4x4
N°26
COMPARATIF
INÉDIT
D’ESSAI C N A B U A IT O 4 TENTES DE T
Avril - Mai 2018
TOYOTA BEAU ET PERFORMANT
UN 42 TAILLE POUR , L EXTREME
LOIRE
PRÉPARATION UN 77 XXL
SOLUTIONS NOMADES
LE 78 DE DESERT-TEC
UN TOY À L’HONNEUR UN 79 DE CHASSE
N°26 - Bimestriel - France : 6,80 e- D.O.M : 7,70 e - Belgique : 7,80 e - Luxembourg, Portugal : 8,00 e - Maroc : 77,0 DH T.O.M. : 990,00 CFP - CH : 13,0 CHF
DE MONTBRISON À LA CHAISE DIEU L 15890 - 26 - F: 6,80 € - RD
Comparative Confronted with the veritable avalanche of products on the internet or in accessories shops, it is not always easy to make the right choice. If you add aggressive marketing tactics to the mix, which can cleverly merge truth with untruth, then it can get very complicated. That is why we have carried out this comparative test to help you discern fact from fiction…
Tests
The products mentioned here have not been tested in a laboratory. The tests were carried out in the field, with new tents, during the winter. We have therefore been able to judge real performance in difficult conditions (snow, blizzards, torrential rain, strong winds). Ten people in total took part in these tests…
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Text : Arys Panayotou - Photos : Arys Panayotou, Sulyan Charton and Pierrick Delcastillo
Guarantees
Before purchasing your roof tent, examine carefully the conditions of guarantee. If the salesperson is not able to supply a written version, run! If the conditions of guarantee are connected with a multitude of exceptions, run! The guarantees of the iKamper, Djebel and AirTop are fairly similar: in case of any problem you must send or take the tent back to the stockist. If you have to use a carrier, transport is at your expense even if the tent has a manufacturing defect. The return of the tent is paid by the manufacturer…except if it was deemed to be a problem which is not under guarantee! On these three tents, flaws in the appearance, premature wear of the fabric, defective stitching, broken or jammed zippers and the closures of the shell are not included in the guarantee. At James Baroud you have a 5 year guarantee and no exclusions. In the event of a problem you take the tent back to where you bought it and that’s it. James Baroud pays the carrier costs and the repair, no questions asked…
An Asian product reserved for limited use when there is no wind… Of indeterminate origin! The materials come from China, but the product is probably assembled in South Korea. That said, three Chinese manufacturers sell similar tents on Alibaba.com. It is the largest hard shell tent on the market due to its lateral deployment concept. One drawback however, and it is not insignificant: it should not be used when the wind speed is greater than 32 kph!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Shell. It is one of the thickest on the market, but does not excel in terms of originality or attractiveness. The black gelcoat is relatively lackluster
and the level of cover leaves something to be desired. - Closure systems. Well-designed and practical to use in our view. Not having seen a second-hand model we can’t comment on reliability over time. - Set up and takedown. The iKamper opens easily, but a certain time is necessary for optimal set-up: considering the lack of tension in the canvas and the considerable wind surface area of the tent, it is highly recommended to secure the tent with guylines.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER mag N° 26 3
Comparatif
One detail to add: it is better to be quite tall in height to operate the ladder which triggers the opening of the tent, particularly if you have a raised vehicle. The closing can be done solo, but a certain time is required to tidy the canvas inside the shell. It is not the fastest tent to open or close. - Chamber. No problem with the finish and the stitching. The chamber is so spacious that it can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults. Questions could be raised concerning the skyview window which decorates the ceiling. It is very thin and in direct contact with the ladder when the tent is closed, and it is not sure how it will age over time with the vibrations endured while on the road. The aluminum poles meant to strengthen the chamber are very thin. One of them bent under the effect of the Mistral. - Fabric. Nylon ripstop of very good quality. However on the model fresh out of the box we noted several perforations where the tent material had rubbed against the hinges. - Mattress. The mattress pad is the thinnest on the market at 3 cm! Barely 2 cm more than a gym mat; it is suitable for one night, but not really for longer periods. In addition it has a polyester
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cover : in winter this does not pose a problem, but in summer it amounts to sleeping on a plastic sheet.
1 and 2) The most spacious tent of this test. And the least comfortable with its ridiculously thin mattress. 3) The closures on the shell inspire confidence. 4) The ladder is in direct contact with the roof skyview. Needs emergency protection! 5) The setting up is not as fast and easy as on the other tents. 6) The seal: no comment… 7) In light of the thinness of the roof skyview window, questions can be asked concerning its durability. 8) To be clear, this is a Chinese product. 9) The tent is new but the canvas is already starting to come away from its fixing rail. 10) Due to its design, the iKamper can only receive a 3 cm mattress.
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- Ladder. It is much too long. The incline of the ladder is going towards the horizontal if all the rungs are pulled out. Having said that, it is very solid with the tent and will not be blown away by the wind. - Impermeability and condensation. The canvas is impermeable except where it is perforated. It stood up to a long and rainy night, unlike the Djebel. Over the course of two nights, where we slept in temperatures of -5° and -7°, no significant condensation was observed. - Wind resistance. Catastrophic! Impossible to sleep: the non-taut canvas was buffeted in every direction, the upper shell creaks and twists with an unremarkable wind speed of 45 kph. In addition, depending on the direction of the wind, the upper shell closes in on its occupants due to the weakness of the struts! It should be pointed out that on its Facebook page it is clearly stated that the tent must not be used in conditions where the wind speed is greater than 20 mph which corresponds to 32 kph. In short, if you are going camping, take a back-up tent for nights when there is too much wind. - Internal accessories. No accessory with this tent (no net or lamp).
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CONCLUSION
This is the most expensive hard shell tent on the market (3,300 euros not including delivery charge). If we consider the structural weak points mentioned earlier, its lack of wind resistance meaning it can only be used on very limited occasions and its unclear guarantee, this Asian tent offers the worst value for money in our comparative test. n
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and one to pass on both sides to fold in the canopy. Considering the rear of the upper shell is rounded, with no grip point, it is not easy to close it correctly the first time. An annoying defect which could easily have been corrected by putting a handle or an indentation at the rear for gripping.
good-looking but with considerable design faults… Straight out of the Autohome workshops, the Italian manufacturer of the Maggiolina, this tent with automatic opening is similar in construction and profile of its big sister. It is relatively well-finished, but sadly some recurrent defects of the brand still remain.
