Gazelle Tent Review: Ideal 4-Person Hub for Campers?
When we first laid eyes on the Gazelle, we knew car camping was about to get a whole lot easier. This tent claims to set up in under 90 seconds, and it honestly lives up to that.
The space inside is ample, comfortably fitting three adults or in our case, two adults and two large dogs. The Alpine Green color blends nicely with natural surroundings, making for some great campsite photos!
The included oversized bag is refreshing; it’s not just sized to fit the tent—you could squeeze in a ground cloth and a doormat.
Once inside, the six mesh windows offer both great ventilation and a panoramic view of your surroundings without letting the elements in, which is perfect for those balmy nights under the stars.
We also took note of the thoughtful internal features like the gear loft, side storage pockets, and wall-mounted pouches—ideal for keeping essentials at hand but out of the way.
And when you’re ready to head back to civilization? The clean-up process is surprisingly hassle-free, thanks to the removable floor.
We’re on year three using this tent and have a lot to say about it! Read on for our in depth Gazelle tent review.
Easy 90 Second Set-Up, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Removable Floor, Ample Storage Options, 4-Person, Alpine Green, 78" x 94" x 94"
Standing room and freedom of movement, plus plenty of windows for enjoying the view.
Bottom Line
For an outdoor shelter that’s as tough as it is easy to manage, the Gazelle T4 Hub Tent should definitely be on your radar.
It’s comfort, ease of setup, and robust build quality stand out, ensuring your camping trip is a breeze. This is hands down the easiest tent we’ve ever owned for comfort and quick setup.
Gazelle T4 Hub Tent Overview
We’ve been using the Gazelle when we go car camping for a few years now, and we’re excited to share our thoughts because we love this tent. It’s great tent that we can 100% recommend! We were tired of dealing with tent poles and this pop-up hub tent has been the perfect solution.
It comfortably houses four people, or in our case, two people and two big dogs.
The interior is spacious, and its hub design is a huge time-saver. When it’s time to pack up the tent, its compact size is a bonus, sliding easily into a trunk or backseat. We usually strap it onto our roof rack, leaving plenty of room for other rooftop storage.
We appreciate its unique 6-sided design and its six mesh windows. They offer a great view and protection from the elements. Storage is well-thought-out, with pockets and a gear loft, keeping essentials tidy and within easy reach but out of the way.
The removable floor is a standout feature for us, making post-trip cleanups (dog hair, lots of dog hair) easy.
However, it’s worth noting that handling the tent solo can get awkward if you’re solo camping and are on the petite side.
Yet, once you’ve overcome the initial setup, the tent’s durable build and ability to stand up to rain are impressive.
The accompanying bag also wins points for its generous sizing. No trying to cram a tent into an impossibly small bag. We are also able to fit our tarps into the bag as well.
Easy Setup and Takedown
The hub design is awesome, making it incredibly hassle-free to pop up the tent in minutes. No fumbling around with complicated pole systems.
Takedown is equally hassle-free. We’ve all been there at the end of a camping trip, dreading the task of packing up, but this tent makes it painless.
And we have to mention the removable floor — such a thoughtful feature for easy cleaning. Especially if you have kids or dogs! It’s great to be able to shake out the dirt and debris from our adventures without having to wrestle with the entire tent.
Plus, storing it away is just as effortless, sliding right back into its carrying case until we’re ready for the next excursion.
Durable and Comfortable Design
After spending quality time with the Gazelle T4 Tent (we’ve had ours for 4 years now), we can confidently speak to its robust and inviting build.
Popping it open in under a minute and a half, this tent impresses with its simplicity and speed.
it’s durable, sturdy, and capable of withstanding winds and unexpected downpours.
And dogs! We have used this tent countless times with our two German Shepherds, and it has survived these furry little destroyers of all camping gear.
Comfort-wise, there’s a lot to love. The ample space comfortably fits the two of us and our two dogs, and the height is great because it allows us to stand up straight without hunching over.
Seriously, it has plenty of standing room even when our queen-sized air mattress is blown up and the dogs are inside.
The little storage pockets on the inside are perfect for keeping things like a phone, headlamp, keys, etc. handy and off the floor.
Carrying the tent can be slightly cumbersome for one, but the thoughtful design extends to the carrying bag, which makes transport manageable and slightly forgiving.
It’s a relief to see the tent slide back into its bag without a fight, a small but significant detail that shows the practicality behind the design.
