Outwell Springwood 5

We think Outwell Springwood 5 is ideal for a family of three or four who want a tent to quickly get away for a night or two camping at the weekend.

We believe smaller tents are ideal for weekend camping, as you’ll spend less time setting up and taking things down, and you’ll need to take less, making last-minute getaways possible when the weather forecast is good.

At weighing just less than 18 kilograms, and with a relatively small pack size for a family tent, the Outwell Springwood 5 should be easy to store at home and to put in the car when the camping whim takes 🙂

We think the Outwell Springwood 5 is ideal for short family camping trips. (Photo Credit: Outwell)

Tent Layout

The tent is designed for 5 people.  Our recommendation is less than 5 to give you a little more space.

The tent has two bedrooms; one larger than the other, plus a living space (Image Credit: Outwell)

The Tent’s Bedrooms

You’ll see that one bedroom is bigger than the other.  We think that’s best for mum and dad, as it gives you a little bit more space for bags.

With the bedrooms, you get storage pockets, cable power entry (ideal for charging your phones), and they are darkened to help you sleep with the summer sun rises early at the campsite.

Looking inside, you can get a better look at the darkened bedrooms. Note that the above photo is of a similar tent, not the actual Springwood 5 tent, but one with the same tent bedrooms and layout. (Photo Credit: Outwell)

Doors and Windows

As you can see from the photo above, the front door can be completely rolled back. Or you can have it half rolled back.

On one side, there is an additional door with a small porch over it, making it an ideal entrance if you get a rain shower.

At the other side of the tent is a large window. Note the windows on this tent are tinted and come with blinds that can be toggled up either all the way or just part-way up.

The large window on the tent’s side is tinted, providing you with some privacy at the campsite. (Photo Credit: Outwell)

The Outwell Springwood 5 has blinds that toggle in place. You can put them all the way up or just halfway up for additional privacy. (Photo Credit: Outwell)

Other Features

There are still quite a few other features on this tent.  Here are a few more worth mentioning.

The Outwell Springwood 5 is compatible with Outwell’s HookTrack system, enabling you to position your lanterns where you want them.  This really does help when laying out your living space in your tent.

The Outwell Springwood 5 is compatible with Outwell’s HookTrack system. (Photo Credit: Outwell)

At the back of the tent is a large rear vent. This might not sound like the most exciting feature, but it is essential.  Many tents can feel damp, especially in the morning, due to condensation that builds up from everyone sleeping in a sealed up tent. This large rear vent helps with airflow around the bedroom, helping keep condensation down.

At the back of the tent is a large rear vent, which helps reduce condensation in the tent. It can be opened like this or covered with a flap if rain is expected (Photo Credit: Outwell)

Using the tent for Longer Stays

If this is the ideal tent for yourself, and you’re mostly going to use it for weekend camping, but you still want to use it on longer camping family holidays, then I recommend you also purchase the Outwell Universal Extension Size 2.  This will provide you with a lot more living space and enable you to take more camping furniture, which is much needed on family camping holidays.

The Outwell Universal Tent Extension (Size 2) fits onto the front of your tent to provide you with a large porched living space (Photo Credit: Outwell)

Purchasing this will, of course, push up your total budget for buying the tent.  If weekend camping will be mainly your thing, then this option on the Outwell Springwood 5 would be worth considering.  However, if you think you’ll generally be camping more than a night or two, then save the budget and look for a larger tent where you don’t need the extension.

Other Accessories

There are a few additions I’ve already mentioned that are worth getting:

1. The HookTrack system. This isn’t expensive and can be really helpful so that lanterns don’t get in the way.
2. The extension (only if you plan on family camping holidays in this tent where you are staying a handful or more nights).

Another accessory that is worth getting is the carpet. Yes, more money, I know. However, it will make the tent feel a lot more comfortable and warm underfoot.  Picnic rugs are a cheaper alternative, but the fitted carpet is designed to fit the tent’s living space, giving you good coverage without being a tripping hazard.

9.2Expert Score

A Great Tent for Weekend Family Camping

This is an ideal tent for a family of 3 or 4 who wants a quick getaway when good weather is forecast at the weekend.

Value for Money

9.9

Features

9.1

Family Friendly

8.7

Quality

9.3

Practicality

9.1

PROS

• Lightweight and small to store and transport to the campsite.
• Darkened bedrooms.
• Tinted windows.
• Quick and Quiet bedroom door.
• Optional tent extension if you want to upgrade the living space.
• 4000 mm Hydrostatic Head.

CONS

• None found though I would recommend a slightly larger tent if you want to take your family camping for a week or more.