First off, loving the content as always, big thumbs up. Secondly, I have only just stopped using my Helvellyn after 5 years of use and finally purchasing a new tent. It has been great, even in midwinter although I do sleep in a military arctic sleeping bag with liner during the cold months ( big lad and dont mind the weight for comfort ). It got me through some windy nights just fine, suffering only a slight bent pole on one occassion, but I will say park it with the arse end facing the wind if able. The main plus that I love with this tent is the 2 door vestibule which I always cooked in. Open one door start cooking, the wind changes = just swap doors. Cant truely say its a 4 season though, I have been in some big down poors of snow and the inner gets very wet. The tent doesnt fully go to the floor and the snow drifts up, melts and makes for a wet night ( if there is snow on the floor already use it to block the opening by packing it around the outer skin ). After 5 years its still fine and my son intends on using it to try camping with me. Cheers and thank you.
@tacti_kelly5582 - Hi, curious as I have this tent but haven't used it yet, but with the vestibule deployed wouldn't that be similar (albeit that has a narrow flat panel either side of the doors)? What was your experience? Cheers.
@@alastaireast2103 Sorry, I only used either just one door open for safe cooking in windy conditions or I put the vestibule totally up and cooked with a stove shield in light winds and sunny days.
I thought about buying a Helvellyn but it had some spec issues. A google search took me to the Mirage, there seemed to be an old version and a current 2023 version. Next I found the Hydra. There seemed to be an old Hydra that had been UK available and then a more recent Hydra that seemed only European available . Why did Vango upgrade the flysheet HH of the Original Mirage and launch it as a new tent the Hydra which seemed to have everything else the same spec ? The Hydra has two way door zips, perhaps the Original Mirage did not; But why not simply launch it as a Mirage upgrade ? The Hydra now seems unavailable in UK outdoor retailers and a tent, almost the same specification as the Original Mirage, appeared dubbed the Helvellyn ! The Helvellyn has lower spec fly than the Hydra spec including no two way zip doors and lower HH fly, so a step back from the Hydra so why not call it the Mirage !? ? (I have read observations that 3000HH is perfectly adequate, for the three season use Vango intends most tents for and 5000HH is effectively a Marketing thing). Some time later, a new, Vango semi geodesic, tent called The Mirage appeared - at first glance very similar to Original Mirage/Hydra/Helvellyn but in fact different in a number of ways. All confusing and illogical, to me at least. Maybe Vango marketing's intention is to rely on a limited span of attention amongst its customers to make it look like they launch lots of new models !!
I'm from Chile. My wife and I have this tent and it has withstood the abuse of the Andes mountain range, rock, snow, heavy rain in southern Chile, Torres del Paine, Dientes de Navarino, several nights with 1 inch of water under the floor, I haven’t technical objections, just the weight, I’d love it to weigh less than 2 Kg. As a comparison, I’ve an MSR Hubba Hubba and a Marmot Catalyst, and I trust my humble Vango Helvellyn 200 more than the others. Here Vango is very popular, it is widely used in winter ascents
I bought my Berghaus Grampian 2 for £155 over a year ago and it’s been great. Survived 60km winds up at Fort William when much more expensive tents were buckling. 4 aluminium alloy poles in a geodesic design and blackout double skin. Only drawback really is the weight at 4.5 kg but it’s let me afford a proper 4 season tent. Not for through hiking at that weight but you’d want a hiking pole tent for that anyway.
I did a lot of research before buying one of these. I have a few others but I needed a real 4 seasons tent for dealing with high winds. This thing is a tank. Ive seen a lot of videos of this tent getting pounded by wind and rain and the semi-geodesic design seriously enhances its strength. It also has a brilliant vestibule so that you dont need to dress and exit the tent before firing up your brew in the morning. Its worth noting that some of the more expensive 4 seasons tents are not necessarily "better", because sometimes you are paying for them to be lighter. I have witnessed this first hand on the West Highland Way. I was in a cheap but chunky supermarket dome tent, and watch half of an entire groups tents collapse in the wind and rain. Their tents were absolutely Gucci kit, but most of the money went on making them paper thin and lightweight. The Helvellyn (or Hydra, same tent but Amazon exclusive) will stand up to pretty much anything you are likely to face, and this comes at the cost of it being slightly larger, and fairly heavy. Personally I would rather leave some luxuries at home to make weight to carry this. Great video as always.