-Chamber. It has a good finish with a beautiful roof. The doors take up the concept of the Maggiollina with the double flap arrangement. One flap goes onto the lower shell when the door is closed (which is the cause of irritating noises in windy conditions). In order to close the door correctly, the second flap must go between the shell and the mattress which is not easy as there is no space between them. Lastly, if care is not taken, it is easy to cut fingers on the metal clips which hold the canvas on the inside shell.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
-Shell. Both understated and nicely designed, the AirTop shell is covered with a beautiful smooth, shiny gelcoat. Unlike the Djebel, it is perfectly covered over the entire surface. That said, the thickness of the upper shell falls short. It is thin and lacking in rigidity like the Maggiolina. It quickly became misshapen on the sides and if care is not taken the upper part can be indented simply by pushing with the hand.
-Fabric. It is Dralon as used in parasols and garden chairs, but is very rigid which gives a creased appearance even when new. This is far removed from the cotton of the old Maggiolina which had a tendency to attract mildew, but was very soft to the touch and perfectly supple. (see box).
- Closure systems. Particularly irritating to handle, both during opening and closing, these “quick” fastenings age very badly as we have already observed on two second-hand Airtop tents. That said, they are not expensive and it would be wise to have a spare set if travelling long distances and for a long time. -Set up and takedown. Even though the tent opens quickly and easily the same cannot be said for the closing. A single person can close it without difficulty leaving the side doors open and rolled. But in this case, if rolled up under the rain, expect that the two shells do not
join perfectly which leads to leaks onto the mattress by the doors. If you want to close the doors to stop water (and dust) from entering, it is not possible to close the tent alone: one person is required at the rear to hold the upper shell down
-Mattress. The most comfortable on the market. The thickness and density is absolutely perfect. -Ladder. It is lockable which, depending on the type of ground it is placed on, can be a good thing. On the other hand it is hooked on the inside of the tent which complicates the closing of the door.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER mag N° 26 5
Comparatif
If you want to prevent water filtering in by closing the lateral doors, it needs two people
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11) Under the effect of condensation, when it is very cold the inside of the tent is covered in frozen droplets.
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-Impermeability and condensation. The canvas is impermeable. Unfortunately the walls of the AirTop go INSIDE the shell. After a night under the rain, the water streamed down the outside walls of the chamber and penetrated the inside of the tent by capillary action. As on the Djebel, the mattress becomes a damp sponge and it is necessary to find somewhere else to sleep. This is a recurrent problem that was pointed out to the manufacturer a long time ago. Instead of correcting this issue, which they appear to be aware of, Autohome preferred to add an “anticondensation” mattress (180 euros as an optional extra) that is positioned on the original mattress to limit the sponge effect when water comes into the tent. Over two nights, sleeping in temperatures of -5° and -7°, the interior of the chamber walls were covered with frost. Not to the same extent as on the Djebel, but enough to dampen pillows and personal belongings. -Internal accessories. An LED lamp is fixed on the ceiling at the rear of the tent and a net for storing clothes is fitted at the front.
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-Wind resistance. The AirTop can withstand violent gusts with no problem. It is not particularly noisy in the wind: the taut canvas does not generate a lot of noise and even if the zipper slides rattle slightly, the noise level is acceptable.
12) The mosquito net: a valuable addition in summer. 13) Impractical and badly designed, the doors would benefit from being improved in particular by removing this useless flap. 14 and 15) The ladder hook hanging on by a single thread is not great! 16) The stitching is not great either! The tent is brand new but this defect is not under guarantee. 17) The sharp clips that go around the tent. Perfect for cutting your finger when making your bed… 18) The shell is very thin and becomes deformed easily. Watch out for low branches.
CONCLUSION
Rapid fasteners Not easy to handle, particularly in the cold.
Considering its price one could have expected a better designed tent. Unfortunately on the Maggiolina many failings remain that we have already highlighted in the past : the thin shell which becomes easily distorted, the archaic design of the openings, the outdated parasol material, the metallic clips which can cut your fingers when you fit a sheet, the water infiltration and condensation problems when the temperature is low. It is an attractive product but its price is not justified.
Hard to do worse… Sold by RLC diffusion, this tent appeared on the Chinese website Alibaba.com slightly more than five years ago.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
-Shell. With its very simple, basic design, along with its thickness reduced to the absolute minimum, the shell of the Djebel can in no way compete with the Explorer or the Airtop. The gelcoat which covers it was applied irregularly leaving zones of glass fiber visible. - Closure systems. When removed from the box (which was not damaged), 3 out of 4 fastenings were nonfunctional. The manufacturer must be aware of this type of problem as it supplied “reserve” straps to keep the tent closed. -Set up and take down. A positive point: the tent opens very quickly and closes easily. -Chamber. It is reduced to a bare minimum. We appreciated the two ceiling nets, but that was not enough to make us forget the general lack of finish or the metal clips which cut your fingers when the mattress is lifted to fit a sheet. Fresh out of the box, one of the side door zippers was broken half-way up. It was therefore impossible to close the door completely. On the rear door, two zipper slides were missing…
-Fabric. It is very, very thin! It is Nylon ripstop but its resistance is virtually nil. In addition, the material was ripped in two places in the lower shell area. -Mattress. Relatively comfortable, both thickness and density are fairly good. -Ladder. It takes up little space due to its telescopic rung system. -Impermeability and condensation. Extremely thin; after 3 hours under heavy rain the canvas was no longer waterproof and the tent was flooded.
