The Camping Forum

[Gav]

Earlier this year we were looking at the option of getting an even bigger tent. Primarily for camps more than a night, and may resort to a some smaller tents for other overnight stays.
I'm still not convinced we'll go down this tented-palace route. A bigger tent is just going to encourage people to bring more stuff that's not really needed.

We currently have a Coleman Coastline 6. I'm not that impressed with the Coleman, and started to look at other manufacturers. (My in-a-tent review, pending publication).

We looked at the Outwell Vermont. It looks like Outwell are still up there in terms of features and quality for large family tents. Their price is up there as well!

Skandika tents were considerably cheaper (usually via ebay). Originally their products were getting good reviews, but then went down hill. I suspsect they had to offshore production when demand grew. May be it's just growing pains and quality will return.

Finally we also looked at the Gelert Morpheus. At first this looks like another Vermont copy. Gelert UK aren't too far from us, and at a camping show earlier in the year they were selling it with all the extras for £450.
It didn't quite have all the bells and whistles of the Outwell, but the quality looked OK (though I thought the porch extension could let in water if not fitted right - they didn't manage to get it right at their show!).

What's people's opinions?
- Go with Outwell? Or, are they not worth the extra money?
- Skandika: One to avoid or look at?
- Gelert tents: a viable alternative?

Cheers,
Gav

[Wayne]

I have the Outwell Vermont-L and have to say we have always liked it.

I have the Carpet and Footprint for it, and might consider buying the side porch for it, purely so we could still have the side door open when its raining for fresh air. We have considered selling it as we fancy upgrading to a Pollycotton.

My OH loves Outwell, not for the name, she really isn't into names, but she really can see the quality in Outwell tents. The only one that has come close for her is the Coleman Mackenzie Cabin 6 which we also have and like a lot.

[Gav]

Thanks Wayne. That backs up my suspicion that with the Outwell, you pay a bit more, but get a bit more.

[AlanI]

That backs up my suspicion that with the Outwell, you pay a bit more, but get a bit more.

Unfortunately with Outwell whenever you make an enquiry direct to them, they refer you back to the dealer quoting the sales of goods act. So whilst we have been more than satisfied with our Bear Lake 4 once all the niggles had been sorted out (tip - check all stitching asap after receipt and all components are in the package) we have been less than happy with the dealer from which we bought it. So another tip - make sure you get a good feeling from the dealer right from the word go because it will be this same dealer that Outwell will refer you back to should any problems arise later.

[Gav]

Thanks. Excellent advice, and especially important if I buy online.

[OutdoorWorldDirect]

Hi gav,
Aftersales at outwell

In terms of Outwell aftersales, they will always refer you to the retailer or etailer as they do not deal with the public directly as Alan mentions. Your contract would be with the company you bought it from, not Outwell. Personally, when we have Outwell gear returned, we get in touch with Outwell and then sort it from there between us. We haven't had any problems returning items to them and them sorting it fairly and quickly. Also must point out that Gelert aftersales service is very good too, if we get in touch with them with a customer problem, our rep always sorts it very quickly. He actually dropped into a customers house to sort her tent poles out for her during the season last year.

Vermont or Morpheus

Both good tents, though i feel the Vermont has more on the Gelert tent. firstly the Morpheus uses fibreglass poles not steel like the Outwell tent does. Therefore, the Vermont structure would be sturdier and obviously heavier set.
Also the Vermont has more points of entry with two side doors. Though do be aware the Vermont changes slightly for 2012, as it has a panoramic front, which is a more rounded front end as opposed to the 2011 version which is rectangular. Though if you can grab a 2011 version, you will not pay as much as you would for 2012.

Hope that helps you a bit;

cheers

David

[OutdoorWorldDirect]

Be aware, if you buy the 2011 version, you need to get the 2011 carpet and footprint as the 2012 will not fit perfectly.
Not sure on the Morpheus, i think it continues the same for 2012

Cheers