Thanks for the video. We use the 300 variant across all levels of DofE. Really good balance of weight/robustness. Excellent spares support from Vango which is key because poles do get bent with accidental misuse (not weather). Also have a panacea 2 (and a SC1.) Not withstanding the quality issue you had, I’d personally take the panacea 2 over one of the hellvelyn 300s.
I've still got a Vango Tempest II (Pro version) and it is a belter of a tent, for the money you can't beat them. Solidly built and will stand up in most conditions in the UK, the only reason I got another is the headroom - it's a tunnel tent and is solid in wind but I can't sit comfortably in it and in the winter months (when I need it!) is when you spend most time in the thing!
I've been using this tent for year round wild camping in the lakes for 3 years now. The only mod i've done is ad extra guy lines from the front going back as i always point the arse of the tent into the wind so i can cook comfortably up front> This thing is pretty bomb proof if pitched correctly. You can use the tensioners to lower the height of the fly in winter / windy conditions but their is always a trade off in doing so which is reduced airflow / condensation. I've used it in 50mph + winds which were scary as hell but the tent stayed solid. I love this bit of kit and for the price you cant knock it.
I have the same tent and love it. It’s very very easy to pitch. Takes about 10/15 mins. Very strong and sturdy in the wind. Love it. I also bought recently the Vango mirage 300+ tent. Gives you more room in the tent and vestibule. Exactly the same design as the Helvellyn.
Ah mate cant wait to see you out in the new tent mind (ill not give it away). Vango do make some great gear and probably suitable for 95% of campers. Cheers Steven
I still have my Vango dome two person tent. Four season with skirts bought 27 years ago; looked after and treated regularly. Still going strong. Strictly a car camping tent, but packed with memories of great fun camping holidays. 👍
I have this tent, but its called the Hydra. I used it in Wales for four nights. All it did was p!ss down for four days. In between walking and hiking it stood up to 40 mph winds. I felt like Lt. Dan in Forest Gump during the storm asking for worse weather. I was well impressed. I took it up onto the Dales for a couple of over nights. It stood up to torrential overnight rain and high winds. I can't fault it, but im no hardcore wild camper.
Just finished watching Grizzly Gaz he got a new tent as well. Maybe you guys could do a side by side comparison on a trip. Good looking tent. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Great review, thank you. I have this tent, its the first tent I've owned and Im very pleased with it. Have used it in very windy weather and driving rain and it hasnt let me down yet. Downside is the head height and the zip on the door, so i totally agree with you.
I found I need to add 10 degrees to what the sleeping bag says for comfort rating. For winter now I use a Rab neutrino 400 gorgeous sleeping bag but cos I sleep cold, I use an Alpkit Cloud quilt over the top, it is light as a feather, pun intended, and adds enough warmth so I feel toasty when it's 0 degrees overnight.
Interesting review. I have one of these (well, it's the Hydra....) and agree with most of your findings. For whatever reason, the door zips on mine are 2 way, but more importantly perhaps is the thinking on the non stretch guylines. Having a little stretch minimises shock loads transferring to the tent, stitching, frames in high winds than non stretch. That is why one uses rope for example on boat moorings that have stretch or indeed add what are called snubbers. Same principle here?
I have the hydra and it is bombproof. Really love it and it handles all weather conditions the UK has to throw at it. As you've already pointed out a good sleeping system goes a long way, regardless of the tent.
