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HI I've just bought an outwell nevada m 2011.  Now I'm wondering if I will need the extra extension or wind canopy?  We will be doing alot of cooking and I was thinking that the extension is where we'd have to set up our kitchen.  Is it worth it to buy the extension or would it be better to buy a seperate extra kitchen tent (if so any recomendations)?  Just thinking that the extension makes the tent so much bigger - we don't need extra living space but just need a good cooking area.  I don't want to be taking up a huge area iyswim.

Also just wondering if I should invest in the carpet?  I'm definitly getting the groundsheet.  Any other considerations?  Despite buying a vango diablo xp last year we never actually went camping last year - so hoping to get more organised with it this year!

thanks.

I got the extension at the beginning of last year and would definitely not be without it when camping with the kids. So much so that I'm refusing to buy the tent of my dreams (well, the current one anyway) because I can't find an extension for it. I personally would never cook in the main tent but feel much happier having the kitchen stand just under the edge of the extension. As far as the overall area of the tent is concerned, it doesn't take up any more width and the extra length hasn't been a problem for me yet and you don't have the problem of some sites charging extra for a kitchen tent.

And as for the carpet, they make a huge difference to the comfort of the tent so if you can get one at the right price I would definitely recommend it.

Finally, get yourself off camping - you missed out last year!

hi thanks for your repliy its good to know your experience with this tent.  The only other thing I'm not sure about is how the extension blocks the opening of the tent - so if we sit in the tent then we can't quite see out?  I like the way the tent looks without the extension as its seems so light and open.

I'm also curious - what's your dream tent??  Mine has been the nevada M and when i saw i could get a good price for it i was so excited - couldn't afford it last year!

Finally - yes I'm going to camp this year - it was down to persuading my partner to go as he's really not keen!!  When he saw how huge the diablo i bought was he didn't want to even attempt a trip other than putting it up in our garden!  Hoping that with the nevada m he'll be more willing to come along!!!

Anyone else got any experiences of the extentsion?  ps anyone know what's a good price for the carpet and where i might get one?  thanks.

Yes the extension does block the opening of the tent and if you put a unit on either side of it you'd be blocking the windows in it. I usually sit in the extension during the day and on warmer evenings so it doesn't bother me but it does take away the benefit of the lovely big windows. It does however mean you can have the main door open even if it's tipping it down.

My dream tent is the Yukon River 6. It's pretty much a 6-berth poly-cotton version of the Nevada M, giving that bit more space for longer trips but without adding any length (I don't like how long the other 6 berth tents become when you add an extension). The tent has been discontinued and although it's still possible to get hold of the tent I've not been able to track down an extension to fit it.

You'll find the Nevada much quicker and easier to pitch than the Diablo so fingers crossed you'll be able to convice your other half. Happy camping!