THIS is the Gazelle T3 Video You Are Looking For

[@JurgenADV]

I’ve been looking at a bunch of tent reviews. This is one of the best I’ve seen. No musical interludes while you brew coffee. No pointless 5 minute soliloquy as an intro. Remembering that reviewing take down matters. A thorough honest review; all wheat no chaff. Kudos. I see a T4 in my future.

[@mungabrown6543]

Pick yourself up one (or two) of those cheap Harbor Freight moving blankets to put down on top of your floor. They're the perfect size, quiet your movement inside the tent significantly, add a little padding and warmth, too. They work GREAT as cheap "carpeting" and protect your floor from cot legs, chair legs and dog paws. I love my T3!

[@softroadingthewest]

Oohhh...that's a great idea. Man...I don't know how to fit yet something else into my little car but I sure can see how that would be really nice to have. Hmm...might have to find a way to squeeze that in!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Hey, that is a great idea! Another thing I do is that although the T3 has a bath tub floor (as my Coleman does) I use a sheet of Tyvek to protect the bottom of the floor. It too is cheap. Initially tyvek is noisy but I washed mine (after "halving" it) and dried on low heat twice and I can ball it or fold it quietly. It's another layer of protective ground insulation which quite often is more important in winter camping. Speaking of tips, Walmart sells these 9X7 folding tatami mats for around $25 and I use it outside the door of my tent and it helps tremendously in keeping my tent clean; however, there's always a whisk broom and dust pan next to the door of my tent; I just store it in a freezer ziploc and in one of the wall pockets of the tent. A camp set up I love which depends on the space you find is backing my Jeep up about 10 feet from the doorway of the tent. Between the Jeep and the tent door I erect a 10X10 tarp, one end secured to the vehicle and the other end supported by two Green Elephant telescoping tent poles secured by guy lines. That small area always stays dry even in heavy rain or snow and covers my table, chair, stove and UCO fire pit, also a BBQ pit. Come to think of it my mother-in-law has a stack of those Harbor Freight blankets she used to move in with us.

[@mungabrown6543]

@@alexanderweaver4838 Yeah, I put down an inexpensive tarp as a footprint to go under the tent floor before set up. Remember it needs to be just a bit smaller than the actual footprint of the tent, or rain/moisture will get between the footprint & the tent floor more easily,.

[@sgvsuper7324]

Great idea!

[@drexldog]

@@softroadingthewestSpace saver idea.Vacuum bags help with blankets I've found. If you have a small battery/12 v pump you can also use the bags when it's time to break camp and head home.

[@larrybruce3308]

WOW!!! I've been a KZbinr for a couple of years. I've NEVER commented on any video. THIS PRESENTATION WAS OUTSTANDING!!! Answered ALL my questions!! Great job. Tnank you. I've been on the fence between a T3 and T4. I have a bad back, and being able to stand straight up is a big deal for me. Thank you so much. I'll spend the extra $$$ and get the T4!!!

[@softroadingthewest]

Hi Larry, I'm glad to hear you found it helpful. I spent SO MUCH time scouring KZbin for videos showing me what I wanted to know on the T3. I eventually pieced it all together and was able to make a decision, but I was really hoping to make it easier on those who come after me. :-) Really appreciate hearing this. Enjoy that T4! A palace of a tent!!

[@pavementendstraveler6574]

I have lost count of the number of T3 and T4 reviews I've watched and/or read. This is by far the most detailed and useful. The work/time you're putting into this channel really shows again in this video. Thank you! When I get out there again I think it's going to be the T3 for me. Although being the "cheap" guy that I am, I'll probably try to get some more use out of my old tent before I make the jump to Gazelle. Then again, being able to stand in tent, the extra room, the insanely easy/quick setup. etc. Yes, I'm trying to talk myself into it. 😊

[@raymondschneider5217]

Totally agree! This vid was well done and explained. Keep up the good work! Y'all Be Safe!

[@dancartlidge5202]

I have been living (well, sleeping) in this tent the past three nights (at least two more nights to follow), and BAM SON!!! (as Joe Robinet would say). I'm SUPER impressed. I have an inflatable twin mattress, and whatever else I need for the season, but the tent performs and sleeps incredible!!! I feel protected, secure, and yet I love hearing nature right there....outside the thin mesh. I'm in heaven.

[@karenr67]

Best demo Seen

[@luchaDor]

Good on you for editing/updating the video & re-releasing!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Such an informative review Donald! I just got back from taking the wife camping and I realized I hate my side awning. It’s such a chore to deploy and pack up. I was thinking about Permanently mounting an easy to my roof rack in the place of the awning. I see that the Gazelle tent may be a great option! Especially with the removable floor!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jon! I love this thing. Gazelle does make pop up gazebos as well if you're just looking for outdoor shelter without necessarily needing a full-on tent enclosure.

