By: Kate orr Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 07/09/2010
The front supporting pole has snapped at the angled joint. After viewing the posted photos it seems other people are having the same problem, this seems to be a weak area on the tent Don't know how easy it will be to get a replacement pole watch this space ! This is our second Outwell Oakland as our last one was destroyed in strong winds in Cumbria, luckily we got our tent replaced. We love the space in the tent and apart from the problem with the poles we will continue to use our tent
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By: Jayrsee Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 31/08/2010
Purchased the Oakland XL this spring and so far have used it twice this year. Both times it was less than 20 mph winds and on one occasion this August, it was in monsoon conditions. I'm glad to report no problems at all and not one single leak.
For two adults and two children under 11, the XL proved more than roomy and ever so light and airy. Other tunnel type tents appear very dark but with all the sleeping quarters at one end,the living space was fantastic and light.
It is fairly easy to put up but one gripe is that it's difficult to pitch the fly sheet even. It seems a bit hit and miss and even when aware of the problem, it's difficult to get right. Another issue is that the fly sheet (when you do manage to pitch it evenly) where the steel poles slide through, ends just where the steel pole has a section join and this snagged a few times and may prove to be an issue down the road. I also agree that the main door is a bit of a hassle with zips and zips and velcro and ties and because of the steep front tent angle, you have to stand in the tent to tie it up: a pain when it's damp or muddy.
The built in mesh pockets were handy even with four of us breathing all night, condensation was ok.
Hey, but these are small points for what is a lovely tent. We got the side extension, footprint and carpet and would 100% recommend both. The side extension proved great for cooking and sitting in (when it was raining). The video is a bit vague about where the over-roof clips fix and we set ours up a bit too far to the right of the door first time. But wouldn't camp without it. The footprint was extra insurance for the groundsheet but proved useful when determining where to pitch and when it rained, save the bottom of the tent from some serious mud!
I've heard that Outwell are making a front extension for 2011. This would be great so fingers crossed it happens. If everyone emails OASE OUTDOORS (they own Outwell) and badgers them for a front extension it may help.
Looking around at other tents, the large front canopy and awnings some now have are a great asset and this would be my only hesitation for recommending it. How these stack-up in the wind is another story though.
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By: Daisy_do Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 30/08/2010
We bought this tent as an 'upgrade' from our frame tent with the idea being that it's easier to pitch. Unfortunately, I don't think it was and took us longer to get the tent straight and all the guy ropes done. It may get easier the next time as this is the first time we've pitched this style of tent before. We watched the video on how to pitch. We decided to peg four corners down before lifting the poles and then adjusted after that. Make sure the fabric channel on top of each of the poles are in the middle as it really helps to peg each side down correctly.
Once up it was great, with ample living space and light with lots of windows. There is plenty of living space inside and we had a double larder unit with 4 chairs and a small table
We managed to fit an upright double wardrobe inside of the 3 bed pod with a double airbed (sideways) and still had floor space to stand up and get ready in.
We also bought the extra footprint, carpet, windbreaker and extension and all of them made the tent really comfy. The footprint was a good way to check where to pitch and to ensure the pegging was straight.
We had a LOT of wind the last night and did come home early as I'd read a couple of reviews on here of some damage in extreme wind. We had a couple of the front pegs lift out but I think this was due to the stress of the extension guy ropes attached to the tent's and we could have just removed the extension. I didn't want to chance it and have to leave overnight.
We used the extension to hold the cooker and a fold up picnic table and put the windbreaker round it for privacy and warmth.
I see what people mean about the velcro on the doors and this was a little annoying at times when it didn't fasten straight and let in a draft if you didn't have the flyscreens down.
Overall, we love the tent. We're happy with this purchase in comparison to tents of this spec and we feel like we made a good buy.
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By: Floyd23 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 19/08/2010
I bought the Oakland XL before reading the reviews on this site and as with other reviewers was a little nervous when we went on our hols in Cornwall for 2 weeks in it. However the tent performed brilliantly.
We set it up in about 30 minutes, very easy but I do recommend to watch the video on the Outwell website before setting it up for the first time.
We had a couple of nights with heavy rain and the tent held up without problem, really liked the sown in groundsheet and we used a footprint too, no water got in at all. We also had a couple of fairly windy nights too and all was well, haven't experienced the tent in any severe wind yet though.
Space inside the tent was more than adequate and light from the windows was great. Loads of living space, we used the smaller bedroom for storing suitcases and as a changing room but tent would comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids I reckon.
We kept mosquito nets rolled up most of the time as insects weren't a big problem where we were camped so wasn't a problem for us, I found that the mosquito net did not have to be zipped up first to close the door.
We had the side extension too and found it absolutely invaluable for cooking and for leaving muddy shoes outside, drying towels etc.
Would recommend this tent and can't wait to go out in it again soon.
