features

Setting up the Xiaomi tent requires a minimum of time; you just need to throw it a little in the air and it will decompose on its own. Of course, you should not resort to this method often, since there is still a possibility of compromising the integrity of the structure.

Next, it remains to secure the bases with pegs and, if necessary, secure the product with slings.

But packing the Xiaomi camping tent back into its case is not so easy. Here it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions, because the entire structure is bent in a special way and in a certain sequence. Therefore, difficulties may arise the first few times, but after acquiring the skill, rolling the product will take no more than 2-3 minutes.

The external dimensions of the Xiaomi tent are 258x157x110 cm, but the internal space is quite spacious. The manufacturer claims that three adults can comfortably fit inside. In reality, the best option is two adults and one child, and there will still be plenty of space for things.

The design is two-layer. To produce the top layer, polyester is used, which is additionally coated with a polyurethane coating. This layer provides guaranteed protection against a water column of 2000 mm. This indicator means that the awning is able to withstand heavy but short-term precipitation.

The inner layer is made of 150D Oxford fabric, which is water resistant to 3000mm water column.