The mesh windows deserve a mention, too. They keep the elements and bugs out while offering us an unobstructed view of the surrounding nature, enhancing the connection to the outdoors, which is, after all, why we’re out here.
Compact and Portable
The Gazelle is easy to store in the backseat, bed of a truck, or on the roof racks of a car, leaving plenty of room for the rest of our gear.
The tent’s design is a game-changer for those of us who prefer not to fuss with complex setups (tent poles). In less than 90 seconds, it’s transformed it from its collapsed state into a cozy shelter.
The compact size of the tent, when folded down, means it doesn’t hog up space at home either.
If you have a larger family, it might not be for you. But for us, it struck the right balance, making our camping trips less of a chore and more about enjoying nature’s offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
For us, there are more pros than cons to this tent.
The first time we had the opportunity to use the Gazelle pop-up tent, we were impressed with how effortlessly it actually popped up, transforming into a cozy shelter for up to four people.
Its spacious interior is a standout, offering enough headroom to stand upright, which is a big convenience when moving around inside.
- Setup Simplified: The hub design is a game-changer, no tent poles to fight with!
- Storage Galore: Between the gear loft, side storage pockets, and wall-mounted pouches, we never run out of spaces to stash our gadgets and gear.
- View and Ventilation: The six mesh windows are a nice feature, tightly woven, allowing us to enjoy the view without worrying about the elements or bugs.
- Cleanup Convenience: After our adventures, the removable floor makes cleanup super easy.
- Sturdy in Storms: We have weathered a good amount of inclement weather and rain with no leaks, thanks to the rain fly, which is super effective and simple to attach.
Cons
However, no tent is without its drawbacks, and the Gazelle T4 Hub Tent is no exception. While it’s a gem overall, we’ve noticed a couple of things that could be points to consider.
- Solo Setup Struggle: I attempted to take this tent solo camping, and it proved to be cumbersome to manage alone when it came time to pack it up.
- Bag Burdens: Although the carry bag is wonderfully roomy—there’s even extra space for a few small items—it can be unwieldy for a single camper to transport.
- Breeze Balance: One thing we yearned for during a particularly still night was a bit more airflow, which seemed limited even with all the windows open.
- Windy Conditions: While the tent held up, we rode out one particularly windy evening where one of the guy lines came loose, and the side of the tent caved in during the night. That was quite the wake-up! Make sure your guy lines are secure, and this shouldn’t be a problem.
We’ve gotten to know this tent well and appreciate its overall durability and ease of use. It’s become a reliable companion on our car camping trips, despite the few minor inconveniences we’ve encountered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries we’ve received about our Gazelle tent. Whether it’s withstanding the elements or comparing different models, we’ve covered everything you need to know to help make your decision.
How effective are Gazelle tents in rainy weather conditions?
From personal experience, we can attest to the effectiveness of the T4 in rainy weather. Its removable rainfly not only simplifies the process of attachment but also reliably prevents water ingress. We’ve always woken up dry and comfortable after a night of significant rainfall, indicating that the waterproof design holds up well. It’s also worth noting that the well-constructed and tightly sealed windows add an extra layer of protection from the rain.
Can you compare the space and comfort of the Gazelle T4 and T4 Plus models?
The T4 offers ample space for four people, while the T4 Plus adds an extra screen room, which is perfect for additional storage or a lounge area. Both models maintain the brand’s promise of comfort and ease, but if you’re looking for that extra bit of room or have a larger family, the T4 Plus is the way to go.
What distinguishes the Gazelle T4 Overland Edition from the standard T4 model?
The T4 Overland Edition is designed for the rough-and-ready camper. It includes beefier components like a reinforced frame and upgraded, more durable zippers tailored for rugged environments. The Overland Edition also tends to have a tougher floor material to withstand harsher ground conditions, compared to the standard T4 model.
Is there a noticeable difference in setup time between Gazelle tents and traditional tents?
Absolutely 100% yes! Gazelle tents, like the T4, boast a hub design that allows for a near-instantaneous setup—typically up to 90 seconds—while traditional tents can take considerably longer and often require more than one person. With Gazelle tents, the simplification of the setup process is a game-changer, especially for those of us who arrive at our campsite after dark or who simply do not want to fuss with poles and instructions.
How do Gazelle tents perform in terms of durability and long-term use?
We’re on year four with regular use and our Gazelle T4 is stll in great shape with plenty of life left. The premium materials used in the T4, from the robust zippers to the sturdy rainfly and floor, contribute to a product that withstands repeated use in various conditions.