Water streamed down the walls INSIDE the chamber and the lower shell was transformed into a pool. In this case, the mattress absorbs water and becomes a sponge on which it is impossible to sleep. We slept two nights in conditions of -5° and -7°. The interior walls of the chamber were covered in frost. During the night the sleeping bag and the pillow were soaked with condensation; by early morning they became partly hardened by the frost and they had to be dried off in the car. -Accessories. A lamp, two roof nets and an awning… that should not be used in windy conditions as the wind tends to pull out the tension rods. -Wind resistance. Relatively noisy when the wind blows hard, the Djebel is nonetheless able to withstand strong gusts.
CONCLUSION If the weather is clement, if you are on the coast or in a hot country, then the Djebel will always be better than a ground tent. But this is an expensive way to sleep off the ground. Considering its general minimalist construction along with the numerous defects observed when removed from the box, one can only doubt its durability over time…
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER mag N° 26 7
Comparatif
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Hard to beat…
19) The Chinese faithfully copied all the defects of Italian tents: we find here the razor clips of the AirTop. 20) The zipper slides. When they are not broken or missing, they make a lot of noise even in the slightest wind. 21) The lateral window adds to the appearance of the tent. 22) The anchoring system of the ladder is much more efficient than the one on the AirTop.
Made in Portugal, this tent has the latest innovations in terms of design, composite materials and fabric. Conceived, developed and tested in the field by people who really sleep in their product, it is the most sophisticated tent on the market. However not the most expensive…
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
-Shell. It is the thickest and the most rigid encountered in this test. The upper shell is covered with ribs for reinforcement and its attractive design gives it equal place with the AirTop in terms of appearance. The gelcoat is perfectly uniform and glossy over all surfaces on both shells. -Closure systems. They are a little hard initially when new, but they age well and are the most reliable of this selection. -Set up and take down. The tent opens quickly and easily with an automatic locking system of the struts which is unique to James Baroud. Closing requires no strength or special skill provided the manufacturer’s instructions are closely followed. -Chamber. A very good finish, with no visible rivets, no “sharp clips”, solid stitching and good sized zippers. All good, but the real strength of this tent is the walls lined with a mosquito net. A great concept which means a vast wall surface can be opened allowing air, but not mosquitoes, in. Vital for those travelling in hot areas in summer.
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This is exclusive to James Baroud along with the zippers fitted with “silentrunning” slides. Totally silent even when the tent is buffeted by the wind. -Fabric. It is a technical fabric made by TenCate, the global number 2 in textile technology (see box).
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-Mattress. Less comfortable than the AirTop, it is however 7 cm thick. The cover is GENUINELY removable and washable unlike that on the AirTop.
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-Ladder. It is fixed on one or other side of the exterior of the tent by its safety system which is also unique to the brand. There is no risk of it falling even during violent gusts. -Impermeability and condensation. The canvas is impermeable. No risk of infiltration because the canvas goes over the lower shell. Over two nights, where the temperature was -5° and -7°, no trace of condensation was noted even though the tent was totally closed. Of course we took care to operate the fan; a sort of marine CMV (Controlled Mechanical Ventilation), an ultra-powerful, totally silent fan. Unique to James Baroud.
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23) With its interior volume and highly particular design, the Explorer can also be used as a roof box for transporting personal effects. 24) The ladder fixes on the exterior of the tent thanks to its ultra-safe system.
CONCLUSION
It is the most qualitative and accomplished…before it is copied in the slightest detail at any rate! It is the only tent on the market which comes with a real guarantee. Despite these qualities, it is not the most expensive… n
-Options. Net and lamp are present here, but in terms of options it is the bag holder / wheel holder that takes precedence. An option that becomes very important when travelling in countries where one is not sure to find a spare tire. This is also exclusive to the brand.
25 and 26) The ultimate solution to fight against condensation: the fan. This CMV is normally used on pleasure boats. It is designed to ventilate a volume 7 times greater than the one on the Explorer… The fan is usually totally silent, however sometimes it can make a slight noise if the ventilator blades are not positioned correctly. In this case it is sufficient to press on the blades to put them back in position to eradicate the noise.
-Wind resistance. The Explorer can withstand violent gusts with no problem. It is not noisy in the wind: the ultra-taut canvas and the paracord zipper slides generate hardly any noise.
27 and 28) The totally silent paracord zipper slides and the protective panels above the openings that we would like to see on the other tents.
RANKING : 1 - EXPLORER - recommended retail price : 3 400 € 2 - AIRTOP - recommended retail price : 2700 € 3 - IKAMPER - recommended retail price : 3 300 € 4 - DJEBEL LINE - recommended retail price : 1 800 € appearance impermeability reaction to and finish condensation
set up
take down
wind quality of original reliability guarantee resistance materials accessories * *
value for money
AIRTOP
4/5
4/5
1/5
5/5
3/5
4/5
3/5
1/5
3/5
2/5
3/5
DJEBEL
1/5
0/5
0/5
4/5
3/5
3/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
IKAMPER
2/5
3/5
3/5
3/5
3/5
0/5
2/5
1/5
2/5
1/5
1/5
EXPLORER
4/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER mag N° 26 9
JUIN - JUILLET 2019
T
4X4
U A E V U NO
N°2
BUSCHCRAFT - les pelles de camp TEST - Le store Falcon de James Baroud ROAD BOOK - Haute Provence - 164 km autour de Sisteron
COLLECTOR FJ 40 XXL
MEGA PREPA Un 80 plus neuf que neuf OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
4X4 ET SURVIE Tasmanian Tiger Combat
N°2 - BIMESTRIEL - FRANCE :7,50€ - BELUX 8.50€ - IT-ESP-PORT-CONT 8.50€ - CH 12.80FS - DOM/S 8.50€ - N CAL/S 1000cfp - POL/S 1050cfp - MAR 86MAD - TUN 22TND - CAN 13$cad
rer’s u t n e v d A e Th Note-Book
Text : Malcom Pilgrim - Photos : Carle Lacoste
JAMES BAROUD
FALCON,
AWNING OR LOUNGE ? As the latest addition to the James Baroud catalogue, the Falcon is arguably one of the best awnings on the market. A step up from the rather dated ARB and Ironman awnings, the ultra fragile Foxwing and the considerably less stable Alu Cab, the Falcon earned particular recognition in the 10th edition of the Overland Exhibition...
