Outwell Carolina S Tent Reviews and Details

Tent Reviews: Outwell Carolina S

Tent and Awning Reviews Index > Outwell > Carolina S Reviews

Current Model?
Berths:
Weight:
RRP on date added:
Bedroom inners:
Living area groundsheet:
Pitching Style:

Discontinued
3 (more 3 berth tents)
13.70 KG
Ł284.99
1
Fully Sewn-in
In one

Average User Rating:

8.8/10 from 20 reviews

Viewed: 52046 times

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20 Reviews of the Carolina S Showing 01 to 10 Page: 1 2

By: Deteclee70 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 9 from 10

We have just got back from a long weekend in North Yorkshire and because there was only myself and my dog Buddy sleeping for three night I took my Carolina S. This is a fantastic tent if your just going away for a few days. I managed to put it up in record time 12 mins and this is only the 3rd time I've used this one (I have more tents than I would care to admit). Because of it great hight in both living and bedroom areas there is no need for that horrible trying to lie on your back while trying to pull your pants on in the morning you get with the low dome type 2 / 3 man tents. We had sun, then rain, then even frost and it stood up to all these with ease. Its well ventilated so not much condensation and it feels light and roomy.

I agree with other reviewers the door area does slightly let it down due to the slope allowing water in when its raining and you open the door, but a small tarp over the entrance sorts this and for the money (Remember it an Outwell so never going to be cheep) its well worth the money. Even with the problem with the door slope I was going to give it 10 out of 10 but I had to knock a point off because your bog standard weekend camper may not carry a tarp to solve this niggle.

All in All, well made tent, great space for a 3 man and so so easy to put up.

If you are a lone camper or just want an easy start to your break get one of these if you can find one.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Wendy Woo Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 10 from 10

Wow! What a great little-big tent this is. I bought it as we needed a smaller weekend tent that is quick and easy to put up by myself.

It ticks all the boxes for me. I've been camping for many years and I find Outwell to be one of the better brands for quality and durability.

Being able to stand up in all areas is great news, and is unusual for smaller tents. The Woo is 5'5' and can even jump up and down in the Carolina S!

The single steel pole with two shorter fiberglass poles was bit of a concern to begin with, but this 'extended frame system' proved to be extremely sturdy and not at all flimsy. I have seen similar mechanisms on other tents that look shockingly weak in comparison (appalling!)

I love the sealed in ground sheet. I know it's a common feature in most tents now, but this simple evolution in tent design makes me a happier camper. I cant believe how we managed years ago to keep anything dry.

The slanted door might have been an issue with rain getting in when opening, but the addition of a tarp over the front sorted this problem, and gave the added benefit of shade from the sun (if we get any - come on summer). Even without a tarp I would choose this tent, as it is so well made; I'd rather a bit of water at my feet than the tent fall on my head.

I agree that sleeping three would be a bit claustrophobic, but could be done if we had to. My 12 year old son has a tiny (Quechua) tent to sleep in, but the living area in the Carolina S is plenty big enough for us all to hang out in during the day and wet weather.

The tent is light in colour, which I prefer to dingy dark tents, and the windows are fab. This gives us loads of light, just like the Outwell Montana 4 that we use for our longer camps. If it's too bright in the mornings (when I have a hangover, or needing a lie in), I simply wear my eye mask.

I haven't noticed any problem with condensation, and there are ample vents.The carpet is a must for extra comfort; try putting some of that foam rubbery non slip type matting you get from pound shops underneath the corners, helps to stop the carpet from sliding and bunching up.

I'm so pleased I've managed to get hold of the Carolina S, as they are now discontinued. I think Outwell have replaced it with the Birdland 3 that has some slight adaptations. It's a shame, as it's taken me years of research and looking around to discover this gem. Does this mean I can't buy any more tents? Don't be daft - I've 11 tents and counting! My (long suffering) partner says I need help, but does agree that I've picked a cracker of a tent this time. Phew!

If you are lucky enough to still get one, look after it, I'm sure it will do the same for you.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Stokiegal Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: 8 from 10

I bought my tent secondhand so don't know how old it is but I love it! In my opinion its only big enough for 1 person though, 2 would be a squeeze and 3 impossible!

