fast set up clam-type shelters

Introduction

clam style shelters consist of panels which are supported by fibreglass poles and assembled by pulling the centre of each panel outwards then going inside and pushing up the ceiling panel(s)
this allows for very fast set up and pack down times
they come in cubes, hexagonal sides or octagonal sides
poles are fixed in place so you wont forget them - although some have additional poles to strengthen doorways and of course any awning poles are separate
some are designed to be primarily sleeping shelters (ie. tents) while others are designed to be relatively bug-proof cooking and eating meshed wall shelters with options to attach full fabric panels via Vecro
the main issues are:
- packed length tend to be very long - 4-6' long depending upon diameter of the shelter
  - this may require transporting on a roof rack
- not aerodynamic and not likely to enjoy strong winds over 40-70kph
  - if a strong wind gust entered an open door, there is a high risk of the pegs being pulled out of the ground and the shelter blowing away
- in windy conditions, the guy rope to centre of each panel should be well pegged out
  - some models require removing and re-attaching the guy rope when adding or removing a full fabric panel wall

if you are camping in areas with lots of flies or mosquitoes for more than a few days then a large insect-proof shelter such as these is a must!
- take them down if strong winds or heavy rains are likely - you can leave most of the pegs in, then put a couple of heavy weight on the collapsed gazebo to keep it safe
- if shelter from the sun is not possible, add a dark tarp over the top with air space between it and the roof to reduce day time temperatures

these usually do NOT have a built-in floor!
these could also double as a shower ensuite
would avoid strong winds > 35kph
these can be great for camp kitchens and meals where mosquitoes or flies are a major nuisance
you are likely to need to transport these on a roof rack as they are about 2m long packed down
very hot in full sun even when fully meshed (the finer the mesh, the less ventilation you get) - needs shade or under a tarp
may need additional seam sealing for waterproofing
Vevor hexagonal gazebo screen
- budget entry level gazebo rated at 300D Oxford 1500mm WH waterproofing and has 11mm fibreglass poles
- packs to almost 2m long so this could be a major issue for transport
- 3m version can be set up by one person but much easier with two, although you do need to be tall or have a stool to push up the ceiling
- 3m / 10' diameter version is 13.9kg and packs to ~1.87m long
- https://www.vevor.com.au/canopy-tent-c_11270/vevor-pop-up-gazebo-tent-pop-up-screen-tent-6-sided-canopy-sun-shelter-with-6-removable-privacy-wind-cloths-mesh-windows-12x12ft-quick-set-screen-tent-with-mosquito-netting-army-green-p_010792445886 ~$AU356 for 12'x12' version which includes 6 full fabric velcro-on walls (2 of which have small windows and 1 is a zipper doorway)
- Youtube - set up

Oztent Screen House Hex
- similar to the Vevor 3m version but 210D rip-stop poly oxford canvas
- 3m diameter; each wall is 1.8m wide and ceiling is 2.1m tall
- packs to 190x30x30cm and weighs 15kg
- ~$AU539 on special but seems the fabric walls are optional extras
Vevor 13 panel octagonal screen house
- mesh panel ceiling for star gazing with 300D Oxford fly for waterproofing
- roll down fabric sides to wind proof the B3 mesh walls
- two doors each with awnings
- the extra ceiling panels make these more complex to set up and pack down and hence perhaps more risky for breakages
- 3.6m version:
  - each panel is 1.4m wide; centre is 2.26m high;
  - 19.65kg; packs to 1.18 × 0.32 × 0.32 m;
  - https://www.vevor.com.au/canopy-tent-c_11270/vevor-pop-up-gazebo-screen-tent-3-6x3-6-m-13-sided-spherical-camping-canopy-tent-with-removable-top-carry-bag-quick-set-bite-proof-screen-house-sun-shelter-for-8-10-persons-beige-p_010115919903 ~$AU392
- 4.5m version:
  - 4.57m / 15' diameter; each panel is 1.45m wide x 1.6m tall; ceiling is 2.26m tall;
  - 22.58kg; packs to 1.3 × 0.33 × 0.33 m
  - https://www.vevor.com.au/canopy-tent-c_11270/vevor-pop-up-gazebo-screen-tent-4-57-x-4-57-m-13-sided-spherical-camping-canopy-tent-with-removable-top-carry-bag-quick-set-bite-proof-screen-house-sun-shelter-for-12-15-persons-beige-p_010633871209 ~$AU491

Gazelle T3 Tandem Hub tent
- one large front door pus a rear D door; 21kg; packs to 30.5cm x 1.5m long;
- Gazelle T3X storm test - minor water leak in wind blown rain from doorway zipper
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih_mPCvLW48
    - pros: very easy set up and take down; very solid in storms if staked out;
    - cons:
      - only 64“ tall measured - cant stand up; only for 2P + gear;
      - mesh is so tight it limits air flow and ventilation and thus condensation is problematic
      - long heavy bag; stakes are hard to pull out; the 2 doors are hard to get in or out off for adults and are a trip hazard;
      - mesh screen needs to be unzipped as well as the door zip to get in.
      - floor is hard to put back in and get a good seal; many areas where bugs can come in.
      - not waterproof in heavy rain; poor quality control;
Gazelle T4 Hub tent
- 78” tall (1.98m), 2.4m wide, 2.57m hub to hub diam
- 2 D shaped doors; 6 “tight-weave” meshed windows; removable rain fly, removable floor; 210D Oxford shell with 2000mm WH; 300D Oxford floor 5000mmWH;
- packs to 20x20x171cm; 15.4kg;
- includes 300D Oxford footprint
- $US429 in green or orange;
Gazelle T4 Plus Hub tent
- one large front door plus a rear D door; 27kg, packs to 28cm x 1.6m long;
Gazelle T8 hub tent
- 2 D doors; 25kg; packs to 28cm x 1.6m long;