2 Seconds tent, classic or inflatable: How to choose ?

There are plenty of tents on the market and they're mainly distinguished by their structures. Here at Decathlon, you'll find three key tent categories, classified by their pitching and take-down systems.

• Instant "pop-up" tents, or the "2 Seconds" tent: these iconic camping tents practically pitch themselves, with an "8"-shaped spring pole structure. A take on the classic model, the "2 Seconds Easy" features the same system as kids' umbrellas. These two types of tent are quick to pitch and incorporate freestanding structures, making them practical for "changing location" without having to fully take them down.
• Pole tents: these are the most common and basic tents. They come in a range of shapes: dome, tunnel or geodesic (👋 the architects). To pitch this type of tent, you need to start by positioning the poles which for the structure and make sure that you'll be sleeping under a canvas that covers every side. What's next? Well, it's time to put in the famous pegs!
• Inflatable tents: with these tents, the poles are replaced by tubes that need to be inflated using a pump. Once pitched, these tents are like little camping bouncy castles! Plus, here at Decathlon, our inflatable tents can accommodate 4 to 8 people. They're therefore larger than the two other tent types.

The main advantage of the Quechua 2 Seconds tent which has made it a hit: it's super quick and easy to pitch! A revolution for the camping world, it means that you can get straight to enjoying your trip without any arguments about who has to pitch the tent. So, what about the take-down? The structure features a figure-of-eight pole that could pose a few difficulties. So, following feedback from campers, our product managers have created an easy-folding technology. The "Easy" variant is just as easy to pitch as it is to store away! Since everything is built-in, from the flysheet to the groundsheet, you don't need to worry about losing any part of your tent.

That said, just like with any camping product, these tents do have the odd downside. The first version, once folded and packed into its cover, is very flat but a circular form, which can make it difficult to carry. With the Quechua 2 Seconds model, its traditional folded format makes it easier to transport. However, it should be noted that this tent is heavier, for the same capacity, than a pole tent. You should account for around 4.9 kg for a 2-person tent and 8.2 kg for a 3-person tent. They're therefore better suited to camping trips than touring holidays.

What about sleeping space? The number of people is limited inside our instant-pitch tents: they can accommodate 1 to 3 people in a single space, according to the model in question.

Not sure which mattress is right for your pop-up tent? We'll recap the models to avoid any nasty surprises for you: we'll guide you through which mattresses are compatible with each 2 Seconds tent model!

• Classic 2P (max. mattress size: 120 x 210 cm): AIR BASIS 120 mattress
• Classic 2P XL (max. mattress size: 145 x 210 cm): ULTIM COMFORT DOUBLE 136 mattress
• Classic 3P (max. mattress size: 180 x 210 cm): AIR BASIS 140 mattress
• Classic 3P XL (max. mattress size: 210 x 210 cm): AIR SECONDS COMFORT 140 mattress
• Easy 2P (max. mattress size: 145 x 250 cm): AIR COMFORT 140 mattress
• Easy 3P (max. mattress size: 205 x 210 cm): AIR SECONDS COMFORT 140 mattress

Here we have a matter that tends to get tempers flaring… Well, which used to get tempers flaring! When it was first released, there were two types of campers: those who knew how to take down a pop-up tent… and the others. Now, everyone can fold a pop-up tent with their eyes closed (or almost)! We listened to your feedback and integrated a guided system with a colour code to make it as easy to use as possible out in the field. An innovating that makes your camping life that bit easier!

With the Easy tent, as its name suggests, it's even easier! Folding it up is just the opposite of the pitching process. To make it easier to get back into its cover, we've put together a video to show you exactly how to do it.

The innovation of the tent that can be pitched in just "two seconds" was born at the Quechua headquarters, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. The product development journey started back in 2003, following a phrase that kept popping up in market research, which could easily have been overlooked: dreaming of a tent “that you throw in the air and that blows up on its own”. It was Jean-François (product manager) and Abi (designer) who turned this dream into a reality, with the product marketed by Decathlon in 2005.

The patented Fresh and Black technology is a tent canvas that keeps the interior of the tent cool and dark, so you can enjoy lazy mornings as daylight is blocked out (with 99% darkness). All our Quechua tent models come in a standard version and a Fresh & Black version, guaranteeing optimal comfort for campers who like their sleep. Because we love camping, but we don't love waking up at the crack of dawn. So, here's keeping it cool (and dark) with the Fresh & Black technology!

Here at Decathlon, pole tents and pop-up tents come with a 3-year guarantee from the date of purchase. As for inflatable tents, they come with a 5-year guarantee. That said, whatever tent you pick (Quechua or Forclaz), the quality remains the same. They're tested both in the lab and out in the field to guarantee their high quality levels over time. That’s why we offer warranties: we trust our products to fully keep up with all your adventures, day in and day out. If ever your tent lets you down when it shouldn't have, we'll take care of it! Want to find out more about the guarantee conditions for our products? Take a look here!