The bedroom area was just big enough for my full size single blow up mattress but was lovely and snug.

The living area is just the right size for a chair, heater and small cooker, I don't have an awning or canopy to store these outside.

In the evening there was room for 4 people to sit in front of the heater with the door open for ventilation.

In the morning I only had a small bit of condensation and that was on my waterproof coat.

2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Andgioh Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 9 from 10

I've had this tent for a couple of years now and found it 100% reliable. Easy to pitch in 15mins tops with 2 of us and plenty of room for a couple.

I have the footprint which is great and have bought the carpet ready for this year. If you're looking for a carpet keep trying Yeomans as they seem to keep finding them and I bought mine on line earlier this year for Ł25 delivered !

My single gripe is that the door does not zip at the bottom and is not protected at the top from the rain, but a tarp or canopy over the front sorts this nicely.

Don't think twice about buying a Carolina S.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Happycampers98 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: 9 from 10

What a beauty. We call it the baby but saying that its not that small. Enough room for me, husband, son and our springer spaniel for 2 nights.

We bought the tent for wild camping as I wouldnt go without a tent with a sewn in groundsheet and standing height. This tent has both.

It takes about half an hour from getting out of the car to putting up the beds so is ideal for a weekender.

Has everything you would expect, cable ties, lantern hanging, storage pockets, ehu entry point and mesh screens on the door.

We first saw it in brean on a really windy day (no surprise there). It was pitched but had no guy lines pegged and wasnt moving, decided there and then that we wanted one.

If its a weekend tent that you're after then you cant go far wrong with this. Easy to pitch, lovely to live in, plenty of room, look no further.

Only reason it didnt get 10 stars is that it seems to suffer with condensation.

Small price to pay though for a lovely tent.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Bubb Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: 10 from 10

Just bought a front canopy for my Carolina S it's made by Easy Camp Boston 400 canopy about 70

Pound fits great,Very happy with my Carolina S but aways thought it should have front canopy but Outwell have stopped making this tent but we have had many camping holidays in this tent and this addition should great Should now have some great camping trips this year.

4 from 4 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Bluemoose Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: 9 from 10

My partner and I were most impressed when we viewed this well made tent in an open-air showroom. In comparison to the dozens of others on display this stood out as a well priced, airy and comfortable tent.

After struggling with the drafts, leaks and insects that have previously invited themselves into our other tents it must be said that a sewn-in groundsheet is a blessed relief. There are no leaks and the bedroom pod is sturdily attached.

It can be a little bright in the early morning, but that is a small price to pay when you are sitting inside in the rain and still want a good level of brightness. The multiple windows give a great panoramic view and you can always drop any combination of curtains to gain more privacy.

The design is incredibly sturdy (I was informed by the salesman that the original guy rope attachment design has won awards for standing up to storms) and the cube-like interior gives much more headroom than one would expect for a tent with such a small footprint. We are able to fit in our large kitchen unit and still have room for two chairs. There is also no need to stoop when changing in the bedroom pod, and a larger double inflatable bed fits with room to spare.

We bring an extra groundsheet but the one supplied is really good enough. The tent also comes with a rubber Outwell doormat which is rather nice.

We could not find a fitted carpet, I suspect one was never made, but no matter, the measurements aren't out of the ordinary and there shouldn't be a problem finding one to fit.

The main niggle of this tent is the porch area. As the door slopes inwards slightly at the top there will be rain entering when it is open, even if you use extra poles to hold the door aloft. We solved this by purchasing a cheap tarp with poles, but it can be fiddly and is not a job for one person.

Erecting the tent is not much of a hassle but you may choose to replace the plastic pegs that they supply with some metal ones.

