Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Camping and Bushcraft => Topic started by: waynemeat on July 16, 2010

Title: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: waynemeat on July 16, 2010
Hi there,

I should have asked this before spending the cash on one - Has anyone ever camped in an Aztec brand tent and if you did how did you find it?
(http://www.aztecoutdoor.co.uk/photos/rapido%20-%20amber,%20glow,%20grey500.jpg)

Wayne
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: ChuckMcB on July 17, 2010
Here's the spec (http://www.aztecoutdoor.co.uk/tents/performance/1person/rapido.htm) for the pictured tent.

Not used one myself, but it seem like a good wee entry (£50ish) level solo tent. Down sides are: no porch (when it's wet you have to zip up with all your wet gear and possibly cook inside as well) and it's single walled (not as water resistant, so I'm told). (subject to any horror stories from actual users...) I would be happy enough to use it in a sheltered spot during the summer.
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: waynemeat on July 17, 2010
Thanks for that info.

The size and weight of the tent were the main reasons for my decision to purchase it.

I was originally going to purchase a Gelert solo but from the reviews online I found that it would probably be too small for me.

I might still return the tent. After pitching it yesterday evening I found it to be a little loose. It also doesn't appear to be the same shape as in the diagram.

The last thing I want is to be on a mountain soaking in a tent that is slapping me on the face >:(

A few pictures for reference:
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3500/dsc0027o.jpg)
(http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2428/dsc0023on.jpg)
(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1466/dsc0025vv.jpg)
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: LennyJ1 on July 17, 2010
Looks roomie around the head end.
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: ChuckMcB on July 17, 2010
Ahh...you're a big fella as well waynemeat? I'm 6'6 and found the Gelbert Solo too small as well. The 240cm length of the Rapido seems pretty good.

I think all these entry level one man tents have a reputation for being a bit...flappy..even the popular Argos Pro Hike (eBay link (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5574670588&toolid=10001&campid=5336680959&customid=Argos+Pro+Hike&icep_uq=Hike+Lite+Pro&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)):

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4774983453_23011c9334.jpg)
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: chris on July 18, 2010
It seems pretty slack on features for £50 no inside pockets or any where to hang a torch. The lack of porch will prob get annoying and you'll either not be able to use it any time but the best of weather or else just have to bring your wet gear inside. Also due to the fabric, the fact that the HH is 5000m, and you'll prob have wet gear in it means it'll be very prone to condensation. Although alloy poles are a plus well guyed and pegged out and it should be fine in the wind.
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: RedLeader on July 19, 2010
Lots of people are choosing the Gelert Solo now that the Hike Lite Pro is no more.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00322QRQE/ref=asc_df_B00322QRQE716241?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B00322QRQE (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00322QRQE/ref=asc_df_B00322QRQE716241?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B00322QRQE)
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: 666_pack on July 26, 2010
looks dead on but the door seams to open into the tent so if it has been raining you'll wet the inside when you open it.
Title: Re: First solo tent - Aztec Rapido?
Post by: RedLeader on July 26, 2010
Good point. Not something I'd ever considered.

looks dead on but the door seams to open into the tent so if it has been raining you'll wet the inside when you open it.