I've been looking on this forum regular and have only just registered, not been camping yet, just acquiring all the equipment. Bought a second hand Bear lake 6 at the weekend (old shape), basically it has everything bar footprint which I am told the 2013 bear lake 6 footprint won't fit, please help asap as we are camping in less than 2 weeks.
You don't need to buy a specific footprint - any tarp of roughly the same size as the tent will do. Just make sure that it is tucked under the side of the tent so that water does not get between it and your groundsheet. We use a large sheet of black plastic as our footprint and just replace it when necessary.
Welcome to the forum - lots of great tips and advice on here but it does get addicitive!
Glad I could be of use! If you don't have any plastic sheeting then a cheap builders tarp are a good option and only cost a few quid.
We also have the Bear Lake 6 - think ours is a 2012 model. It's a fabulous tent - we've just returned from 11 nights in Scotland and it never budged an inch despite wind and heavy rain!
Glad to hear, just accumulating all the equipment, bought the tent with front extension and carpet for £400 second hand plus a load more camping gear off the same man, saved us a lot and have got a good tent to show for it. Going for 3 nights up Ashbourne in a couple of weeks to try it out! can't wait!.
Again as others have said a tarpaulin will do just as well as tent specific footprint just make sure its at least 50mm smaller all round than the tent to prevent water collecting on it.
Just ordered a 6m x 4m good quality tarp off ebay for £27.50, 150 gsm, there was 250 gsm for £37.50. I went for middle of the road, should be good stuff! the tent is 6.65 x 4.20 so should be fine.
Just thought of something else, I may have to pitch the tent on my own as wife is working till late. Is it possible to first time pitch a bear lake 6 alone or should I beg someone to help??
When you next put your tent up you will find a QC data label on the right as you go in. (It may be in the Inner Tent or main room).
It will tell you the month and year in which your tent was made. This may help when buying spares and accessories.
It will also tell you not to set fire to your tent, this is quite important while camping.
It is possible to pitch a BL6 single handed. I would not recommend it though especially if it's the first time you are pitching .It is much much easier with two people. There is a video on You Tube showing a guy pitching one on his own. It wore me out just watching him! Could be worth watching for tips on how to pitch though if solo pitching is your only option. Incidently, he pitches from front to back. We find it better to pitch from back to front but using pretty much the same system as he does apart from that.
Good Luck.
------------- If you think you can, or you think you can't.......you're probably right!
Quote: Originally posted by Bearlake6camper on 13/8/2014
Just thought of something else, I may have to pitch the tent on my own as wife is working till late. Is it possible to first time pitch a bear lake 6 alone or should I beg someone to help??
Thanks
I can pitch mine on my own but as Bertie21 says it is easier with two, although it does depend on how well the helper listens (my husband doesn't listen, while my daughter does and usually second guesses me).
If you have room in your garden to test pitch before going you could always give it a try by yourself after watching the video.