Tent Showcase: Outwell Trout Lake 4
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Yes
4 (more 4 berth tents)
35.80 KG
£809.99
2
Bathtub
In one
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Average User Rating:
8.89/10 from 18 reviews
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18 Reviews of the Trout Lake 4 Showing 01 to 10 Page:
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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!
1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?  
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.
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Nedra1 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating:  Date: 20/11/2011
So far we have used this tent twice and find it to be excellent.
My problem is that my only distant memories of camping were of very different experiences. It was always enjoyable but you woke up to a clammy, damp atmosphere and if it really rained more often than not water came into the tent. I have even experienced tents being blown away in Central Iceland where we had to go and retrieve them because there was no other option.
More recently we have done shows in marquees and come back in the morning once again to find everything very wet from condensation.
To actually be in a tent where everything is not sodden in the morning and nothing gets in uninvited is almost unbelievable.I am sure that the combination of a very substantial detachable groundsheet, the polycotton fabric and the half or dozen ventilators combine to create a pleasant atmosphere.
The one challenge that the tent has withstood with flying colours is fairly strong winds when it felt very secure.
On other parts of the site people talk about camping being relaxing and addictive. There are so many adjustments that can be done to this tent that you can happily zip and unzip doors, mosquito nets and windows many times a day and this is hardly demanding work.
I don't think many tents have as many options for adjustment and this means that you can always be comfortable whatever the weather, hot or cold.
So far we have only used it for the two of us and it is plenty big enough for us. We have tended to use the one bedroom with the other used for storage.
I can't really fault this tent; the only problem is that it has made us curious about other tents and what they are really like.
My wife is very keen to acquire a canvas belltent as well as this one and I may even be tempted to do a bit of wild camping with ultra lightweight gear on my back.
1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Flippsy Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating:  Date: 07/09/2011
We bought this from a website in May 2011 without having seen it pitched before. Perhaps that was risky, however we knew of Outwell's good reputation and did compare its features against other possibilities from reviews and pictures on the internet. We have been largely very pleased with it and have used it now for a total of 5 weeks on holidays spent in the Cairngorms, Orkney (famous for wind), NW Scotland and the N. York Moors. The weather has been VERY mixed and it has certainly stood up to all sorts. It is much quieter in wind than the average tent, which makes it easier to sleep in. There is not that clammy feeling you can get in polyester tents either. The downside is the time it takes to dry if wet and the weight and size of the bags. We do manage as a couple, in one (large) car to take everthing we like to be comfortable (chairs, table, kitchen corner, BBQ etc).
We bought it to replace a polyester tunnel tent that had blown down during a gale in Scotland with ripped fabric and broken poles , because we wanted to feel more secure. We are experienced campers, having had multiple tents all our lives - and we both qualify as pensioners now!
3 quality issues affect our rating however and although minor, were a disappointment considering the price of the tent: Only one hanging point was attached to suspend the inner tent at rear, when 2 hanging straps are sewn on to the inner itself. There was a missing prop for a ventilation cover. A small portion of seam, low down near the storm porch immediately leaked as soon as rain began and despite application of seam sealer has not really been cured yet. No other leaks occurred happily, but we were stunned to find a large puddle of water underneath the carpet when we took the tent down as a result of this tiny bubble of water dripping through the seam.
These niggles apart you get what it says on the tin!
Pitching is interesting and heavy work in strong wind with 2 of us, however we have not been defeated yet and it was not as difficult as we feared. There are a LOT of pegging points and this is what takes time when putting the tent up. The raising of the outer tent only, initially pegging only at say 6 points, can be pretty quick - 10-15 minutes. We were very pleased with the zip in groundsheet, reduced those draughts round your feet and the ingress of various forms of wildlife which used to delight our children in our old frame tents! We bought a footprint, which certainly made pitching easier and kept the groundsheet clean, but we did not realise that rain would also be driven onto it, (beneath the groundsheet), making it necessary to spend quite a long time removing puddles before being able to take the tent down, if we want to fold it up on a dry base!This will happen of course, with any footprint system.
The mesh doors were excellent against the midges and we liked the flexibility of being able to open all the windows/doors on 3 sides of the tent. Of course this means lots of zip zipping and fastening with toggles. A peculiar feature (to us) is that the 'outer' doors are not zipped along the bottom - merely velcroed. This did not in fact produce any draughts because the mesh doors have a solid panel at the bottom and are fully zipped and they stabilise the outer tent fabric. The side doors are not as easy to get out of as those of old frame tents used to be, unless fully rolled up - but you win some you lose some, and the storm porch was a worthwhile addition.
The inner tent was roomy for 2 when the divider was rolled away, but our double air bed did not fit in the middle because of the remaining fabric divider and any other orientation meant that someone was squashed up against either the side or the rear of the tent. We therefore had to buy 2 single beds and place them side by side on each side of the dividing bay material. This then worked really well and we both had space alongside our beds for our personal possessions, and could get up and go out of our personal 'doors' without disturbing each other.
