Long time lurker here but time to take the plunge :)
We decided we need an upgrade from our Oakland XL and have pretty much set our minds on the Wolf Lake range, still undecided wether to go for the 5 or the 7. We will be looking at them side by side and decide.
However, my question is this. We can get the 2014 version a fair bit cheaper than the new 2015 version of the Wolf Lake.
Can anyone tell me what exactly is new or different on the 2015 versions. Its roughly £300 more but is it worth it compared to the 2014 versions. Do I buy last years model and have more spendies on other camping gear or is this years model the must have?
Looking at the product description and pictures online I cant really see any difference between the 14/15 models of either the WL 5 or 7, what am I missing?
We will mostly be camping in the UK, Cant really see us traveling abroad with a tent, if thats of any help.
Any opinions/advice appreciated.
Regards.
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We love our Wolf lake 7. It's the 2013 version and I can't see any difference to the current one. There was a problem with the carpet not fitting but that was sorted in 2014. Outwell changed the internal layout unfortunately after the carpets had been made!
I would buy the 2014 and put the savings towards the front door which is essential.
It is big and heavy and takes 2 of us 2 hours to fully set-up but there is loads of space and light inside. We haven't had any issues despite last year's mud and rain in France. I didn't bother 'weathering' it.
I want to go inflatable but the boss is in no rush to change as the latest offerings don't tick all the boxes... esp the colour box !
Having seen the Wolf Lake 5 on display at the end of last season decided ' that's the one for us ' it's about the same size as our Hi Gear Corado 4 but the quality is worlds apart...there is just the two of us so a WL7 would of been a bit big for our needs.
This winter I spent researching it and waiting for the arrival of the 2015 model, so armed with a list of questions we attended the camping show at the NEC in February. None of the classic range were displayed this year with all the manufacturers favouring 'Air' tents for this season, after a long chat with the Outwell team there is absolutely no difference between the 2014/2015 models....except for the price!
The awning conversion kit 2015 is compatible with the 2014 tent but availability could be low as a lot wanted it last year and couldn't source one so the orders are high for them and now websites that will stock it have a delivery lead time for April - May moving originally from March.
With all this new found information we took the plunge and have bought the 2014 WL5 and I have just taken delivery of the awning kit I sourced last week along with a bargain polycotton windbreak for £59 in GO Outdoors clearance to colour match as this years model is a sand colour.
The only opinion I'd say is the living area is a L shape when the wardrobe is in situ but the awning gives another very usable area.
I'm now itching for a break in the weather for a test pitch
If you can manage the WL7 then go for it
We had a vermont xlp 2013 pretty much the polyester version of the wolfie and the only difference were the green stripes on the bedroom pods in the 2012 had now changed to grey
They only need to make a small change to call it a new model and the price increase might be due to the market value of cotton
If the material is more expensive the this gets passed on to the consumer
We've just sold our vango eden 600xl now when we bought it the price was near enough £1500
This year it's £1600 and there's no change to the tent whatsoever so I'd say that price increase was due to inflation
------------- April Peak District Beech Croft Farm
May Peak District Duke of York
May Holland Delfse Hout
June Cotton Arms Nantwich
july/aug Cornwall Pentewan Sands
And quite a few local weekenders
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Think I will save the money and get the 2014 model then. Still undecided on the 5 or 7, we are only two adults and a dog. Not really bothered about the living space inside, prefer to spend time outside the tent... We like the Wolf lake specifically for the front outside space and no need for an extra shelter to cook in etc. I doubt we will want the awning kit and close it off as we are happy with the size of the inside living area.
How do you guys find the outside canopy area for cooking and so on when its raining, seems pretty sheltered?
I just wander if the 7 will be to big, we do a lot of weekend camping but we are pretty efficient setting up and dont mind an extra 20 min or so pitching and then enjoy the rest of the time in comfort. We have a big trailer so pack size is not an issue.
The awning space on the WL7 is massive - bigger than some tents at 5+ mtrs wide and 3+ mtrs long. We do all our cooking and dining there, as well as store the boy's scooters, bikes, balls, chairs, beach stuff, etc.
Would I downsize if no kids? Probably not.
Sheltered ? Yes, reasonably as the front is curved but it is still a big hole.
We didn't buy the door at first but changed our minds - more for security. Also, they might be hard to find later and I'd only regret it.
Hi all, I'm looking for a Wolfie 5 with footprint carpet and awning conversion, I would buy the 2014 model if its cheaper did you find any at a good price cheers..
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