We currently have an Outwell hartford Xl which we love but it's 4 years old now and we're looking at replacing it with a Wolf Lake 7. My only concern is the maintenance needed with a polycotton tent compared to the virtually no maintenencase polyester ones. Will it need reproofing like the traditional canvas tents?
Our last tent was polycotton. It never leaked and didn't need any real maintenance (more than any other tent). It dried really quickly and didn't suffer with condensation. The only reason we don't use it now is because we have a campervan and awning, although we will hopefully use it again. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a polycotton tent, the only downside is the weight!
I have a Wolf Lake 5 and it is very comfortable - I asked before I bought it about maintenance and was told that there wasn't any other than making sure that it was clean and dry when packed away - this includes the removal of bird deposits. As for re-proofing it shouldn't need any for many years if you follow the clean & dry advice. Products like Fabsil should not be used on this tent I was told but they couldn't explain why, advice from Outwell apparently.
I agree with khwood, weight is a problem - I got around this by buying another bag and and using it for dry stuff, inner tent, carpet, etc and a further waterproof bacg for the zig and footprint for all wet stuff. It is now a manageable weight and I can get it in the roof box but make sure that you don't exceed the weight limits of the roof box.
The Wolf Lake 5 totals about 50Kg and that doesn't include carpets, bedding etc - the WL7 is heavier so take care.
We just got the Bear Lake 6 and it's just not about weight but size as well. They are in 2 very large bags and I'm sure the Wolf Lake 7 will be larger.
One thing to keep in mind is that is a very large tent and you may have problems getting on some sites or you may have to pay more. Some sites even charge by the number of berths in your tent as well. If you are well aware of this then I apologize.
It is a fabulous looking tent but size-wize, but the bear lake was more practical, there are 4 of us right now, but come this November, there will be 5 of us and it will still be a perfect size for us. Can't wait to use it.
Oh, and you have to consider storage and dry out time if having to pack down wet. We went through a lot to get our tent so there is no way it will be stored in the garage, there is no room in the kitchen closet and there is no way we will be able to get it up and down from the loft. So we were torn when my hubby thought we could store it all behind the couch. We have leather reclining sofas and you have a bit of space behind them and they fit perfectly!!!
We didn't get chance to 'proof' our Bear Lake before our first trip, had some heavy rain and no leakage.
The Lake range are quality tents, but as mentioned they are heavy and large to store. But once you have you used one you can appreciate why.
If taken down wet, they must be dried asap, I don't think you can get away with leaving it wet in the bag for a few days like you could with a nylon tent. We drape ours over the bannister and move it around for a couple of days so don't consider this an issue.
We were undecided between the BL6 and the WL7 but chose the BL6 in the end for 2 reasons. Price, we got a fantastic out of season deal on last years model - and size. The WL7 is over 5m wide and we mainly use C&CC sites. For tents over 5m you have book direct with the site and can't use their on-line booking system. We didn't want to have problems (possibly) getting pitches in the future. I did like the bedroom layout, and the full front canopy on the WL7 though.
I don't know the situation about re-proofing, but I don't think would be an issue for quite a few years if it does need to be done.
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Topic: polycotton tents
