love this channel dude has so much passion and time for some people he doesnt know its amazing!!

It's called the "Quick Hiker" because you have to be a quick hiker into camp so you have time to setup the tent. ;)

Hi Luke, I am student in the Netherlands, who works at decathlon as a side job. I am absolutely not a "official spokesperson" in any capacity,but I would like to share my experience with these tents. first of all: In europe the quickhikers are allready faced out and replaced by the Trek 500, and trek 900 tents. I dont know when that will happen in the US I tried setting up a couple of trek 500 after your last video, and while the plug-in-pole is still not adjustable, I didnt struggle as much as you did. ( would rate it 5/10). regarding the weight (from last video): all the Fresh&Black tents are also available without the special coating, which saves roughly 0.5 kg on a trekking tent. personally I wouldn't put up with the extra weight, but for some people it is worth it. the UV- and light blocking coating is also responsible for the apparent "holes" in the fabric, (again which you showed last video). this is normal and the outertent itself should be fine. if you want to know more about the tents or Decathlon in general, I would be happy to help (again, I am not an official spokesperson, just a fellow outdoor-enthusiast, who watches your channel).

Used this tent for over 2 years (+/- 60 setups). Similar issue the first time up, but gets much smoother afterwards, issue fades away quickly. You also then get the technique to get the poles quickly out of the sleeves again. Tent is solid and reliable. I suggest you give it another chance.

I've been having this tent for about 3 years now. Never had any problems to set it up. Even my wife is able to do it faster than you did. It's not about strength, but the way you do it. The tent corners are not all the same. It highly depends on which corner you start with in order to put the sticks. Don't discourage people to buy this great tent just because you are not able to set it up. This tent is simply awesome. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer, very windproof and waterproof. Highly recommended it! ✌️

I have this one,and I love it. The struggle is real,but it only happened to me in the first time.

Hello from Russia,Luke! I use next generation of this tent (Forclaz trek 500) and came up with a little mod to set the tent up more easily. I just wrapped some cloth tape around the poles,so hands won't slip on them. I use my tent for bikepacking and besides that mod it is ideal for me and my friend)

I've been using this tent for the past 2 years now and I fail to understand why you found it so hard to put the poles in the caps. For me they're really easy and requires minimum effort. If only because of that you're giving it a 2/10, then I don't think it's a fair rating. Maybe they gave you a defected item but in general , they are so easy to unpack and pack! Cheers!

Raining here east of Rochester NY, but warm. Can’t wait for camping with the grandson next week.

Thank you for all you do. The videos are great. I finally found a great 4 season 2 man tent for bikepacking. All thanks to your channel. Thanks alot Luke. Best channel I watch!

that's why i love ur channel. U gives honest reviews of products. If they suck, u say they suck, no sugar coating. Thumb up!

I have the usual green older version of this tent, bought in 2019. Never had any problem like you demonstrated. Yes first time I struggled a bit because I was unsure what to do, from the second time onwards, it was fine. This tent is really solid, had no problems with rain. And I like the inner as it keeps me safe from insects specially ticks, which is really a big problem while camping in Germany.

I love this tent I used the QH2 for 2 weeks cycling across France and have used it since on short bike trips. Yes it is tricky to insert the poles. I found it easier to do the under pole first. I also found over time the fabric stretched making it easier. My teenage son was able to use this tent on a 2 day Duke of Edinburgh trip back in 2019 and could put the tent up unaided. For the price and weight it is a good tent in my experience.

Love the channel you always give so much great information

Great honest review thank you....this is exactly the information I need to help make an informed decision on which to purchase. Keep up with your good work.

This is why this channel is so good he really works to give a real world review great channel 👏 👍

Perfect Christmas gift......for someone you don't like!

Love the videos! Any thought on doing a bigger tent. Like family tent!

YOU ARE AWESOME 👌 Keep these great and honest reviews coming. FANTASTIC 👏

I have the same tent, it's a good tent once I've shortened the poles about 2"... Have used it in many place, and has dealt great with 2 ft of snow we one caught up in the mountains of Corsica on the GR20. It's durable and the two entrance design is great. With the shortened poles it's a breeze to set up. GREAT VALUE!

