By: Jill987 Reason: I've used one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 09/08/2008
I already have a Bearlake6 but needed something I could handle on my own with 2 children and this is possible. The tent is fantastic can't fault it really, obviously smaller than the bear but with the front extension, which is a must, you almost have the same amount of room. We had a week of rain in Cornwall and the extension meant we could still sit out but not get wet. Also no need to cook in the tent. Also you do not get all that flapping noise with the polycotton tent, they are so much quieter and with the additional carpet very cosy indeed. The front extension attaches extremely well to the main tent with no leaks and provides a space to cook ,store muddy boots, and to sit and watch the world go by and this is an advantage over the bear lake which has an open canopy, after all is always rains when camping!
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By: AndyTT Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 01/09/2008
Bought this tent earlier this year for just the wife and I to use. Wanted a tent that I could stand in and sit comfortably when it rained! Decided on poly-cotton after visiting a dealer on one of the few hot days in July and found the poly-cotton tents so much cooler.
Spent several weeks trying to decide between the Bear Lake 6 and the Trout Lake (with extension) – both about the same price and in the end opted for the Trout Lake.
For couples this tent in fantastic providing a comfortable base to explore an area. The Sleeping space opens out into one area giving sleeping space and storage for clothes. While the outer area is just big enough for two big comfortable reclining chairs and a couple of small tables. We also bought the extension which gives cover to the front door and provides a sheltered area to cook and prepare food. However, if we are just going away for a weekend we don’t take the extension.
Although smaller than the Bear Lake 6 this tent is much more flexible with three opening doors allowing access from 3/4 angles. The finish and attention to detail is outstanding and although this tent is far from cheap it feels good value when you look at the features compared to other tents.
Having used the tent several times over the summer I can honestly say this is the ultimate couple’s tent. It’s relatively quick to erect and take down, a perfect size for two adults and very nicely fitted and finished. We have now added the fitted carpet which helps protect the ground sheet and adds a nice touch and electric hookup.
If you going to buy one any of the larger Outwell tents, buy the footprint at the same time. It makes setting the tent up a lot easier as you can decide on you location/positioning before you start emptying the bags. It also keeps the bottom of the heavy groundsheet clean considerably reducing pack up time. We normally pack the footprint away dirty and either clean it at home on the lawn or just reused it covered in mud.
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By: Arcuk73 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 26/09/2008
Brilliant Tent! very happy. Not used overnight yet! only pitched in garden after purchase. But we spent months choosing what we wanted after we binned our old tent on way back from Germany (Cheap ebay job!) we wanted canvas. But also the small size we like to travel around so often pitching for only a couple of nights before we move on to new destination. Was able to pitch by myself within the hour first time. Would think with both me and the wife on it after a few attempts we should have that down to 30/40 mins!
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By: Squirt Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 27/06/2009
What can I say, WHAT A TENT!
We bought our trout lake after seeing it erected at a camping store in Cornwall. We we're on a camping holiday and went to buy some longer tents pegs after the torrential rain and gailforce winds. Well, we went back to the campsite with our brand new Trout Lake (and no long pegs!).
We pitched the tent and it withstood the weather without moving an inch.
The tent may be slightly on the expensive side for a 4 berth, but when you look at the attention to detail and the overall quality, it is well worth the money.
We have added the extension and carpet to the tent and these are both worth the money too. The extension is an excellent place to cook and to dine. The carpet adds that extra bit of warmth and feels lovely under your feet.
The tent is very versatile and will last for many years.
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By: Taffzr7 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 17/08/2009
We saw the tent last summer up in a garden centre, and had been trying out a variety of tents to use with the car as most of our camping was on a motorbike. The biggest surprise was how cool it was under a clear blue sky, after dying of dehydration of a morning in a nylon tent this was awesome. All the storage under the two windows and between the bedrooms was well handy and with four way windows ( open, mesh, clear plastic and curtain ) we were spoilt for choice.
The footprint is an excellent idea so you can decide which way to point it and it does keep the ground sheet cleaner, what with the fitted carpet and doormat and not forgetting the extension we couldn't say no.
At a push we get it up in under a hour, but to be honest with everything set up and both of us sat with a drink about 2 hours, we kept finding more little things each time we put it up inc velcro hook up straps up one side of the tent. We used it in March by Hay on Wye with frost on the ground, warm, in the heatwave week in York, cool, and are off to Bude in 2 weeks.
We have used it from one night to a week and would not use it with out the extension. It doesn't seem to leak and not move much in wind. Iit seemed a lot of money for a tent but after using it a few times it is more than value for money. Couldn't pack it right the first time we took it down, but after taking our time got it sorted and its easy. The low light windows are a good idea as well, the kitchen can stay in the extension leaving more room in the tent. It is perfect for two adults as you can have a bedroom and walk in wardrobe as well as living room and kitchen ( does depend on wind direction and weather as no door on extension )
I will not go back to a nylon tent ever again, we have heard other campers when they pass commenting on how good it looks as some other extensions don't seem to fit as well as ours does. With three doors you can get a draft from almost any direction, or open all five windows. The only way to better this tent is to buy a bigger version but only in poly- cotton
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By: Sheena1252 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 07/04/2010
We planned a holiday to the Outer Hebrides and were looking for a tent that was up to the job! having looked around everywhere I decided on the Trout Lake. It looked robust, and the flysheet wouldn't flap too much in the wind. The poles seemed simple and robust. I bought the carpet, footprint and canopy. Off we went - me , my grown-up daughter and my two sons aged 8 and 7.
