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Subject Topic: Outwell Minnesota 4 vs. Bear lake 4
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13/8/2007 at 3:36pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3
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Quote: Originally posted by Shimmy on 12/8/2007

May I ask as a newby...why are you talking about the Minne 4 and no one has mentioned the Oregon 5. I am very tempted by the Oregon 5 as it feels very light and roomy inside...the 50mm extra height in the Oregon makes a big difference over the Minnes 1900mm max. The Ore 5 is cheaper however as the Minne 4 has the steel poles and the sewn in ground sheet.

Do those steel poles make a difference to overall stability and strength and/or is it the benefits of the sewn in ground sheet that you like.

Interested in your replies as I'm stuck between the Oregon 5 and the Minnesota 4 myself as a daily touring tent for me and a pal. The Minnesota 6 funnily enough gets back the extra 50 mm headroom of the Oregon...but becomes too big a tent for me!


Yes you are right about the main differences between them. That is why the Oregon range is a lot cheaper than the Minnesota/Montana with full SIG and the Bear lake with full Zip in GS. These are important differences for a lot of peeps; you only have to look at the heated debates about SIG versus non SIG tents to see how much it matters! .

The steel poles on the Minny/Montyare also stronger than the fibreglass ones (though they are more bulky and heavy). And the alloy poles on the Lakes ranges offer the best strength to weight ratio of all.

. With a Minny4, to keep the SIG clean you would need a footprint GS to go under - more expense and more faff each time you set up. Personally I am not desperate to have a full SIG - none of our tents have them. I would go for the Oregon with the extra bit of space and height. I doubt there is much between them in terms of speed of erection.

You have to work out ultimately what is most important for you; and of course that includes budgetary matters too



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13/8/2007 at 7:28pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Weathermaster 1974
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Thank you Foggers, a nice concise reply. I popped down again today to scrutinise the Oregon and the Minnesota, I reckon the guy there thinks I'm some kind of nutter! I see what you mean about the fixed ground sheet...its not zipped for easy cleaning so, like you say, probablly need a sheet of heavy duty poly under to act as a barrier.

I did notice however, the Minnesotas 3 clear front windows really seemed to heat the tent up inside...it was rather hot in there, whilst the Oregon, also in the sun, seemed cooler and spacier. The fibre glass poles on the Oregon are the same as some of the bigger Outwell tents, so they should be up to the job on the Oregon.

I prefer the Minnes 50/50 bedroom split to the Ore 60/40...but thats just personal requirements.

The Oregon, which definetely feels more spacious, also can have the doors up as canopies whilst the Minne doesn't. The minnie side door does though have the small porch to save water dropping inside the tent when you open it.

All in all, I came away still undecided...which means that the Oregon could be favourite at £50ish less. They both seem real useful size of tent, easy to erect and reasonably well made...

Now, whatabout....optional zip in full ground sheet, Oregons space but with 50/50 non seam join bedrooms, with the Lakes alloy poles...and maybe 500HH...or even better, Polycotton skin which doesn't shrink and can be packed damp...thats' the tent for me. Don't think they have made it yet though!

Incidentally, I mosied into the Bear 4/6s there which were in the blazing sun...much much cooler than the synthets around it. They really does look like cracking tents.

Much obliged for your reply.

Shimmy



15/8/2007 at 5:51pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3
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You're welcome Shimmy. Yes the Lakes have the edge in a number of ways, ZIG, lovely polycotton climate control......and big fat PRICE TAG! ( also rather bulky for solo assembly methinks..)


15/8/2007 at 6:53pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coleman Lakeside 4
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What about the Trout Lake?  Looks similar in size to the Minnesota 4 but is a polycotton tent.  There is also one that is the same as the Oregon 5 but in polycotton but I can't remember its name.


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15/8/2007 at 7:46pm
 Location: Irvine
 Outfit: Outwell Bearlake 6
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Both are great tents. I have a Bearlake 6 and a Minnesota 4 and both have their own good points. The Bearlake is a wonderful tent and withstands anything that the elements throw at it, and is very stable in windy conditions. A brilliant tent, but it is a bit heavy if there are only two of you. The Minnesota 4 is a breeze as it is much smaller and easier to erect.The downside to the Minnesota is that you have to buy a front conopy as an extra. Anybody know of anyone who wants to buy an as new Bearlake 6? Just let me know.
Thanks all!

-------------
David


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16/8/2007 at 2:54pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Weathermaster 1974
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Duntowin...due you think I could pitch a Minne 4 single handed. It looks easy enough...peg out the back and pull it up into position.

Shimmy.



16/8/2007 at 6:33pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3
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Quote: Originally posted by afbowman on 15/8/2007
What about the Trout Lake?  Looks similar in size to the Minnesota 4 but is a polycotton tent.  There is also one that is the same as the Oregon 5 but in polycotton but I can't remember its name.

We helped 2 people take down their Trout Lake in a very muddy site in July...and it did look to be a very nice tent indeed. We were only assisting because the immediately muddy conditions mean we had to try and keep the tent off the floor so 4 pairs of hand were needed, not because it is unmanageable by 2.

 



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