5m Bell Tent Review Part 1

First Impressions of our new 5m Canvas Bell Tent - Bell Tent Boutique.
A look round the oustide of the heavy duty, 5metre bell and our first time set up. This bell tent is fantastic and bell tents are so versatile I wanted to share this.
If you don't mind the extra weight and care required to look after a canvas tent, they will pay you back time and time again.
#Retro Camping #Glamping #Bell Tents #Hot Tenting #Family Camping #Bell Tent Boutique #UK Camping

[@moose6676]

Absolutely fantastic video mate, got a lot of important information. Looking forward getting our 5m bell tent and the recommended stove. Best of luck. 👍🏻

[@GeniusTravels]

We've got the 4m from Bell Tent Boutique! Nice video guys :)

[@campingwithstyle]

Fab set up with the stove!

[@ianc1097]

Thanks for this video. I watched it whilst deciding which tent to buy. I ended up with the 4m from bell tent boutique. Also took mine to Crom this weekend and by chance had the same pitch you were on in this film. Cheers, happy camping.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Thanks Ian, I hope you get plenty of wonderful trips out with your tent. 4 metre is more practical in terms of pitching space. Crom is a stunning location and suits the bell tent with nice flat pitches. How did you find your first trip out and were you surprised at how easy the tent is to pitch? Thanks for your comment.

[@zanesnear4334]

I have the 6m and love this tent works great for deer camp at are camp there is ten guys in cots and plenty of room for other stuff.the only thing I found bad about this tent when it's folded down in the nice bag I weigh 110 pounds

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Hunting in style, yeah these are not lightweight backpacking options 😆

[@redcanoe14]

Greetings from BC Canada. Hey pal, that is a nice tent, reminds me of the orange ones we used in the 1970's when we were taking out groups of youth into the Yorkshire Dales. I have been looking for a canvas Laavvu for some time, but price has been a bit steep for me as I am building a log house and it is proving pretty expensive.. I like canvas because it is tough, fire resistant, and tightens up nicely after a few showers. I have been working on a tent stove design using a 45lb propane tank. Yours is a big tent, a good size for a family leaving space to dry clothes inside I imagine. The bivvy/awning is also a good addition for mealtimes and storing muddy gear and the like. England has been hot I understand, it has got hot here now 31C (88F)...I am glad I am amongst trees. The heat has killed the Mozzies off, but we still have a few small biting flies (Saw Flies). It is good to see you putting stuff up. ATB, Chris

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Woodsman Spirit Thanks Chris, we have been blessed with the weather this year. Bell tents are by no means perfect, but the magic of them far outweighs any draw backs. I'll put part 2 up tonight. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects, I always enjoy your vids. Have you tried searching for polish laavu ponchos? They are easy to source in Europe and I'm happy to help you out if need be. I'm sure you know already but the polish laavu can be as small as a single poncho which can be attached to as many other sections as you like. By all accounts they are super tough and seem to have a hard following. Otherwise good old Brit army 9x9 tents are also cheap and very tough. I'm sure postage would be the killer for you though. All the best and thanks as always for watching.

[@redcanoe14]

Thanks for replying. Yeah...the Polish Laavvu Ponchos are available on Varusteleka I think. There is a company in Minnesota USA called Northern Laavvu, Chris who owns the company is Sami and the Laavvu's he sells are traditional with the series of poles set up like a tipi. It is shipping that makes these expensive htough as they are quite heavy, If I got one I would probably haul it behind me on a pulk sled when I go snowshoeing. I will put up the occasional knife review and axe-build (just finishing an old Wetterlings EX Axe as we speak). I would like to do a small hike and campfire chat vid and maybe some footage of log-house project (at moment we have only got wood forms for concrete foundation laid out). If I go canoeing over the next couple of weekends I will take camcorder with me.

[@AWoodlandAdventure]

I have the same tent, it's amazing! I love it so much it's the central feature of my channel! Hehe. Can't wait to go away in it later this year.

[@AWoodlandAdventure]

Oh and yes I agree, there is something very magical about a bell tent.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

I must have missed your comment, I'll get over to your channel for a look. Stay safe and happy travels

[@stuartmacdonald9299]

Got the same bell tent and stove looking like will be sneaking of and living in it there not locking us in the house getting away from people. 👍👪❤

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@Stuart Macdonald - stay safe and enjoy. Thanks for your line and comment. #canvasstime

[@davidhanson1188]

Great vid, thanks for posting. The knot shown at 2:38, what is it called please?

[@tdrcadventures8808]

What sort of knot did you use for the guy line ?

[@farmerdrum2709]

Great video, we have got one of these on the way to us. Just wondered, you covered the guy ropes - which type of knot did you use to attach them please? Looks a bit like a taultline but I'm not sure. Thanks

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Good choice, you'll have many years of joy I'm sure. OK so the ropes comes pre-strung to the sliders at the peg end. To attach them to the tent I first put in a standard overhand knot (I think about 10inches from the end) Then run the line through the canvas loop, tie it of with a half hitch on the peg side of your stop knot. This will keep the knots away from your canvas. The benefit is it puts less stress on the fabric and stops water from soaking in. If none of this makes sense, drop me a message and I can upload a quick tutorial for you. Good luck, stay safe.