I have my second Decathlon Fresh&Black tent now. The first was a very small 2 person cheap one, which was a bit too small. The second is now the Quechua 2 Second Fresh & Black, Waterproof Camping Tent, 3 Person. For me getting out camping 2-3 times during summer, mostly not hiking but by car, these tents are great. The Fresh+Black concept totally works, it's absolutely dark inside and with the white outside it won't get hot as fast in the morning so you can sleep longer. Also they seems to be quite rain proof.

Great video. I bought the ultralight quickhiker tent (3 persons) from Decathlon a few years ago (think this version no longer sells) and indeed the first time is difficult after that it is easier. Greetings from Belgium. Stay safe.

I lived in same tent in Slab City for 4 years strung out on catnip and had no complaints.

When inserting the pole check the reinforce end so the pole is bottomed out there. It can be the reason why it's so hard to put the pole in the cup

I'm reminded of the contest to string Odysseus' great bow.

Great video, thank for sharing such infos! Had the same problem on the poles with the Arpenaz 4.1 Fresh and Black, wich are massive on the 4.1.

Love the channel man keep up the great work ! This is just a comment for the UKposts algorithm

Love your tent videos👍👍 I especially like your focus on condensation in real-world conditions 👍👍 There is another UKpostsr who said he was going to do a full review on a one person shelter, and that he might even sleep in it overnight to check the condensation.... What the heck?? Or other UKpostsrs that do the top five or top 10 of something and base their recommendations on what the manufacturers claim... But I digress 😁😁 Keep up the good work 👍👍

I agree. The setting up of those cross poles is a pain, due to lack of adjustability. However, there is a small trick that help you set this up much easier. You need to detach inner tent from the fly sheet by one button on each corner where the clips are. It will give a bit loose and allow to put poles in to those little cups. It isn't much but way easier. After that you attach inner to fly and continue setting up the tent. Breaking down goes the same- detach inner from fly and remove poles from clips. So yeah, if you'll be caught by bad weather on the trail, you will be wet before you finish setting up your tent. However, you should consider this one if you travel alone, value space for you gear and comfort inside and want to limit the volume of your backpack gear. When removed poles from the tent pack, the tent can be compressed and takes less space. The tent poles then can be stuffed in some corners of your backpack. I'm using Helikon-Tex Mathilda backpack, and I fit my winter synthetic sleeping bag, along with this tent and "Deca yellow sleeping pad" plus spare cloths in main chamber. Just to compare with 3x3 tarp plus some ground sheet- that set takes more space in the backpack than Quick Hiker 2. So yes, the setting up takes time and is literally pain, but If you master setting this up and find your way, it will repay the pain.

I have had this exact issue today trying to set up this tent.. so much so I snapped one of the poles trying to force it in! I've had to exchange it for a new one and hope that it's easier to set up. If not, it's going back!! That does mean however my camping trip next week will be cancelled 🥺. Very disappointing, I had high hopes for this tent

I have the previous version of this(green and not fresh and black) and it has two holes instead of the cup to adjust pole tension. I must admit that even with that feature inserting the poles is not always easy

I have a Coleman Phad x3 tent that is equally as hard the get the poles seated they have pins that go in the ends. Just as hard as this Decathlon tent to get in. Poles out you need to push them out as you did for the setup. But that Decathlon looks a solid robust tent with lots of room. Interesting to see what They say about it! Strength & Honour

Being in the market as a first time buyer for a light, 2-person tent I really apprecaite these reviews.

Great analysis. The "Before You Buy" concept is admirable. Personally, the thought of pushing poles through a long sleeve is just asking for a puncture/rip.

Hey Luke, hope you're well, would you be willing to do an updated review on naturehike's updated line of tents that are effectively MSR clones. They claim to have improved their designs.

My Snugpack hooped bivvy is as bad until i learnt to put weight onto the pole whilst bending it to the pointnof snapping hence i hardly use it. Great review as always.

I have an old cheap tent that's probably 20+ years old with sleeves and both ends are open so you just push the pole through and onto a metal peg thing it locks onto but when you take down you can just push the pole right on out the same direction it went in so the pole doesn't separate. I don't have any modern tents because I just use a hammock now but it seems like that old design is much easier.