I’m reassuringly heavy too 😂🤣😂 I’ve always loved the look of this tent due to its semi-geodesic design but the weight has put me off…. I need to go lighter not heavier 😂🤣😂
If I go camping feeling tired I always feel more tired. Also ground temps are cold currently so maybe that affected it. Definitely time to take a hot water bottle. Leave it down by your feet and it’s like you’re in an arctic sleeping bag. Toasty warm mate
Thanks Ben...looks like a strong un 💪. Temps are weird at present... yesterday the car gauge said 8° and it was freezing cold, then a few hours later it said 2° and it was warmer 🤔👀 Wind chill I guess...we'll it can just sod off 😬🥶
Really enjoying your quest to find the perfect 1/2 man backpacking tent… I’m looking to swap my Vango Banshee 200 and you’re doing all the research for me 🤣 subbed 👍
One Tigris stella is supposed to be a banging tent for £200. and its Black and looks Rude - if its possible for a tent to be be rude Daley you are number 1 in wild camping on UA-cam in my opinion, great stuff
These tents are great, I have had a couple of versions over the years - currently have the hydra. The only thing I found with them though is that they perform much better in windy conditions when you pitch the front into the wind rather than the back (as advised). I remember seeing a few wind test videos a few years back showing/testing this with a semi-geodesic tent and tried it myself in the wild. The strength is created by the pressure hitting the shorter single pole rather than the two longer poles. (Hopefully the videos are still on UA-cam, unfortunately can't remember either of the trsters. Think one was on the terra nova voyager and another on the Alpkit Tetri - which is also great value for money) - Very comfy for one, but also it is not too uncomfortable with two people, for a couple of nights at least.
I had the vango nova 200 when I first started backpacking. Great tent! Had a few in between and now got the vango orion 200. Best backpacking tent for the price 👌 worth the extra weight for quality zips
You could have done some physical activity when you where in the sleeping bag to get your body to start produce heat, if you are cold inside the bag it will only insulate the cold and keep you cold.
@@daleyoutdoors I have lent it out before to random UA-camrs and have so many spare Hillebergs I don't have any worries - I live on the Manchester side of the Peak District if you do want to test it.
That looks like a nice little tent there (even with it's little flaws) - I'm sure it'll hold up to the elements when you're up Kinder Scout next! - I am curious as to what other gear you did bring with you apart from what was shown on video to get such a light pack weight! Inquiring minds need to know!. Cheers for taking us along, and sorry you had to bail in the end. All the best, James
I love a Vango tent. I’d have this as a 3.5 season tent, it’s not 4 season. A true 4 season has snow flaps but bar that it should hold up to most things. Vango’s are usually pretty bomb proof
Nowt worse camping than being cold. Luckily looks like you hadn't gone too far so not so bad. Another cheap 4 season tent, about £75 is the Flytop (the one with the snow skirt) I think personally it's a brilliant tent for the money and it's been in all sorts of weather. I like the look of that mat, especially the width. Cheers.
Disappointing about the sleeping bag, I stayed out the other night above 400m and I had a naturehike bag with a 2deg comfort, also took my reactor extreme and didn't use it because I was plenty warm enough. Was a cold night with frost on the tent in the morning.
Good vid dude, nothing worse than not being able to get warm... luckily I am a warm sleeper. Can never be too careful buying online so atleast you kept yourself safe. I sadly recently made a mistake but luckily I fell on my feet and our mutual friend grizzly supported me! Also if you ever want a tent to stand up against kinder scout... don't go with gaz and it won't get windy haha 😂
Hello, I'm watching your video as I type.. I have had the vango hydra 200 which is almost the same this vango. I've had mine out in gusty winds upto 50mph + and down to -6 . Very waterproof, perfect for one person and holds the heat inside very well. Downside, the weight and the poles that cross over the top in snowy conditions holds the snow and end up sagging a bit. Becareful with the eyelets on the guy points as 1 came out of mine.. But overall a very good 4 season tent for the money 😁👍 used mine up in Scotland, Galloway, Wales and the peak district without issues .. 😁 yep, no matter what tent your in a good choice of sleep system this time of the year is a must. But the vango is good for keeping the chill out.. 👍
I ve got a 2 man banshee that i use mainly becuase my camping buddy is my dog. Decent tent just doesnt compact down as much as i would want. Future upgrade will be for a 2 man tent under 2kg but they cost a bit more
Hi, I enjoy your videos, a bit of a school boy error in choice of sleeping bag, if it is going to be plus 2c I would use a minimum of a -10 bag for warmth and comfort, if you are too warm you can always open bag, The pro UA-camrs with the £800+ tents get them as they camp in very extreme conditions as they are all a bit crazy but we have the fun watching them in dire situations at times! When younger and camped in winter conditions I got a Vango force 10 which was bulletproof but too heavy for backpacking! That Vango should serve you well but I wouldn't use it in stormy conditions! In fact I wouldn't camp in stormy conditions! Cheers Mark.
