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Camping under canvas - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations

Topic: polycotton tents - how is yours ageing?

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Jim1977

19/5/2014 at 9:36pm
Location: Leicestershire
Outfit: Karsten 380 Veranda

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Hi all
Outwell has been selling their polycotton "Lakes" tents since about 2007 I think. 7 years on, how are you early adopters getting on with them? How's the fabric lasting?
Would love to hear your stories about your middle aged Norfolk, Arrow, Bear etc Lakes. How many weeks has yours got under its belt?
These are expensive tents but many of us have been sold on the promise of a minimum 10 year life if well cared for (not to mention all the other benefits of the fabric). Do you think yours will be going strong a decade later?
Jim

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mattv

20/5/2014 at 10:00am
Location: glossop
Outfit: Bear Lake 6 (It's brill)

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My Bear Lake 6 2007 model, separate bedrooms, has been used 4 or 5 times every year so at an estimate it has had maybe 120 days use in total I would reckon. Used it the weekend just gone in Edale and I noticed that the fabric on the outside had faded in comparison to some of the more sheltered parts, say at the front near the canopy. Aside from that everything has brilliant. No leaks, all works very well. The front door zip can be a little stiff but this doesn't cause any problems and that has always been the case in any event. I still look at it and feel that it's one of the best. The newer ones had a few improvements such as the bedrooms that can be opened out and the pockets between the rooms which would be handy. I've noticed that the new model doesn't have the super thick groundsheet (lighter, not better) and also the canopy is different at the front, also not an improvement in my opinion not helped by the front slope on the new model. All in all this is a great tent and I suspect that I will be using it for another 10 years, certainly hope so. Really pleased with the tent and when the weather turns for the worst that is when you're most happy with the initial investment, mine was £540. Love it!

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