THIS smart two-berth two-pole tunnel features Robens’ Internal Pole Sleeve System. The pole sleeves sit on the inside of the tent’s flysheet to create a smooth outer surface that prevents accumulation of snow and helps shed rain.
The pole sleeves are sealed at one end. Just push the poles through then place under tension by locating the free end into the plastic cup. The tension tape is then tightened.
The Green Hawk has doors front and back, and above each is a mesh vent with a huge cowl that funnels air through the tent. This has a stiffened rim and guys out. The vents can be closed off by zipping shut the internal ‘curtains’.
The flexibility of having two doors leading onto each porch means you should be able to have access, or a cooking area, that is always sheltered from wind and rain. Each porch measures 110cm x 240cm.
An O-shaped door leads into the inner tent and this folds into a bottom corner pocket. The door features a mesh vent that is backed by a privacy panel. A washing line stretches the length of the inner.
Camping says Sit inside the Green Hawk and you appreciate that orange inner tent – it creates a warm glow even on a dull day. Next, you have to marvel at the amount of living space provided in the Green Hawk – it is a veritable Tardis.
I appreciate the fact that each camper has his or her own door backed by a huge working area. It means you can exit the tent without disturbing your partner and spread out your gear in the privacy of your own area – no one will throw wet waterproofs or dirty boots on your kit.
The sleeping arrangement is transverse – you sleep across the width of the tent rather than its length. This makes efficient use of the tent’s footprint and provides the superb work area and two doors.
Alloy poles, silicone-coated Ripstop polyester, great design – you get a lot of tent for your money. It is certainly worth checking out the Green Hawk if you are looking for a neat, well-priced lightweight tourer for camping from a small car, cycle or kayak, or for backpacking on a mid-range budget.
FACTFILE
Price £229
Packed size 49cm x 18cm
Materials Outer Silicone-coated HydroTex Ultralite Ripstop polyester, 3,000mm hydrostatic head
Inner Breathable polyester
Groundsheet Polyester 210T, PU-coated, 10,000mm hydrostatic head
Poles Aluminium alloy
Dimensions Outer 365cm x 240cm
Inner 140cm x 220cm
Height 115cm (inner 105cm)
Sleeps 2
Packed weight 3.4kg
Pitching time 5 minutes
Style Tunnel
CONTACT
Robens
Tel 01937 591101
Web
www.robens.co.uk
This review was published in the November 2009 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.
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