Sadly our vango snapped on the kink in the front pole shown at 2.08 go outdoors took tent back with full refund and said they had a few do that. Nice design/ layout just a shame pole joiner wasn’t stronger. Keeeep camping pa I love and adore my orc Rakoon 2.1 which has been out all over the country and well worth a look especially for sit up / living space
I started my wild camping journey with a Vango Blade 100. Then got a Zenith 200. Solid tents for the price. Be interested to see how it fairs in some rough weather. Yep, no point putting yourself through the mill if freezing mate. Good idea to knock it on the head. TOP FACT: Vango is an anagram of 'Govan', where the tents were originally made...
If you’re ever up for a hike and camp let me know. I have some high end tents so maybe on a camp you can bring one for yourself you want to compare against one of the higher end and can have a look around mine? I have the abisko lite 3, Hilleberg Soulo & Southern Cross 2 as higher end tents. Also have a xmid 1P solid, cloud peak 2 and naturehike Opulas 3 if any of those options work.
I have this and the hydra 200, i live in the north east of scotland and both them tents have been put through some punishment. My only gripe the helvelyn leaks on the toggles on the vestibule.
Vango tents are pretty reasonable against most weather tbf and you get what you pay for.im surprised that you were feeling the cold tho either you were coming down with something as there's a lot about or the ratings aren't what they seem with the mat and bag?
If the zipper is a big issue, you can always get some of those clip on replacement zipper pulls and make your own 2-way zipper. Also, with the guy lines pulled out and the pegs pulled tighter, it may tighten the zipper up enough to not get hung. Would I buy the tent? That's a no. I have to have room to be comfortable.
@@daleyoutdoors I know ! There should always be a green or brown option and orange if you need to be seen . They limit their appeal massively by poor colour choices.
I *think* it was just warm air cooling down and contracting. Ive just been topping up before going to sleep and it’s been fine. I doubt many will have their mats inflated as long as I do on a camp to be fair.
I was wondering if you've ever considered a Hex Peak pyramid tent? haven't seen all your videos so it may be that you've already tried one? We have the F6 because there's two of us plus two dogs so it's a bit bigger than a typical backpacking tent but lots of height in the middle ie 1.6m so my wife can stand up straight and I can too with a bit of a stoop so handy for getting dressed. Not sure how it would do in v high winds but I've seen video of the smaller V4 version doing very well eg standing up better to the wind/maintaining its shape better than it's neighbour, a Hilleberg Enan.
Enjoy your deadpan delivery and humour. As far as I'm concerned the tent you started with...Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 remains my mid range hero. Not perfect. Plenty of mod ideas. Never had wet inside or a condensation issues. I know my limits and this tent is perfect. I also bring a large tarp for extra shelter and out of tent Livability. As the saying goes...horses for courses. Evaluate your camping limits and buy accordingly. Very good to hear your reviews. I get tired of UA-camrs who start small and review cheap gear and then as the channel progresses they are buying the big money gear and the big money tents. Yep, you know who you are... Please stay true to yourself in delivering these really enjoyable and pragmatic reviews. 👍
Looks robust but don't like not being able to sit up inside the tent. Good review. On another note I could do with some advice. I'm after a high R value sleeping mat for winter use. I've been looking at a Nemo Tensor extreme or Thermarest Xtherm but put off by the price. There is a light tour 5.8 I think you have mentioned. I'm after regular wide. What are your thoughts and where can I get a good deal.
I've got a Mountain Equipment Aerostat Synthetic 7.0 insulated sleeping pad, with an R rating of 4. It's really warm, robust and comfortable, cost me £120. I hope this helps
Did you get rid of the Robens Chaser 2 tent? despite being a 3 season (and a mesh inner) seems to me with it 125mph wind resistance it should be up to year round use so long as your use a suitably warm sleep system?