[@yatetowntaxis7116]

Bowline knot I used on my guy ropes as don't squeeze the tent material

[@batandball617]

Wow, that looks great. Would it accommodate me and my four kids aged 7 to 10 years?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Hi Paul, yeah depending on how you decide to layout your sleeping set up you should easy get 6 people in a 5 metre tent. We get a double air bed, 2 single camp beds kitchen space, luggage and a stove with floor space free. Good Luck.

[@lhez]

Hey there, thanks for the review! What's the color of that DD tarp?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Hi and thanks for watching. That's the DD 3x3 in coyote brown. I use it mainly for hammock camping, but it's a versatile tarp.

[@paddypete1]

while doing your research,did you come across any video's saying,don't buy this tent if you are a lazy git,because there is a lot of work involved in keeping these tents in good condition,especially when drying them out before storing away,nice tent,nice video

[@Eraserhead434]

Great video thanks! What colour tarp is this? Can’t quite work it out from video.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Hi Sam, thanks for your comment. That's the DD 3x3 Coyote Brown tarp. Stay Safe.

[@Eraserhead434]

Adventure Outdoors UK thanks. I’ve gone for a similar set up. Ordered the 4m and the DD tarp. Can’t wait to use this stuff.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@@Eraserhead434 excellent call, you'll not be disappointed (if you can camp safely this year!) The DD tarp is super versatile you'll find you even throw it in the car for days out and picnics. Tie it to the roof rails and you have an awning. Good luck and enjoy.

[@Eraserhead434]

Adventure Outdoors UK Hi mate, so on our first trip and it’s been fairly breezy the last few nights! I was just wondering how you managed to get apron edge on your tent so perfectly taut? I’ve followed the instructions and erected twice - 1.5m guy and following the seam line but it’s still a flappy mess. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks. Sam

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@@Eraserhead434 drop me an email on [e-mail] I'll try help you out bud. Too much to explain in the comments. I'll try and put a video next time we go away for anyone else.

[@davidwalker8925]

Have you still got the tent mate? I've just come across these tents having one this year...sounds like your ex army with bog standard haha 👍

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@david walker yes still have the tent, if you haven't already do get yourself one, it'll change the way you camp. I can vouch for this brand as the quality is very high. Gucci bit of kit, some might say 😉

[@OmegaVR1]

Hi just looking for some advice. We are looking between the company you used and boutique camping. Can’t decide whether to get a polycotton or canvas bell tent and not sure which company to go for when we do decide. Any advice appreciated👍

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Good evening, so firstly we bought from Bell Tent Boutique and I can vouch for them and this product. Buying a bell tent is a long term investment, maybe something you'll hand down to the kids. Take your time to research carefully and don't skimp on a 'similar' tent just to save a few quid. We have a canvas tent, they do take a little extra care and upkeep, but nothing challenging. I chose the heavier weight 360gsm canvas which should have a better service life and be more robust. Polly-cotton has the benefit of being slightly more wear resistant, but still requires care and attention and cannot be put away wet. Both materials can be waterproofed in the same method (personally I recommend fabsil by grangers), however I simply don't know what would would determine which material you use. I love the canvas material of our tent and I'm glad we chose the heavier 360gsm fabric. I don't know much about Boutique Camping, we looked at them when researching what to buy, I preferred the options Bell Tent Boutique offered and we bought in a sale so got a good deal. Good luck with your purchase, take your time and hopefully it will be safe to get out camping soon. Stay safe

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

P.S Email if you have any questions, happy to help if I can:- [e-mail]

[@OmegaVR1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I’ve been looking online again this evening and come across something called Oxford Canvas from boutique camping. Have you heard much about it? There are so many options I’m finding it a bit overwhelming🙈.

[@OmegaVR1]

Sorry anther question🙈 How often do you have to clean or weatherproof the tent?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@@OmegaVR1 that all depends on how often you use it and what contamination lands on it. Bird droppings and tree sap will be your enemy. Dry brushing is the best way to keep on top of dirt and debris and spot clean heavy stains with a canvas friendly cleaner or just warm water and a soft brush. Waterproofing probably once every couple of years if you use the tent 5 or 6 times a year. Annually if you use it more or its had some real heavy weather. You'll kind of notice when canvas starts to give up it's water repellent properties. If you're not confident cleaning or waterproofing you can always send it off, personally I think it's better to learn yourself. There are loads of good videos on You Tube to help you along.

[@jonnyp1778]

Sorry to trouble you again, you used brass fittings for the holes where stove flashing goes, do you have a link to where you got them please,

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

I bought them locally, the nearest I can find is Amazon. Check sizing, I think I chose half inch from memory:- www.amazon.co.uk/Toolzone-TL022-Tarpaulin-Kit-Black-Universal/dp/B00202JIAO/ref=asc_df_B00202JIAO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309947835595&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4574196388709207423&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045180&hvtargid=pla-616142922407&psc=1

[@jonnyp1778]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 thank you for all your help, can't wait to take new tent out in march, so much more room then any of my other tents.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

@jonny p good luck old boy. I hope you have great fun in it!! Enjoy.

