Review of the Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black Tent – 3-Person
17/07/2025
The Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black tent is a model we tested during a motorcycle trip in Norway, traveling from Narvik south towards the area near Rognan. Below is a detailed review of this tent, based on experiences in the specific conditions of northern Norway, where the sun doesn't set and temperatures are relatively low.
Appearance and Construction
The Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black tent is designed for three people, although in practice it works best for two, with additional space for gear. Its key feature is the "Fresh & Black" technology, which is a special outer coating that prevents the interior from heating up and blocks light access. This keeps the tent dark even in conditions of continuous polar daylight, which is a huge advantage if you want a peaceful sleep in a bright environment.
Check the price of the Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black tent on the Decathlon website: Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black.
During the summer sale (2025), it cost 299 PLN.
The tent includes a small awning that creates space for shoes or small items. Inside, there is enough room to fit two mattresses, and plenty of space on the sides for items like motorcycle jackets, pants, or helmets. The interior is equipped with practical accessories: a hook for a light, a cord, and three pockets for small items, making organization easier.
The outer sides of the tent are equipped with vents that improve air circulation. Once the canopy is set up, the tent becomes almost completely dark, further enhancing the "Fresh & Black" effect. It is possible to roll up part of the canopy to let in more light and air, which is useful on calmer days.
Advantages
- Fresh & Black Technology: The coating effectively blocks light, which is ideal in places like Norway, where the sun shines all day long. This allows for comfortable sleeping conditions without the need for an eye mask.
- Space for Two People: The tent is spacious for two people, with additional room for gear. Two mattresses fit easily, and there is space left for luggage on the sides.
- Functionality: Pockets, a hook, and vents are practical solutions that facilitate usage.
- Compact Awning: It allows for storing shoes or other items without the risk of getting them wet, even during rain.
Disadvantages
- Lack of Heating: The same coating that blocks light also prevents the tent from heating up inside, which can be problematic in cooler conditions (e.g., 12°C in Norway). In the morning, it can be colder inside the tent than outside, affecting comfort.
- Darkness Inside: In situations where we want to close all the vents to warm up the interior while cooking soup, the tent can become very dark. It's necessary to use a flashlight even when it's bright outside.
- Limited Space for Three People: Although the tent is advertised as 3-person, fitting three people with luggage is difficult in practice. When fully occupied, there is no room left for additional gear.
- Unsuitable for Warmer Climates: In warmer regions, such as southern Europe, the lack of heating may be an advantage, but in cooler conditions like Norway, a tent that allows for heat accumulation would be better.
Summary
The Quechua MH100 Fresh & Black tent is an excellent choice for those traveling to places where daylight can interfere with sleep, such as Norway during the polar day. Its darkening coating and good ventilation are significant advantages, particularly for two people with luggage. However, in cooler conditions, the lack of heating inside can be bothersome, and having to use a flashlight in a closed tent somewhat lowers comfort.
For trips to the north where temperatures are low, a tent that allows for heating up the interior might be a better choice, even at the cost of a smaller darkening coating. In warmer climates, the tent performs much better, preventing overheating. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and the conditions in which we plan to camp.