Tents

Robens Klondike Tent | Review

An airy and spacious modern bell tent that makes the perfect basecamp for groups of friends or outdoorsy families

Why We Chose The Robens Klondike Tent: retro looks, modern performance, roomy and versatile

With timeless looks that will appeal to glampers and traditionalists alike, this large and airy bell tent offers masses of internal headroom and plenty of floorspace. It’s part of Robens’ popular Outback range, a series of eye-catching, retro-styled tents based on the designs used by early American pioneers.

Who Is The Robens Klondike Tent For?

This is a durable and well-made family tent with plenty of retro charm. It can sleep up to six people, though a family of four would perhaps be the ideal occupants. Note that everyone has to share the single space, although if you want to divide up the interior an additional inner tent can be purchased to create two bedrooms and a separate living area.

If you’re really prepared to splash the cash on a little luxury, there are loads of accessories available for the Klondike too, including a plush tent carpet and even a wood-burning stove. Adding these extras would make this a truly impressive glamping getaway for an outdoorsy couple.

Materials

Although it looks like a traditional bell tent, the Klondike is made from Roben’s modern HydroTex fabric. This is a lightweight polycotton rather than old-school heavy cotton canvas. The zip-in groundsheet (which is supplied with the tent, unlike some rivals) is made from 210T Oxford polyester, with a 10,000mm hydrostatic head. It’s thick, heavy and reliably waterproof, although a footprint for the tent is available too if you want even more added protection.

The polycotton fly sheet ensures it is much quicker drying than an old school tent, so it doesn’t tend to smell musty or feel damp inside. It also saves some weight and bulk, making it easier to transport. Although the tent weighs in at just over 16kg in total, it packs into a carry bag measuring 80 x 27cm, which fits in the boot of most family cars with room to spare.

Features

The Klondike pitches easily, with a single central pole to support the canopy and an additional A-frame doorway to increase head height at the entrance. It pegs out with the supplied guy lines, which feature anodised aluminium locking runners to keep the lines nice and taut. Inside it feels bright and airy, with plenty of headroom and lots of space to spread out. It’s a very robust tent, with a design that sheds winds well.

Inside, it’s fitted with semi-circular vents all round to increase airflow, which also feature bug-proof mesh screens. The triangular door panel also has roll-down mesh windows, giving you privacy and ventilation whilst protecting from insects.

Otherwise, that’s about it, though a host of other accessories are also available, including – as already mentioned up top – an optional inner, a footprint and a soft, fleecy tent carpet. The Klondike also has an integrated vent for a stove pipe, allowing it to be used with a frontier-style woodstove (though this can’t be used in conjunction with the optional inner tent). However, with a stove all set up and blazing away inside, it makes a very cosy shelter for colder weather, extending its use into winter. That makes it a pretty versatile tent and arguably a good investment too, especially if you intend to use it year-round.

Conclusion

This tent gives you all the retro vibes and nostalgic appeal of a traditional bell tent, without the downsides (namely, weight, bulk and cost). Okay, it isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s a well-built modern polycotton tent that will sleep up to six people, so we think it’s actually pretty good value.

It’s also easy to pitch, especially if there are a couple of people to help, and neither the weight nor the packed size are too prohibitive – it’ll fit easily in the boot of a family car, and can be carried from car to campsite without requiring a trolley.

All in all, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a traditional-style family tent or something that makes a statement-style basecamp for you and your more outdoorsy mates.