I definitely made the right choice of tent. All the doors have mozi-mesh which is an essential in the Outer Hebrides so we could have the doors open without the little blighters getting in. The tent was warm in the cold and cool in the warm. During 90 mh gusts and torrential rain the tent held it's own but we were very worried. One set of poles got bent but Outwell replaced these free of charge when they heard about the extreme conditions. We didn't actually use the footprint but I have used it since with a lighter weight tent and found it a really great idea.
The carpet is a really wimpy luxury and we loved it. The zip-in groundsheet is very thick and excellent quality. There is only one problem and that is with the extension. For camping in GB we really do need a cover on the end of the extension as the weather invades and soaks everything. I managed to procure a flattened tent in the Outer Hebrides which I have remodelled into a front for the Trout Lake. It's an expensive tent but it's been worth every penny. What a shame to hear that Outwell aren't making it anymore.
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By: Nedra1 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 07/12/2011
The third trip in this tent was on a very windy weekend and we took our nine year old grandson with us.
On the Saturday morning the weather forecasters suggested that the winds gusting up to 50mph would hit our area whereas previously it was suggested that they would be further north.
The strong winds started on the Saturday afternoon and continued until the late Sunday morning. During this time it was noisy and we were very aware of the wind. However, on the Sunday the tent had withstood the gusts and nothing had moved and nothing was damaged.
I was very careful to peg the tent down very securely using every single pegging point and it performed admirably.
I know there is a review on here which talks about very strong winds in the Outer Hebrides and one of the tent poles bending. I am aware that sites and the position of the tent can make a big difference but I am curious to know what sort of wind speed these tents can withstand.
Outwell give guidance with some of their models saying that they can withstand force 9 and 10 gales. However, they give no such guidance with their polycotton tents.
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By: Ashy55 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 20/02/2012
I have admired this tent from afar from the first time I saw it at Yeomans outdoors in about 2008. The quality and attention to detail conspired to make me think that I must have this tent. My desire only became reality at the end of last year , when I managed to pick up this tent for a fantastic price. I took it to Waunfawr in November 2011, outside the normal range of most camping trips. It certainly lived up to my expectations. I already own a Bear Lake 6, so I knew it would be good.
Good points - easy to put up, generous inside (tardis), quality material, warm in cold weather, looks good! (looks the business!)
Bad points - can't think of any! Will repost when I get the chance to take it out again.
I have got the front extension as well, so am looking forward to pitching that too. Didn't pitch front extension in Waunfawr as it was a bit windy - didn't want to have to drop it onto mucky grass!
It's the bees knees!
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By: SpinningYarns Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 30/09/2010
We bought Outwell’s Trout Lake 4 from Go Outdoors in April 2010. It is the 2010 model with the storm proof side porch. We used it for four, week-long, UK holidays during 2010, three of which were predominantly sunny and dry, and one of which included some very windy and wet weather indeed.
We’re a couple and would say that the TL4 is ideal for two, or two and one or two small children. If you’re a bigger group, then we’d suggest a tent with more space. Also, we don’t cook a lot in the tent or spend large parts of the day on site – if you do, then again you might want something larger or go for the extension. On the latter, we’ve heard that the extension doesn’t fit flush on account of the new side porch fitted to the 2010 version. We’d advise checking that out before buying if you want that option – perhaps the 2011 model will rectify the problem?
You’ll need to take into account weight (and car space) too – particularly if upgrading from a polyester tent as you’ll notice the difference. It’s hefty even for two: we’ve disaggregated the flysheet, ZIG and bedpod into separate bags, which helps. Pitching is straightforward, but takes some time, mainly because of the ZIG – we live in the slow lane so no issue for us (just an excuse to drink more beer/wine and eat more cheese while setting up). However if you have impatient kids or are away for just a night or two you may want to go for another tent.
For two campers, the TL4 is perfection – the bedpod area will easily fit two camp-beds or a king size airbed (length or sideways) and you’ll also have plenty of space for cases, boxes, loo, whatever; and for manoeuvring around the beds themselves. The living area has lots of space for a table, chairs, larder and a small (heat up and scoff) cooking area! Overall, the TL4 can accommodate everything you’ll need for a week’s camping without having to traipse back and forth to the car in the pouring rain.