[@AmericanFrontierLife]

Great review! All the positive reviews of this tent must be helping as it's now impossible to find and sold out everywhere. Should be renamed the 'Unicorn T3'

[@SVMSICE]

I've had a hub style ice hut for over 10 years now, it's the Eskimo. I can't believe there aren't more companies making this style tent. There's so many different ones who do ice huts. I really wish someone would do a canvas all weather hub style tent. My ice hut is canvas I believe and it has held up extremely well! Lots and lots of wind where I go icefishing. Yeah anchor down the sides and nothing to worry about. When I go you don't even dare set up without anchoring the sides lol. Great video by the way, best I've seen on this type of tent!!! Ohhhh yeah and I was going to add almost all the new hub style ice huts now have 2 doors, one on each side for you and your fishing buddy. Super shocked these tents don't have 2 doors.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Hi Don! After watching this video I decided to pull the trigger and order the Gazelle T3 this morning. Amazon offers it at $230 after taxes and it's amazing that I'll have it this weekend. Amazing in that our governor is giving us the "get outta jail" card on Friday. My overlanding gear is already packed and ready for deployment...just need to stop and pick up (hopefully!) a fresh steak and a bottle of adult beverage. After watching Jason's Primal Outdoors videos I've been wanting to try the Pendleton. I'm more of an IPA guy but after this long lock down I'm going to expand my horizons :)) Thank you for the comprehensive review...the best one on You Tube!

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice! I hope you love it as much as I love mine. I'd recommend a couple of practice setups/breakdowns at home. Mine was a little stiff when it was brand new and my initial setups were a bit clumsy and awkward, but now that I have a feel for it, it's smooth and simple. Enjoy your weekend out! Reply here when you get back and let me know how it went!

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@@softroadingthewest our Governor ( Prickster) doesn't believe that we can camp and not kill everyone...but his wife can jet off to Florida or they can go to their Lake Geneva mansion...crazy.

[@chuckiep268]

Dude that’s a genius Idea for the window flaps! That’s a total pro tip! Lol still a great video! Lol

[@softroadingthewest]

Well, I'm pretty sure it's deliberately designed that way. It wasn't so much of an idea as me finally discovering that design detail. It wasn't until camping trip #4 with the tent just this weekend that I finally noticed that little detail about the construction of the windows...after the original video was pre-scheduled to go live. :-)

[@chuckiep268]

softroadingthewest see that’s why I come to you for wisdom!. I would’ve never thought of that! Lol

[@chuckiep268]

VE2XIP Thank you for both compliments. I have OCD. Which is somewhat beneficial but can be a pain in the butt on occasion. I may have a more organized garage but hes still my favorite KZbin creator for this genre!

[@thebigempty_5792]

I have the T4 - it's a great tent overall. There's tons of room and I actually set up my clean waste toilet in it. It's great because I can stand up, spray off, use body/shower wipes to clean up, change clothes etc. I've had it push in on me one night in New Mexico with a really heavy wind. Once i guyed out that side, it was fine. I kept thinking the roof was going to pop in and it bent inwards a few inches but never caved in. These are very well made and pretty durable. I agree that the bag is sized perfectly to make packing up a breeze. I have noticed a few rub/wear marks on the material where the hard parts of the tent are about to tear through. That's all small stuff to me and not really a knock on the overall quality. I will say that I"m considering going down to the T3. I have a Toyota Land Cruiser and the T4 barely fits and I have both rows of rear seats removed. It pushes all the way against the front passenger seat to my tail gate which is probably where it's rubbing through. The T3 would fit much easier. Anyhoo, thanks for a great review!!

[@RobertLowery]

For those door/window ties that are a little on the short side, I have found it works best if you tie a bow knot but pull the tail end of one of the loops all the way through the knot. You will end up with only one tail that you can pull on to release the knot. However, the knot is a whole lot more likely to stay tied.

[@kingsgirl1182]

So glad we invested in bunk cots. Thank you for sharing and because of this video we are looking at purchasing the T4 instead.

[@rael6_4wd]

I really like the windows. Absolutely necessary in the heat of the desert, where I’m usually overlanding.

[@richardwysocki8300]

Great review! Just enough detail to be thorough and excellent pro and con points. I very much liked your relaxed, easy-going presentation, too. Well done, Sir!

[@KJ-eh5oo]

Thanks for this review. Picked one up, barely used, in Salem! (No Road trip) Just an hour ago

[@mom2rays]

Excellent job reviewing this tent.

[@seekingjoynow1722]

This was so thorough. Thank you very much. I just ordered the new model. It is a darker green. I think the lighter color is better. Looking forward to using my new tent. Gazelle makes a footprint for this tent and I plan top order that and some better stakes.

[@ericsb474]

definitely looking into this tent for me and my significant other, we use a cheap ozark trail tent for now, ever since my backpacking tent failed us in the rain last year.

[@StacySalmans]

Nice ice fishing tent conversion by this company. Good review. Being an ice fisherman this tent is highly intriguing to me for camping use. They are simple to set and take dawn.