J
ust as the Japanese Toyota took inspiration from the Jeep to give us a revamped, revised and vastly superior version, James Baroud freely took inspiration from the Foxwing and Alu Cab awnings, adding their own personal touch. Like the 4 Series, which has significantly superseded the Jeep in terms of reliability, the Falcon awning is undoubtedly destined to outdo the Alu Cab. With a larger, better covering canopy, with fewer blind spots, a large room that can easily accommodate 8 to 10 people, and a rather exceptional wind resistance, it is the ultimate choice for long-haul travellers looking for comfort. Equally so, this is the perfect product for organizers travelling with small groups...
Versatile protection
In its «basic» version, the Falcon can be used as protection from the sun, in hot countries or on the beach (provided it’s accessible by car), or even in the deep desert. This is ideal if you want to have lunch shaded from the high summer sun. The canopy provides just over 10 m2 of a beneficial shade, and is all the more refreshing as it ensures 8° less heat compared to other awnings on the market, thanks to its aluminized canvas. And the icing on the cake: the canopy covers both the side and the rear of the vehicle.This will ensure that you stay in the shade when accessing your boot, which is usually to access your fridge.
OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
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n. The Falcon’s «light» versio hing shadow. res ref e nic a off When it’s hot, it gives shelter 8 or 10 people. When it rains it can easily
The «summer lounge» ha s 4 walls equipped with mosquito nets. An essential accessory wh en visiting a country infested with mosquitoes.
The ‘winter lounge’ can just as well be used for the beautiful summer season when camping for several days.
tinted, flexible, uipped with large, eq e ar lls wa ’s’ ge treated windows. The ‘winter loun UV and anti-static crystal-clear, anti-
Amazing! There is no other way to describe the sense of space in this Falcon awning. A very nice feature for when it rains! With any other awning, when eating during a downpour, you constantly have to open and close the door to access the table, chairs, kitchenware and everything else that you may need to dine with nature.. These windows are also lined with mosquito nets.
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With the Falcon , there’s no need to fiddle with the door when it rains. Other uses for this awning are the ‘summer lounge’ and the ‘winter lounge’. Based on the concept of a traditional awning, the «summer lounge» takes up only half of the canopy. It is equipped with 4 mosquito net lined walls, which is extremely useful when camping in infested countries. The «winter lounge” walls extend around the entire canopy.There is a large living area that can accommodate 1 to 4 couples for lunch or dinner in good conditions whether it’s raining, windy, or even snowing. It provides ultimate protection from the elements, for beautiful evenings with friends...
OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
y access to the tent, A double-door allows eas ns. ning; handy for when it rai by passing through the aw
The SAS (or tunnel) is spa cious enough for you to move around freely an d easily.
A beautiful impression of space in this «winter lounge» which can accommodate 6 to 10 seated people.
Free-standing awning
The Falcon is a free-standing awning. When you are in a hurry for lunch, as long as there is not too much wind, you can use it without its mats or cables. However, it’s always best to ensure that it is correctly supported in order to withstand strong winds. The summer lounge’s walls have been designed to allow free access to the vehicle if needs be.
eyes, squitoes, and from prying With protection from mo psites. particularly useful for cam the «summer lounge» is
Easy to set up The Falcon is extremely easy to set up. Take a look at this link for a demonstration: https:// vimeo.com/336564481
The Falcon is ultrastrong, thanks to its reinforced frame.
OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
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A
4X4
U A E V U O N
1 ° N
BUSCHCRAFT - les haches de camp TEST - Hilux et suspension Terrain Tamer ROAD BOOK - 2 jours dans les Pyrénées espagnoles
MEGA PREPA Le 73 de Dream Team
NOUVEAUTE Suzuki Jimny
OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
4X4 ET SURVIE sac à dos Fjällräven Stubben
N°1 - BIMESTRIEL - FRANCE :7,50€ - BELUX 8.50€ - IT-ESP-PORT-CONT 8.50€ - CH 12.80FS - DOM/S 8.50€ - N CAL/S 1000cfp - POL/S 1050cfp - MAR 86MAD - TUN 22TND - CAN 13$cad
r’s Adventure notes
James Baroud Vision XXL
AMERICAN STYLE COMFORT Text and photographs : Grigori Olienko
When it appeared in Europe in 2013, the Vision was intended for unconditional users of soft tents, a very small segment that only concerns 12% of the market of roof tents. But when the Franco Portuguese manufacturer launched its activities in the United States one year later, the Vision had immediate success that its designers had never imagined.
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trongly recommended by the American journalists of the Overland Journal and Expeditions Portal the product that was just intended to fill a gap in the James Baroud catalogue quickly became a standard for adventurers. Thus we quickly saw it replacing little by little old Howling Moon and Hannibal products on the roofs of Jeeps, Defenders, old Series 4 and many Series 7s. However there was one criticism; its size which was considered too small for the American “giants” who like to sleep in comfort. Consequently to better satisfy the American market the Vision was made available in an XXL version in 2018. This version was much appreciated by many French families.
Opening and closing
Implementation is extremely easy. After removing the protective cover we release a strap, jog the last hoop and the tent unfolds by itself by means of 2 powerful cylinders. To close the Vision simply fold back the 2 telescopic legs and pull a strap which pulls the folding floor back to the operator, and the tent folds simply like an accordion.
Rounded innovation
What strikes one the most on looking at the Vision is its rounded shape. Unlike other, antediluvian, soft tents this cloth igloo offers no wind resistance.
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With its perfectly tensione d cloth even when fully exp osed to the wind the Vision is not affected by the anno ying fluttering that affects its competitors.
cterises this very
That is what chara A panoramic 360° view. t. appropriately named ten
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The worst gusts can only slip around the tent without encountering the slightest flat surface on which to grip. The Vision is modern in shape and is also a model of innovation by the materials used. Here aluminium is the master and we find it at all stages. The telescopic legs, the ladder, the hoops and the articulated panels making up the bed base are all aluminium! This is also what explains the lightness of this tent which only weighs 43 kg.
