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Should I? After years of camping in France with Eurocamp etc, we have decided to take the plunge amd buy our own. After looking around we liked the look of the Nebraska XL but at the store we found it next to a Norfolk Lake which seemed in a different league quality wise. I know its a bit dear but after spending over a grand (and some more) each year with Eurocamp we thought it a good investment. We will keep this tent for a good few years.

Are we being sensible with this choice or what? We can't seem to find any posts on this tent, does anyone out there have any advice.

Cheers Pete and Bev.

I'd say go for it! They are nice tents, will last longer than synthetics if properly cared for and should be more 'breathable' (hence cooler/less condensation), so preferable for use in France.

We have the Bear Lake. I did think about the Norfolk, as could really do with that additional bedroom inner, but prefer the straight front and the zip on canopy of the Bear. If you do a search, using the icon at the top of this page, you will see what I am rattling on about.

I decided on this because of the stronger SIG and the alloy frame (lighter than steel, but strong - we have encountered some high winds in the south of France). But then, I do like traditional canvas tents, so this was a bit of a compromise.

If you do get the Norfolk Lake, do post to let us know how you get on with it.

If we needed a new tent, now for camping in France then this would be the one for us.

However it looks like our Sunncamp Grange will be around for a couple more years - but you never know.

Definitely go for it - you will save lots of money by not using Eurocamp and it feels far better to use your own kit.

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Brainhertz (clique of one)

Hi Pete and Bev,

Sorry can't answer you question on the Norfolk Lake...BUT...we've got the SV8 which is its original nylon brother (is that right !).

Anyway, we love our SV8, which is the same design and similar dimensions (SV8 is slightly shorter and wider) as the Norfolk Lake. The only thing that would put us off it is the sheer weight of the tent, nearly double the weight of our SV8.

Either way, the Norfolk Lake looks like a great tent and if it wasn't for the weight I think it would be a contender to replace our SV8. As it is, when the time comes, at the moment we can't find anything to compete with our SV8 other than another SV8 !

Happy camping,

Pete. 

We have a Norfolk lake, well getting our replacement soon.  Our last one had a couple of minor flaws.  The tent is fantastic.  Loads of room and the extra bedroom is great.  The inlaws came along for a weekend and we all fitted in fine.  Even when it rained we all managed to sit around a table in the front porch area.   With out the extra bedroom up the living space is great.  The quality is outstanding and on that windy August bank holiday it was rock solid.  During the day it was cool and an night really cosey.  Very easy to put up and take down. 

The only issue, as stated by Liddenham, is the sloping front door.  I know that lots of tents have these, but this made using that door in bad weather difficult.  The door would flap inside and rain etc would get in when opened.  Having the flat front door is better, but even with that I prefer the Norfolk.  The front porch area is really useful for all messy stuff, keeping the sleeping/living area clean.  We hope we have solved the sloping door issue now as we have bought side canopy, from other members, it looks like it is possible to fit this to the front.  If not then it will go on the side and we will use the side door in bad weather and still have a area to take off wet shoes and coats before coming into the tent. 

None of the campsites we went to had issues with the size as they all said that tunnels are better than ones with pods. 

If you choose this tent you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for the advice people.

I am pretty much convinced that its the one for us after all your positive comments. The only thing that I am worried about, reading the other posts on the site and there are lots of people discussing the weight and size of the bags. Going to France in our focus estate with 2 teenage girls and the OH is hard enough as it is without an extra huge tent. Liddenham and Spideygirl - is this a problem, is it bigger than the usual tents that a family of 4 would have?

Cheers

We have an Astra estate and both bags cover most of the base of the boot.  We then put stuff on top of the two tent bags (1 poles, 1 tent).  We have got a roof box and would not be able to manage without one (360L).  If you are going to France then this may be a good idea.  My OH will not tow anything further than the distance to the tip, so our trailer does not get used for camping.  We are just looking into getting a 580 L roof box (about £200 new).  This would allow us to put everything in it, except the coolbox, a couple of platic crates and the tent bags.  We will pack the car very carefully and get some stuff bags for blankets, pillow etc.  It is a heavy tent, but it is worth it.  We have added to our load this year with a day tent, side canopy and kitchen. 

Now all I need is a luggable loo , new 5 day cool box .....

petesykes - did you get the Norfolk Lake?, have you put it up, or used it, yet?  and what do you think of it?

thanks

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Brainhertz (clique of 1)