I might return and swap it out for the Alpkit Pipedream, although I'd be pushing it with the expense a bit. It's not a small bag anyways, nor is it light! It's concerning you had to bail due to that 🫣
I had a Wickes tent outa bargain bin for a tenner it was about 800 hydrostatic head it was quite waterproof tho the picket would fill up when raining if you were quick to catch on you could fill your mug then pan and put it on to the stove quick cuppa otherwise bail it out of fly, hurray some dampness ensued, me n my dog thought it was fun, but there you go not that bad for a tenner, as i was comin back from wales via canal wuff some of the tent shrivelled up cos of a mishap with a triagia meths isnt the brightest of ideas in a tent like I said oh fff wuff that quick my dog thought it was fun exiting. That's life pity about Wickes tho...
"not worth getting squashed by a tree for a UA-cam video..." C'mon man, that's pretty weak, think of the views.... 😀 Really useful video mate, as always, keep them coming... and watch out for those trees 😉
Think you know i have the hydra it was cheaper and higher spec plus it has a zip on the door mesh at the top to vent, a higher hydrostatic head and a better green apart from that both same and rock solid, people will carry 12 cans of beer in yet complain about the weight of the tent 🤷♂️🤷♂️ enjoyed that Ben, i like it when you do these slightly longer vids 👍 😀
im asking a few people like your self josh and gaz the sam question if you had to life a year with your partner travling in the uk in one tent and using one set of things stove lamp mats exetra again for two of you what would it be
The more you get into it the more you realize that weight kills all the fun. Obviously we all have to start somewhere, but I wouldnt consider any tent above 2 kg even as a starter. There is plenty of affordable options, even cheaper than this vango, half the weight✌️
@@daleyoutdoors Looking for and finding good deals is part of this hobby, so I wont recomend anything😋 Would question weight at any purchase, even the idea of having 4 season tent at all. 3 season tent with good sleeping set would get similar results and save a lot of weight.
You don't need to recommend any tents. Just tell us of the "plenty of affordable options, cheaper than this Vango and half the weight" and we can do our own research on them. Also, which tent do you use for winter?
@@GrizzlyGazLoads of tents below £200 and 2kg. Januray sales are on every website. I use lanshan, its not for everyone but works for me. Whatever I saved on a tent I bought good sleeping system. I dont need 4 season tent tbh, wouldnt mind going 2nd hand as a begginer. 2.8kg for one person is a lot unless you are built like a unit or dont plan to do a lot of walking.
I bought one of thise, well its a hydra 200, same design just different name, heavy yes, like a tank but, it's hellish in the wind and rain, nice and warm plenty space, love mine i tend to switch to a banshee2 aswell, I have 8 tents and I have hammocks bivis tarps, loads of gear and I do find these 2 tents a joy to use, not compact not light but reliable and spacious
Disappointing tent by the look of it. The interior height is too low and the issue with the zip…like you said, why wouldn’t they design it to pull from the top down 🤦🏻♂️
@@craigy1872 didn’t show up so opened a case with eBay and got my money back. When I bought the seller had 200+ items listed for sale. They vanished days later.
Those bag ratings really have a lot to answer to. They are never correct. I've frozen through some nights, nothing 10 burpees couldn't fix or warm stones from the fire. How tall are you btw? I wanted to get this but if I can't sit up then no point.
Not sure why you think it's acceptable to use the habitat of animals for your fire. ALWAYS take in the wood you need. There is never a reason to use branches and habitat. Crazy and irresponsible. Embarrassed you publicised it.
So you think that bringing in wood with you is better than using what you find in the woods? How on earth did you come to that conclusion and how on earth is this always possible logistically? Unless you've cut down a tree in your own garden, processed it, then seasoned the logs in your own house (to avoid animal/insect habitation but also impossible anyway) then the logs most people have at home will be from a woods or forest anyway. Then stored outside, in a log pile long enough to season, which will inadvertently provide habitat for animals and insects. Therefore you will destroy this habitat when you move the logs to take camping with you! One of the most ridiculous comments I've ever heard!