[@doctorcXanthophyll]

You have a link that talks about converting this to a ice fishing tent?

[@StacySalmans]

@@doctorcXanthophyll No, I was pointing out that they made it a good conversion from their ice tent set up. I know folks that have used and put floors in their ice tents for summer camping. Heavy denier with velcro connections.

[@MM-zy3up]

On your recommendation I purchased Gazelle T3 and jackery 1500W I have camped 16 state parks - In last 4 yrs and beach. Age 65 Female Veteran, Tks buddy

[@ejames6431]

Great review of the Gazelle T3 tent. Best by far! Thank you Sir.👍🏼

[@jodyg182]

Thanks for your review, great info!

[@davidmanen5495]

Great video with a lot of good info! Thank you

[@jimngugk4741]

Thank you for detail introduce it , I'm going to get one of this

[@danhohman]

This is such a great review! I had to come back and watch again after I saw your review of the 2 second tent. This certainly seems like a much better option!

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, I do prefer this over the Quechua. Setup/breakdown isn't quite as fast but I really love the space in the Gazelle, and having the windows I can open from the inside. Also, the ability to leave the rain fly off for even more ventilation on a warm night, and falling asleep looking at the stars.

[@danhohman]

I noticed that Amazon is out of the T3. I think they have the T4. Have you seen the T4+? Now that’s really cool! Almost like staying in my trailer 😉. I would like to try laying on your cot the next time you’re in town. That might be a game changer for me as far as tent camping goes. I already have the CVT shower/portapotti tent so that’s covered.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, the T4+ is amazing! I don't think I'd want to mess with it daily, but as a home base 2+ nights - the way most sane people camp LOL - that seems like an absolutely glorious setup. Yes, just remind me next time I'm coming through, you can give the cot a try! Bulky, but SO fast and easy, and way more comfortable than I ever expected a cot could be.

[@blaqfish]

Very honest review, thank you

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THANK YOU ! I LIKE IT & THE COLOR TOO ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !

[@SeanStewart88]

Definitely considering this to throw in the back of the Tacoma for some camping. I currently have a 1 person REI backpacking tent but it’s very small and very lightweight, perfect for backpacking but if I’m camping by the truck why should I suffer in a small space? This looks awesome!

[@edcknives4tony]

Rubber washers to mount the pump to the wood side. Maybe? Great videos! I’m in the market for the tent. Thanks

[@deepinthewasatch66]

Thanks for the great video. I ended up going with the T4 thanks to your comments about space, and it's just right for my teenaged son and myself. Couldn't ask for an easier set up and take down.

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice! Definitely the better choice for two! Enjoy!

[@eto2352]

Great video. I discovered your channel with this vid. Note that they no longer offer the T3. I wanted one, because of the pack size. The T4 is way too long but I got one anyway. Thanks for taking the time to detail the features!

[@softroadingthewest]

My understanding is that they're redesigning the T3 but won't have the new version out until probably near the end of the year. Which has kind of rendered my video obsolete, heh. Part of me wouldn't mind having a T4 but I do really appreciate the smaller footprint of the T3. I'll be curious to see how the redesigned one turns out.

[@eto2352]

@@softroadingthewest Well, your video applies for the T4 as well! It's great to get an idea of how all the Gazelle enclosures work. I will definitely buy the T3 for solo trips, i'll keep an eye out for it. Thanks! The packing length of the T4 is definitely the biggest problem of that tent.

[@johnmadill8344]

This tent is SO well constructed. It is perfect for one person. You have to shop for a shorter cot though. I have a twin size Intex inflatable bed that works great. Can also squeeze in a small bed side table and a chair. Due to the weight and length of the tent it is strictly for car camping.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, indeed, this one's not going on any backpacking adventures. :-) Great tent though for sure. I went on to use and abuse mine pretty extensively and it has held up extremely well.

[@Eugene22510]

You're the frickn best brother❤

[@bill1.4all8]

Thanks for the share. I needed to see that very same cot inside. I've made my decision. Thanks for sharing.

[@softroadingthewest]

Glad to hear this was helpful!

[@RoccoSucato]

@@softroadingthewest Is that the "deluxe" size cot or the smaller one? How does it fit you being 5'9" if its the smaller one.

[@RVingwithG]

NICE TENT! the Door is what kills it for me. But killer POP-UP! LOVE that the Floor can be removed... I like to use a Red-Camp-Fire Propane Pit. I may look into the T4

[@fredlepper3553]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@sgvsuper7324]

Thank you for showing the height of the interior.. Seen so many Gazelle tent videos and no one touched on that.. I'm 5'8" and I've been debating between the T3 and T4. I think you just convinced me to get a T3..