Overall we are thrilled with this little tent and it is a joy to use. I would recommend it to any couple for a break, but this is not a festival tent as it is too high quality to risk damage.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: AJCrafts Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: 8 from 10

My friends bought this for me after I had bought one without a sewn in groundsheet and they were worried that I would be very cold when we went to Buxton on a Husky Camp last week (October). Wow what a fantastic tent. I managed to pitch it all on my own which was a relief as I would like to use it for weekends on my own and now I can without worrying about hassling anyone to help which I wouldn't like to do. We had the most awful weather, swamped with mud and heavy wind and rain all weekend and this little beauty took it all with no problems at all. My friend was worried about me in the wind and I slept through the lot! Plenty of room for me and my little Bichon Frisse. The only downside is that the sloping doorway lets rain in constantly when you are getting in and out and I wish they did an awning/extension to go with it to avoid this. I do have the footprint which is a godsend and I wouldn't be without it. Would like the carpet but struggling to get hold of one. All in all a really good buy which I would recommend to anyone. Would like to know if it should have come with poles for the front door, there are rings in it but no poles and as it was bought second hand don't know if it should have had them or not. Maybe someone on here might know.

1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: Kar.en Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 10 from 10

What a fantastic little tent!

I bought this for when I want to go camping on my own and can't be bothered struggling with my (equally good) Nevada M. It's unbelievably quick to pitch - from start to finish it takes me less than 10 minutes, including pegging. I loosely peg the four corners first, insert the three poles and then lift the main one. It's then very easy to insert the ends of the two fibre glass poles into their sockets.

As usual with Outwell, the tent has been very well though out with a zipped entry point for EHU, internal storage pockets and a mesh screen on the door. I also have the carpet and footprint, which I'd highly recommend to add that extra comfort.

Really can't fault it!

2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

By: FestivalAddict Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: 9 from 10

I bought this tent on the basis of strong reviews on this website. I'm nearly 40 and go to a lot of festivals and have reached the point in life where I want a bit more comfort when camping. After years of scrabbling around on hands and knees in 2/3 man dome tents I decided on this tent for its incredibly good standing height for its relatively compact footprint. I am 6ft tall and can stand comfortably in the

Bedroom and living area, it is very impressive.

The sealed in groundsheet was also a must-have for us, this has proven a great feature at two very rainy festivals so far this summer, us and our things stayed bone dry thanks to it.

It is sold as a 3 berth but I think that would be a bit too cosy, but for a couple who like to take a fair amount of stuff with them it's ideal. Pitching can be done alone, but it is much easier (and very quick) if done by two. The extended frame system is a very clever, sturdy design. We invested in the footprint which aides accurate pitching in a confined space too.

My only minor complaint is that due to the sloping design of the door it can let in a small amount of rainwater on opening, but a careful shake of the door and care opening it can avoid this. That sid we have invested Ł25 in a QueChua tarp to extend the space at the front and provide a porch.

Build quality on this tent is excellent, I'm very pleased with it and would definitely recommend it.

3 from 3 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?

20 User Reviews of the Carolina S - Showing 01 to 10 Page: 1 2

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Manufacturer's Description

The Carolina S sleeps 3 persons in a breathable polyester inner that is pre-attached, and comes with an O-shaped inner tent door. Designed in response to field feedback, this small but remarkably roomy tent pitches either flysheet first or as one, and employs the Outwell Extended Frame System (OEF System) that makes possible the amazing amount of standing height. The adjustable pegging points and pre-attached luminous guys add to pitching ease, while the fully seam-sealed Outtex 4000 flysheet and Outwell Sealed Ground System (OSG System) provide reliable all-weather protection. Other noteworthy Outwell features in the charming Carolina S include heavy-duty zips, mesh pockets in the inner tent, a lamp holder and light cable tidies.

Pitching way: Flysheet first or as one
Flysheet: Outtex 4000 with taped seams
Hydrostatic head: 4.000 mm
Inner tent: Breathable polyester
Groundsheet: Sealed Ground System
Pack size: 28 x 70 cm

Features:
•Stow-away O-shaped inner tent door
•Mesh pockets in the inner tent
•Pre-attached inner tent
•Fully seam-sealed flysheet for maximum protection
•Lamp holder and light cable tidies
•Reinforcement patch on all stress points
•Adjustable pegging points
•Pre-attached guy ropes
•Luminous guy ropes
•Heavy duty Outwell zips

Optional Extras:
Carpet
Footprint

... there may be more info on their website

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