It's funny. I bought the green version of the Quickhiker 2 in 2018 (I think Decathlon no longer makes it). And I never had such a problem. I always found it very easy to pitch, and it provided a perfect shelter for several months on a bike trip. Thanks for your videos!

I've used the original version of this tent (QH2, not Fresh & Black) for about 4 years now and I can't think of another tent that would be faster and easier to set up! The caps were ridiculously stiff in the very beginning but after a couple of nights they stretch a little and the tent is easy to pitch even for my wife who's a very petite person. In America you may have hundreds of other options, but here in Scotland with midge swarms in the evenings, there is NOTHING more comforting than not having to build the poles, and then attach the tent to them and then fasten the flysheet over the thing. Having an all-in-one setup with pole sleeves saves time and hundreds of midge bites in the process :)

Thank you for this information

The OEX Bobcat has a similar problem, but because the rest of the tent is so smart the Bobcat lovers have decided it's worth the effort to use the saw and remove 2 cm of the tent pole (luckily, it has only 1 pole) and voila perfect tent!

Interesting... My wife and I bought this tent back in 2020 and we used as our main "home" for 6 months on our Motorcycle Cross Country Trip around USA and we loved it so so much... I have to say that we always worked as a team in order to set-up and break-down. Maybe the first couple of times setting up it has hard to introduce the poles but, after 3/4 times, now it goes smooth as butter!. Taking the poles out was tricky as well, but again, after 3/4 times you know how to take them out... NOTE. we always did the process including 4 hands (or 2 people)... you tried alone! Anyway... i believe it was a good video... Cheers

I really like the tent I have the Snugpack Bunker for Shadow and I. It is a 3 man tent but does us just fine with our kit.

I have one. If you stake it down first, before you start poles, it's so much easier.

Would one of those T-bar pegpullers help seating the poles? Use it throught the tape loop to pull the tent and pole together and seat the pole end.

Hi from Europe, I just have bought this tent, but instead of Quick Hiker 2 Fresh & Black, it is called Trek 500 Fresh & Black, under the same brand Forclaz. I have set up the tent 4 times now, and each time it comes easier and easier, and the tension is really nice. 1st time it was hard but I had a good grip, 2nd time after I have been climbing for a while and sweaty I though that I might give up to put it together (I wasn't staying over the night, just setting it up to test), there wasn't enough space, it wasn't comfy place, my hands were sweating, it was terrible, somehow I eventually managed to do it. 3rd time again it came easy to put together, 4th time easy as before. Tip to put them in - to make sure the poles are really evenly going through the pole sleeve - if not evenly going through - it might be a hustle :)

Thank you for the information.

I can imagine the frustration trying to set this up in the rain. Trying to grip and bend those poles with cold, wet hands wouldn't make the fight any easier!

I bought two of the identical trek 500 2 person tents at a half price sale (Decathlon increased the price $50 just before the sale so at $150Aud each it was only a 40% discount). I agree that the long poles require inordinate strength to insert into the cups. I shortened them by 15mm and they still have enough tension but are quite manageable. I shortened with a pipe cutter and then used a Dremel wheel to cut along the section being removed - be careful not to cut through elastic. A light punch near the end of the tube will stop the end moving. After a few setups I can slide poles into the sleeves quickly and easily slide them back out. For me this design beats setting up up an inner and then throwing over and securing a fly. The tents are too heavy for backpackers but passable for cycle touring. The fresh and black combined with high wind rating makes for superior protection and comfort in Australia's harsh summer.

so I am not the only one who struggles with these type of tents ...Phew..... :-) What is even harder is , dismantling such tents , because the poles comes apart inside the sleeves and it becomes a nightmare to get it out.

I just bought the Naturehike Tadar 2. Same problem, the pole clips are not adjustable. I thought I was going to rip the tent fly. Other then that it is perfect for what I wanted it for. Weekend trips on the motorcycle. In the carry bag it is small enough to fit in the saddle bag and still have room for other equipment. I rate it 8 out of 10 so far. Rate might go down after a couple trips. Will find out soon.