[@softroadingthewest]

That's what prompted me to make a video...I too hunted and hunted to find videos which gave a sense of what it was like inside, but mostly learned very very well how fast and easy it is to set up and break down, LOL. :-) I initially was convinced I wanted the T4, but now I'm SO glad I got the T3. For the places I camp, I would not want to have to find level ground for an even bigger footprint, and I'm glad I don't have that much more length and bulk to squeeze into my small car. After sleeping in my car for the past couple of years, the T3 still feels luxuriously spacious to me. :-)

[@sgvsuper7324]

softroadingthewest I have the exact thoughts. I will be using this mainly as a 1 person tent and for my gear. I think the T3 will be perfect for my needs. Thanks again. Now only if they came out with a Kryptec fabric instead of the Green/Orange.

[@zackdemundo]

Excellent review. I appreciate the time and care it took you to make it. If only I’d seen this a few months ago before I bought a crappy ALPS Mountaineering tent. Well, it won’t be the first tent I jettison in favor of a better one.

[@softroadingthewest]

The Gazelle has been great, I've continued using it and recently was out on a 5-night overland adventure, setting up a new camp every night and breaking down every morning, and the Gazelle made this so painless. In the next week I'll actually be releasing a video of another "instant" tent. I still prefer my Gazelle, but I think the new tent I'll be reviewing will be a good option for many people.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Nice update on the window storage! What size is your Calymore Light? Thanks for a great review.

[@softroadingthewest]

I think it's the smallest of the 3-face lights. The LED panels are around 7" long. Really love this light, I know it's not exactly a low budget item but it has been so incredibly useful in so many ways.

[@raymondschneider5217]

@@softroadingthewest -- At times, I think, spending a bit more IS the more economical way to go; comfort and convenience are worth the add'l $$$, IMO. Y'all Be Safe!

[@grn9209]

You got a good deal! I paid a little bit more for mine, but I still feel it’s worth it. 👍🏼

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Don, I couldn't help jammin' to the music, dude! It reminded me of the English band, Average White Band, that was huge when I was stationed in UK for eight years. Another reason for loving your video :))

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, I almost always gravitate towards some funky groovy beats on the practical/DIY/review videos. I love this style but it's never really the right fit for the adventure stories. :-)

[@sonofmaniam]

The packed up size/weight of the gazelle tents is the hardest point to ignore. I have many friends that have gone to Gazelle tents, and I have been heavily tempted myself. The general sentiment I picked up on is that they LOVE them when they first get them, but that love fades pretty quickly. I don't like bulky/heavy items in my kit. So eventually I took the Gazelle products off of my list.

[@rigamarole1117]

So what did you go with?

[@countrycraftsman5110]

Sounds like your back out enjoying the wild. Good man go out and be wild. Its good for the sole.

[@scottmacdonald1877]

I like being able to stand up and walk around inside of the T4....

[@KJ-eh5oo]

After 70, stooping anyway, 😉

[@susanreynolds3704]

I am a seasoned camper, 78 years old, have been camping by myself for years, and have never seen a better made tent. However, I am not strong enough to put the very tight fittings together. The Ardisam Gazelle company will not let me return it free of charge, and it is over $100 shipping with Fed Ex or UPS. So, be sure you really want this tent before you buy it, like buy it somewhere they will in fact take it back if it does not fit your needs. Or buy this one from me!

[@rlmaiden5722]

Which Gazelle did you have and what fittings were you having difficulty with?

[@bernardlo959]

Thank you! I learn a lot of things and very informative.

[@conniewaite1996]

Well made,except for being short. Good review

[@conniewaite1996]

I found a t4,its bigger and 279$

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, the T4 is definitely more spacious and has much better headroom. Ultimately that much tent is overkill for me out by myself (which is 95% of my camping). One thing I've realized is, the places I camp (not in campgrounds), finding enough level ground for even the T3 can be challenging, and I'm glad I don't have to place the T4. The T4 makes more sense though for anyone taller than me, or camping regularly with 2+ people.

[@conniewaite1996]

@@softroadingthewest I understand,thanks for showing me that tent.hubby and I are in our 60s and we need cots and room.your video got me looking.would like camper but not finding 1 we agree on.by myself,I can sleep in the heep.love your videos!

[@conniewaite1996]

Jeep!not heep. Lol

[@billoutdoorz]

Great video!! I own a Gazelle T4 and love it!!

[@softroadingthewest]

It's really a great tent. I just spent 5 nights overlanding in eastern Oregonand set this thing up every night, broke it down every morning, so fast and easy and spacious when I'm in it!

[@crankshaft007]

Thanks for the extensive review

[@rickyrogers5729]

I also have a t3 and was trying to figure out how to fit two cots. In other words what kind of cots are you using here?

[@softroadingthewest]

They are Coleman cots which are sold under a variety of names depending on the retailer. There's a link in the description. (Note that the Amazon page the link goes to has two options, "Deluxe Cot" and "Cot." I have the just plain "Cot" version, not the longer "Deluxe" version which comes up by default. Approximately 24" x 70")

[@larrykaminski3269]

Thank you for a great review.

[@sandoghomie]

Great Video!

