Well we have finally purchased out new tent, after looking long and hard went for the Aztec Cantera 9. We are unable to put the tent up in our garden due to its size and are going away next Wednesday. Does anyone have any hints and tips on erecting the tent ? How does the Ring and Pin system work ? Is it best to put the main dome up and then the pods? etc etc.
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Hi Rickit, we used to have a Aztec Asilo 9 which is similar. You pitch the dome first then the pods. Once you have thread the poles through the dome, we had to then have someone (usually the tallest in the group) to go inside the tent and hold it up so that the person outside can quickly peg it down. Once pegged the person inside can come out and you can then move the pegs in the right position (if need be). You sometimes find you have to adjust it slightly. Once that's up you can then thread the poles through the bedroom pods and pin and peg those down. Usually leaving the porch till last.
Oh by the way, only just noticed you're new to UKCS. WELCOME to the site. Hope you enjoy. There are some mad but lovely people on here with some good advice. It's also very addictive.
Thanks for the warm welcome guys, already addicted. If any of you see a couple struggling to put an Aztec Cantera 9 up in Lowestoft on Wednesday its probably us.
We got the tent up in 80 minutes in the wind on out first attempt. Tent is fantastic, lots of living room. Tent also came down in about an hour from start to finish. Would recommend tent to any family.
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I usually arrive on site with 4 kids at a campsite a few hours before hubby, (work commitments are usually muttered) I have a mega cheapo unnamed 8 man dome, I can put it up solo (even in wind and rain) placing kids at various points having told them to -hold this bit- , well, loving the camping lark I am looking to upgrade to a Cantera 9. Though taking a look at various comments I am scared an upgrade may be putting me beyond my capabilities...... any clues or tips?
Hi Mamma T and welcome to UKCS a most addictive site.I have looked on the web at your current tent (found in other post) and although the tents look similar I do not know how yours pitches. The Cantera 9 is an inner first pitch. From experience we have found it best to put all the poles in there sleeves before you start to put the inner up. 6 poles in total, 3 main and 3 bedroom. Then when you start to erect the inner, you will need someone to support the poles as the main ones are bent into postion. This could be a little difficult on your own, but if your already putting your tent up single handed you will know the principles. Then you bend the bedroom poles into position.The inner is then pegged down and you put the flysheet over the inner tent. Again vast amount of material if windy. I see your in Beds to, You could speak to local campshops to see if anyone will let you see one being put up, Try Crosscamping or Ibex. Hope this helps. Anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks, yes I think Ian and Rebecca at Ibex thought I was a bit of a wierdo as I kept popping to their display area and drooling over the tents! When I am going to make the final decision the "demo" is a great tip, brain in christmas mode, hadn't thought of that. I'm sure they'll be happy to help!
(My goodness this is addictive I've posted 4 in less than 24 hours!)
Did it! I purchased my very own Cantera9, am like a kid with a new toy, ok I am a kid with a new toy! I went to Ibex and they were fab, Rebecca invited me along to a pitch practice and I paid a deposit and placed an order before I left their new Little Paxton showroom location.
Saturday afternoon it took me about an hour and a half to put up the tent almost solo in our gaden, hubby hovering but I had to manage without him just in case! Oldest child was comendeered to push up the inner when I had to put the pins in the poles and he helped me whoosh the fly over the top (only took 3 goes). Wow it's fab and now cannot wait to do it for real. Confessions.....couldn't resist it, we all camped in the garden Saturday night! Bloomin cold, but hey, it's April! Roll on May!
Hi Mamma T, congratulations on your new purchase. Indeed Ibex are great and we to as you know bought a Cantera 9 from them last year. Great tent and heres to you and your family having many a great holiday in your tent. Happy camping.