[@muddyfunker3014]

Nice one 👍🏻 I pulled the trigger on a 5m 285gsm with stove hole from bell tent boutique yesterday. Looking forward to testing it out.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Just be careful Muddy Funker, it's easy to become a tent snob😆. You'll love it!! I hope to bring a further review soon, we recently purchased a 1/4inner tent for our teenage daughter. Hopefully it will be a good purchase, so I'll share it. In the meantime, stay safe and get a cold weather camp under your belt, it's great fun. 👍🏻

[@muddyfunker3014]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 Thanks mate 👍🏻 I'm in North East Scotland so can probably get that cold weather camp done in the middle of summer 😂

[@mm-zw4ng]

hi, do they ship outside the UK btw? thanks, nice review! :)

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

m & m it seems they ship they ship to Europe, doesn't mention global shipping though belltentboutique.co.uk/pages/delivery-information Good Luck

[@mm-zw4ng]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 thanks a lot!

[@thewoodies]

What is the weight of the canvas? Thanks for the video.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Hi Mark, we chose the heavier 360 GSM. I think the standard is a reasonable 285 GSM. The 360 has a better level of fireproofing property and I also assumed a head ier material would be more robust long term. In case you meant overall weight the whole tent packed without stove and flue kit is 38kg.

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Luxury Bell Tent with pre fitted 'Stove Mate' integrated roof exit Fireproof Flue Flap. Pack Size 1m x 30cm x 30cm - 38kg 360 g per sqm 100% natural cotton canvas. Certified fireproof to BS 7837:1996 and CPAI-84. Heavy duty 540gsm waterproof PVC zipped in ground sheet. Heavy-duty YKK vislon® zips with our Bell Tent Boutique branded zipper. Secondary mosquito door. Thick reflective turquoise guy ropes and extra strong rock pegs. Unclip & lay flat groundsheet at front doors. Access point for EHU. Extra set of pegs for apron. Heavy duty galvanised pegs for guys Branded metal guy lock tensioners. Spring loaded 38mm diameter centre pole. 1.3mm thick. Spring Loaded 22mm A Frame. Canvas treated with UV colour fast, mould, rot & water repellent. Internal fittings for inner tent. Ground sheet material on bottom of the carry bag. PVC lined canvas peg & pole bags. Pole hook for lighting etc. A flashing kit for your stove will be required - Available for purchase separately. Extra canvas and groundsheet patch for repairs Comes with 12 months manufacturers warranty.

[@thewoodies]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 Perfect, we were looking at the heavier one to be honest, but wasn't sure if it was worth the extra money. But as you say it is an investment and will provide years of use if taken care of. Thanks for replying. 👍

[@Revelation13-8]

This tent or russian bear tent ?

[@lewis3427]

Do they get much condensation inside ?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Barely any. Canvas naturally breathes well anyway and with plenty of vents and a nice high vented ceiling moisture gets drawn away well. Of course, if you are running the stove too, you'll be drawing is fresh air and circulating out moisture too. Win win. That said we haven't had a very cold trip yet, so I can't comment on big temperature differences.

[@lewis3427]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 Thank you .

[@frenchiechanel64]

Name of the bell tent please?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Bell Tent Boutique 5 metre Bell tent, this is the heavier GSM fabric and can be found on the Bell Tent Boutique website belltentboutique.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8-OhBhB5EiwADyoY1dmvxqVuptwHAnBCrxUNmNJza_FCQn3AJ2BWGQaPK0H0RmLvN3jdvhoCaAwQAvD_BwE

[@nlomas]

Nor’ern oireland

[@jonnyp1778]

It's this a 4 season tent or just for summer?

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

Jonny, 100% a four season tent. We camped in -3°c recently and with the stove running it was well into double digits inside. If the stove goes out it gets cold though!!! Just be mindful that canvas tents require care and maintenance, they need to be stored bone dry and should be kept clean to avoid the material rotting. Periodically (depending on use) you will need to use a reproofing agent such as fabsil or similar. If erected properly, a bell tent is super sturdy and will stand up to high winds. If the material is taught, rain and snow will shed fairly well. In short, yes this is a 4 season tent. Given the bulk, I suspect most families would primarily use these in the 'camping season' though.

[@jonnyp1778]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 thank you, I've also just discovered you can get bell tent covers not sure if it's worth getting one or not

[@jonnyp1778]

Also had anyone ever bought a used bell tent, just to save on cost

[@adventureoutdoorsuk9271]

The covers I've seen look like sun reflectors for heat management. Don't know enough about them to comment further though. If you get one, please come back and comment though. Good luck.

[@jonnyp1778]

@@adventureoutdoorsuk9271 will you notice a big difference between the 285gram canvas versus 360? Apart from the fire proofing.