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 Topic: Outwell Hornet XL Air Tent + Porch Help
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13/3/2022 at 1:25pm
Location: London
Outfit: Karsten 350 + SE CA EA RA FW & ZIG
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The Hornet is an excellent tent and the waterproofing won't be a problem if it has been well stored and dry, but I'd be concerned about the state of the air beams. They consist of a clear inner bladder like an inner tube, and a structural sleeve made of woven PE. This tends to de-plasticise and become brittle over time and with use and will fail eventually - usually around the interconnecting alves first. The question is whether these have degraded in storage and how long they'll last in use.
I'd want to see the tent up, and have a good look at the state of the woven PE sleeves. Check for bulges first - they indicate the tubes have already failed. If there are no bulges, unzip the outer sleeves to get at the woven PE structural bits. Look for any signs of stretching or tears around the stitching, especially by the inflation valves or the tube interconnects. If you find any, or it feels brittle, don't buy it.
Personally I think £500 is very steep. I understand you can no longer get replacement air beams for these early SmartAirs, and even if you could, a new set would be well over £500.
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13/3/2022 at 4:17pm
Location: London
Outfit: Karsten 350 + SE CA EA RA FW & ZIG
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Joined: 17/9/2014 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 1016
Tent Reviews: 3
| Site Reviews Total: | 77 |
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| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 11 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 8 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 5 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 5 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 10 |
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| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 32 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 29 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 39 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 30 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 31 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 50 |
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Choosing a tent is a nice problem to have! Definitely 6 person or even larger for 4 or 5 people. Air is great if you're single handed, but do be aware the pack size is usually quite a bit bigger, and you can't separate them into separate bags as you can with poles. Don't forget you'll also need a lot of clobber: bedding, chairs, cooking and eating arrangements, lighting etc etc.
The Berghaus air tents are very popular probably because of their availability via Millets / Blacks. Don't overlook the "traditional" brands like Vango, Kampa (Dometic), Outdoor Revolution and Zempire. A straightforward "tunnel" tent from any of them will be a good bet, and an easy sale if it turns out camping isn't for you. If your budget allows, Karsten is the gold standard. Olpro offer really good value for money.
If there's a good, independent specialist tent retailer near you, pay them a visit and ask their advice. It's worth paying the premium over mass outlets like Go Outdoors or Decathlon for the customer service and support if anything goes wrong.
If you're considering second hand, I'd start with the free ads on this site - most people posting on here know how to look after their tent.
If you buy new, do a test pitch well before you set off: all mass manufacturers get production errors from time to time, and in air tents the results can be spectacular. Replacement under warranty can take a while, so you need to find any defect asap.
Looking forward to hearing what you go for  .
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via mobile 13/3/2022 at 12:46pm