[@jonathanbridges8635]

Anyone know what type of magnetic lantern he’s using at 8:53? Looks super convenient.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's the Claymore 3-Face. I have the smallest size (which I think they call "medium"). It's not a budget item but it works wonderfully well, and the battery lasts and lasts and lasts. bigtentoutdoors.com/collections/claymore/products/three-face?variant=28556747669564

[@jodielindakeahey5214]

Very helpful. Thanks. Now all I need now is permission from the boss.

[@taco472]

Nice tent but I think I’ll stay with my Coleman ‘Instant up’ 9x10. Windows 4 sides and east Oregon hail , thunder/lightning and down pour test without the rain fly 100% waterproof. Add the fly and it is truly a 4 season tent. About the same weight, a little less money, teller set up and shorter folded. One minute or less set up really I timed it.

[@softroadingthewest]

I seriously considered one of the Coleman Instant Up models. There's a lot to like about them. I think it's a great choice.

[@Bushcraft113]

Good review.

[@dvonehrlich]

I was going to buy one of these until I actually bothered to measure the inside of my tiny rig and I’m not sure where I am going to fit it haha. I will have to do some planning and pre-packing measurements before I buy one now. I wish it was just a little shorter packed up then it would be perfect.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes, that is the downside to their instant-up architecture...the poles are essentially always extended. That definitely makes this trickier to pack than most tents. I would not be able to fit this in my car without one of the backseats lowered.

[@doctorcXanthophyll]

I'm in the same boat. Would love to have the T4, but there is no way it will fit in the back of my shortbed reallistically.

[@justapotter]

Looks like you're doing too good of a job showing people the Gazelle tent. The price went up over $100 since you posted this video. As usual, Great video Thanks! !

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, well, it was on sale for about $100 off when I got it, so it's probably just gone back to its regular price. I would've struggled to pull the trigger on it at full price, but now that I've used it for a while, I feel that even at full price, I would've been satisfied with the investment.

[@justapotter]

@@softroadingthewest Dang! I reread my comment to you and apologize if it came off as snarky or made it seem like I was faulting you for the price increase. I didn't mean it that way :-) BTW, It actually looks like the T4 is less than the T3 on AMZN right now. ) Thanks again! Looking forward to your next video!

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh no oh no, I didn't take it as snarky at all! Not in the least! No, I was just clarifying. :-) I actually felt like I should have made it clearer in my video that I got a sale price, so that people wouldn't be surprised if they ended up seeing the full price. :-) Always so hard to judge tone with written comments. :-) I apologize if my reply made it seem like I thought you were being snarky...was not at all the case.

[@irishpride8157]

you could put a white underglow under ur forester so you can see the ground better in camp at night

[@lilreesebuttercups7571]

Hey friend, where did you get the folding military-style folding beds from? Great video btw!!

[@softroadingthewest]

They are Coleman cots. I got them for next to nothing off Craigslist, but they are available. There is a link in the description of this video. Note that the linked page offers two versions, "Deluxe" and "Cot." I have the plain "cot" version, not the Deluxe.

[@ThalassTKynn]

Man I wish I had seen this tent last year before buying the tent I got. Ended up getting an 8 person tent, on the assumption that it would be a good size for two adults, two kids, and a dog. Which it is, but man it's a lot more work to set up than this one!

[@brendansoutdoors377]

Have you noticed any wear on any of the staking corner tabs on the tent? I took my Gazelle out for its maiden voyage and within three days of normal, windy-enough-to-be-staked-but-not-excessively-windy use, two of the four corners have started separating from the body of the tent. I'm wondering if that's a common failure point on this design? One of the zippers for the bug screen doors also detached from the teeth and ripped a nice big hole in the middle of the zipper! They say they use YKK zippers, but I'm not so sure. Every other thing I have that has a YKK zipper on it, you can tell because the zippers actually have "YKK" stamped into them, but none of the zippers on the Gazelle have that stamp. Just wondering if any other owners have experienced these issues, as I've used my brand-new Gazelle for just three days and while ease of set-up and take down has been a plus, I'm frustrated that things that should last for the majority of the lifetime of the tent have failed within three days of use.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's really weird. Seems worth reaching out to them. I rarely stake down my Gazelle, and even then I only stake down the two windward corners if it's windy. I've maybe done that four or five times ever but seen no wear issues at all with the corner points...they seem more solid to me than any other tent I've owned. And the zippers on mine are definitely YKK branded and feel bomb-proof. I believe they ran into some sourcing issues this year due to the pandemic, I wonder if that led them to resort to some other suppliers. For the price of these tents, that kind of failure doesn't seem acceptable. I would let them know what's happening with your tent.

[@brendansoutdoors377]

softroadingthewest hey thanks for the quick reply! Love the channel-your reviews and experience with the Gazelle definitely influenced my decision to purchase one, so thanks for your help!