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To better combat the cold the Vision can be fitted, as an option, with neoprene thermal insulation (271 including tax) which reduces the temperature loss by 5 to 7°.
OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
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ll living space which The forward extension provides a sma nging one’s clothes is greatly appreciated for eating or cha ding tax). protected from the elements (275 inclu
Once it is folded the Vision takes up
very little space.
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3) The mounting portal rests on the ground and provides maximum stability. 4) We were a little disappointed by the ladder which is not easy to put in place before closing.
Small details and finishing
The cloth is super-taut over its armature and does not show the slightest crease. As usual, James Baraud has used the same cloth which has been the basis of its success. Cloth which is practically impossible to tear and totally waterproof composed of several layers of aluminium. The bedroom has 2 large openings. Each of them has a solid cloth door, a mosquito door and a transparent door for light when it is raining. In addition to these openings there are four windows lined with mosquito nets. By adjusting their opening we can ventilate the tent and regulate the effect of condensation.
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c legs
telescopi ed as standard with pp ui eq is l rta po g The mountin gh vehicles. nt to be used on hi which allow the te
The finishing is almost perfect. Handsome overstitched seams, thread which grows when wet, cloth reinforcement on all areas exposed to moving parts: everything has been thought out to the smallest detail. The high-density mattress is covered with a removable washable cover. It is 8 cm thick and provides very welcome comfort during an expedition. The Vision cannot be used as a roof trunk as some tents with rigid shells can be. Nevertheless 2 sleeping bags can be left in it permanently.
The Vision has been tested in many winter condition s with the famous thermal insulation.
more resistant to the wind because of its rounded shape. And it supports more than 25 cm of snow on its roof without flinching. When it is fitted with the famous thermal insulation designed by James Baroud some years ago it is possible even to affront polar temperatures. This is what the members of an Americano Icelandic expedition did in the Antarctic ice, thus proving that the Vision can be considered a real 4-season product.
3 or 4 seasons?
Generally speaking tents with rigid shells are 4-season tents. By their design and thanks to their top shell these tents are capable of resisting the very heavy rain, deep snow or very strong winds. The same cannot be said of traditional soft tents. Whether or not they have a double roof, their archaic design, their right angles and large flat walls are not made to resist strong gusts or serious snowfall. The Vision is without a doubt When it appeared on the American mar ket the Vision immediately had unexpected success.
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OUTDOOR 4x4 N°2
BENCHMARKING
SURVIVE THE COLD UNDER A TENT
EXPLORER EVOLUTION THE PANORAMIC BIVOUAC
I
n our editorial team, we are not at all keen on laboratory tests. For us, the best way to test a product is to test it out in the field, and preferably in extreme conditions. That’s what motivates our latest test campaign, which has been developed in the snowy mountains. The aim was to compare sleeping bags and bivouac roof tents under negative temperatures. Our first test was carried out on the James Baroud Explorer Evolution... Text & photos : Arys Panayotou and Sullyvan Charton 20
4x4 Mondial N°156
A
side from the models made from ABS, most of the roof tents are made of glass fibre. They are covered in Gelcoat. This material, based on thermosetting resin, can also be found on boats as well as caravans and planes. It ensures a finish and a visible surface protection of composite materials. Some manufacturers will ‘play up’ the thickness and weight of the various materials that they use, which explains the differences in weight and rigidity between one brand and another. At JB, we don’t skimp on the quality of the glass fibre nor on the thickness of the Gelcoat. Unlike the Maggiolina, which has the tendency to ‘gape’ at the edges, the shell of the James Baroud will never deform. The outer shell houses a luggage rack. This easily welcomes an extra emergency tyre (without the rim) which can be very useful depending on the countries where we
drive. To this day, James Baroud is the only manufacturer in the world to offer automatic roof tents allowing to support a tyre or a 25kg load. In the middle of this outer shell, you will also find a solar panel which feeds the air extractor located in the roof of the bedroom area.
IMPERMEABLE AND ROT-RESISTANT
From afar, the bedroom of the Explorer Evolution looks like previous models: horizontal opening, 3 adjustable doors sitting on top of protective bailers… on first glance, when you see this tent from afar, it is no more than a traditional JB. And yet! Upon closer inspection, you will notice that it has undergone particularly
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n February 2017. The first part of a long-term test campaign for a pneumatic comparison. This allows us, over time, to judge the qualities of the new Explorer Evolution.
SHELTER
innovative structural and aesthetic modifications. In fact, this new model offers walls of which a large part is made up of mosquito nets. These are coupled with the famous JB canvas that we had already put under great testing during our previous tests. During these tests, we were able to compare its solidity and impermeability with that of the Dralon used in the Italian tents, that become cracked in areas of friction and that leak water when it rains too hard or for too long. So it’s no comparison to the Italian parasol canvas, which gets wet if exposed for a few days to rainy or snowy periods like those that we find in the Balkans and in Nordic countries.
ARMOURED MOSQUITO NET
As we said earlier, the walls of the bedroom are almost entirely covered in mosquito nets. Which is an excellent
n February 2018 – The tyres have changed but the tent stays the same. Same for the temperatures, which one year later have fluctuated again between -12 and -5°.
thing for optimising ventilation in the tent when camping in hot countries. This mosquito net is absolutely no comparison to its competitors. Just as certain armoured tanks use a composite system based on ceramics and plastic, the new JB mosquito net uses phenomenally resistant materials. The proof is in this photo, where you can see three people hanging on to a section of this magic canvas that we held tight against a wall!
PANORAMIC VIEW… AND OPTIMUM VENTILATION
Normally, when it’s very hot and you don’t want to completely suffocate in your tent, it’s almost essential to be able
to open the tent even a little in order to breathe and create a feeling of ventilation. And it’s at that point when you become the mosquitos’ next meal! With the new Explorer Evolution and its mosquito net which surrounds the entire bedroom, this inconvenience becomes ancient history. You simply need to open all the openings and you will find yourself with an extraordinarily ventilated area, all while keeping the tent ‘closed’ and remaining completely sheltered from the insects. One option that we really appreciate when travelling around a hot country. But aside from the ‘practical’ side of this tent, the late-risers or fans of starry nights will also definitely rave about the extraordinary 360° view which allows you to completely enjoy the surrounding countryside.
