Tent Showcase: Outwell Carolina 3
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2009
3
19.90 KG
1
Fully Sewn-in
In one
Tent
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Average User Rating:
9/10 from 22 reviews
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NB: Outwell have advised that this model has been discontinued.
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User Reviews of the Carolina 3
By: Jon+von Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 13/02/2010
We bought our Carolina for weekends and short camps. We usually use the outwell sun valley 6 2006 model.
We discovered that the sleeping space was not big enough for 3 people and struggled with 2 adults and a small child. The rest of the tent was fantastic especially the bright open space in the living area, lots of windows and good height.
We camped on a cliff top in North Yorkshire 20 metres from the edge, it was very cold yet we were very pleased especially with the windows and views and would certainly recommend this tent for 2 adults.
My daughter is going to be the proud new owner this spring and I,m positive she and her chap will love it.
It's better than her pop up!
We found this to be of the high standard of all outwell tents but just not enough sleep space for 3.
By: Bob61 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 06/01/2010
This is my second review of this tent having now tested it more fully over a 4 day period.
I still believe it is a very good tent and everything I said before still stands, however, there is room for improvement in certain areas.
I have discovered that on anything but a perfectly flat pitch the flysheet cannot be persuaded to fit centrally on the poles, thus fitting the pins into the base of the poles even with the straps fully loosened can be very difficult. It would help if the straps were adjustable on both sides of the tent rather than just one.
A result of this is that one side of the groundsheet will be raised off the ground allowing the wind to billow underneath. This can cause any light items inside the tent to topple. This is compounded by a minimal number of flysheet pegging points. I feel a few more pegging points all round would help to pin the tent and the groundsheet closer to the ground.
Likewise, the number of guy lines seem skimped with just two doubled up ones on each side next to but not attached to the metal poles and one doubled up one on each corner of the tent flysheet. There are two more attached to the rear of the flysheet mainly for the vent flap. I have yet to use the tent in really windy conditions so I cannot comment on how stable it will be but I will certainly be carrying spare guy lines just in case.
Another review mentioned that the EHU lead inlet zip is on the wrong side of the tent and I have to agree. With it's present position below the side door, the EHU socket box can only be positioned between this door and the front door (a very short distance) without having to trail the lead across the door entrances or the front of the bedroom pod causing a tripping hazard underfoot and less scope for positioning electrical equipment. If the inlet zip was on the longest side of the tent where there are no doors, the lead could be kept out of the way and the scope for positioning items would be much greater.
Other reviews also commented that the fly net on the doors catches on the velcro door fastening strips. I also found this to be a problem and already the netting is becoming 'snagged'. I am sure it will end up holed before very long.
I believe I read somewhere that this tent is intended as a 'two season' tent. I am not too sure what would constitute a 3 or more season tent other than perhaps the HH of the material. This tent has an HH of 3000mm which I consider to be pretty good and I have camped in winter in 1500mm tents before with no problems. However, having now camped in sub-zero temperatures in this tent and with a heater I discovered that the front sloping windows seem to gather condensation which runs down and pools on the SIG in the front corners. This needs mopping occasionally. Strangely the other windows and the flysheet itself do not seem to suffer with quite so much condensation. Perhaps the slope of the front has some bearing on this.
One other problem I found was that due to the design, where the rear fibreglass pole clips into its cup on the door side, it hangs beyond the door opening and it is possible to catch yourself on it when entering or leaving.
This tent has been renamed for 2010 as the Carolina M. I do not know if any of the above little problems have been altered or resolved. I have been given to understand that the front and rear fibreglass pole cups have been modified so they don't now hang beyond the door opening but I have not seen one yet to confirm.
Despite the above problems I still like the tent a lot and it ticks all my boxes. As stated, I have not tested it in windy weather conditions. I hope my opinions don't change when that eventuality arises.
By: Bob61 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 09/11/2009
Having purchased the Outwell Carolina 3 about three weeks previously and not having a garden in which to erect it I decided to spend one cold November night at a local campsite solely to check the tent out and make sure I was happy with it.
Judging by that one night only at this stage, it seems to be the best tent I have ever owned and well worth all the praise and recommendations. The only problem was caused by my inexperience in erecting it on my own in that I did not get the poles properly centralised in the sleeves so one side of the tent was flush with the ground and the other side was slightly raised allowing wind to gust underneath the groundsheet. I hope to improve on this next time.
