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Hello everyone,

Hubby and I both camped as teenagers and we have camped as a family on about three occasions.  We are just about ready to buy our first family tent!  (ridiculously excited).  I have trawled the net and visited my local tent display on two occasions.  I have pretty much decided on the Outwell Hartford xxl  as it ticks all my boxes and I love the feeling inside.  What are everyones opinions on this tent?  I have also considered the Outwell Nebraska xl but have not seen it in the flesh so would really love the pros and cons of both.

Thanks for your help! Moll

I went bank holiday weekend to buy the Hartford XL at Caseys Camping in Otley, but then saw the Nebraska XL and was really impressed. In the end decided to buy the Nebraska XL at £399. My main reasons were:

1.able to stand up even in the bedrooms

2. very large porch area ideal.

3. steel poles which I personally think are more rigid and longer lasting than fibreglass poles (currently have a sunncamp tourist plus 6 family dome and had to replace some of the poles after 3 years)

Everyone has their own feelings and opinions but on the whole I don't think you will go far wrong with any of the outwell tents.

Hi Moll.

Both tents are great, it just depends on your needs. Plus point for the Nebraska is that it pitches all in one which is better (imo) if the weather is bad.Hartford is pitched inner tent first. Which can (imo) be a pain in wet weather. 

Whatever one you choose im sure you will be very happy with it.

Kay 

I would personally choose the nebraska as the bed rooms are larger, once you put a double or 2 single airbeds in most bedrooms there is no room left.

best wishes simon

Thank you so much for your replies.  I think I really will have to see the Nebraska Xl in the flesh.  I can't find anywhere locally that has it on display though.  Does anyone know of anywhere that has it erected within about an hour or so drive of Guildford?  Think I will also ask on a seperate post.

Thanks again

Moll

I used to have the Hartford XXL ( 2004 model ) and it was a very good tent.  The 2005 model was roughly the same with a few modifications.  In my opinion, they have downgraded the 2006 model.  The bedrooms are now slightly smaller.  To be honest the 2004/2005 models were never a true 3 berth pod anyway so maybe they have just been more honest with the 2006 model.

I now have the Nebraska XL.  A lot of places are quoting stock by the middle to end of May. 

Both are excellent tents but I think the Nebraska is a much better choice and I would definiely wait and see one before making a decision.

The Nebraska XL is a very sturdy tent and the bedrooms can be converted into either 2 x 4 berth pods or 4 x 2 berth pods.  It has a lovely porch on it ( although you can buy the extra canopy for the Hartford, but the Hartford is an open porch ).

The Nebraska pithes all-in-one which means you will have no problems putting it up and taking it down in the rain, whereas the Hartford pitches inner tent first so in the rain there could be water inside the tent if you don't get the flysheet on quick.

The Nebraska also pitches quicker as well and comes with all steel poles, whereas the Hartford has fibreglass poles.

The Nebraska is a fair bit heavier than the Hartford.  The Nebraska bedrooms have standing height whereas the Hartford has sloping bedroom.

I would definitiely go and see both, and if possible in the same display so you can easily compare.  They are both superb tents though.

Thanks Steve.  You are right I really do need to see both.  I think the Nebraska will be about 100 pounds more (sorry pound sign not working)!  But I would buy the porch for the Hartford anyway so about the same in the end.  I'm having real trouble finding somewhere to see the Nebraska though, any ideas?

Cheers, Moll

Hi Moll.

Here are a few piccies

I took these at SK Camping in Godstone down off Jct 6 of the M25. ( usually one of if not the cheapest )

The garden centre in Frensham ( other side of farnham ) stocks Outwell but I've not been ther yet this year.

Andy

I think I took a little video of it while I was there. Let me know your mail Addy and I'll send it to you when I'm at home this evening.

Thanks Moonseeker,  Thats really good advice!  Daffnut,  Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pictures of the Nebraska.  I actually tracked it down at SK camping myself and went to see it just now.  I have still not made up my mind!  The Nebraska they have on display is the XXL whereas I am after the XL.  I think it's pretty much the same but with no back room and larger side rooms.  If I am honest I still prefer the look of the Hartford but think I'm leaning towards the Nebraska because of the sturdiness/waterproofness/outer first pitching and also the porch that you can zip up.  I also think the Nebraska might have a slightly smaller/less awkward shape footprint which may make a difference on smaller european pitches.  I think I need to have a good look at Outwell's website for dimensions etc.  I will put my thinking cap back on!

Thanks again all, this site is so friendly!

Moll

There is a fair bit of difference between the XXL and the XL.  If you look at the back bedroom of the XXL, that is the same as the side bedrooms of the XL and of course the XL doesn't have a back bedroom.  The living areas and porch are identical.

As regards pitch sizes, if the Nebraksa will fit then so will the Hartford XXL.  The Nebraska XL requires a 7.5m by 5.4m footprint whereas the Hardtford XXL needs a 7.4m by 6.8m footprint.  Essentialy, you need an 8m by 8m pitch to fit either of these on ( sort of ).  The footprint of the Nebraska should make it easier if you want to fit cars and such like on the pitch as well.

Both of the tents you are looking at are superb, and you should really go with your gut feeling as to the one you like.  Both will serve the purpose that you want it for very well.

The rumour round our local Outwell dealer is that the Nebraska XXL will be dropped next year by Outwell but the XL will be continued.  Apparantly they are struggling to sell the XXL and stock has now been limited of them and no more produced.  The XL has sold like hot cakes with most dealers selling out of their first batch of stock and waiting for the next batch.

We have also bought a Nebraska XL for the following reaasons: a large porch which can be used as a separate area and can be zipped up, 2 x large bedrooms (one for us with a double airbed & bags etc and the other to be shared/separated into 2 for our 2 boys age 10 & 12) & large living area (good for when the weather's bad).  We liked the fact you could stand up in the bedrooms and that it goes up outer first - that was a big pointer in our decision in the end. I personally liked the light airy feel, big windows and didn't like the slopey smaller bedrooms and darkness of the Diablos/Hartfords.

But in the end it's your choice. Good luck finding what's right for you!