First off, loving the content as always, big thumbs up. Secondly, I have only just stopped using my Helvellyn after 5 years of use and finally purchasing a new tent. It has been great, even in midwinter although I do sleep in a military arctic sleeping bag with liner during the cold months ( big lad and dont mind the weight for comfort ). It got me through some windy nights just fine, suffering only a slight bent pole on one occassion, but I will say park it with the arse end facing the wind if able. The main plus that I love with this tent is the 2 door vestibule which I always cooked in. Open one door start cooking, the wind changes = just swap doors.
Cant truely say its a 4 season though, I have been in some big down poors of snow and the inner gets very wet. The tent doesnt fully go to the floor and the snow drifts up, melts and makes for a wet night ( if there is snow on the floor already use it to block the opening by packing it around the outer skin ).
After 5 years its still fine and my son intends on using it to try camping with me.
Cheers and thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! Great to get some insight from long term use 👍
@tacti_kelly5582 - Hi, curious as I have this tent but haven't used it yet, but with the vestibule deployed wouldn't that be similar (albeit that has a narrow flat panel either side of the doors)? What was your experience? Cheers.
@@alastaireast2103 Sorry, I only used either just one door open for safe cooking in windy conditions or I put the vestibule totally up and cooked with a stove shield in light winds and sunny days.
I thought about buying a Helvellyn but it had some spec issues.
A google search took me to the Mirage, there seemed to be an old version and a current 2023 version.
Next I found the Hydra. There seemed to be an old Hydra that had been UK available and then a more recent Hydra that seemed only European available .
Why did Vango upgrade the flysheet HH of the Original Mirage and launch it as a new tent the Hydra which seemed to have everything else the same spec ?
The Hydra has two way door zips, perhaps the Original Mirage did not; But why not simply launch it as a Mirage upgrade ?
The Hydra now seems unavailable in UK outdoor retailers and a tent, almost the same specification as the Original Mirage, appeared dubbed the Helvellyn !
The Helvellyn has lower spec fly than the Hydra spec including no two way zip doors and lower HH fly, so a step back from the Hydra so why not call it the Mirage !? ?
(I have read observations that 3000HH is perfectly adequate, for the three season use Vango intends most tents for and 5000HH is effectively a Marketing thing).
Some time later, a new, Vango semi geodesic, tent called The Mirage appeared - at first glance very similar to Original Mirage/Hydra/Helvellyn but in fact different in a number of ways.
All confusing and illogical, to me at least.
Maybe Vango marketing's intention is to rely on a limited span of attention amongst its customers to make it look like they launch lots of new models !!
I'm from Chile. My wife and I have this tent and it has withstood the abuse of the Andes mountain range, rock, snow, heavy rain in southern Chile, Torres del Paine, Dientes de Navarino, several nights with 1 inch of water under the floor, I haven’t technical objections, just the weight, I’d love it to weigh less than 2 Kg.
As a comparison, I’ve an MSR Hubba Hubba and a Marmot Catalyst, and I trust my humble Vango Helvellyn 200 more than the others.
Here Vango is very popular, it is widely used in winter ascents
He's only gone and got himself a Vandingo!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 #Blot
@@BurtonOutdoors 💅
It's a vandingo mandingo!!😅
Too rights mandingo
🤣😂🤣
I bought my Berghaus Grampian 2 for £155 over a year ago and it’s been great. Survived 60km winds up at Fort William when much more expensive tents were buckling. 4 aluminium alloy poles in a geodesic design and blackout double skin. Only drawback really is the weight at 4.5 kg but it’s let me afford a proper 4 season tent. Not for through hiking at that weight but you’d want a hiking pole tent for that anyway.
Delivered from Tiso for that price.
I own two backpacking tents, this is one of them, I really like it.
Seems decent so far 👍
I did a lot of research before buying one of these.
I have a few others but I needed a real 4 seasons tent for dealing with high winds.
This thing is a tank. Ive seen a lot of videos of this tent getting pounded by wind and rain and the semi-geodesic design seriously enhances its strength. It also has a brilliant vestibule so that you dont need to dress and exit the tent before firing up your brew in the morning.
