polycotton

Very interested to hear about this range. While we have accepted the practicality of polyester, it's not the same as canvas - the smell of canvas evokes holidays in the same way as the smell of a fir tree evokes Christmas. In both cases one has to accept the snags that go with it.

Does polycotton have to be dried under tension to avoid shrinking?

Do you have to be careful not to touch the outer tent in wet weather?

Not sure from you review whether you have had the chance to test this very much yet.  I shall watch this topic with interest, though don't think I can justify a fourth tent!

Tent testing

We have not done over night yet! I test pitched in the garden by myself whilst against the clock! (wondered how long it would take) I should have commented on that in the review, Pitch time was 1 hour but this was by self and first pitch i would think with help and after a couple of attempts we should have that down to 30 mins. I know what you mean about the smell though.. thats why i have a gaz lamp as well as electric.. i need the noise and the smell to bring back memmories of childhood its not camping without :) Im desperate to get a few nights in so as soon as we have i will be sure to report back.

Sorry missed your questions

Does polycotton have to be dried under tension to avoid shrinking? From what i have read, some do, some do not. The outwell range from what i have found should not.. how long that is guaranteed for i do not know. we simply wanted to more to canvas as the nylon was just to hot in the blazing sun. Outwell's canvas is polly cotten which is a mix of both cotten and nylon. Do you have to be careful not to touch the outer tent in wet weather? When i pitched in the garden i drenched the fabric as part of the weathering process. i checked the inside during this time and found that despite me placing my hands all over the inside i got no leakage. That said i hoseing down is far from the same as night off nothing but rain! time will tell on this one. You have brought back more memmories though from my childhood my dad telling me dont go near it!!! i dont want no leaks and i dont want to have to reproof it! lol

Outwell Trout Lake Extension

Just thought i add this one in. It finally arrived and we test pitched in the garden last week. although a little smaller than expected it still provides that little more space and the important factor for us is that it is well protected space, the sides come all the way down offering good protection from side winds. easily sit either inside tent or in the extension area during heavy rainfall and watch the world go by! rather than stuck inside. Further photos can be found here (i know from experience they are hard to find :) )

Extension for Trout Lake

I too have a trout lake which I love and would consider putting on a side extension rather than the front extensions designed for it. Have looked at both the Arrow Lake and Bear Lake extensions and would like to hear more of why you chose the bear over the arrow. Did it fit well or did it look a bit awkward? Cheers

Ooops sorry

Sorry for the mis understanding, The extension is the normal front extension for the trout lake.

However i can assist with information on a side one that could be looked at. will not match in colour and is nylon rather than pollycotton but well worth a look especially considering the price and size. Im looking into it myself.

Coleman do an awning that fits most family tents. Adjustable height and width and heres the bonus! its only £34.99

http://www.coleman-eur.com/p-22905-classic-awning.aspx

Cheers

Ooops sorry again

Looks like you commented on another users post that i had not noticed.

To that person if you have photographs and links for info would really appreciate adding them to our website.

Thanks

Andy

A question of extension

That's ok. I will probably go for the front extention but it would be nice to have a matching side porch for this tent like the arrow. Don't fancy something that looks nearly right. I wonder if the other poster has pics of his tent with the bearlake porch on?

@skydog

Being a trout lake owner also im keen to know more about this. i have been looking. and will continue to so if i find anything out i will let you know :)

Trout Lake - Excellent Tent

Hi,

I chose the Bear Lake side extension because it was stated that it would fit all Outwell tents.  Also it colour matched.  Obviously a cheaper solution could have been obtained but, my personal opinion is, that it would have looked odd.  I sorry I don't have any pictures but if you follow the below links you'll see that there is a Bear Lake or Norflok Lake side extension:

http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=1747

http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=1742

Rgds  IWB