Other features: The storage pockets were helpful and more than enough. The luminous guy ropes are very sensible. We did not much like the fabric toggle ties on the curtains - we prefer elastic. The ventilation was good - we cook on a double burner on a raised surface inside the tent and the steam just went straight up and out. The carpet was great underfoot and seems to be quite resistant to stains and to repel water. We didn't buy the canopy.
We are picky, so there have been a few negatives mentioned - but we were really very comfortable and happy in this tent and did not see any other tent on all the 7 sites we have been on this year that we would have preferred!
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
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.
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
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.
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Curlygirl Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating:  Date: 18/09/2010
1st trip - Belgium + France 2wks.
We bought (NEW)a Trout Lake 4 last month after research and falling in love with the look and reading about the excellent quality mostly on here.
But either we are unlucky, or ours has a bad dose of Chinese gremlins.?
Delivered two days prior to our first trip to Europe, we just had time to erect the outer tent in the garden to check it out then pack. We found two guy rope anchors sewn upside down. Two days later on our first outing we discovered more faults.!
1. Two guy rope anchors sewn upside down (triangular fabric ties) pointing skywards.
2. Missing nut from the side porch pole-clip (tiny but holds porch up)
3. Two pockets left un-sewn on one side (inside storage pocket seams)
4. A main Seam/Hem roughly sewn, from one side of tent to other (rough edge showing un-hemmed properly in places)
We also have the same difficulty trying to erect the front extension that others have talked about on here, it doesn’t fit properly due to the side porch pole clips getting in the way, leaves a long gap/hole lets in rain and wind?
Don’t get me wrong we love the tent design, would love to give higher rating, but after spending this amount of money you expect better quality control, too many faults hence 5/10.
Anyone else suffering from a case of Chinese gremlins.??? Or is it JUST US?
Dealers collected yesterday, they were sending off to be repaired (not now as repair centre in Scotland closed for hols?) Yes I did say repaired, apparently there are no more available in the country?
1 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
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.
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Tidburyboy Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 05/09/2009
Like many others, I have come back to camping, not done it since I was a youngster. Thankfully the return was not due to the Credit Crunch, more about just doing something different.
The search for camping Nirvana all started with the trawl though the camping stores and reading all of the really useful information and pointers on this website (thanks to all contributors!)
Having boggled my brain doing the research. I quickly realised that ideally I wanted a tent that would be as comfortable as possible. The reason being that if I found I did not like it, at least I would not be wishing .'if only I had bought that other tent' So, my wish list included:
Large diameter steel/aluminium poles - too many stories about glassfibre poles splitting. Also these tents seem to be less affected in windy conditions.
Poly Cotton - Saw a Bear Lake pitched up at one of the shops. I just loved the obvious quality and if I'm honest I really like the colour too! Everyone knows the cooler/warmer thing, but they just seem sturdier to me.
SIG or ZIG - The ZIG has the advantage of being replaceable (heaven forbid) and the packing away issue, more of which later.
Stand up space/compact/flexible 4 berth - The height inside is great. It's not a small tent as such, I mean I can't see us backpacking with it! But by modern standards I think it qualifies as compact. There's room aplenty for me, the OH and our Dog. I really like the options for the three doors and have found the canopy poles useful on all three (including the large front opening!) Very easy to keep cool given the polycotton the array of vents around the tent. There's also a number of surprise and delight features, like the low level windows in the bedroom; velcro cable tidy for the EHU and good built in storage to name a few.
Easy to pitch - Well they don't come much easier. This thing practically pitches itself. Do watch the useful video however. You'll find it on the Outwell website. Taking it down is slightly less simple, just remember, if you are taking the ZIG out, to do that first! With a little practice you'll find it easily pops back into it's bag. Oh yes, the ZIG. What a wonderful idea. It get's packed away separate from the main flysheet/inners. Particularly in wet and muddy conditions. It just makes the whole packing away thing so much easier.
The main attraction of this tent however, is the obvious quality. It simply oozes that certain something, the zips are stronger, the stiching in the seams is neater and the material used in the ZIG is much thicker and better quality than anything else I saw. Even the bedroom inners are hung on a better grade of elastic, unlike some which seem to be suspended on bits of old knicker elastic. In short this is the VW Golf of tents!
So, why only 8 stars?
Well that's because it's too expensive! I managed to get a really good deal on mine. But otherwise these tents are silly money and the extension is far too expensive (although I do want one!)
So well done Outwell, this is the perfect tent for a couple and is a fantastic quality and stylish product. If you find one at a sensible price then you will not be disappointed.
For me, it's just the over the top pricing stops it getting top marks.
3 from 3 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
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
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
18 User Reviews of the Trout Lake 4 - Showing 01 to 10 Page:
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Manufacturer's Description
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
Optional Extras:
• Carpet
• Footprint
... there may be more info on their website
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