Karsten 350 Standard Pod Tent Reviews and Details

Tent Reviews: Karsten 350 Standard Pod

Tent and Awning Reviews Index > Karsten > 350 Standard Pod Reviews

Current Model?
Berths:
Weight:
RRP on date added:
Bedroom inners:
Living area groundsheet:
Pitching Style:

Yes
0
37.00 KG
Ł1,360.00
0
Bathtub
Inflatable

Average User Rating:

9.7/10 from 10 reviews

Viewed: 47806 times

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10 Reviews of the 350 Standard Pod

By: RainMagnet Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2016 Rating: 10 from 10

After 3 camping trips consisting of 2 weekends and a 7 night stay I feel I am now ready to submit a review of this great tent.

The tent consists of pod that can have either additional pods, awnings or extra sleeping areas added to them via heavy duty zips that are fitted to your main pod during manufacturer depending on your future requirements.

Pitching the tent is a dream, simply peg out the 4 corners then inflate the 2 tubes with a foot pump or compressor, we use a compressor that came with the car and after around 8 min the tent is up and ready to go. Don't mistake these tubes with other manufacturers that have recently started to provide inflatable tents, Karsten have been making these tents since the 80's and have long ago ironed out any teething problems, also the tubes on the Karsten are inflated to around 43psi and tested to well beyond that, compare that to most others that range from 5-10psi you know your getting a sturdy frame that can withstand the elements.

The fabric of the tent is a thick canvass which can take a pounding from the typically fickle British weather. We have survived heavy rain & high winds with no hassle at all. The thick fabric in one of the darker colour available (ours is burgundy) blocks the light out a treat which is great for sleeping in the summer time when you have sunrise at 5:30am, but also the lighter colours available let plenty of light through so are great for the awnings.

In summary this is a brilliant tent, the quality of the materials & craftsmanship is well worth the high cost you pay, you also get a 5 year guarantee to boot. The after sales from the UK supplier is second to none. We are looking forward to may yeas of camping in this tent come wind rain possibly some UK shine.

2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Nickmiow Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 9 from 10

I must say having read the reviews, that there does seem to be a certain amount of hyperbole surrounding these tents. However now being the owners of a 7 year old one, we're impressed, our first trip away was at Downshay farm in Dorset and midway through our week, we experienced a storm the severity of which, we've never had under camp conditions, no problems for the tent, although we'd removed the rain awning due to the wind severity, the quick erection time was a joy, slightly exceeded by the even faster deflation/pack up time.

Ours is 7 years old, has no signs of fading & still smells great, is it the perfect tent? In all honesty, I'd have to say no, that could only really come about if the accumulated knowledge of all forum members was converted into canvas. Highly recommended though.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Dawnie3118 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2016 Rating: 10 from 10

First time out with our Karsten. Can't fault it! Very spacious especially with the 300 pod attached.

Easy to inflate & deflate, can't seem to manage to get back into the bag properly yet.

It was an expensive purchase, but worth it as it will last a lifetime.

Because they are modular, we took down the 300 pod the night before

As it was dry, so only had the 1 pod to take down in the wet.

All in all delighted with our purchase.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Blythespirit Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2015 Rating: 9 from 10

We purchased this tent to replace our Outwell Trout Lake which had become too difficult for my wife and I to use. We chose the 350 over the 300, as I thought the 300 would be too cramped. It was a good decision.

We just purchased the pod initially,being unable to decide whether to go for the comfort awning or rain awning to keep rain out whilst the door was open.

After a couple of trips, we purchased the rain awning. We wanted the simplest setup, without compromising on comfort.

The extra window in the pod has been useful both for light and ventilation. The canvas is warmer in the cold than our polycotton Outwell and with the window covers down and door shut, it is very snug indeed.

We wanted a tent that would be easy to use and be comfortable in the best and worst of British weather. This tent has exceeded our expectations and hopefully, will give us the chance of many more happy camping trips.

5 from 8 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Jim1977 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2015 Rating: 10 from 10

Having previously owned an Outwell Bear Lake 6 and an Outwell Harrier XL, both good tents, I can safely say the Karsten is in a different league in terms of quality and design, ease of use, durability and enjoyment factor as a place to spend time.

We have a 350 pod, together with a CA, EA, FW, RA and SE, in a combination of sea green and beige.

The modular nature of these tents means you have a set up for every occasion. You can add or remove awnings and extensions depending on the length of your stay, the number of people coming, or weather conditions.

You can modify many of the components to your bespoke needs, for example extra windows, zips, colour combinations.

There's no denying this is an expensive set up, but the long warranty and back up from Camping Travel Store and Karsten, coupled with strong used values, means the cost of ownership will be good in the long run.

I can't think of a more perfect outfit to camp in.

3 from 5 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Mucker1884 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2014 Rating: 10 from 10

After one practice pitch, and one 3 night camp, I really can't see how I can rate this tent. And everything that goes with it. Any less than ten out of ten!

We went for this 350 pod, along with the comfort, extension, and rain awnings, and added the lesser seen flat front wall, as opposed to the more popular sloping front wall. We also opted for the inner dividers to split the sleeping area at night, and add an extra inkling of cosiness.

As we camp all year round, we needed the main pod to accommodate the two of us, with camp beds, comfy chairs, a large table and a food cupboard/table top. And it proved to be a perfect fit!

The awnings were purchased with the better weather in mind.

We all know by now the quality isn't in question, nor the craftsmanship. Which in fairness, has a price tag to match.

Pitching is physically and mentally undemanding. Once you've carried the pod to its resting place, of course. At 37kg (For the 350 pod only), it isn't light!

We had heavy rain on our very first night. No 'mist', no leaks, nothing. Despite not 'weathering' it beforehand.

