Message Forums

This is a 2007 Vermont L that was replaced due to faulty stitching late last year.

During a weekend's camping, if it rains we have puddles of water inside the tent at the bedroom end.

Coincidentally, on rainy nights it's usually a bit colder so we use a gas heater and I'm unsure whether the water is from condensation or a leak. Last weekend brought a lot of heavy rain and I soaked up three tea-towel's worth of water from outside the bedroom pod when we packed up on Sunday. This is more than we've ever had but we only burned one small aerosol can of gas that weekend (less than 'usual').

It is difficult for us to properly test for leaks since we can't erect in the garden. Testing while we're away is also going to be a pain because it will involve removing all of the bedding and unclipping the pods so we can watch for leaks. This I fear is going to be unavoidable but, before I set about doing that, can the condensation from 3 people and one small gas can produce that much water in the summer?

On a more positive note; if you have one of these then seriously consider getting the side extension! We used ours for the first time last weekend and it was a great shelter (most of the time) during the showers and cooking on the BBQ.

We have the vermont L, so far no leaks. I always take a tube of UHU glue with us so if it leaks you can plug it right away. It's the same stuff you get in the tube at camping stops called seam sealer. Most tents only leak from where the stitching is on the seams, taped seams leak now and then too. Take some fabsil too for the flysheet just incase, although the flysheet shouldn't leak as they are normally PU coated Polyester.

We've been very lucky so far - no leaks or problems with our Vermont L.

It's taken a fair battering over the 2 years we've had it and it has done us proud - even during last years floods !!!

Good Luck

We spent some time looking for leaks this weekend and it turns out that yet again our Vermont has a stitching problem (pictures below)!

Our first Vermont L was replaced by our retailer a few weeks after we bought it for *exactly* the same fault (but on a different seam). We've only got a few weeks left on the 1 year warranty so I'll get on to that tomorrow.

So, two Vermont L's and both with manufacturing defects. I really like the Outwell products but I have lost all faith in the Vermont L now. Do folks have the same problems with their 'Classic' range (Bear/Wolf/Norfolk Late etc)? Given the price difference I'd expect them to be much better made.