4x4 Mondial N°156
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BENCHMARKING
SURVIVE THE COLD UNDER A TENT
n For us, the best laboratory is the outdoors! Nothing will ever replace tests in real conditions, especially if the conditions are a little extreme.
OPENING AND CLOSING
JB tents unfold in one go once you open their ties. And they close again just as easily… if you follow the instruction booklet. In this case, as we have shown several times during our trips, a woman can close a JB without help and without forcing it. As long as there’s no quilt, cover or duvet that comes to hinder the compass closing… n To the test the efficiency of the air extractor and check
its ability to stop condensation, the tent is completely closed…
THE AUTOHOME COMPARISON A
utohome, the Italian manufacturer of Maggiolina, has just published a ‘comparison’ on their site which holds nothing to James Baroud. This comparison relies on laboratory tests, which carry no real existing proof. And even if this lab does actually exist, what does that mean about their partiality, knowing that their comparison is financed by Autohome? Disguised as a form of reporting, the toneless comparison is a real web of lies that emphasises that in a James Baroud, you risk dying from suffocation because the fabric of the tent is too airtight. So if you are one of the thousands of users who have slept in a James Baroud and survived, you should probably go light an altar candle in the first church you see ! In the meantime, it would be interesting to see the Italian manufacturer finally accept a true scientific and impartial valid comparison by a certified official, as its competitor requested a few years ago…
n… and we trigger the action of the VMC. By the way, let’s
point out that this oversized extractor initially used for boats is conceived to ventilate a cubic capacity 7 times bigger than that of the tent! Meaning that it’s effective in a space as small as that of the Explorer. Ordinarily, it is totally silent, but it sometimes happens that the ventilator blades are not well positioned on the axis, which can cause a light scraping sound. In this case, you just need to play with the blades a little while supporting the top in order to put them back in place to get rid of the noise.
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4x4 Mondial N°156
n The solar panel which feeds the VMC has maybe lost the lustre of being new, but after numerous trips, it is always just as efficient.
n At 8am, we cannot see any trace of condensation. The fabric of the walls and the ceiling of the roof are very cold, of course, but they are completely dry. Same with the metal of the compass on which we observe not even the slightest water droplet. We can’t say the same for the Maggiolina and the Djebel Line: inside these tents, big water droplets completely cover the walls and the roof ceiling…
nFebruary 2018.
Around midnight, we record -8° outside and -5° inside the tent.
4x4 Mondial N°156
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BENCHMARKING
SURVIVE THE COLD UNDER A TENT
n When the sun comes back and the temperatures rise, the panoramic opening of the
walls allow you to enjoy a superb 360° view.
LIVABILITY AND SAFETY
Inside, the dimensions are as generous as always, with a real sleeping area of 140 x 185 (the competition skilfully ‘cheats’ on the dimensions by advertising the exterior dimensions, while the dimensions advertised by JB are the interior dimensions). The old handheld compasses take a certain place and come into the sleeping area at shoulder height. The new compasses are smartly wedged into each corner of the tent and completely free up the bedding area. Extra space that the ‘wide-shouldered’ shall immensely appreciate.
FINISHES
These are exceptional. Whether it’s the level of stitching, the Éclair closings, the different handing systems and the closing of doors, everything has been thought of with unequalled luxurious detail. However, we are sorry about the lateral door sliders that catch a bit halfway when reaching a small bit of Velcro that flattens the watertight flap. That being said,
the latches are impressively resistant considering that we handled them without care and in the rain. Incidentally, we also wanted to point out the mini traction straps which the sliders are fitted out with and which completely get rid of any annoying noises that you hear on all other tents when they are exposed to the wind.
BREATHABILITY AND CONDENSATION
When you read the pseudo-comparison published by the website Autohome, James Baroud’s main competitor, you’ll notice questions concerning the condensation and the risks of flooding and suffocation that the Italian manufacturer predicts to us. Rest reassured: we survived! The first night, the outside temperature went down to -5° at midnight and -7° at 3am. At the same time, in the tent we recorded -3° and -5° respectively. To make the test more concrete, we completely closed
n With its net and vast under-roof space, the James Baroud can also serve as a roof luggage box.
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4x4 Mondial N°156
the tent and triggered the air extractor. Let’s remember that this is currently used on leisure boats to avoid any risk of condensation. This has really done its work and without us even noticing, since in the morning at 7am there was not even the slightest sign of condensation inside the tent. In the Maggiolina on the other hand, the walls, pillows and sleeping bag were all covered in a thin film of condensation. Because of this, we had to leave some of our personal items to dry in the car. The next night, we did the same test, in the same conditions, with similar temperatures. But in the Maggiolina, we took care to cover the duvet to avoid having to dry it out again in the car the next day.
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TENCATE , JAMES BAROUD AND NASA
n its comparison report, Autohome attacks the fabric of James Baroud tents. This fabric is manufactured by TenCate Advanced Composites. This tactical textile giant is the world’s largest manufacturer of advanced composite materials. Their engineers have developed
n The protective bailers. One serious plus that allows better ventilation in the tent even when it’s raining.
PRICE AND WARRANTY
a very large range of high-performance thermoplastic composites and preimpregnated thermosetting resins that are nowadays used in numerous applications. We find their products in the NASA space suits, on the sides of satellites and spatial probes, on the combat armour of several
armies, on assault helicopters, on some stealth war ships, on most American and German airplanes and on several fighter planes. So we are far from the famous Dralon used by the Italian manufacturer, which has largely done their testing on the world’s beaches, but which is after all just a parasol canvas.
n The ladder is without a doubt one of the best on
the market. Shame that it is so cumbersome.
n Funny demonstration of the resistance of the mosquito net. No comment…
The recommended retail price of the Explorer Evolution is €2,500. It is guaranteed for 5 years. Generally, the manufacturer doesn’t make it at all difficult when assuming the warranty obligations. And when there is a problem with the tent, most of the time this is resolved with a pure and simple exchange, paid for by the manufacturer… unlike a number of their competitors who make you pay postage and packaging even when it’s their tent that’s at fault! z
n The James Baroud shell is the most solid on the market. It is made from several layers of fibre glass, polyurethane and an exoskeleton of PVC tubes sandwiched with the fibre to stiffen it all while keeping a certain flexibility and a better ratio of incoming air.
