08/05/2019 Share this review   Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon Share via Email icon

BOUTIQUE CAMPING WEEKENDER PALM LEAF 4M BELL TENT REVIEW

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A great value bell tent that looks superb and is ideal for festivals and family camping weekends – easy to pitch and transport.

PRICE £279 (3m - £129; 5m - £329)

 

KEY FEATURES

  • Lightweight polyester flysheet with palm leaf print
  • Zipped in ground sheet 
  • Secondary mosquito-mesh door
  • Thicker guyropes and extra strong pegs
  • Spring-loaded 32mm diameter centre pole
  • Branded metal guy rope sliders, zips and customised bag

WHO’S IT FOR?
Ideal for families and groups of friends looking for something different when going to festivals and weekend camping trips

WHAT’S IT LIKE?
For festival-goers, a bell tent adds a bit of funky glamour to the whole camping experience. But while they look good, there are usually a couple of major disadvantages. Because most are made from polycotton or 100% cotton, generally they are pretty expensive to buy and can be extremely heavy – not ideal when you have to carry your camping gear from the car park to the campsite.

The brand new Palm Leaf print Weekender Bell Tent from Boutique Camping is different – it’s made from lightweight polyester rather than canvas so it’s lighter (18kg), less bulky and much easier to transport. At £279 for the 4m version (it also comes in 3m and 5m) it’s also much cheaper than canvas competitors. That’s not to say it’s any less stylish – the classic bell tent shape is exactly the same and the vibrant palm print really stands out on site.

Another benefit of the lighter material, is that it makes it even easier to put up. Bell tents are already pretty straightforward – basically you lay them out flat, peg them out and raise the centre – but the Weekender’s weight makes that so much easier, even for one person.  Despite the lighter material and lower price tag, you’ll still find the same high-quality features that come as standard with all Boutique Camping tents.

It includes a sturdy centre pole and metal A-frame which forms the doorway. Inside there’s a heavy-duty zipped-in groundsheet that can be unzipped, allowing the sides of the tent to be rolled up to let the air flow through, and there are four zipped windows and air vents at the top for extra ventilation. The mesh-backed door means you can have the entrance opened fully in hot weather, without the danger of bugs getting in. And if the weather turns wet (it does happen at festivals occasionally!), the hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm should be enough to keep you dry.

We looked at the 4m version of the tent, which is big enough for a couple of double airbeds or four singles. Even better, if there are just two of you, there’s plenty of room to spread out. Other features of the Weekender include new no-slip guyline sliders and reflective guys and it comes with sturdy tent pegs and a mallet, all packed into a good-sized carry bag with a waterproof base. 

The Weekender range comes in a variety of different designs and you can see the full selection here

WHAT’S GOOD?
The lightweight canvas makes the tent easy to transport and helps keep the price down. East and quick to pitch. Good quality materials. Plenty of headroom.

MORE INFORMATION
Berths 4
Packed weight 18kg
Packed size 95 x 26 x 26cm
Pitching time 15mins
Style Tunnel
Materials Outer Polyester    Poles Metal
Waterproof (hydrostatic head) 3,000mm
Height 250cm
Diameter 400cm
Year 2019
boutiquecamping.co.uk