Outwell Bear Lake 6É

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Our Review

I have always really liked the design of the Bear Lake tent.

It's got a practical living and sleeping space, but what gives this tent its character, is the sweeping front porch. It's a perfect place to sit out and shelter from the wind/rain/sun (if we ever get too much of the latter that is!).

The Outwell Bear Lake 6É is a version of the Bear Lake in Outwell's new Élan collection, which features the new Taslon Fabric.

What is the Outtex Taslon Fabric?

The new Outwell Taslon fabric is a polyester tent fabric that looks like polycotton or canvas.

So, why might you want this new fabric?

Well, obviously, if you like the traditional canvas look, however, you like the practicality that 100% waterproof polyester gives you, then this is the fabric for you.

It also feels thicker than regular polyester tent fabric, and Outwell claims it is much tougher. In theory, this could mean your investment in the tent lasts longer.

Taslon is based on an Outtex® 6000 fabric, which has a hydrostatic head of 6000mm.

the new Outwell Taslon fabric is a polyester tent fabric that looks like polycotton or canvas

The downside, of course, is that it is slightly heavier than normal polyester, and so take that into account when pitching the tent.  Outwell recommend that at least two people should pitch this tent. (Click here for the Outwell Bear Lake 6E Pitching Instructions).

The flysheet for the Bear Lake 6E weighs 34.1kg. The flysheet for the Outwell Denver 6, a similar design but with Outtex® 4000 fabric, weighs 18.3kg.

Other Outwell Bear Lake 6E features?

Of course, you get many of the Outwell details, such as guyline retainers and the drop-down tent entrance so you don't trip when going in and out of the tent.

Ambassador bedrooms are larger than standard tent bedrooms, stretching to 2.5 metres

This tent carries the new Ambassador bedrooms, larger than standard tent bedrooms, stretching to 2.5 metres. They also have their own cable entry for powering lanterns and gadgets in the bedrooms, plus the back of the tent doesn't slope as much, making them roomier.

Talking of the bedrooms, the ceiling is darkened to help prolong sleeping hours when the sun rises early in summer, and they also have a thermo-reflective coating, helping keep some heat in during cool nights and keep heat out during hot days.

As standard, you also get tinted windows for privacy on the campsite. Having used these, I can tell you they work really well and don't make the tent's interior too dark.

all the doors come with mesh, so you can leave them open for ventilation without the bugs flying in

And if you don't like bugs in your tent, all the doors come with mesh, so you can leave them open for ventilation without the bugs flying in.

Extras and Additions

Carpet and tent footprints and a front awning are available if you don't want it open.

This wraps around the front of the tent, converting that large porch into a panoramic living space.

The awning might be something to consider if you plan on using your tent most of the year, providing you the ability to sit out and watch the view but with more protection from the weather.

Another addition is something Outwell call the dual-protector.

This fits over the tent's roof and provides additional protection from bird droppings and harmful sun rays.

It, too, has a thermo-reflective coating. Fitting the Dual Protector one way around, you'll have improved insulation in your tent. Fitting it with the silver side up will keep more of the sun's heat out of your tent.

With the Taslon fabric, the Dual Protection may be an addition you want to consider, as polyester heats up and cools down quicker than breathable polycotton fabric.

the Dual Protection may be an addition you want to consider

As you notice from the photo, the Dual Protector also adds a side canopy, which is a nice addition.

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