[@tk45440]

Good review sir! Unfortunately with all of the Pro's, the door config is probably a deal breaker for me. maybe

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, it's unfortunate. I mean, I understand why it has to be that way. A door that's bigger than a submarine hatch would really take this tent to another level though. I've never seen the T4 in person. It's taller and wider, so all the panels are accordingly larger, as the door must be. Same odd shape though. Thanks for watching!

[@dannycnoble]

I love these reviews where the reviewer is under 6 ft and can barley stand up. I am 6ft 6. Lol. This was a great review. Always a plus when no music is playing.. I think i will go with the T4. Although i do like the T3 green color.

[@inthisdayandage2793]

the t4 fits in my outback just fine.

[@adampolselli597]

Well done, sir, well done!

[@Blue.Crawler]

I just bought a T3 and swapped it for the T4, I'm 6'3 and need the extra space on to put an extra long cot. Unfortunately I returned the T4. Wondering if your T3 has a tight seal at on the floor or if there is extra material. The one I had also had some misaligned guide holes used in sewing the tent so I'm wondering if I had a second. Nice review, love all the detail.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, no problems. I've had the floor in and out a few times for cleaning and it's been pretty painless. There's just enough material to make it reasonably easy to re-attach the floor without stretching anything. I get a little bit of sort of bunched up ripples but can generally get it all to seal up velcro to velcro. Overall I've been thoroughly impressed by the build quality. That's disappointing you've run into issues...not what one would expect at that price point. Did they send you a new T4 or have you decided to move on?

[@Blue.Crawler]

@@softroadingthewest I'm trying to decide, I moved from a hammock to the T4 and like the privacy of the tent, but there were some issues with the one I had. Maybe I'll try again, with the new overland version. The design, and functionality were near perfect, I walked away thinking it wasn't right for a buggy wet area. That's why I'm reaching out to people who own one, I need more information to make the decision on a tent at this price point... thank you for your response and your excellent channel.

[@woodslisa4529]

I have issues always with tents and condensation ...how is this one? I hate waking up with everything damp. Second question...how do you keep earnings out? they always seem to make their way inside by morning

[@softroadingthewest]

Condensation is very difficult to avoid anytime you have warm moist air coming in contact with a cold surface. This tent does seem to accumulate condensation less quickly than my previous large Coleman tent, probably because it is so well ventilated. And when I camp in more arid climates (such as the eastern half of Oregon) it's much more likely to stay dry even on nights in the low 30s. When I'm someplace with more humidity in general (e.g. Western Oregon) it's much more prone to condensation even in the 40s. The excellent ventilation that helps minimize condensation is also a downside for winter camping, because this tent can get a bit drafty on a cold windy night. :-)

[@doctorcXanthophyll]

Hey, thanks for the review.... been a subscriber to your channel for quite a while (and looking forward to what vehicle you choose next)...but had a question about this tent now that the new T3X is out. There's been some reports of bugs getting into the tents around the floor. Do you find that to be the case? Mentioned quite a few times on user reviews.

[@softroadingthewest]

I've never specifically noticed that. The floor velcros to the tent body, and in the corners if one is not careful, it is possible to leave little gaps. But with a bit of care you can make sure the velcro is well sealed up in the corners where the fabric wants to sort of bunch up a bit. I mean, I've had bugs get into the tent, but I've never really known if it was through the door at one of the many times I've left it open, or via another route. The door & screen door have double zippers and it's easy to leave a little gap if you're not paying close attention. For the most part we don't have much in the way of dangerous bugs in Oregon and I tend not to be super careful.

[@doctorcXanthophyll]

@@softroadingthewest ... Thanks for the response. Living in Minnesota with our ridiculous amounts of mosquitos had me a bit concerned.

[@granthendry1001]

It may be indicated somewhere but I can’t find it. How long are those cots you are using.

[@softroadingthewest]

A bit shy of 6'. I'm 5'9" and the cot is slightly shorter than ideal for me. There is a link in the description to the Amazon listing. They show two versions, standard & the larger "deluxe" which comes up by default when you click the link, but mine is the standard size.

[@MattCookOregon]

Love it, ill buy 10. Whatd ya have your fly open on the first one?

[@softroadingthewest]

I had a hefty segment griping about no ties for rolling up the window flaps. It took camping trip #4 with the tent this weekend (after the original video had already been pre-scheduled for release Saturday morning) for me to finally figure out that there are in fact built-in pockets to stuff the rolled up flaps into. It's actually waaaay better than having to muck about with the tie straps I had complained about not being there, super fast and easy.

[@stevescramo592]

Do you use the footprint underneath? Did you use waterproof spray on the outside?

[@softroadingthewest]

This is an older generation Gazelle T3...it did not come with the footprint tarp that some of the more recent models include. I never bothered putting any kind of tarp down underneath mine, but speed of setup/breakdown was a priority for me as an overlanding KZbinr changing campsites every day and needing my evening and morning time for filming. I never used any waterproof spray on it. Not a bad idea I'm sure. I never had any issue with water incursion, but the fabric would get wet on a rainy day.