Its worth noting that some of the more expensive 4 seasons tents are not necessarily "better", because sometimes you are paying for them to be lighter. I have witnessed this first hand on the West Highland Way. I was in a cheap but chunky supermarket dome tent, and watch half of an entire groups tents collapse in the wind and rain. Their tents were absolutely Gucci kit, but most of the money went on making them paper thin and lightweight. The Helvellyn (or Hydra, same tent but Amazon exclusive) will stand up to pretty much anything you are likely to face, and this comes at the cost of it being slightly larger, and fairly heavy. Personally I would rather leave some luxuries at home to make weight to carry this.
Great video as always.
Vango know what they're about. Yes there's lighter tents but I do love a Vango. Still like getting my Torridon 3 man out when I'm feeling indulgent.
Thanks for the video. We use the 300 variant across all levels of DofE. Really good balance of weight/robustness. Excellent spares support from Vango which is key because poles do get bent with accidental misuse (not weather). Also have a panacea 2 (and a SC1.) Not withstanding the quality issue you had, I’d personally take the panacea 2 over one of the hellvelyn 300s.
Best bit of kit I have is a heated gilet, god send. Keeps your core warm.
I need to investigate these
@@daleyoutdoors weather is unpredictable on kinderscout. A heated gilet just gives me some insurance if it becomes too cold.
Or just hot water bottle
I've still got a Vango Tempest II (Pro version) and it is a belter of a tent, for the money you can't beat them. Solidly built and will stand up in most conditions in the UK, the only reason I got another is the headroom - it's a tunnel tent and is solid in wind but I can't sit comfortably in it and in the winter months (when I need it!) is when you spend most time in the thing!
I've been using this tent for year round wild camping in the lakes for 3 years now. The only mod i've done is ad extra guy lines from the front going back as i always point the arse of the tent into the wind so i can cook comfortably up front>
This thing is pretty bomb proof if pitched correctly. You can use the tensioners to lower the height of the fly in winter / windy conditions but their is always a trade off in doing so which is reduced airflow / condensation. I've used it in 50mph + winds which were scary as hell but the tent stayed solid. I love this bit of kit and for the price you cant knock it.
I have the same tent and love it. It’s very very easy to pitch. Takes about 10/15 mins. Very strong and sturdy in the wind. Love it. I also bought recently the Vango mirage 300+ tent. Gives you more room in the tent and vestibule. Exactly the same design as the Helvellyn.
Ah mate cant wait to see you out in the new tent mind (ill not give it away). Vango do make some great gear and probably suitable for 95% of campers. Cheers Steven
The old Bombproof Banshee mate 😆
I still have my Vango dome two person tent. Four season with skirts bought 27 years ago; looked after and treated regularly. Still going strong. Strictly a car camping tent, but packed with memories of great fun camping holidays. 👍
I have this tent, but its called the Hydra. I used it in Wales for four nights. All it did was p!ss down for four days. In between walking and hiking it stood up to 40 mph winds. I felt like Lt. Dan in Forest Gump during the storm asking for worse weather. I was well impressed. I took it up onto the Dales for a couple of over nights. It stood up to torrential overnight rain and high winds. I can't fault it, but im no hardcore wild camper.
Vango tents rock iv got 5 of them 😮 love your honist reviews 😊
Wow you must REALLY like them then! 😆👍
They totally do! I have two, soon to be three.
They’re good tents I have the mirage pro 200(2019)and the hydra which are very similar and superb.
Just finished watching Grizzly Gaz he got a new tent as well. Maybe you guys could do a side by side comparison on a trip. Good looking tent. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
He won’t camp with me anymore.
@@daleyoutdoors 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great review, thank you. I have this tent, its the first tent I've owned and Im very pleased with it. Have used it in very windy weather and driving rain and it hasnt let me down yet. Downside is the head height and the zip on the door, so i totally agree with you.
Cheers mate 👍
I found I need to add 10 degrees to what the sleeping bag says for comfort rating. For winter now I use a Rab neutrino 400 gorgeous sleeping bag but cos I sleep cold, I use an Alpkit Cloud quilt over the top, it is light as a feather, pun intended, and adds enough warmth so I feel toasty when it's 0 degrees overnight.