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By: JudithB Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 11/08/2010
I had surveyed the market for some time and visited tent displays and exhibitions before making my purchase. I have to say that I have a Hartford which I love but wanted something slightly smaller and easier to put up. Having read the reports of storm damage over the May Bank holiday that some had experienced I had my doubts about this tent. I have to say that I camped in that awful weather and the Hartford was brilliant. My brother had a new tent that suffered some damage. I think from reports that was extraordinary weather.
I was finally coaxed into buying this by the GO Outdoors offer.
Onto the business. We did a practise pitch in our garden which is level without the footprint and found it quite easy to put up. We then took it to Cornwall and on a slightly sloping pitch found it difficult to marry up the tent and the footprint. After an hour I was seriously beginning to think that the tent was not big enough or the footprint too big. However, I convinced myself that the tent was new and had spent goodness knows how long in a bag devoid of air and therefore would stretch and settle over a few days. It did seem to work this way and after three days adjusting it I got it about right. Unfortunately we had a few spots of rain before this was achieved but am pleased to report that the tent groundsheet did not leak! I can also report that the tent was sound and did not let in any water.
I also have the extension for the tent and this was roomy and dry. At first I think we attached the guy ropes to the wrong guys at the rear of the tent as some flapping of the cover was experienced. We moved the guys out to the corners and this stopped. The only thing I did feel concerned about was that sliders were actually touching the outer of the tent and felt this could be a problem with wear and possible leakage. Further adjustments here are going to be necessary in the future.
I would agree that the pole over the Cathedral door at the front is very tight. I would hope that the flexibility in this pole would increase with use and before the next big wind!
We used the side entrance through our extension and I cant say that I was particularly perturbed by the velcro closure. I can see why it is constructed this way so as to allow water to run off the apron rather than having a zip which may leak. Whether some sort of flap to cover a horizontal zip could be designed I leave to those of more knowledge but you would still need to close the flap first when closing from the inside.
The interior of the tent is roomy and light. The option of keeping some of the windows shaded was good from our point of view if you require privacy at one side of the tent but like light too.
I would say that this tent comfortably sleeps 3 adults and could possibly take two adults and two smallish children. I would definitely recommend the extension and we have the carpet and footprint too.
Like all the Outwell tents you can feel the quality in the make. Overall I am very pleased with it and once I have sorted out the positioning over the footprint I may rate it a 10
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By: AngmeringTim Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 09/08/2010
Bought our Oakland XL from Go Outdoors online and couldn't wait to get it all set up. Also purchased the carpet with the tent and that really made all the difference making the whole experience so much more comfortable.
Set the tent up in the garden initially and the first attempt took about 45mins (wife helping, kids not helping!). We did find however that you need to pay attention when pitching to ensure the roof is well centred otherwise we ended up with a gap on one side of the tent between the floor and the ground.
Packed away so easily, check out the youtube vids for this as we found it really helpful.
Arrived at the campsite and got all unloaded and set up in about 90 mins. I found the plastic tent pegs supplied were not man enough for the slightly hard ground and will be investing in some decent metal pegs for our next outing.
In terms of living and sleeping space we can't fault the Oakland XL. Plenty of room inside for a table, 4 chairs, 2 adults, 2 kids, cool bag etc etc. As we had really good weather we were not able to test the wind/rain capabilities so can't comment on the posts below.
All in all very happy with the choice we made and looking forward to our next trip in a couple of weeks time.
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By: Calamityjane Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 06/08/2010
Like mentioned in previous reviews, I had read the reviews and wasn't 100% convinced after some of the comments were not great about the tent.
I decided to take the plunge and buy whilst Yeomans had an offer on and have just taken it out on its first outing. I was very impressed with the tent.
- I put the tent up with just my young daughter when practising and found it pretty easy.
- The space inside the tent is perfect for me and my 2 daughters and the usual camping furniture!
- The only thing I was not 100% happy with like mentioned in previous reviews was the velcro door fastening. The \zip should have gone rite round the bottom, but that is the only thing in my opinion that lets the tent down.
My older daughter wasn't impressed with our old tent and wasn't really too bothered about going camping until going in the new Oakland XL, she loves it now staying an extra nite and can't wait to go again!
We didn't really experience very high winds, but it did really pour down shortly after getting the tent up and it coped absolutely fine! Would thoroughly recommend.
Its also lovely and light with plenty of windows.
All in all a lovely tent!
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By: Damo1306 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 31/07/2010
After selling my horrendous VANGO ORCHY 500, my girlfriend and I decided to buy a new tent. We were both looking for something that would give us the space and comfort for longer trips of say 5/6 days. I was a little nervous about which tent to go for after bad experiences with weather and my last tent but one tent that kept catching my eye was the outwell oakland XL.