Luke I just want you to know you've truly inspired me. Not just camping and backpacking, but your attitude, your outlook. You're a truly kind soul and live up to the strength and honor you preach. Your advice and outlook I'm sure has influenced many for the better. For those who have been here for some time we know this channel is so much more than gear reviews and that never escapes me for a moment. God bless you and your family. Strength and Honor my friend 👊

I have a similar tent from Cabela's and I have found it is easier to stake out the corners first then insert the poles. Maybe that would help?

He man love ur channel I am thinking about purchasing the quechua 3person 2 second pop up tent have u done a review on them or if u have considered one I called myself looking but didn't see one but may have overlooked ur feedback would be greatly appreciated I trust ur reviews

I am addicted to this channel.

Safe to say Luke, you set up tents "just a bit more often" than most folks. To see you struggle sets off alarm bells! I am not fond of sleeves and this tent would drive me insane. Ty for another awesome review

Thanks Brother, the wife was looking at that tent, I'm glad you put out this video, after watching, its a no on this one.

What do you think about the older version of Quechua T2 tent??

Have the green " normal type" ...and it's lighter, ..and zero problems... Nice tent for the price, lower as the fresh and black version.. I don't need fresh...in april- may in the Ardennes...and sleeping with the light on was never a problem... But problems with too long poles ...with an Helsport tent, and an "acive leasure" tent.. i shortened with the cutter people use for water pipes..

I bought one couple of years ago - just not this "hot weather" color. I think in EU it is good tent for the price. Had it in pouring rain with zero leaks (really heavy storm with winds) and on rought terrain with material suffering 0 damage. Setting it up is not a struggle as presented - I do not know what is wrong with US models... by my opinion minus of this tent is weight, but not performance.

The Marine Corps uses a tent with a similar design, it worked for me when I was in.

..great money saving info, stay safe..

One easy way of putting the pole into the toggle/cap is to step your foot into the rope ring and pull with all your body weight, kind of like stringing a crossbow.

I see your point about a bad design. Question tho, it's a 2 tent which I assume means 2 person. Would not a person on each end of the pole make it easier to set up take down?

With mine at the beginning it was very hard to put it up, but it got better (still not easy). I've been using in Brazil with some really hot and mild cold temperatures, heavy rain and it has been perfect. I can easily sleep a lot more in the morning, it holds the temperature really well, and it's very dark. Those are the pros. The cons are that my pole broke with some mild wind ripping the inside channel when taking the pole out (also the warranty by decathlon in Brazil is meh) and the weight of the whole pack is very heavy at around 3,2kg.

I’d love to see you put together a WWII surplus wood/canvas cot. Man up dude.

Hello what do you guys recommend as alternative for 4 season tent 2 person like this one for less than 300eu in europe ? thanks 🙏

You are fighting the flexibility of the tent and material. Stake the closed ends of the pole sleeves first. You can push from the opposite side arching the poles. This system is on numerous tents with non-adjustable pole ends. Try it again you may find it works. It's a heavy tent for hiking. Unfortunately you can't divide the tent and fly to share weight with a partner if need be.

Luke when is there going to be a adventure from the two of you and a tent that hard to put up your right with children and if there is a storm then what tent would you recommend for family or two people let us know please

My review: The tent itself: it's a great tent. Roomy, warm in cold season, 'fresh' during hot season, darkness for sleeping, good ventilation, no issues with weather. 9/10 Set up: like Luke said, it's really hard. I was crippled for 3 days after setting it up. The system with poles, sleeves and cups requires too much brute force. The only setup advantage that this tent has is that you can pitch the outer tent first so that inner tent doesn't get wet. 2/10 Usage: I do not recommend for trekking/hiking/biking where you need to pitch daily, but I do highly recommend for camping out if you can stay in one place for 1 or 2 weeks, or longer, and you have a camping buddy to assist a bit.

Please suggest best 5 tent for eac category thanks 🙏🏻

Thanks, i was considering a try, but not anymore 😆

So I have had multiple tenants with sleeves over the years I find if the poles aren’t in the sleeves correctly they tend to fight you when it comes time to stand it up. So my though is maybe you didn’t insert the pole evenly just having an extra inch on one side of a pole can give you that exact problem

Do you just poke the corners of the tent through your plastic groundsheet?

Very good info thx.

