Road test: Speedy 3-man tent

CAMPING accommodation that assembles itself.

tent

WHAT is it?

You know when you go camping but somehow forget to put up your tent until it's midnight and you're full of wine, and you're faced with the choice of either a) Thrashing around in the dark with a 3D puzzle of tent poles, guy ropes and fly-sheets, or b) Lying down on the ground, covering yourself in leaf litter and hoping for the best? Well, that's where the Speedy tent is an absolute godsend.

Why?
Because to set it up, all you do is take it out of its bag and throw it. It pops open mid-air and lands ready to go.

How does it work?
It has built-in resin poles that just want to snap into shape. It's a bit like one of those beach shelters, only this is a proper camping tent with a double skin and taped seams, and good ventilation. It's pretty roomy for a three-man tent, too - you could get four in if you're very close friends.

Would you take it hiking?
Alas, no: it can only pack down to a cumbersome pancake shape, 90cm across.

Any caveats?
Yes, although it's a cinch to set up, the technique for packing it up is tricky - like a cross between origami and full-contact wrestling - and should be practised at home first.

Price: $249, exploreplanetearth.com