Tent Showcase: Outwell Minnesota 4 Front Extension
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2010
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9.10 KG
£129.99
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Extension
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Average User Rating:
8.43/10 from 7 reviews
Viewed: 2695 times
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User Reviews of the Minnesota 4 Front Extension
By: Beer + a BBQ Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 18/09/2009
We've just returned from five nights camping at Upper Booth Farm, in The Peak District, where we used our Minnesota 4 Front Extension for the first time. The good points about the extension are that it is reasonably well made, easy to erect (one 'tallish' person can put the extension, and the canopy, up unaided) and is sturdy enough that it gives confidence in high winds. As others have observed, the extension, or the canopy, is very much a 'must have' for the Minnesota 4, as the front entrance is very exposed otherwise. It also provides an excellent cooking and sitting space, although, as has been mentioned before, it could usefully be longer (we are thinking of buying a second extension).
The bad points are essentially design faults that may owe more to penny-pinching than poor design. The straps that link the tent wall to the ring and pin fixing are too short and locating the pins in the bottoms of the frames is unnecessarily arduous and irritating as a result. Adjusters on both sides might help prevent trapped fingers, blood blisters, frayed tempers and brief (fortunately) domestic rows (entirely my fault), and stress on the fabric that can clearly be seen in gaping stitches. The straps that connect the rear of the extension roof to the middle frame of the tent are also too short (ours need to be eight inches longer).
One last fault, which may seem like carping, though it cannot but become an issue in future, is the punched PVC tag that is ideal for hanging lanterns from, and is, presumably, intended for that purpose: It simply isn't robust enough and the hole is already so stretched that another irritation can only be no more than three trips away.
The failure of the stitching on one of the webbing loops at a ring and pin fitting as it was pulled to assist removal of the pin from the frame earns our extension a very black mark.
We chose the Minnesota 4 and its accessories after looking at many other much cheaper tents because it is what we need, and we are prepared to spend the money required to correct its faults, but it is a pity that Outwell have spoiled the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar.
By: Thepats Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating:  Date: 26/08/2009
We were lucky enough to pick the extension up from ebay and save a few pounds on it. The extension really made a difference to our living space - we used it at the weekend and it withstood driving rain and gales. We also managed to put it up for the first time without arguing! We were able to cook under it and it kept the wind out on a night meaning we could sit out a little longer. Highly recommended.
By: Crainneag Reason: I've used one Made in: 2008 Rating:  Date: 16/08/2009
I bought the canopy for this tent and it was great. As soon as the extension became available I bought it and it had its first use this summer. I also took the canopy and found that it was easy to attach the extension to the tent and then the canopy to the extension. This gave us a porch, conservatory, lounge and two bedrooms.
So, if you have previously bought the canopy then you can carry on using it; combined with the extension it gives additional shelter on those rare days when it rains when camping.
By: Former Scout Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating:  Date: 31/05/2009
If you have read my review on the Minnesota 4 then you will know that I believe the extension to be as near to a necessity as it is possible to be; the extension adds to the tent in several, important ways.
The side canopy on the Minnesota is, in my opinion, of limited use for getting in and out of the tent when it is raining. It simply does not give enough cover to allow you leave the door open; you end up quickly unzipping it, going through the door and quickly zipping it up again. The extension means you can leave the front door open at all times and still have a dry inner tent.
The extension also provides extra living space as you can sit under it to shade from the sun or the rain without all crowding into the living area of the tent. In fact, it is much cooler and more comfortable to sit under the extension when the sun is shining than to sit in the tent itself.
Finally, if needs-be, you can use it to cook under.
So why, since there is so much going for it, do I not give it ten stars? Well, in part I simply think that it is rather on the expensive side for a bit of polyester, some steel poles and rings and a bit of webbed tape; I can get a full four-berth tent of decent quality (Coleman Lakeside 4) for a very similar price. Secondly there was a quality control issue with mine; the webbed strapping on one side (the non-adjustable side) was not quite long enough – not a big enough problem to make me bother to return it but such that the extension doesn’t quite sit centrally on the frame.
However, it made a massive difference to our “camping experience”. (Did I really just use that phrase?!?!?!?) My Minnesota 4 is now a complete tent and everyone who used it last season as well as this commented on the difference the extension makes.
By: Mick RV Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 30/05/2009
After looking very hard at generic alternatives to use as a sun canopy, I finally decided to buy the genuine extension, although it was very pricey at £99+. The only reason I was able to justify this was that I only paid £180 for the tent in January (2008 model) (same as 2009 model now retailing at £279.) The first time it was erected I found that the 2 roof straps used to attach it to the centre pole were to short, even when fully extended, by a good 12', I fixed this myself after purchasing some 20mm webbing, rather than return it, and, potentially, take home another problem. All that said, the extension now fits well, is fairly easy to put up, even by yourself, and does the job and looks right.It should also be noted that a good third of its length is lost to the very sloping front of the tent. I have only awarded it 7/10 because of the points mentioned. To award it 10/10 it would have had to have had no faults, been slightly longer, and cost no more than £80.
By: Lazy Dazy Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 03/09/2008
Bought this to complement the canopy on the grounds that it would be more relevant to the weather conditions in the UK - certainly this summer. Took it on its first outing a couple of weeks ago and it withstood heavy winds and driving rain effortlessly. It made a massive difference to the spaciousness of the tent (not that I was complaining about that in the first place) and it was obvious that we were able to sit out in sheltered conditions cooking and eating while others were getting seriously blown about. It also eliminated the problem of rain coming into the tent when you open the door.
I would thoroughly recommend this purchase.
By: John Duffield Reason: I've used one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 13/08/2008
Used the extension for the first time in July, found it very easy to put up, a great addition to the Minnesota 4, just gives you that bit of extra room. Great for cooking if the weather is not exactly brilliant or just for chilling. Well worth the money.
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Manufacturer's Description
Designed to form a complementary and integrated unit with the main tent, the Minnesota Front
Extension is an inviting shelter at the entrance to the tent, and a great place to sit and relax.
Specifications
Flysheet: Outtex® 3000 with taped seams
Hydrostatic Head: 3000 mm
Pack size: 62 x 19 cm
Weight: 9.1 kg
Poles: Steel poles 19 mm
Features:
• Fully seam-sealed flysheet for maximum protection
• The extension clips securely onto the tent poles
• Reinforcement patch on all stress points
• Adjustable pegging points
• Pre-attached guy ropes
• Luminous guy ropes
• Easy to pitch
... there may be more info on their website
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