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Hi there

As you will know from my post about DIY awning conversion,we have the tent you mention. Firstly I will say that we have only erected the tent once so far. It was a hot day, despite watching several videos about various methods of pitching the tent, we opted for Outwells method. I wasnt comfortable with one central pole hoop carrying all the weight of the other poles and canvas as suggested in other posts, probably worrying unduly but this is why we opted for manufacturers method.

Firstly we pegged out the footprint and then laid out the tent on top whilst we pegged out the rear corner,then threaded the pole sections, easy enough, a lot easier than trying to thread multi section fibreglass poles for sure.

The tent does become quite heavy and bulky to manhandle once all the poles are threaded and ring and pins in as you walk the tent firstly towards the rear and then section by section to the front.

At this point all instructions became a bit surplus as we found the easiest thing to do was peg out the main front storm strap to support whilst we faffed about with the tensioners and pegging. No doubt someone will be along shortly to tell me we did it all wrong...constructive feedback welcomed!

Once the main structure is up everything else is a doddle, groundsheet zips in easily, wardrobe (make sure its not overtensioned and pulling on the rubberised hooking point on groundsheet) is great, sleeping pods easy enough as are the drying rails and pockets etc.

Other people have comented on the plastic pegs...they arent great in dry ground. I dont think the tent is any more difficult to pitch than any other tent ive used and its inherent build quality is reassuring whilst you are doing so.

My other half struggles with mobility/bending and kneeling etc, and it didnt help when she stood barefoot on one of the metal pegging out stakes whilst pitching but she managed ok.

I dont know of any particular difficulties you may have but will be happy to try and answer any specific queries, in summary yes it can be heavy/cumbersome but I cant see you having any difficulties and once its all sorted draws admiring glances and is great to come back to after a day out!

With every tent Ive ever had Ive removed the bedroom pod, not strictly needed of course. It wouldnt make much difference to the handling of the tent when packing/unpacking but does make the zipping in of the groundsheet much easier. Otherwise the pod would be in the way.

Also just like the idea of storing the sleeping pod separate from the tent for freshness etc.

Groundsheet needs zipping in from the inside.

Know what you mean about plain and simple door option!