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Hi everyone,

have been looking at this tent online and think it would be great layout for my family, but can't figure out if the windows are mesh type material or plastic.Seeing as we're going on holiday to France this year I really want something with a lot of ventilation, and wouldn't plastic make things really hot?It just looks like in one of the photos that they're quite plasticy, I didn't think tents had those type of windows anymore

Sorry if this seems a stupid question but I'm in Ireland and don't think there's anywhere I can even view the tents I'm interested in

If this year's Sun Valley is the same as last year's model the windows are mesh with a plastic cover.  They are great for ventilation as you can have the mesh zipped closed and covered by the plastic.  You can roll the plastic up and keep the mesh to keep out insects or you can open the window up completely and have loads of ventilation.

We had the SV8 and found it to be very airy when needed but cosy when cold.

This is called the 'Outwell VentView System'.

Hi Midge21,

on the outwell website it says the windows are low-light windows but I cant seem to see anything about mesh, but for some of the other tents it does mention the"outwell VentView System" .I don't mind if they're plastic as long as they can be rolled up or down.

I see that you now have an outwell vermont xl, any reason for changing from the SV8?

Hi ismisemama

Sorry, looks as though they've changed the windows on the new version of the Sun Valley and that they might not open as the previous ones - this could mean that the tent gets very hot, although there are large door openings and the front porch so you'd probably be OK. 

We started camping 2 years ago with a small satellite tent and after the first trip changed it for a SV8.  We loved this and think the old version is much better than the new model.  However, we were unfortunately enough to have problems with the leaky seams that several others have experienced and after our third SV8 decided to give up on them.  We discovered the Vermont which had all the same features as the Sun Valley but is even better.  We actually had a leaky 2007 model Vermont as well but can't find another tent we like better so we've opted for a 2008 model in the hope that problems have been addressed at Outwell.  As far as design and features are concerned we think that Outwell are ahead of the other manufacturers and we ordered the Vermont XL and the Nevada M (for short trips) at the NEC.  They arrived the other day and we now can't wait to get them up and try them out!

Whichever one you decide on we think you'll be happy but I have to say, we love the Vermont even more than we loved the SV8.

Our '07 Sun Valley 6 has mesh windows with a plastic cover - brilliant tent with tons of ventilation and light, also stood up to some very intense rain storms in Southern France without the slightest leak - not too keen on the '08 version though, I think they've spoiled the look and the simplicity (but thats just me).

martin

Quote: Originally posted by ismisemama on 19/3/2008

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yes and a lot more expensive too!! Love that Wolf Lake though! 

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If you're looking for affordable polycotton tents check these out. Can't speak for the makes of the tents (Dutch) but the prices are good.

martin