WHEN you are presented with such a striking family tent it is difficult to concentrate on mundane things like pitching, but here’s a tip. First spread the groundsheet out and lay the polycotton tent on top to keep it clean. Erect and guy out the tent, then pop inside to lift the groundsheet over the tension tapes before zipping it in and pegging it out. Pitching this way is a doddle.

Walk around the tent and you’ll find the usual rear vent – this can be rolled up, zipped closed or guyed out according to conditions. Continue clockwise and you’ll see two large panoramic windows in the right hand wall looking at the front of the tent. These are capped by big mesh vents that sit under storm cowls that feature a stiff rim with two props to keep them open. The windows have internal Mocha roll up curtains that drop down to provide privacy.

The opposite side features a similar window and a side door that rolls up to open. This door has a panoramic window and internal curtain, and is backed by a mesh panel so that you can open the door to catch the breeze while keeping out the bugs.

Outwell’s Extended Frame System sees a Durawrap pole create that large front porch. The drop-down door is flanked each side by two huge windows that allow plenty of light to reach inside. This front porch has a clip-in bathtub style groundsheet that can be removed to create a wet area. It also drops at the door for easy cleaning. A valance runs around the bottom of the porch to keep out the wind.

The versatile front panel to the inner living area and bedrooms can be unzipped and folded completely to one side. Or it can be opened half way to create the door and reveal a mesh window that can be closed off by a curtain. Or closed fully to allow access to yet another large mesh window with backing panel.

As mentioned, the inner living area has a zip-in groundsheet. The bedrooms sit across the back of the tent and feature Outwell’s Universal Inner Tent, which allows you to unzip and fold back one section to create extra living space. The inner tent has lots of pockets – including six on the central column facing the living area.

Camping says While we’ve seen tents in orange many moons ago full marks to Outwell for having the guts to introduce this colour – we’ve lived with blues and greens for too long. Topaz proves to lift the inside of the tent in all conditions, leaving you feeling warm and snug. And it is not as in-your-face in the flesh as it is in the photos – that Mocha trim effectively tones it down – but it still makes you smile on your approach.

You get the usual high quality Outwell build and materials, plus usual extras like door mat. While rated as a five-berth Outwell also notes that it sleeps four in comfort. And it should prove to be just that – a comfortable home for a family of four with the added bonus of that unique polycotton smell and feel that we all love.

MORE INFORMATION

Price £999.99
Packed size Tent 110cm x 38cm (32.5kg)
Poles 103cm x 22cm (20.2kg)
Materials Outer Outtex Airtech (65/35 cotton/polyester mix) Inner Polycotton Groundsheet Polyethylene Poles Steel and Durawrap
Outer 700cm x 350cm Inner 320cm x 215cm Height 220cm (205cm)

Sleeps 5
Packed weight 52.7kg
Pitching time 35 minutes
Style Tunnel
Sewn in groundsheet

CONTACT

Outwell
Tel 0151 645 2278 • Web outwell.co.uk

This review was published in the January 2011 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.