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Hi all,

Having purchased a cheap family tent from ALDI last year, i decided to invest in a Montana 6, so went off to the tent exhibition in Bristol this weekend to see the Monty in the flesh, however pitched next door was the Bear Lake which does seem to be in a differant league, very quiet and seems to be made to a higher quality.

Being faily new to this camping lark, would you regard the Bear Lake at a better buy or should i stick to the Monty, also is one easier to live with compared to the other considering the differant fabrics used

Any advise would be most welcome.

thanks

If you have the car space, the Bear Lake is the better buy.  Canvas tents will last 20 years plus if well looked after.  Polyester tents will last around 5-7 years depending on how often and in what weather conditions you camp.

The bear lake would be cooler in hot weather and you wouldn't get the condensation problems which you will experience in a polyester tent.  It's also thought to be safer to cook inside a canvas tent than a polyester one. 

We've always had a canvas tent until last year but now we have two sons, we don't have the car space for the bigger pack size of a 6 berth canvas tent.  The Montana packs away smaller since it's polyester.  If we had a trailer we'd definitely go for a Bear Lake.

After reading all the threads on here would anyone be wise to buy an outwell ???

PennyRow

Quote: Originally posted by mully on 13/5/2007

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If you have the car space, the Bear Lake is the better buy.  Canvas tents will last 20 years plus if well looked after.  Polyester tents will last around 5-7 years depending on how often and in what weather conditions you camp.

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We got a Bear Lake recently and the zip was fine. Perhaps the 2007 model has been improved.

When we went to look at it, the weather was really hot and the Bear Lake was cooler and much less humid inside than the other tents. It is very big though and heavy. We might have to leave some stuff at home or invest in lighter cooking equipment as OH is worried about the weight in the car!!

I had a monty 6 and have upgraded to Bearlake for the same reasons everyone has mentioned i.e. cooler in summer etc. The difference in price is well worth it in my opinion.

Quote: Originally posted by StevieE on 15/5/2007

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but are'nt the new Cabanon Biscaya tents polycotton as well now?

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Quote: Originally posted by atko on 15/5/2007

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I had a monty 6 and have upgraded to Bearlake for the same reasons everyone has mentioned i.e. cooler in summer etc. The difference in price is well worth it in my opinion.

 

 

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