EACH year Outwell manages to surprise with its off-the-wall ideas. No, not so much off the wall as that implies a little craziness. More, they take the time to find out what campers want before spending a lot more time designing products that create and enhance its family camping ethos by delivering close-to-perfect products. Well, 2010 does not disappoint. Enter the Fantasy collection...

Outwell has converted the fantasy of a child’s dream tent into reality. First, these three units are the only Outwell tents that will now feature its Kids’ Room – that superb printed sleeping compartment that includes a small child-only door, hanging storage and a loft that is also a ball game. So much fun have these rooms proved that many a Dad could be found relaxing in them!

In addition to the Kids’ Room we now have a versatile outdoor game wall and game set. The former can be used for ‘basketball’ or folded to reveal a net for volleyball and tennis using the adjustable poles supplied. It can even be converted into a play cave. The games kit includes football, softballs and paddles for hours of fun.

We tested the Explorer – the smallest model in the collection. It is a three-Duratec pole tunnel in a nice new blue. Parents will be pleased to hear that it pitches easily and quickly – the inners are pre-attached and the tent pitches in one go.

The Explorer features Outwell’s Sealed Ground System (a full sewn-in groundsheet to you and me), large panoramic windows and three doors – some backed by mesh and one having an eyebrow porch with side walls to keep out the rain.

The living area is a tad small for four but there are storage pockets for knick-knacks. And it is ample enough to use for overnight stops or for weekends. After all, you are hopefully only using the tent for sleeping in when camping away for short spells and the rest of the time you are out enjoying the good weather!

Camping says Outwell says that the Explorer will sleep three in comfort but it will certainly accommodate two adults with two small children. It is the ideal size for touring or to regularly use for weekend trips but buy that optional £89.99 front extension and you have a tent that will comfortably house the family for a longer holiday.

On top of its fun, practical nature, Outwell has managed to keep prices down to a reasonable level – and you certainly get a lot of tent for your money. If you have a young family check out any one of the three tents that feature in the Fantasy collection. Your kids won’t be disappointed – and, as we all know, happy kids equal happy parents.


FACTFILE

Price £309.99
Packed size 35cm x 75cm
Materials Outer Outtex PU-coated polyester, 3,000 mm hydrostatic head Inner Breathable polyester; Groundsheet Polyethylene
Poles Duratec glass fibre
Dimensions Outer 485cm x 300cm Inner 1 140cm x 215cm Inner 2 Kids’ Room 120cm x 215cm Height 200cm (inner 180cm)
Optional porch dimensions 260cm x 360cm x 200cm high

Sleeps 4
Packed weight 18.3kg
Pitching time 15 minutes
Style Tunnel


CONTACT
Outwell
Tel 01937 591101
Web www.outwell.co.uk


This review was published in the January 2010 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.

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