You simply apply the wrong technique to insert the poles and set it up. First make sure, they really are fully inserted, which was not the case with you. Second, instead of using brute force elbow grease let your body mass do the work by sticking the pole on the ground and push the sleeve downward. I set this tent up within a minute. To get the poles out, it is a good hack to use body powder on the poles at the first time. Makes getting them out later a lot easier. Admittedly, there are easier ways to set up a tent than with this. A 5 out of 10 would be fair enough. But it is not „ridiculous“, I am quite satisfied with it. Btw, I am not related in any way to either the manufacturer nor the seller.

Cool hand Luke, doing it right.....👏👏👏👏👏

Can you review some UK tents? Like the Vango or OEX tents

Thanks for the video, been thinking about getting a black out tent, but it won't be a Decathlon.

is this the same as the Trekking 3 Seasons Dome 2-Person Tent Trek 500 Fresh and black tent?

Maybe a hatchet handle through the string lay it on the ground under your feet and stand on it . Use your hands on the pole only, it may work .

maybe you can review the decathlon MH100 camping tent 2. it was only 40 bucks

Luke, I was wondering if, once you have your poles in the sleeves, would it make inserting the poles in the hole if you went ahead and staked out the corners first? That way you could put your foot on the stake and use both hands to bend and aim the tip of the pole into the hole? That way you can sort of use your bodyweight to help. Just a thought.

I bought one of these and took it back immediately. I couldn’t get a single pole to fit in. I was worried about ripping the sleeve or snapping the pole. Long term this is a guaranteed failure point.

I can’t imagine this fight, setting up a tent, in lousy weather! Good grief!

maybee wrong but was this the tent that was good for 70mph winds or another tent if it is it needs to be tuff

I bought this tent last year, it is as difficult as you said. And it is dangerous to use too, when breaking the tent, the pole suddenly went straight, nearly shot to my eyes. Unfortunately in HK, there is no refund policy after the first use =.=

is this definitey the Forclaz, as i notice it say's Quecha on the tent. I know they're both decathlon brands. Thanks

I spent so much money buying this tent and i faced the same issue to setup and remove the tent 😭😭 it is so hard to put in the pole and to take it out!

It's easy enough to insert the poles. Rest the sock end of the poles against something stable and then you can flex the pole easily.

Do a video on the black and fresh Quechua 2 second tent

lol @3:44 I was thinking to myself " hope he brought another tent to sleep in cause it gonna take a week to get that pole seated".

I'm confused why isn't there rekovable rain cover, when it's not raining you really want to sleep only in inner tent with mesh you get so much fresh air it's amazing and then be able to put the raincover in case of rain. Also that struggle with the pole to put it in the sleeve I can see 3 points of failure, forcing and breaking poles, piercing pole while putting it in ling sleeve and end of the sleeve getting piecced by pole with use over time. Was looking to replace my McKinley Escape tent but I don't like designs of quechua tents so I might go for mckinley vega tent next or easycamp equinox. Btw cool video, but would be nice if you showed us the inside too

Yoir audio is fantastic man

I actually own this and a few other Decathlon tents. In Germany there is an updated version (Trek 500 Fresh & Black), which is all around better (and easier to set up) and has the same design, which I quite like. But even the old version works quite well for me, it's a bit of work to get the poles in, but still a lot less problematic and way quicker than some other tents to set up. Maybe you just got a specially tight one, or I got a really good one. In this case I would clearly return it. My personal experience with decathlon customer-service is more than great, they even fully refunded a tent a year after the guaranty had timed out and now have 5 years of guaranty with no questions asked on return. Also, their tents seem to be high quality for the price and have never failed on me in heavy rainstorms or other bad conditions. Greetings from Germany!

I seriously considered getting this for my daughter and I to share and I passed because of the weight. This video just confirmed that this would not have been a good purchase for us. Thank you!

I'm in the market for a tent and I won't be buying that one I'm glad I found this review because I was most certainly looking at that tent for purchase just so you know at 2 and 1/2 minutes in the video I had decided I didn't want it

You convinced me on the first video not to buy this tent.

Its a lot easier to put the pole together as you insert it in - in contrast to putting the pole together and then putting it in the sleeve.

stake out the corners the stand on the stake and the pole will be much easier to get in