4x4 Mondial N°156
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N°2
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Years Manufacturer Warranty
, y l l u f e c a e p Sleep ! t n e t d u o r a B es
m a J a n i e r a u o Y
www.jamesbaroud.com instagram.com/jamesbaroudofficial
+ 351 936 296 798 facebook.com/JamesBaroudOfficial
4x4 4x4
Avril - Mai 2014
TOYOTA TOYOTA LaND CRUISER CRUISER LAND
Avril - Mai 2014
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aFRICa RACE RaCE AFRICA & DAKAR DaKaR & des toy sur DES TOY SUR Le podium LE PODIUM
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U A E V A U E O V N U O N 2 O R É M U 2 N O NUMÉR
SLOVÉNIE
Spécial voyage SLOVÉNIE
LA ROUMANIE RAID DANS LES CARPATES
MARINE TOY UN AMPHIBIE CHEZ TOYOTA
Les nouveLLes destinations à La mode...
N°2 - Bimestriel - France : 6,20 e- D.O.M : 7 e - Belgique : 6,95 e - Luxembourg, Portugal : 7,30 e - Maroc : 70 MAD - T.O.M. : 900 XPF
LA ROUMANIE RAID DANS LES CARPATES
MARINE TOY UN AMPHIBIE CHEZ TOYOTA
N°2 - Bimestriel - France : 6,20 e- D.O.M : 7 e - Belgique : 6,95 e - Luxembourg, Portugal : 7,30 e Maroc : 70 MAD - T.O.M. : 900 XPF
Spécial voyage
LES NOUVELLES DESTINATIONS
31/03/14 12:42:12
À LA MODE...
IN DETAIL
VISION
THE NEW FLEXIBLE TE FROM JAMES BAROUD A la loupe VISION, la nouvelle tente souple de James Baroud Texte et photos - Arys Panayotou
Numéro 1 mondial de la tente de toit 4x4, le fabricant franco-portugais s’était déjà largement signalé à travers ses modèles à coque rigide. Aujourd’hui, il revisite avec succès la catégorie des «soft tents» avec un tout nouveau produit qui nous semble appelé à un bel avenir... Ouverture et fermeture
As the world’s Comme number 1sur4x4 roof lesOpening up and packing away toutes James Baroud, la mise en œuvre est d’une facilité déconcertante. Après Like all James Baroud products, construction is avoir enlevé la housse de protection, on libère une attache, onastoundingly donne une impulsion sur le dernier tent, the French-Portuguese easy. After removing the protective cover, you release a tie, arceau et la largely tente se déplie toute seule grâce à deux vérins. Une fois dépliée, il n’est pas nécesmanufacturer is already push forward on the last hoop and the tent will unfold all on saire d’amarrer la tente au sol avec des haubans, car la rigidité de l’armature et la tension de la standing out thanks to their hard its own thanks to its two tent jacks. Once unfolded, there’s chambre suffisent à maintenir l’ensemble. Lors de nos premiers essais, nous avons essuyé no need to tie the tent to the ground with the guy wires, shell models. des Today, theyd’un have rafales vent qui a soufflé toute la nuit entre 90 et 110 km/h et la tente n’a pas bronché since the rigidity of the frame and the tautness across the successfully returned the soft un seul to instant. Pour labedroom fermerarea la Vision, il suffit de respecter taine procédure en are enough to keep it together. une cerprenant soin, tout d’abord, de rabattre les deux pieds télescopiques. Ensuite, il faut tirer tent market with a completely new During our first attempts, we were wiped out by gusts une sangle qui permet de ramener vers soi le plancher articulé et la tente se product that we think is destined for of wind between 90 and 110 km/h which continued replie tout simplement,allcomme un night, accordéon. c’est vrai, reste encore à through the although Bon, the tent didn’t flinchil a bright future...remettre la housse de even for a second. protection et là c’est une autre histoire... Rondeurs et innovation Ce qui frappe le plus, lorsqu’on observe la vision, c’est sa forme quasi arrondie. Contrairement aux autres tentes de toit souples, cet igloo de toile n’offre aucune opposition au vent. De ce fait, les pires bourrasques ne peuvent que «s’enrouler» autour de la tente sans rencontrer la moindre surface plane sur laquelle elles pourraient buter. Moderne par sa forme, la Vision est aussi un modèle d’innovation de par les matériaux utilisés. Ici, l’alu règne en maitre et on le retrouve à tous les étages. Les pieds télescopiques, l’échelle, les arceaux et les panneaux articulés qui constituent le couchage : tout est en alu ! C’est d’ailleurs ce qui explique la légèreté de cette tente qui ne pèse que 41 kg. Petits détails et finitions Ultra tendue et parfaitement agencée sur son armature, la toile ne présente pas le moindre pli. Comme d’habitude, James Baroud a repris pour son toilage le même tissu qui a fait son succès, un tissu quasi indéchirable et totalement imperméable composé de plusieurs couches d’aluminium (encore !). La chambre comprend deux grandes portes et quatre fenêtres. Chaque porte se décompose en trois parties : une moustiquaire de couleur noire, une porte pleine toile et une porte transparente pour avoir de la lumière lorsqu’il pleut. Signalons au passage que les portes sont toutes équipées de fermetures éclair à double curseur ce qui permet une certaine modularité lorsqu’on veut aérer la tente pendant la nuit. Les fenêtres latérales disposées aux quatre coins sont doublées de moustiquaires. En les ouvrant plus ou moins, on peut ainsi ventiler la tente et réguler l’effet de condensation. Les finitions, comme d’habitude, sont aux standards de la marque, c’est à dire presque parfaites. Belles coutures surpiquées, fil gonflable à l’eau, renforts de tissus sur toutes les parties exposées à des organes mobiles, joints multiples et variés pour éviter de s’accrocher ou de se blesser de quelque manière que ce soit : tout a été pensé dans les moindres détails. Le matelas haute densité est recouvert d’une housse amovible et lavable. Il n’a certes pas le confort du Bultex de votre chambre, mais il offre quand même un confort très appréciable en raid. La Vision ne peut pas servir de coffre de toit comme certaines tentes à coque rigide. Il n’empêche qu’on peut quand même y laisser à demeure deux sacs de couchage ou une couette pourvu que cette dernière soit bien compressible. Encombrement réduit Cette tente est à l’aise sur n’importe quel 4x4, mais elle sera d’autant plus appréciable à utiliser si on l’installe sur un pick-up dont le toit, ou la benne, offrent parfois un espace limité. En effet, la Vision ne prend pas beaucoup de place lorsqu’elle repliée. Ce qui ouvre de belles possibilités lorsqu’on part loin et longtemps et que l’on veut utiliser une partie de son toit ou de sa galerie avec du
Text and photos : Grigori Olienko
TENT UD
As you can see, the Vision is built like an igloo, with a full round shape, with no large, flat walls which are common among its competitors. Because of this, there are no windage issues…
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From top to bottom, everything has been carefully considered, with luxury details and flawless finishes. In particular, we like the beautiful transparent door which covers the mosquito net section and the internal door. An indisputable positive that you’ll appreciate on rainy days if you’re stuck at the campsite.
