2009 Outwell Trout Lake

[FinFerNan]

Where do I start? Oh yes, the weeks and weeks of pouring over all of the information I could garner

I started off looking at the Hi-Gear Mohave. A very roomy 4berth tent. Then I read about the potential problems with the slender G/F Poles. So started looking at tents with steel or Aluminium poles........well you get the idea It wasn't until I dropped into the Yeomans place at Codsall and saw a pitched Bear Lake that I really understood the quality of these Outwell Polycotton tents.

Checked around and most people were selling the Trout Lake at £499 - £520. TBH a bit more than I had planned to spend. However, I came across the Somerset Camping site and there was this little beauty at a far more reasonable £399. Ordered on the Friday, delivered on the following Tuesday. Test errected later that day, took about 40 mins (I watched the video!) No problems and no arguments ha ha. Left overnight, got a good soaking and then dried out during the afternoon. Checked and found a couple of tiny leaks by the door seams, little more than a teaspoon both sides. Took the tent down..........errr not so easy (No video!!)

So, off to our first trip two days later! A lovely little site in Herefordshire, quite close to Hay on Wye.

Pitched the tent up in less than 30 mins, all trimmed and sorted well within the hour. Again no problems at all, this thing practically pitches it'self.

This tent is very well made and has a really solid feel too it. The ZIG seems much thicker than other groundsheets I saw and there's nice little touches everywhere you look. There's handy storage pockets on the bedroom unit and under the front window; a cable tidy; EHU via the ZIG on either side (could be helpful) Those niffty Blinds to stop the critters and flexible bedding arrangements to boot (always a blessing wouldn't you say

Love the sturdyness of the whole thing. We had perfect weather so I can't report on how it fairs in poor conditions, but I am sure it will equit it'self very well indeed. As for packing away - all done in less than 35 mins. That's from the 1st peg being pulled to the boot hatch being closed.

All in all great tent and I look forward to the next trip.

Paul

[Boris]

Glad you have managed to find a great tent at a fabulous price.

Keep us informed on how you get on with it.