Having watched the Yeomans erecting video on Utube several times and followed the same routine I found the tent was very easy for one person to erect, but it took a little longer than the 6 minutes the man from Yeomans took!
I do have a couple of minor criticisms. The bedroom pod really is too small for three persons and only just big enough for two, and there wouldn't be a lot of room for anything else either. However, since the living area has a sewn in groundsheet and is huge, items which would usually be kept in the bedroom pod away from any likelyhood of getting damp can be kept in the living area. I actually had my heater ticking over in the living area and left the bedroom pod door open so the whole tent was warm. The living area could also be used for sleeping if needs be.
As others have mentioned the bedroom pod will only accommodate beds in one direction, across the tent. This means that the person sleeping at the back has to clamber over the other person to get to the door and it is not possible to turn the beds if the ground slopes adversely.
I didn't like the large vent panel at the back of the tent which cannot be totally sealed and corresponds to a vent in the bedroom pod so that on a cold November night there is a continual icy draught. I may see if I can seal that vent in some way.
I also discovered that the tent doors are only secured by velcro at the bottoms (zips at the sides of course). This means draughts and maybe even rain could get blown in at the bottom. However, the flyscreens have a waterproof strip along the bottom so that when these are fully zipped they finish the job of totally sealing the tent. The problem with this is that it is then necessary to unzip the flysheet and then the actual door before being able to get out of the tent. Not a brilliant design if the tent is on fire and you need a quick escape!
Having said all the above I actually bought the tent specifically for it's huge, warm, dry and light living area with lots of windows where I can sit in bad weather and watch the world go by. In that respect it earns top marks. Since I usually camp alone the small bedroom pod isn't a problem for me and the tent ticks all my boxes. Well done Outwell!
By: Melandfozi Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 21/10/2009
Absolutely brilliant tent plenty of room where you need it. Easy to put up and take down. Looks the part, very satisfied. Thinking of getting the Michigan extension unless Outwell bring one out for the Carolina 3.
By: RibTime Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 20/10/2009
I was looking for a tent that wasn't too big, yet would have a good living space and accommodation for 2. This tent is advertised as a 3 berth but in reality you won't get more than two in the sleeping area.
Pitching the tent seemed straight forward and could be done in 30 or so minutes. Inside the living space is excellent and being 6'3' I can walk around in most of the tent. With a main front door and side door that both have the velcro bottom fasteners which I'm not a big fan of as it will let wind and possibly rain in.
One of the nights we had howling wind and heavy rain and I was most impressed how the tent coped and sure it could take a whole lot more.
Panoramic windows are very nice.
In my view one of the best tents on the market.
Purchased the carpet and groundsheet and these are up to the standards of other Outwell tents. I believe that the Michigan carpet will also go under the sleeping area so if considering this tent I'd get large carpet which I think is at a similar price.
By: Waydon Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 24/08/2009
Just had four days on Northumberland coastline in our Carolina. Our first camping trip so expected something to go wrong, but even after gale force winds and heavy rain at times (and the odd bit of sunshine) our tent was still standing when others fell. Felt safe and cosy inside with not a drip of rain getting in. Lovely tent made better by the huge windows, we were the envy of some campers and heard lots of good comments by passers by. Also got carpet which was great. Not too pleased with the windbreaker ours snapped in the wind.
By: Keithydee Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating:  Date: 16/08/2009
Be aware of this tent, just returned from Scotland after packing up at 2am this morning, the fibre glass frame joint gave way followed by the metal pole joint dropping the tent, a wasted 1000 mile round trip, this is a fair weather tent (see previous review) from my experience and nothing more, there were other fibre glass strutted tents which were still standing when ours was over on its side, needless to say I'm after a refund and wont have another one.
By: Shires999 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 11/08/2009
Look for ages for a suitable tent and then we came across this one. It is classed as a 3 berth but as others have said it's really only suitable for two adults. The living area is huge and we comfortably had two chairs and a table inside with lots of room to spare. Lots of head space as well. I'm 6'2 and I could stand up without touching the roof even in the bedroom. We also had the carpet which really helped to make it feel cosy.
I agree with the previous comment about the mesh. I think it could get a tear quite easily if you're not careful.