[@WeShootBack1776]

Can a Disc-o-Bed bunk bed cot fit inside it ?

[@softroadingthewest]

I don't know what that is. Probably best thing would be to look at the dimensions on Gazelle's website and compare to dimensions of the cot. Gazelle discontinued the T3 that I have and came out with a slightly larger T3x (or something like that) which is a little longer in one direction, but I don't know the measurements.

[@TJ_Blazkowicz]

Can this fit the Coleman queen size air mattress and cot?

[@softroadingthewest]

A queen PLUS an additional cot? No way. Maybe in the T4, but not the T3. I can JUST fit two 24" wide cots with a small space between them, as I show in this video. You could otherwise maybe just squeeze in a queen mattress, but I'm sure it would completely fill the floor space. You'd have to cross-check the specs on Gazelle's website against the size of a queen...I don't know either off the top of my head.

[@John-hp7tz]

You sold me! Does Gazelle Tents still offer the T3? All I could find was the larger T4 tent.

[@softroadingthewest]

They discontinued the T3 last year and said they were working on a redesign. So far I've not heard anything about the new version. It's unfortunate because this is a great size for one person, especially if one doesn't have room to haul the T4. I hope they'll follow through with a new smaller version.

[@John-hp7tz]

I just heard back from Gazelle. The new T3 version is coming out around Feb/Mar.

[@John-hp7tz]

Their KZbin channel mentions the new T3

[@mr.h2509]

It’s out ad twice the price.

[@uthe5]

I got one but looks like they quit making them.No longer on the website.

[@raf62ss]

How does it hold up in strong wind?

[@softroadingthewest]

It's noisy but withstands wind just fine. When it's windy, I stake down the two windward corners only (I generally never stake this tent down otherwise). In extreme winds, which can potentially pop the windward hub inward, you can tie a guy line from the hub to the ground to keep it from getting popped in. It's a well ventilated tent and the entire roof (under the rain fly) is mesh. When it's windy, the tent can be drafty, so winter camping in the wind is not entirely pleasant, haha. :-)

[@280zone]

So over 5'9" is "too" tall? I think I'll be going with the G6 and add the additional sidewalls.

[@softroadingthewest]

Well, depends on if you want to be able to stand fully upright or not. :-) At 5'9" my head *just* touches the center hub if I stand fully upright in the middle, and I have to duck/stoop a little throughout the rest of the tent.

[@PerfDayToday]

And if you want, a cheap piece of tyvek as a groundcloth, if you felt the need to protect the floor. I made a 10’ x 12’ car camping/dining fly out of the stuff-cheap! 😎

[@softroadingthewest]

Good idea. In the past, when we would tent camp, we would always put down a tarp below the tent, but the floor of my old Coleman tent was definitely flimsier and more permeable. Because I generally do more of an overlanding-style camping, breaking camp every morning, traveling, then setting up camp again somewhere else each night, I'm really trying to maintain a streamlined setup/teardown, and every extra step is...well...an extra step, LOL. The floor of the Gazelle is an impressively tough material which also seems impervious to moisture...it's far superior to the floor of my old Coleman, so for now I'm going to see how it goes not laying a groundcloth. Check back with me in 6 months to find out if I regret that or not. :-)

[@PerfDayToday]

softroadingthewest GTK.. you can probably source tyvek easily. My backpack tent uses a thin sil-nylon floor. The $7.95 I spent on the 4’x7’ tyvek was a good move. This guy is on both amazon and ebay @campcovers sells tyvek. Ps I just got my falken Trailpeaks mounted on my ‘15 Outback. Mounted to Rota Reece wheels which are a similar pattern to your rhinos. Cheers.

[@tinabeane]

Very helpful and thorough review, thanks!

[@chrisbanta7617]

How does it do in the rain?

[@softroadingthewest]

It does great. I've been rained on a number of times and had zero water incursion.

[@jmichaelmilton]

Have they discontinued the T3? I can’t find one anywhere.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes, my understanding is they've discontinued the current T3 and are working on redesign which will be out hopefully near the end of the year.

[@SusanCrocenzi]

Per the company, new T3 is due out early next year. :(

[@nurbekproductions438]

Hi sir, which cot are you using?

[@softroadingthewest]

It's a Coleman cot that goes by a few different names depending on where you buy it (Amazon, Walmart, etc). Should be a link if you expand the Description ^

[@SureFeelsGood]

do you need to use stakes at all?

