BEING a tunnel, Outwell’s new Ohio L is slightly easier to pitch than a frame tent – although you do need two people to take the strain. Those steel poles are ample to the task of supporting the fabric weight when bringing the tent into position – something especially important in such a large tent that brings a massive amount of sail to bear when you heave it into place.

The tent really does offer a family the home-from-home experience that many desire. First we have that big front sun porch – it is the perfect under cover living area. This will comfortably house table, chairs, and kitchen – there are even side windows to open up the site to the inquisitive. And those two hanging rails will prove very useful to dry wet clothes and towels.

For extra privacy you could add a windbreak – there are plenty of optional matching accessories to deck out your tent. Or, why not invest in the front awning that adds a 280cm deep enclosed room to the front of the tent? It is just like having a conservatory!

Inside, the large living area benefits from panoramic windows along one side, plus an additional rear door. Apex vents above the windows, mesh back panels to the doors and a large mesh panel in the porch wall provide excellent ventilation – the sewn-in groundsheet reduces condensation further. Internal zip-close curtains add privacy.

The two bedrooms face the panoramic windows across the living room. Their trendy stripes add colour to the tent – the outer fabric has a more subtle natural print on some of the wall and roof panels. A zip-close modesty panel separates the bedrooms from each other and, like some other Outwell tents; one inner can be unzipped from the other and rolled up out of the way to create an L-shaped living room.

The bedrooms are large enough to comfortably take airbeds but little more. Storage pockets feature along one sidewall in each bedroom and on the outer column that separates the two. The bedrooms also feature ground level windows that allow access to similar vinyl windows in the outer – just the job if you want to check the weather before leaving your comfortable sleeping bag.

Camping says Outwell wants to raise standards in family camping with its AvantGarde tents. And the tents that feature in this category certainly offer eye catching finishes, some great features and that all-important Outwell quality feel.

While I am not too enamoured with the thought of a tenter’s caravan, our test Ohio L does provide that space and airy atmosphere campers appreciate in the traditional frame tent. It is a mighty tent worthy of discerning campers looking for a country pad in which to stay for extended holidays – and it has a price tag to match.

FACTFILE

Price £629.99
Packed size Canvas 78cm x 40cm x 42cm Poles 25cm x 76cm
Materials Outer Outtex 5000 polyester, 5,000mm hydrostatic head Inner Breathable polyester Groundsheet Polyethylene Poles Steel
Dimensions Outer 490cm x 535cm Bedroom 1 180cm x 215cm Bedroom 2 140cm x 215cm Height 235cm (inner 225cm)

Sleeps 5
Packed weight 42.1kg
Pitching time 30 minutes
Style Tunnel
Electricity port

CONTACT

Outwell
Tel 01275 845025
Web www.outwell.co.uk


This review was published in the April 2009 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.

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