Tent Review: OZtrail Fast Frame 300 Plus
The OZtrail Fast Frame tent series has become very popular in the Australian camping market, and it’s clear to see why. If you’re looking for a big tent that’s easy to set up and break down, this is the product you want.
With the steel frame fitted into the tent, setting up literally only takes a few minutes (once you figured it all out for the first time). But no product is perfect… in this month’s tent review we tell you all you need to know about the OZtrail Fast Frame 300 Plus.
SETTING UP
The OZtrail Fast Frame 300 Plus comes with its steel frame attached. You simply lay out the tent, peg out the four corners, and extend the legs until they click into place – that’s the main dome part of the tent erected.
Then take the remaining poles to extend the extra room at the back, and the built in awning at the front. The first time might take you a bit longer as you learn exactly where everything goes, but after that this tent can be set up in minutes.
The breakdown is also extremely easy– remove the added poles, lower the dome and fold the tent. As a bonus, packing the tent away is also a breeze.
Since the storage bag is quite big, you don’t need to struggle to fold it up just right, as is the case with so many products.
COMFORT
The tent is a fairly big, and can comfortably sleep 6 adults. The back extends to form an extra room which is accessible through the main body. You can put up a partition, turning the tent into two rooms. The OZtrail Fast Frame 300 Plus is perfect for a small family. Or if you are travelling alone or as a couple, the back section could act as a bedroom while the body of the tent and shaded patio will be your living area.
As for your privacy, every window and door – even the main entrance oversized D door – is protected by window flaps and No-See-Um mesh for ventilation with no biting insects. There are even roof vents, giving you climate control, especially for the hot months.
WEATHER RESISTANCE
The Fast Frame series includes two ranges: Cruiser and Tourer. The Cruiser design (which we tested) has a cap fly design, while the Tourer design include a full-length fly sheet. Both the inner tent and outer fly are made of waterproof materials.
Full fly tents retain more warm air overnight. So if you plan on doing all year touring – or love your winter – check out the full fly Tourer range.
WORKMANSHIP
The fabric is made from rip stop material that is UV resistant, and is light enough to fold without being too thin to insulate properly. The tent poles are made from steel and all the plastic used is noncorrosive.
The seams connecting the groundsheet to the dome and on the fly sheet have been treated with seam sealant.