We only ever really used the side door because my wife found it difficult to reach the top of the zips on the outside of the front door because of the slope of the front.
Although it wasn't windy at the weekend it does seem very sturdy because of the steel poles supporting it
Assembly was very easy. We watched the video on the website a couple of times but to be honest you could probably work it out anyway. Taking down was also very easy and it all went back in the bag first time.
By: Jogie Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 02/08/2009
I've just spent 6 days in windy Wales with my new Outwell Carolina. I'm giving the Carolina a score of 9/10 but it loses one point for something that I'm not sure is a design or manufacturing fault; but I think it's going to cause a problem so:
Negatives:
1.The velcro fastening on the doors has the 'prickly' bit on the bit of the door that touches the mesh door and it 'clicks' the mesh. I think this will lead to it tearing quite soon. Is this how it is on yours?
2. The bedroom was a bit draughty as there is a mesh bit on the door. Good for ventilation but the wind blew straight through it.
3. Bedroom zip not in a great place, kids found it hard to get out.
Positives:
1. Spacious living area - fab
2. Panoramic windows - also fab
3. Fitted carpet - fab too - very soft and dirt/spills did not soak in.
I really like this tent but am very worried about the mesh. It was extremely windy in Wales this week and the Carolina didn't have any problems (although there was a lot of bowing to the front).
By: Wadamson Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 21/07/2009
We bought our tent last month and have used it twice for weekends away with our two dogs and are heading off this week for 5 nights and cant wait. It is the first tent we have owned and I don't think we could have bought a better one for our needs ie two adults and two labs.
I have to say that I agree with all the comments listed in this review section but we love it.
By: Keithydee Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 20/07/2009
I bought this tent recently, like everybody else I would suggest its a 2 man tent, the bedroom is narrow too so you can only put the thermarests across the width of the tent.
Its light and airy, morning comes early due to it being so light and I can see the tent being difficult to keep warm out of the summer months as the living area is so large.
The front door drips in the rain and the windows were awkward, there are so many windows that it becomes a chore. Its easy enough to put up and well ventilated, I like the gauze at the top of the bedroom door and it feels sturdy enough.
By: Lazuli Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 13/07/2009
I do have a few minor issues with this tent (see below) but I would echo the other reviewers here: superb tent for two people, standing room throughout, massive living space, steel poles making it stable in the wind, good ventilation, sig reduces draughts, windows virtually everywhere making it a very light and pleasant space in good and bad weather. And all this without taking up acres of campsite!
Great tent. However:
1 - The bedroom is small, not a big issue in itself, however it is about 10cm too short to locate the airbed facing the door - so the person sleeping farthest from the door has to step over the other to go to the loo in the night. PITA. We have found that by strategically detaching the inner tent at certain points it is JUST possible to stretch the inner tent to allow our (186cm long) airbed to be positioned properly but it is a faff and not a particularly good one - pushing the inner tent against the outer in a few places. This is a well designed tent and the 10cm extra needed to make the bedroom perfect really bugs me.
2. Don't expect to lie in - the tent fabric is so lightly coloured you will wake up with the dawn. Unless, like my OH, you invest in a blindfold. Blackout fabric on the inner tent would be a cool addition but this could be said about many tents.
3. The ehu pass through feature. This is well conceived, however every time I have used the tent it would have been more convenient if it had been on the opposite side. A really minor irritation but one that niggles.
A few other points:
Windows and doors - there are so many of these that if you are not careful you will spend your entire holiday opening and closing them. Eventually I gave up and just opened the doors and the larger windows.
The sloping end door will, of course, let rain in. Just use the side door when its raining.
Very straightforward to pitch but I personally would not want to do it single handed and I am not looking forward to attempting it in high winds.
By: Jenks80 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 12/07/2009
Just returned from my first weekend in my Carolina 3. Pitching the tent for the first time was quite straightforward with only a steadying hand from my 10 year old. Took about 30 mins but as it was the first time I had a play around with it for another 30 mins or so to get things as I wanted them. The living space is huge for 2 and the panoramic windows make it very pleasant to sit inside when the weather turned. I was a little disappointed with the bedroom, it would not take my 2 mattresses side by side so had to go and buy a double instead. If you are buying this tent for 3 to sleep in I would think again, it will be very snug at night. The sealed groundsheet system cuts out almost all drafts making it a very cosy tent.