The air tubes ('Hoses', as Karsten call them) stand proud, solid, and unnerved. The zips all connect and run extremely smoothly, and the vents seem to work admirably, despite the damp conditions. (We had a little condensation on one morning, at around 1 degree above freezing. I'm confident that was user error, and will adjust the vents accordingly, next time out).

We had the canvas window covers rolled up in the rain. And the additional see-through covers ('Foils') kept every last raindrop out!

A square pod on its own. With no 'bedroom'. May not suit all, of course, but the beauty of these tents is that, with the use of various add-ons, they can pretty much accommodate any family, of any size, regardless of their set up preferences. The configurations are infinite. With a little forethought!

I already love everything about this tent, be it the material, the craftsmanship, the accessories, the options and the wonderful pre and post sales service you get from buying from Camping Travel Store. The sole UK Karsten distributor.

Ten out of ten for me. I'll give it a full 12 months, then come back if it's any different then!

10 from 11 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Basichendo Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2013 Rating: 10 from 10

This tent is superb. I have previously left a review about our 300 - as we have linked them together (see pics).

Not only are these tents of the highest quality - that's everything - the canvas, the stitching / craftsmanship, features and even the pegs etc, but they are also incredibly flexible.

They can be adapted / modified / have bespoke features specified. When going away for a trip you can take as much or as little as required to suit that trip.

The fact that they are inflatable means there are no 'heated debates' with my wife when we are pitching it! They are a doddle to pitch and easier to take down - it really can be done solo in quick time.

They are superb in the most demanding weather conditions too. We had driving rain for 4 hours recently and I had never weathered the tent - not 1 drop came in. It was ale really gusty - the tent was rock solid and not all 'storm' guys were utilised - no wonder this tent is the highest rated for wind (as by the Dutch AA).

The most impressive thing as far as I am concerned is the ventilation when hot. The vents (top and bottom) are unbelievably effective. When the door (with fly screen) and windows are open too it is very pleasant even in extreme heat and like no other tent I have been in.

Also, each morning we awoke to. Zero condensation. We slept with one bottom vent half open and all the top vents open. In the morning, and for the first time that I have ever encountered, nothing felt damp. Cold, yes - it was 8 degrees in the night, but nothing was damp.

4 from 4 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Achy Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: 10 from 10

There is little more I can add. Our tent set up-350 pod (which we use to sleep in), comfort awning, extension awning, front wall, rain canopy and zip in groundsheet is excellent quality and has already shrugged off high wind and driving rain. Plenty of room for 4 of us and I can't see us buying another tent again for a long time. I always felt safe in our poly-cotton Outwell Norfolk Lake but this is way beyond in quality and ability to stand up to the great British weather. Yes they are expensive but a cottage in the UK for 4 people can be up to Ł1000 per week in peak school hols - doesn't take a long time to pay back if you look at it like that!

3 from 3 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Golfer6726 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 10 from 10

We purchased our Karsten 350 in May 2010 from the Camping Travel Store. We also purchased the comfort extension, front wall and rain awning, the rain awning is excellent, it doesn't flap about in the wind, keeps the rain off and gives shade when it is hot, ideal for cooking under, it is well worth buying.

This tent is very versatile and can be put up very easily in a strong wind on your own.

We have used this in very strong winds in the Lake District with thunder and lightening overhead with no tent movement or leaks.

This tent has enabled us to enjoy camping fully for overnight and longer breaks.

We will be purchasing a further extension and extra groundsheet this year.

We looked at a selection of tents and trailer tents before purchasing the Karsten and we feel it is of better quality and far cheaper than a trailer tent without the problem of storage , tow bar and towing restrictions.

We have had several tents over the last few years but this is the best and will last us a long time.This is an expensive tent but there is nothing comparable in quality. Money very well spent.

5 from 5 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Pauljacey Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: 9 from 10

Ours is the 350, 3.5M square base. There is a lot of standing room inside nearly up to the walls. We have had 4 adults sleeping comfortably in the 350 and use it as a sleeping pod, Karsten sell dividers if you want privacy. We had 10 people round the table in the open awning regularly (comfort awning, awning extension and front wall and rain awning). I also had the zip put in the main tent for a sleeping extension, but haven't ordered it as we just don't need more space, but that gives us an extra door out of the back of the tent. I ordered ours in 2 goes over 2 seasons, tent first then awning, awning extension and front wall. We have had no problems with hand made components fitting together. You can also almost design your tent with window, door placement, and type when you order, you can even get rip off foil covers for windows and doors so you can see out when it is raining. The windows and extra zips can't be retrofitted. It will and has stand up to gales, they are very strong. Canvas is cool in the summer the tent has excellent controllable ventilation, it is also quiet in the wind.

I know they are expensive and a real commitment for most people but I can tell you it does do what it says on the box, I've seen 15year old examples still being used regularly, they are very well made. Welsh summer weather has destroyed 5 of my old tents. We do use it a great deal and as far as I am concerned it is already paying for itself not just in peace of mind.

9 from 9 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

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Manufacturer's Description

Karsten’s inflatable tents have demonstrated their
quality over the years. They are no ordinary tents. Witness the top quality materials used, the sturdy construction, the excellent ventilation, their sheer spa-ciousness, and the perfect finish. What distinguishes the Karsten tents from other quality tents, however, is the fact that they are inflatable.

The modern dome-shaped models and porch tents are up in no time-it's only a matter of inflating the tube(s). This can be done with a small foot pump, a 12V compressor or, better yet, a bottle of compressed air. That's all it takes. Taking down the tent is even faster due to the high pressure inside the tubes. The tents will resist even the worst weather imaginable.

... there may be more info on their website

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