The TL4 replaced our 20 year old, 2-berth Cabanon to give us more room and comfort, and the convenience of storing our belongings inside. We’d say it is worth the cost and the design is extremely functional. While the build quality is not up to immaculate Cabanon standards, it is still very good – the polycotton flysheet material is excellent, the ZIP groundsheet is robust and the alloy poles/zips seem built to last – there’s also access for EHU cable and plenty of storage pockets for bits and bobs. The storm porch is really useful too, and we used this as our main entrance/exit – we could leave just the mesh curtain zipped up and be confident of the tent being well aired and also dry on our return (even should there be a rogue thunderstorm).
We endured two, 10 hour-long deluges and one night-time storm! The TL4 stood up effortlessly. A caravanner over the way said next morning (through gritted teeth) that he kept looking over during the gale to see that our tent didn’t budge an inch (secretly, we think he was hoping for a catastrophe!). We have to say we were absolutely snug as bugs.
We’d recommend the footprint and carpet – while the ZIP is really substantial, we did get a rip in the footprint from a discarded peg, which might have penetrated the ZIG otherwise.
We’ve noticed from other reviews that Outwell’s quality control can be an issue. We can concur that a couple of seams had thread unfinished, but – while unsightly – these didn’t compromise the tent (and we simply took some scissors and tidied them up ourselves). Also, the nuts on the side porch are prone to liberate themselves into the grass when you least expect it – so carry some spare nuts with you. Finally, condensation can be a problem on the two low-down windows next to the bedpod area (these windows are standard on the Lake series we think) You’ll need to wipe the windows down if you’re anxious about a bit of water condensing and beading down (unfortunately – depending on how you arrange your beds – it may be an upheaval to gain access to do so).
Overall, the TL4 is an excellent, value-for-money tent that looks the part. We’d say that the tent design and lay out is spot on for a comfortable, week-long camping experience for two. No regrets. To our way of thinking, the TL4 has paid for itself within a year.
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By: Stirling Gow Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 12/07/2011
This was bought as an alternative to our old 4 man frame tent & it looks like the frame one will be getting the boot!
We didn't really intend to get another 4 man but after a disastrous weekend with another make's 3 man of a similar style (but not a canvas/cotton tent)we couldn't find anything smaller of the quality or with the height & living space under 4-man (I'm just shy of 6 foot so need some head clearance!)
The Outwell we can hardly fault. It took a few goes to figure out the easiest way to pitch/strike but I'm please to say I can actually do this on my own provided there's no wind! Two of us manage fine. It just takes a bit of thought/planning & practice. We even took it down on a very windy morning at Aviemore late August last year & managed to pack it away with little or no bother.
It does need a fair bit of space for the two bags (one for tent & inner + one for groundsheet pegs & poles), in the car, but we manage in a Hyundai Getz!
Well constructed from excellent materials. It is a bit heavy but considering it's size I'd rather that than it be flimsy, I've seen a few of those ones destroyed in the Scottish weather!
Good solid hoop poles which are easy to assemble & slot into the 3 guides in the tent with little bother.
Plenty of guy ropes in fact more than you need unless it's really windy.
Good ventilation.
Excellent living space, since there's only two of us we use the two sleeping areas like a bedroom with one for sleeping & the other as a changing room! Comfort or what?
All zips are good quality & none have snagged yet.
The zip in bathtub groundsheet is brillant & of a heavy gauge composite material so I reckon only the roughest ground would be a problem, but you can buy an additional 'footprint' for the Trout.
Loads of mesh lined windows each with openers if it gets too warm & they all have curtains which give you privacy if you wish.
The triple door option is ideal especially if the wind/rain changes direction! Though the porch is only on one of the side doors so try to plan your pitch accordingly. By the way despite 3 doors they aren't a draught problem as such.
I have plenty of headroom & even in the slightly sloping bedroom area the inner tent clears me at it's highest end.
We've had no leaks with this tent since using it & have endured some pretty heavy downpours & strong winds in the Highlands.
All round a pretty serious piece of kit & well worth the expense.
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18 User Reviews of the Trout Lake 4 - Showing 01 to 10 Page:
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The manufacturer has advised that this model has been discontinued.
Made to exacting Outwell specifications, this 4-berth tunnel tent comes with an enclosed zip-out tarpaulin groundsheet that provides maximum floor protection and comfort. It features aluminium poles and is easy to pitch. Strong features for the Trout Lake 4 include the convenient side door which, together with the numerous ventilation points, ensures optimal inside temperature. The durable Outtex® Airtech flysheet and polycotton inner tent make Trout Lake ideal for camping in all types of climate.
Specifications: Flysheet: Outtex® Airtech Inner tent: Polycotton Floor: PVC Tarpaulin Pack size: Tent: 35 x 101 cm / Poles: 16 x 89 cm Weight: Tent: 23.4 kg / Poles: 15.6 kg Poles: Alloy poles #6063, 22 mm, 2 upright steel poles
Features: • Organiser pockets • Full length mesh pockets in the inner tents • Lamp holder and light cable tidies • Reinforcement patch on all stress points • Adjustable pegging points • Luminous guy ropes • Heavy duty Outwell zips • Outwell doormat included
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Date: 09/08/2008
Date: 30/09/2010