I would recommend the fitted carpet it makes a big difference underfoot. One other thing that I will mention is the sloping front of the Carolina, when it is wet you cannot help water dripping into the tent when you use the front entrance. We found it easier to use the side door when it rained.
I intend to buy the Michigan front extension for this tent after seeing some pics of other members who have tried this combination and said it works really well. This should eliminate the problem of the sloping front. Overall the tent is a quality piece of kit and I would recommend it to anyone!
By: Camcroft Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 08/07/2009
This tent was bought as a alternative to our bigger tent. The Outwell Indiana 6 for short 1 night stays and for early and late season when there would be the possibility of rain and having to put away a wet tent. This tent is the right size that if it did get wet you could open it indoors to dry out easily enough.
We are just two people and the sleeping area is just right for our double mattress and there is bags of room in our living area. We have recently bought a Michigan front extension, as we knew that outwell didn't make one. The dealer in our area Crowland Camping and Caravans recommended that we try the Michigan front extension as he could not see any problem with fitting it with a few minor adjustments. We bought one and it is really good. There are pictures of the unit above or you can just click on my gallery images.
I would definitely recommend this combination especially if you want to cook or just sit outside if it is raining and still be under cover.
Hope this review will help anyone looking at the Carolina 3. We haven't used our big tent since we bought the Carolina. There is a forum running at the moment for the combination of the Carolina and the Michigan front extension in the camping under canvas section under the heading Outwell Carolina 3 extension/canopy.
By: Scott40k Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 29/06/2009
We purchased this tent as an upgrade to the Coleman Bi-space 400 and to be honest we never really intended on buying an Outwell due to their prices and that I considered them 'a bit posh'. However, after looking at the Vango Orchy and Tigra, we walked into this spacious and light-filled tent and thought wow!
There are huge picture windows on three sides and the white roof means the tent is flooded with light, something that many tents lack. All the windows are curtained so you can maintain privacy. There are two entrances of which we found the side entrance to be most practical and using poles from our old Coleman we were able to create a nice canopy. On hot days we rolled up the sloping front to allow air to circulate. There are also air vents above each window and one on the back of the bedroom. The bedroom was perhaps a little small to allow a larger living area. We just fitted our double airbed and two suitcases with about a 1 foot gap to one side. However, I can't put this down as a fault as the bedroom is full height and who needs a huge bedroom in a tent anyway???? The living area was simply fabulous with loads of room for chairs, kitchen unit and table plus the endless bags you seem to lug on holiday with you. There was also plenty of space to make you feel comfortable on wet evenings - we played games on the floor and were able to cook without taking up too much space (although I hasten to add that this tent does not have a flame retardant area, and we always cook on a low table in the centre of the tent and not on the kitchen unit against the tent wall).
Assembling the tent couldn't have been easier and is certainly the most straightforward and simple tent we've had to date. Two ridge type poles and two self supporting flexi-poles make this tent surprisingly sturdy once pegged out. The sewn in groundsheet is brilliant - no rainwater seeping under doors and equally no chilly drafts.
The only thing I would add is the appropriate tent carpet to improve the comfort underfoot.
Overall a fabulous, spacious, even luxurious, tent for two. Perhaps a bit tight for three adults, maybe a young family at most.
By: Chris.cop Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 25/06/2009
Well we finally think we have found our ideal tent (until the next one!). The tent went up very easy thanks to having only two main poles and next time I think I will be able to manage it on my own. We used to own a montana6 which was fantastic but I was getting fed up with weight of it well this tent is like a mini Monty with all its windows.
During our stay we experienced torrential rain but pleased to say couldn't find a drop of water any where when we got up. Originally replaced the Monty with a Tigris 400 but for two people this seems far superior especially in the living space.
I have only one minor quibble (which I can live with) you cannot get an airbed in longways surely outwell could have made the bedroom that 20cm longer then the tent would be a 10/10
By: G0vii Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 24/06/2009
Quick and easy to pitch. This design is a real pleasure to work with.
Lots of living area and as much daylight as you require thanks to the huge window space.
Along with the footprint groundsheet, wall to wall carpet and sewn-in floor the tent feels very cosy indeed.
Used the awning poles from my previous tent with no problems.