[@softroadingthewest]

Nope, one of the great things about this tent is that it can be erected without putting stakes in the ground. Which is awesome because I can pop it up, and then shift it around as needed based on the contours of the ground and orienting the door in a way that makes sense, or change my mind and move it to an entirely different corner of the site. Most of the time, I don't use stakes. Just putting my cot etc inside is largely adequate to keep it anchored. On a handful of extra windy occasions, I've put just two stakes in the corners of the windward side of the tent, and that's mostly to keep the wind from getting under the floor and puffing it up. P.S. Love the username, Art Vandelay. ;-)

[@SureFeelsGood]

@@softroadingthewest you can be my latex salesman. can you reccomend sleeping pads or mattresses or cots for two peole in the t4? also any advice on a camping toilet? I'm looking at the reliance folding one

[@softroadingthewest]

I only have experience with the cots I own, so I don't know if they are better or worse than other cots. I picked them up for cheap off Craigslist and have been happy with the comfort and speed/ease of setup/breakdown. There is a link in the Description ^ to the cot (note that the Amazon page has two cot options, "Deluxe" and "Cot." I have the plain "Cot" version, not the bigger Deluxe model. My camp toilet is taking a walk in the woods with a shovel ;-) so I can't advise you there. I do carry a standard 5-gallon bucket and dedicated liners as a backup in case I'm in a scenario where a walk in the woods is impossible (e.g. open desert with other people around) and then I simply use the tent for privacy. I've only had to do that once ever...nature has provided adequate facilities on countless other occasions. :-)

[@mr.h2509]

The T3 is now available. 01/22 The price tag has doubled. It’s now $398.00

[@UbiqueOverland]

Thanks!

[@rekaksky]

WoW! In just a little over 2 years, from May 2020 to June 2022, the price has gone double! From $189 as of this video post, to almost $400, as of this comment date, Jun 15, 2022.

[@swagging_sisters]

If you have two people just do top'n'tail with the beds & each person gets a door of their own. No rule saying both people have to share the door if there's two doors.. 😊😊

[@softroadingthewest]

That's not a bad idea. With two beds in there, the amount of floor space left is pretty small...splitting it in half along two exterior walls would yield very narrow passages...but still usable I would think, and probably better than climbing over beds to get in and out of doors! I'll have to try that configuration next time I need to put two beds in there. Thanks for watching!

[@surfinwaves4769]

It looks light inside … can it be darkened so as not to be woken at sunrise?

[@softroadingthewest]

There's no built-in way to do so. You'd probably need to drape something over it. I did also review a Quechua tent that is a complete blackout design. It's not as big as the Gazelle, but it actually sets up and breaks down even faster: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3WmqH93o9Z0n5I I love that ^ Quechua as it's a more manageable package, suuuper fast & easy, and still a reasonable interior size for one person, but probably the detail I like the *least* about it is the blackout...too dark in there by day and I wake up too late when I sleep in it, haha. :-) I generally like to be up at or before sunrise (because I film my adventures and relish that first light) so the Gazelle lighting up was never an issue for me...I quite enjoy getting nudged awake by the dawning day. I know not everyone has the same circadian rhythm though. The Quechua may be just what you're looking for.

[@surfinwaves4769]

@@softroadingthewest thanks so much for the detail. I’ll check it out.

[@jessseruiz7700]

Are you in Oregon?

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep!

[@jessseruiz7700]

Let’s go for a trip if you are down for some soft roading I love to meet new people and go to new places , I’ve been a follower of yours for a few months and I love all the stuff you have done last summer I managed to visit 17 waterfalls in Oregon

[@darryldoesit966]

ya this video is now 3 years old...the price of a gazelle T3 is now $299 I find myself now looking at and desiring the gazelle T3X overlander edition but it is now $350

[@krisg3984]

May be too ventilated ?

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes, exactly....it is a bit too ventilated for winter camping. Ask me how I (now) know, LOL. It's great for spring/summer/fall, and really I've found it okay for many winter nights, but when the wind blows on a sub-freezing night...yeah.

[@fishbonenetworks]

This seems...familiar.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL :-)

[@just.bob.j]

Not much of a winter tent (or Fall in many places) with those permanent vents on the roof.

[@fredroger1544]

I would prefer an awkward entrance to make it harder for intruders uninvited guest as well as animals to enter

[@phillipjacobson4457]

You will freeze your tuckus off in cold weather. With all that screen on the roof.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, I've camped with this year round including some very cold sub-freezing nights, and the mesh roof makes it drafty. But I would use a propane heater when getting ready for bed at night and getting dressed in the morning, and stay very comfortable through the night sleeping in a 0° sleeping bag (occasionally with an extra down blanket). The speed/ease of daily setup/breakdown with my style of "overland" camping was a fair tradeoff for me.

[@Borders14]

Door ties... tie a surgeon’s knot, not a bow

[@softroadingthewest]

Boy...I watched a couple of videos on the surgeon's knot and don't quite see how to make that work. It seems like it needs even more length of string available than a bow knot, whereas the problem here is the ribbons are not long enough. But maybe I'm misunderstanding how it would work in this scenario...

[@Borders14]

Maybe I have the name wrong. Start tie like a regular bow knot, but wrap first step twice and pull tight. It will hold and no bow needed.

[@softroadingthewest]

Aahh, I see. From what I looked at yesterday, what you've described sounds like the first step of the surgeon's knot. I'll give that a try!