After reading a couple of reviews on here I was unsure of this tent so went to Go Outdoors and discussed my fears with staff who said they genuinely didn't have many complaints and that its a popular buy, so after throwing caution to the wind went ahead and bought one and I'm so glad I did. The tent is robust, easy to put up and the space is amazing, I'm 6'4 and can easily stand up, plus we use the small bedroom as a changing room and I can even almost stand in that!
The storage pockets are a delight for my girlfriend who has loads of places to store womanly gadgets such as straighteners etc now. I would definitely agree about the velcro and doors, a little annoying but nothing to lose sleep over. As for 'pitching in no wind whatsoever', what a load of rubbish. I have yet to see what a gale force can throw at this tent but we camped in Cumbria and saw a few blustery moments and I must say the tent held up admirably, and I am an time served camper.
So all in all, nothing really to moan about, if you want a good solid tent at a reasonable price this is your one
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By: Adandemsmom Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 26/07/2010
After reading some of the reviews I was slightly nervous about using our new Oakland.
We were forced to replace our Minny 6 due to a broken zip and problems with the fabric and this was the nearest match.
The size and layout were perfect for 2 of us plus the dog, we opened up the sleeping area and used the bigger half for the bed, the smaller for storage and dog bed.
The living area was fabulous and a better shape than the Minny as it's more square. Plenty of room for storage, fridge, large loungers etc.
The windows in the living area were fantastic and you still feel part of everything even when indoors. We didn't open the curtains on one side but it was still really bright and light.
I love the fact that the tent is easy enough to erect for a weekend but big enough for longer stays- esp. With use of the extension.
No problems with front pole to report so far but will keep an eye on it.
All in all an excellent tent for the money, we got a really good deal with ours and can 100% recommend.
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By: Dejes Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 21/07/2010
Used for Two Adults & one dog Camping in Dorset for one week from 12 July 2010. Weather Conditions, Gusty winds, heavy showers,Hot & sunny. A great test for the tent as we had a bit of everything.
This tent has so many reasons to work well, But unfortunately looking at it and living it are two different experiences, there are a few design faults, and niggles.
Positive point first
Great size for us
Colour coded front and back section poles.
Lots of living room Hight & space
Plenty of window options
Two door options
Sturdy centre sections (Steel Poles)
All in one sealed in ground sheet
Bright neon guylines
Good adjustable ventilation
Negative points:
Front Supporting pole, suffers to much stress on bends & brakes very easily.The front of tent is the weakest part of the tent and this needs better support, particularly in any wind.
Roof sections of fabric that feed through & hold poles, end just where the the joints of poles are which allows the fabric to get nipped and stuck which in time will fray the material.
Side door follows into roof gully section, so when it rains water pours in when needing to use the door.
The curtains on windows are quite fiddly to secure,and when rolling up they are tricky to keep in place, because of uneven shape and tie positions. The front door to open is awkward to open and tie up, because of the severe slope on the front door you must open the mosquito net from the inside first, to be able to open and secure the door as you need to stand inside the front of the door to be able to reach the top to secure it. Ideally needs two people to roll it up too.
The sleeping area can be dived to allow a larger living area, leaving the larger side sleeping pod enclosed, we used a double inflatable on the supposed 3 person side and it completely filled that side, also the two connecting inner sleeping pods can be opened into one big area, BUT the dividing zip has a few inches of material on the bottom corner, meaning an air bed puts pressure on the inner tent.
I really don't think 3 adults could fit on the larger side, I would say only two, and comfortably only one on the other side making this tent more suitable for three adults only.
On reflection I think possibly the Minnesota 6 people tent might have been a better option for us, because of the side door canopy and the front porch option.
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44 User Reviews of the Oakland XL - Showing 21 to 30 Page:
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With an innovative inside and out, the Oakland XL sleeps 5 people in a universal 3 + 2 inner that comes pre-attached it is made of breathable polyester, and comes with mesh pockets. The extraordinary amount of standing height is made possible by the Outwell Extended Frame System (OEF System), while the large windows fill the interior with generous amounts of daylight. With both a front and side door for easy access and ventilation, indoor comfort is maintained at all times by the fully seam-sealed Outtex 4000 flysheet and the double-coated polyethylene floor of the Outwell Sealed Ground System (OSG System). The Oakland XL pitches flysheet first or as one, and has adjustable pegging points as well as pre-attached luminous guys. Designed for multi-child families, the Oakland will delight its target group from very first glance.
Pitching way: Flysheet first or as one Flysheet: Outtex 4000 with taped seams Hydrostatic head: 4.000 mm Inner tent: Breathable polyester Groundsheet: Sealed Ground System Pack size: 34 x 80 cm
Features: •Large panorama windows •Pre-attached inner tents •Organiser pockets •Mesh pockets in the inner tents •Lamp holder and light cable tidies •Fully seam-sealed flysheet for maximum protection •Reinforcement patch on all stress points •Adjustable pegging points •Pre-attached guy ropes •Luminous guy ropes •Heavy duty Outwell zips
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Date: 07/09/2010
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