Had a visit to an Outwell tent display at Ambleside where the lads had added a Michigan front extension to the Carolina 3. Have to say it looked very impressive but I'm going to wait and see if Outwell come up with an awning specifically made for the Carolina if not then I will consider the Michigan.
Highly recommend this tent for the family. It may have just the one bedroom but the living area can easily double as an additional bedroom as it too is completely sealed from the elements and has loads of space.
By: Filler1959 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 16/06/2009
Have just bought one of these and used it for the first time last weekend. The sleeping area fits two rather than three people, I'd say, but the living area is enormous - and you can stand up. We sat in it on folding chairs during a brief shower and could easily have spent a wet day inside reading or playing cards. There's room for a table too. Have bought a set of poles to convert the door into an awning and will see how that works next weekend.
By: Mikerox Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 07/06/2009
Just got back from giving this its debut up in the Lake District. Bought it to camp with my two boys aged 10 & 5 ( the Mrs wont camp - no hairdryer!).
I was torn when buying the tent between the Carolina & another Outwell model the Nevada M. The Carolina being a 3 berth but with a huge living area, the Nevada a 5 berth but a smaller living area.
Chose the Carolina in the end and I have to say im extremely pleased with it, the bedroom is cosy with 3 in there but we got our 3 camp beds in without any problems.
My 10 year old then decided he wanted his own pop up tent so we bought one whilst out and it fits snugly at the top end of the living room without taking too much space if you are looking for an extra room - ill post a picture when I download them so you can get a good idea what I mean.
All in all well recommended
By: Barmar Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 31/05/2009
This is a fantastic roomy tent. It has the added bonus of two awnings and with 180cm poles makes for that extra space. The beauty of it really, although made for three people, the room in the living accommodation would make it very easy to put another single or even double air mattress for friends because of the sewn in groundsheet. It has many windows with curtains making it bright and airy. The front and side entrances have that extra insect cover which both zip all the way round, that alone is great because it is impossible for anything to get in at night, including rain on a windy day or while out for the day. See the photos I uploaded in tent reviews.
By: Sharonpeak Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 27/05/2009
Lovely and easy to pitch. We didn't try it out at home first, so went off without a practice, and still managed it in less than 30 minutes and I reckon we can do it quicker.
Lounge area is huge and sewn in groundsheet keeps the draughts out. This suits us as the bedroom is fine for 2, but we can go with friends in pup tents but have room to congregate if its a bit chilly.
One great benefit is that one of the doors is totally vertical, and therefore avoids the dripping in of rain, when opening a sloping door in bad weather.
A great tent.
By: Richxyz Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 04/04/2009
Put up by myself although recommends two person pitch, although not really windy at the time I must admit! (first pitch an hour but that was with making set up mistakes. Plenty or room in the living area and a major plus is that you can stand up nearly all the way through the length, thanks to the extended porch pole system and rear sleeping area. It hasn't rained yet but I checked all the stitching carefully and cant find any faults.
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Manufacturer's Description
The manufacturer has advised that this model has been discontinued.
A direct Outwell response to customer requests, the NEW Carolina sleeps up to 3 persons in the security and comfort provided by a sewn-in groundsheet.
Strong selling points include its large panorama windows, excellent ventilation, and exceptional amount of standing height made possible by the Outwell Extended Frame system on both the front and rear of the tent.
Moderate in size, but big on features customers value, the NEW Carolina 3 has both a front and side door, and comes with bottom-up curtains that give occupants both the view and the privacy they want, a pre-attached and adjustable inner tent, and convenient organiser pockets. The NEW Carolina 3 is sure to find favour with campers who are looking for outstanding comfort and quality.
Specifications:
Flysheet: Outtexฎ 3000 with taped seams
Hydrostatic Head: 3000 mm
Floor: Double-coated polyethylene
Inner tent: Breathable polyester
Pack size: 27 x 77 cm
Weight: 19.9 kg
Poles: Steel poles 19/22 mm,
Duratec fibreglass 11 mm
Features:
Pre-attached and adjustable inner tent
Organiser pockets
Mesh pockets in the inner tent
Fully seam-sealed flysheet for maximum protection
Reinforcement patch on all stress points
Lamp holder and light cable tidies
Adjustable pegging points
Pre-attached guy ropes
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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