I knew it was the Bear Lakes you meant before I got to the reveal - and said as much to OH.
Last December we bought an ex-display BL4 from Yeomans at Wigan (the garden centre one).
It had been outside on display for a few months and was the wrong shade f green. I though OH had loast his marblw=es when he agreed we would take it.
Oh yes, we can clena it up etc etc (meaning I would have to do it)
Well........... after getting it home and set up in the garden it cleaned up perfectly weel - stood up to al the snow and not a drop of water went through.
Even with snow on the ground inside (without inners or the zig) was warm as toast and we discovered the cats new favorite place to sleep in the day.
I did pictures and a thread on here about it if you search through past posts.
HOWEVER - you can't beat a good Canvas tent. The BL is polycotton. We love our Cabanons and youcan belive me when I say they stay put and do not move whatever the weather throws at them. Warm as toast inside too.
I love the shapes of the Dutch tents too and I would be looking towards ESVO or second hand DeWaard if we were looking to replace any of our tents. though most wil lbe happy to know that I am now happy with my little collection and unless an absolute bargain buy comes along I shall not be adding anything for the 2010 season!!
well Audsley you would not have any regrets if you did buy one, we bought our BL6 ex display 2 years ago and have not looked back, though did buy a trailer to carry all the equipment, and now have added the fitted carpet for this years outings, no matter the weather we will be very snug.
Even though ours was an ex display we have found no problems and though now biege instead of green still gets all the admiring looks from other campers.
Quote: Originally posted by dadsbeaniemad on 04/1/2010
I am now happy with my little collection and unless an absolute bargain buy comes along I shall not be adding anything for the 2010 season!!
Quote: Originally posted by dadsbeaniemad on 04/1/2010
I am now happy with my little collection and unless an absolute bargain buy comes along I shall not be adding anything for the 2010 season!!
Errrrmmmm - is that a New year resolution Keeley? I can't believe you'll manage a whole year without buying a tent!
And we know how many absolute batgains come along on Ebay - don't we???
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
Know what you mean Audsley, I went through the research stage in fine detail before buying my tent, and now I am really glad I held off buying until I was sure what was best for me.
In the end though, it was seeing a BL at Yeomans near Wolverhampton that made my mind up for me, and I secured a Trout Lake at a really good price from Somerset Camping.
Thing is, you'll buy the BL now and in six months something else will seem to be the perfect tent....... ask anyone on here
Handsome tent that Bear Lake, and I love reading fellow enthusiasts musings, so ta. Its also good fun perusing all the options when buying.
Im another 'Cabanon head' having got a nearly new Eloise on Ebay last year for £170. We love it - pic on gallery. Cabanon owners do seem to take the effort to keep them in good nick
This is the first time I have posted a reply on this site, however after seeing the Outwell polycotton range at Yeomans Nottingham last year, liked the Bear Lake, but wanted an enclosed front porch, we did some reasearch and found the Outwell Norfolk Lake. We then purchased this tent. This was our first time camping last year, we took it on two septerate one week holidays and apart from the weight, which we purchased a trailer for, as there is five of us, could not fault it, as the enclosed front porch area gives ample room to cook in and also relax in, leaving more than adequate living area. We are more than pleased with this tent and would not consider looking for a replacement at this time.
Thank you all very much for your thoughts on this.
I have just returned from our annual migration south so have not been able to follow the thread for the last 12 days.
During our relaxing holiday I had the chance to run “Project Bear Lake” past the OH. Whilst she agrees with me that the BL’s are fantastic tents she went “all sensible” on me and thinks it’s early days for us and camping, so we should stick with our current tent (which she really likes) and concentrate on spending our money on actual camping rather than a better tent – to be honest I could see that one coming.
As I can’t really fault this sensible approach at all, I’ve decided to push the tent upgrade back in my list of priorities and to just simply keep my eyes open for canvas / polycotton tents and any “too good to refuse” deals that might appear in the future (translation: I still want one and probably will buy one, so I’m just kidding myself about being sensible ).
As I was away for the New Years Eve a belated HNY to you all.
You definitely cant beat cotton, I brought a outwell sun valley 6, last year, only went one weekend away in it, it happened to be one of the hottest we had, which was great, but you couldn't go in the tent cos it was so blooming hot!
I started camping 20 plus years ago in cabanon frame tents, didn't know any difference with the brands back then, just happened to live near to dealer in wolverhampton (now yeomans) But you certainly get spolit, the only down side back then was they didn't do the SIG's, what a shame they gone bust now!
I have a Bear lake 4 and find it perfect. Not too big (i.e. fits on any pitch) and not too small - enough room to cook and sit in, and the porch area is great for the evenings. lovely and cool in the summer and so easy to put up.
we bought it for the 2 of us and one dog but my 2 older teenagers have also come camping in it with us and found it fine for the 4 of us plus the dog!!
we too admired this tent along time before eventually purchasing but have not looked back and love our tent. cant wait for the better weather - dont fancy winter camping just yet!!!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Snow Unleashes Hidden Tent Desire