As we’ve mentioned before, from the canvas to the structure, everything ‘relies’ on aluminium, which explains the lightness of this tent. This also explains the five-year guarantee: a product like this will never succumb to rust!
When all of its doors and windows are open is when the new James Baroud truly warrants its name, thanks to the panoramic view that it offers to its campers.
IN DETAIL
1 1) Detailed photo of the hinge and tent jack. Behind this, the canvas gives way to a space that you must somehow protect to avoid air currents and infiltrations. A small fault that the manufacturer should correct quickly. 2) Like with all James Baroud products, the mattress is delivered with a slightly bigger cover. This is washable and can be put back in place no problem! 3) A good view and good impression of the space in this tent, which is one of the tallest in its category. 4) The 3 doors, when all rolled up, opens up to a beautiful space where you can come and go through the tent. 5) The aluminium ladder must be handled with care. It is well designed but watch your fingers when using it. 6) The aeration holes are a little small to be really effective. 7) Installation of the cabin takes a little time...
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To close the Vision, you simply need to follow a certain procedure by taking care, first of all, to fold down the two telescopic feet. Next, you must draw the strap in to bring the articulated floor in on itself and the tent will refold as easy as that, like an accordion. Of course, you still have to put the protective cover back on, but that’s another story…
Curves and innovation
7 ...But once set up, this extension resists even the most lively of storms.
What is most striking, when we look at the Vision, is its almost-round shape. Unlike other soft roof tents, there are no windage issues with this canvas igloo. Because of this, even the worst gusts of wind can simply ‘roll’ off the tent without coming across the least bit of flat surface with which they could cause problems. With its modern shape, the Vision is also a model of innovation due to the materials used. Here, aluminium reigns supreme and we find it everywhere. The telescopic feet, the ladder, the arches and the articulated panels that make up the bed: everything is made of aluminium! This also explains how this tent is so light, as it only weighs 41kg.
Small details and finishes
Extremely taut and perfectly put together on its frame, the canvas doesn’t have even the smallest crease. As usual, for this canvas James Baroud has used the same fabric that has made their products successful : an almost tear-proof and totally impermeable fabric made from
several (more!) aluminium layers. The bedroom is composed of two large doors and four windows. Each door is composed of three sections: a black mosquito net, a full canvas door and a transparent door to let in light when it rains. Incidentally, we also see that all the doors are equipped with clear double sliding windows which allow a certain flexibility when you want to air out the tent in the night. The lateral windows in all four corners are doubled with mosquito nets. Whether opening them wide or just a little, we can also ventilate the tent and regulate the effect of condensation. The finishes, as always, are up to the brand’s standards, which means that they are almost perfect. Beautiful overstitched coverings, water-swellable cotton, reinforcing fabric on all sections that are exposed to moving parts, multiple and varied joints for avoiding any snagging or injury: everything has been thought of down to the smallest detail. The high-density mattress is covered with a removable and washable cover. Of course, it doesn’t have the same comfort as the Bultex mattress in your bedroom at home, but it still offers much-needed comfort after a hike. The Vision is not exactly a roof box like some other hard tents. You can still keep two sleeping bags or a duvet inside provided that the latter is really compressible.
Reduced volume
This tent is suited to any 4x4, but it would be even better to use it on a pick-up whose roof, or wagon, offers a somewhat limited space. In fact, the Vision does not take up a lot of space when it’s folded up. This leads to wonderful possibilities for long distance and long-stay journeys and if you want to use part of the roof or its gallery with the material.
3 seasons
All in all, hard tents are ‘4 seasons’ tents. From their design to their superior shell, these tents can resist floodlike rains, heavy snow fall and violent winds. We can’t say the same for traditional soft tents; whether they have a double roof or not, their general design, sharp angles and large walls are not ideal for resisting significant gusts of wind or snowfall. The Vision is without a doubt the most resistant to wind, just due to its round shape, yet we still can’t assimilate it to all 4 seasons.
The editor’s opinion : The props
Quick set-up ring and design Quality manufactu Resistant to wind Impermeability ows and doors Flexibility of wind e d Weight an volum e te an ar gu 5-year
The cons
ver Setting-up the co es pi no Lack of ca on the windows
We don’t doubt it or its impermeability when faced with a downpour, nor its resistance when faced with a snow storm. We do, however, have one concern: the absence of canopies above the windows and the small size of the lateral air holes could lead to some small problems with condensation following the season when you need to keep the tent closed. To conclude, you could say that the Vision is an excellent tent for hot countries or Europe, where you can assimilate to 3 seasons. Considering its price, it’s in a good position among its competition…
360° 5
Years Manufacturer Warranty
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Panoramic View
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