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Topic: Outwell Hartford xl advice needed

sxis

27/7/2007 at 6:15pm
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Im thinking of buying an Outwell Hartford xl i would appreciate any advice and experiences of this tent ta much !

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sadexpunk

27/7/2007 at 7:17pm
Location: lincoln
Outfit: vermont XL

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depends what youre after really. we went in one a few weeks ago as our first try in a tent and really enjoyed it. but knowing that we would buy a tent now, and having experienced the hartford XL, we wanted to fine tune our tent to be exactly what we wanted.

so what we found with the hartford was it was a little awkward setting it all out, as its got 3 sleeping pods to get tight etc. we also wanted as much room for our 'footprint' as possible. so we decided on a tunnel tent. instead of the 'clover' type shape of a hartford, we thought a straightforward oblong would give us maximum space. so we plumped for vermont XL. its also got a built in wardrobe which appealed.

bit more expensive, and steel poles, so a lot heavier (but more stable in bad weather apparently), but its what we think is the best option for us. (family of 4)

hope that helps you a little. the hartford XL is still a good tent tho :-)

Aidy Neal

27/7/2007 at 9:00pm
Location: Blackpool
Outfit: 1vango 2colemans and 1 saunders

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Our friends have the Hartford L (two bedroom version) over all they love it but the one complaint they have is the sag and condensation problem of the bedroom pods. They have now upgraded to the sun valley8 because of this, I am beginging to wonder if they have made the right choice based on some of the comments on here about the new outwells leaking, at least with the hartford there is a fly for added protection.

Cliff n Pat

27/7/2007 at 9:56pm
Location: Salford
Outfit: Pennine Pathfinder Hartford M & Porch

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We love ours & never had condensation in the sleeping pods,its stood up to gales on the coast & monsoon rain with no leaks, cant understand how a tunnel can be " more stable" as they have to be fitted with internal bracing in wind. The porch is a great add on for tons of room but doesnt like the wind straight down it.It does take a bit of pegging out once up but done right it is almost bomb proof. We have the smaller M for short breaks but take the XL even if its just 2 of us for the longer get aways as the extra room is great.

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Cliff (usually)

Sea Anglers have BIGGER Tackle.

.

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patricia1960

27/7/2007 at 10:36pm
Location: scotland
Outfit: outwell hartford xl 2006

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We have the Hartford XL, its a lovely tent its been out in all weathers and we havent had a problem with it. The bedroom pods take a double blow up mattress with a space at the bottom for holdalls. My only concern was the porch wasnt very big and as i have a young daughter I decided to buy a kitchen tent to keep the cooker etc out of her way, but people on this site recommend the canopy for more space.

I think you really have to go look at lots of tents so you can find exactly what you are looking for.

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Tricia

sxis

27/7/2007 at 11:12pm
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We have been and looked at the xl at a tent display & liked it but some of the postings on here have given us second thoughts about Outwell tents. thats why i asked for other peoples experiences with this tent after the weather this summer ha ! we had a coleman columbia which survived anything thrown at it however this has now been passed on to my brother

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I Think Therefore I Am I Think? eh? If all is not lost where is it?

rebusuber

28/7/2007 at 12:09am
Location: None Entered
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Best thing about our Hartford XL is the size of the main room. We have a small boy and it is great for him to roam around in (not walking yet). First night out it rained and the next morning we woke up to more rain then waited only 2 hours in the sun and it dried out. Before we got it I looked around (physically, not on the net) at loads and it was the one that fitted what we needed.

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Cliff n Pat

28/7/2007 at 12:51am
Location: Salford
Outfit: Pennine Pathfinder Hartford M & Porch

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sxis there have been problems with Outwells but very few considering the numbers sold have involved the Hartford.

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Cliff (usually)

Sea Anglers have BIGGER Tackle.

.

Aidy Neal

28/7/2007 at 9:14am
Location: Blackpool
Outfit: 1vango 2colemans and 1 saunders

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I agree with Cliff n Pat here, as said we dont have one but our friends do and the last 4 years of camping with them has shown the tent will put up with the riggers of the British climate, they have not had one leak, once they got the hang of pitching they do it in quick time, my only thought is it is inner first which may be a problem in foul weather, however having said that I have just gone and bought the Diablo900xp, this was in part because of the Hartford they have. I would have no doubts the Hartford is one of the best tents Outwell have produced.

Bicks

28/7/2007 at 11:00am
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Outwell Vermont M 2 Jersey M Jersey S

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hartwell xl is a great tent ,we have one with a porch, never had a leak or condonsation in the sleeping pods,big living area we had about 7 kids in there playing when we went on our last trip, buy the carpet and footprint as well they great investments,so go on buy a hartford xl you wont be disapointed.

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Bicks

sxis

28/7/2007 at 8:00pm
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Thanks for the reassurance all we really liked the tent and will probably buy it complete with carpet and porch extentsion ok i'm a softee but my days of "roughing it" are long gone and i do like my comforts !

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I Think Therefore I Am I Think? eh? If all is not lost where is it?

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rebusuber

28/7/2007 at 9:50pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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Quote: Originally posted by sxis on 28/7/2007
will probably buy it complete with carpet and porch

The carpet is the best thing we bought after the tent.

cumbrian camper

28/7/2007 at 10:35pm
Location: Cumbria
Outfit: None Entered

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As with all other hartford owners who have replied we are delighted with ours. Our last 2 trips were with our new purchases - a footprint ( made it much easier to pitch ) a carpet ( dead cosy and easy to keep clean just a quick shake outside each day ) and a porch extension ( a nice bit of extra space to cook or sit in and watch the rain ). Although we were motre than happy with our roomy, sturdy and dry tent the extras made it that bit more enjoyable. We had horrendous weather in Scotland in May not 1 leak despite others on the site including montana's suffering leaks and snapped poles.

Amanda

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Had a 2 year break from camping but ff to france this summer hopefully

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