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After the recent windy bank holiday our diablo 600 is in for repair, (along with loads of others who camped in wales!) It was secondhand to begin with and after countless changing minds socks and underpants we are now choosing between Bear lake 4 or Wolf lake 5 ( smaller tent- less wind damage less junk etc etc.) Although I think I prefer the part canopy on Bear lake ( I have seen previous comments about bear lake) the Wolf lake may be more practical in the bedroom for that extra space for the suitcase and clobber.

I cant find any comments on the Wolf lake does anybody have any?

Ps We are 2 adults and 2 kids 7 and under. ( the 7 yr quite fancies his own tent and has already picked out the most expensive mountaineering tent- way to go in the future definately - not the priciest tent maybe!)

Hi, welcome to the site.

Not sure if this will help or not.

We are also 2 adults with 2 kids under 7.  We have the BL6 and find it great for the 4 of us.  We only use the larger bedroom pod for 4 and all sleep together.  We leave the other pod down and use the space for that for storage.  I'm haven't seen the WL5 but we have looked at the WL7 and to be honest I prefer the BL.  The WL7 was wider but not as deep as the BL6 and somehow didn't feel as comfortable a living area.  Don't know if the same comparison can be made between the BL4 and WL5 though.

It's interesting that you prefer the part-canopy on the BL, can I ask why.  To me the full canopy on the WL is the only point where I feel it is better than the BL

What I can say about all the 'lake' tents I have seen is that they are a quality peice of kit and I'm sure that you won't regret buying one.

 A few people on here have the Wolf Lake 7, I'm sure someone will be along soon with first hand experience! I have seen both the tents on display and are both fab! We were thinking of one of the Lakes but have gone retro and gone for a frame tent! I think I would be tempted by the Wolf Lake for the slightly bigger second bedroom so you have more room for 'stuff'... enjoy it whatever you decide. Sarah

Thanks for that.

We looked at the WL7 but it its just too big, the diablo 600 is very roomy I find that my other half and kids tend to stop inside the tent a lot rather than enjoy the great outdoors. So thats one of the reasons we are downsizing as well.

WL5 & BL4 are very similar in size apart WL from being 1' wider ( for the extra person/ storage.) The canopy is deeper on the BL4 whereas the living space is deeper in the WL5

As for liking the part canopy I have romantic notions of panoramic good views whilst sitting out with a glass of wine!

Quote: Originally posted by kitchensinkcampers on 08/6/2008

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As for liking the part canopy I have romantic notions of panoramic good views whilst sitting out with a glass of wine!

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Yes good point  

My reason for liking the full canopy is that there is more protection for cooking under it in poor weather conditions. 

Have you seen either the BL4 or the WL5 up?  That is probably the best way to make your decision.  We were at the Yeomans exhibition in Calver last week, they had the BL4 and the WL7 but don't remember the WL5.  A list of their shows can be found here.  There are some in Lincoln, Nottingham, Duffield and near Matlock not too far from Sheffield?  Might be worth giving them a call to see what they have on display.

Good luck

Hi

Hope this is of some help

We had the same dilema and we spent several weeks tramping round camp shows looking at the tents as we just could not make the decision so 3 days before we set off on holiday the decision was made and we went for the Wolf Lake 5

Well all I can say is that is it fantastic.  Just spent 3 weeks in the south of Franvce in it and it was heaven.  Stayed pretty cool considering the temperatures and the space was perfect.  have to admit that as we were going for so long and we will use the tent a lot we splashed out and bought the side canopy too which was invalubale as extra shade in the heat and a highly recommended purchase whichever tent you go for.

Good luck and enjoy the tent whichever you choose.

Hi there

we have the bear lake and think its great, we spend many happy hours sitting out under the front canopy come rain or shine, we also have the side extension ( on offer for £69) we use this for cooking/storage and feel this combination to be perfect.

 I am sure you will love either of these tents.

Pauline

We went for the wolf lake 5 in the end, as we felt that the extra room in the bedroom for our bags etc would be worth it.

It was. We have just come back from Normandy with it and we found it brilliant.

Thanks for all your comments.

The only thing was.. if you see my earlier comment about enjoying the panoramic views under the part canopy of Bear lake - we only used the canopy once to sit out whilst it was bucketing down, the windows in the wolf lake canopy were plenty big enough to see all around. So I guess the views are still there!

Hi

We havent actually bought the side canopy, we found there was plenty of room for the 4 of us as it was. We cooked ( well I cooked!) under the canopy! I have to say though that we were on a site which allowed BBQ's and blessed with excellent weather we didnt actually use the cooker much. There is the intention that we would use the windbreak for further privacy around the canopy if we felt it was needed but people nebbing wouldnt actually find that much desirable, wellies/ sweaty shoes/ buckets filled with smelly dead crabs etc etc!