• PRICE £269.99
• SLEEPS Five
• WEIGHT 26.5kg

Packed size 78cm x 38cm x 30cm
Materials Outer 185T PU-coated polyester, 3,000mm hydrostatic head; inner polyester; groundsheet polypropylene; poles steel
Dimensions Outer 520cm x 380cm; porch 140cm x 240cm; inner 380cm x 360cm; height 232cm

COMMENT

Outdoor Revolution continues to move forward in its quest to produce quality tents at an affordable price. This year, we see the introduction of the Scenic Premium range of four tents that sleep three, four, five and seven people. Our test tent, the Scenic Premium 5.0i, is probably the most versatile of the tents as it comes with an added side porch that can be used for extra storage, as a wet area, or as a kitchen.

The tunnel-style tent is easy to pitch - especially as the poles are made from steel to provide the necessary strength to raise the outer without buckling under the weight. Once up, numerous reflective guys keep the structure stable, and there are four storm tapes that can be deployed in bad weather for additional support.

The tent comes in an eye-catching two-tone trim whose angles match those of the windows to create a slightly aggressive modern look. There are two triangular windows - one each side of the door, a large window on the door panel, and a roof light.

Inside, the Scenic has an inner tent that incorporates the living area as well as the split sleeping quarters, and has a fully sewn-in groundsheet. The two porches have detachable groundsheets that have raised sides. This means both can be used as wet areas in which to store mucky gear, or remove wet clothing before entering the tent. All the groundsheets have been anodised for heat retention.

The smaller side porch (pictured bottom right) is suitable for a kitchen area. Opposite the side porch is a mesh door with self-fabric backing panel that leads on to a side door in the outer. All inner doors unzip almost completely and fold into a pocket to one side.

There are two entry points for electric hook-ups so you can get a cable in regardless of the position of the hook-up unit to the tent.



Highs and Lows
While some of our leading budget brands are looking a tad tired this season, Outdoor Revolution appears to be gaining strength every time it produces a new range of tents. The Scenic Premium brand is a good example of the company's commitment to produce quality units for the masses.

The 5.0i is an excellent family tent that makes the best use of space. For instance, the side porch makes an ideal kitchen that can be closed off from sight if you have visitors sitting in your living area. Or, you can use it as the main door in bad weather - no rain will enter the living area as you take off your waterproofs.

Then there is that large front porch. It makes a nice sheltered spot to sit in windy conditions, or good storage space for mucky kit like bikes - just roll the groundsheet out of the way to prevent it from getting dirty.

Of course, in good weather you can open these doors and the other side door, to open the tent to the sun. You can even buy an optional matching windbreak to keep out any breeze. If the bugs start to bite, the mesh doors help you keep them out while you take your fill of the fresh air.

It is hard to make any gripe about the 5.0i. Quality is slightly above that which one expects from a tent at this price point. It has some useful features. It is nice and airy. It is sturdy and should take any weather our summers (or spring and autumn) can throw at it.

Even the usual complaint about the pitiful size of the tent bags does not hold water - you can easily stuff a wet tent into that supplied. I, for one, am looking forward to see what is next of the company's drawing board. CG

CONTACT

Tel: 01924 410050
www.outdoor-revolution.com


This tent review was published in the January 2008 issue of Camping magazine. To order our latest issue please click here.


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