Kampa Fistral 4
(Sleeping Capacity 4 persons)

The Kampa Fistral 4, Kampa's own photo of the preproduction Tent
Camper Pete puts the Kampa Fistral 4 to the test for 365 Camping Caravanning

The Tent

Kampa are not new to the camping world but they are new to the world of tent manufacturers. In producing the Kampa Fistral 4 It seems Kampa have been one of the few manufacturers that have listened to peoples requirements. They have hit the 2009 season with a wide range of new tents, many incorporating large panoramic windows, choice of entry doors, ample and versatile bedroom space, large integral porch, cable entry point, sewn-in-groundsheet and easy pitching. The Kampa Fistral 4 being just one of them. 365 Camping Caravanning arranged to test out this the first Kampa Fistral 4, the pre production sample made for Kampa. You will shortly be able to win this tent on our Competition Page

Features

Size and Weight

Width 335cm   Length 550cm

Weight: Tent 23.6kg

Standing Height: Yes

Pros and Cons

The Cost
MRRP £379.99 but check out Kampa Retailers as dealers discount to get some of the Kampa market share we see discounts taking this down to around £299.99. Norwich Camping & Leisure at time of publication are advertising it at just £299.99 and that's a lot of tent at that price.

Verdict

Clearly this tent was designed with pitching simplicity in mind. Four coloured coded poles (3 red and 1 blue) with corresponding colour coded sleeves and a simple ring and pin system (with adjusting straps) make pitching a breeze. With two people the tent was pitched in 30 minutes but this time could easily be reduced, we were in no rush. There are plenty of guy lines attached to the flysheet and lots pegging loops around the base of the tent (all of them luminous just in case you have to pitch in the twilight) and adjuster straps on the end of each pole to really give the tent a sturdy feel. The four berth bedroom is attached to the fully sealed flysheet via plastic snap buckles around the base and the usual toggles at the top. It may be possible to leave the bedroom in place so as the tent could be pitched ‘as one’.

Plenty of bedroom space, the bedroom inner is a true four berth with a zip out divider curtain. It has a rear mesh window which marries to the window on the flysheet for ventilation and 2 doors with the usual full privacy or mesh combination. Lots of storage pockets between the bedroom doors a nice touch. The front wall of the tent can be opened to make a single door or peeled back totally to make one very large opening, ideal for those hot summer days. The large integral porch with it’s mud / storm flaps and separate groundsheet is a genius touch and pushes this tent up a class as it’s an ideal place to barbeque  / cook or watch the world go by sheltered from the elements.

Once erected this tent really does look good. With it’s sleek lines, clear panoramic windows and it’s integral porch . Other campers will definitely want to take a second look as they walk by. The tent would benefit from a ‘footprint groundsheet’ to add extra protection to the tent groundsheet (and also helps to insulate against the cold floor). These are available as extra and in my opinion worth it for most tents of this quality where we look for many years of service from them. At the price Norwich Camping & Leisure are currently offering this tent it should compete well against other quality tents particularly as it has an integral porch so no extra cash to pay out there. I think I’ll be watching Kampa with a keener eye in future.

Information and Links

For further information on Kampa and their products visit Kampa Website

Or check out More Kampa Tents and Dealers selling Kampa Tents More Kampa Tents

Reviewed by CamperPete
Note We recommend with all tents that you see them fully erected and satisfy yourself that the product is right for you prior to making a purchase.