I’ve been fine before but really felt the cold on this night 🤷♂️
Great review and sensible decision to bale. Let's see how it stands up to some bad English weather 😮
Interesting review. I have one of these (well, it's the Hydra....) and agree with most of your findings. For whatever reason, the door zips on mine are 2 way, but more importantly perhaps is the thinking on the non stretch guylines. Having a little stretch minimises shock loads transferring to the tent, stitching, frames in high winds than non stretch. That is why one uses rope for example on boat moorings that have stretch or indeed add what are called snubbers. Same principle here?
I have the hydra and it is bombproof. Really love it and it handles all weather conditions the UK has to throw at it. As you've already pointed out a good sleeping system goes a long way, regardless of the tent.
I’m reassuringly heavy too 😂🤣😂
I’ve always loved the look of this tent due to its semi-geodesic design but the weight has put me off…. I need to go lighter not heavier 😂🤣😂
If I go camping feeling tired I always feel more tired. Also ground temps are cold currently so maybe that affected it. Definitely time to take a hot water bottle. Leave it down by your feet and it’s like you’re in an arctic sleeping bag. Toasty warm mate
Should be a big warmer for my next camp 👍
Good informative video Ben, thanks for sharing. Oh and a Happy New Year Pal 😃😃
Cheers mate! You too! 🍻
I find this style of vestibule/door area very interesting and cool, I will have to find this tent for cheap.
They come up in eBay every now and then 👍
I wonder how much of a difference there is between the 200 and 300@@daleyoutdoors
Thanks Ben...looks like a strong un 💪. Temps are weird at present... yesterday the car gauge said 8° and it was freezing cold, then a few hours later it said 2° and it was warmer 🤔👀
Wind chill I guess...we'll it can just sod off 😬🥶
Lack of headroom inside the tent would be a no for me, especially when you're struggling to get dressed on a morning.
Really enjoying your quest to find the perfect 1/2 man backpacking tent… I’m looking to swap my Vango Banshee 200 and you’re doing all the research for me 🤣 subbed 👍
Haha happy to help! 😆
One Tigris stella is supposed to be a banging tent for £200. and its Black and looks Rude - if its possible for a tent to be be rude
Daley you are number 1 in wild camping on UA-cam in my opinion, great stuff
Maybe I need a Stella to put this rudeness to the test…
These tents are great, I have had a couple of versions over the years - currently have the hydra. The only thing I found with them though is that they perform much better in windy conditions when you pitch the front into the wind rather than the back (as advised). I remember seeing a few wind test videos a few years back showing/testing this with a semi-geodesic tent and tried it myself in the wild. The strength is created by the pressure hitting the shorter single pole rather than the two longer poles. (Hopefully the videos are still on UA-cam, unfortunately can't remember either of the trsters. Think one was on the terra nova voyager and another on the Alpkit Tetri - which is also great value for money) - Very comfy for one, but also it is not too uncomfortable with two people, for a couple of nights at least.
Also should add - great small tent for taller people.
I had the vango nova 200 when I first started backpacking. Great tent! Had a few in between and now got the vango orion 200. Best backpacking tent for the price 👌 worth the extra weight for quality zips
Ah my first camp was in a Nova 200. Fond memories 👍
Mine too ! Still got it 😊
I have this tent and not had any problems, agree with inner tent zip apart from that it’s a great tent for the money 👍
I’m looking forward to getting out in it again 👍
I've got the Vango Nevis 100.... it's a one person tent...not masses of room on the inside and a small vestibule BUT it's light weight and i love it 👍
I have a Nevis 100 too. Love it. ❤
You could have done some physical activity when you where in the sleeping bag to get your body to start produce heat, if you are cold inside the bag it will only insulate the cold and keep you cold.
An excellent large vestibule with a two sided opening for cooking in poor weather
Yeah I really like the design of the doors and vestibule
I could be persuaded to lend you my Hilleberg RL Soulo for a few weeks if you want to see what the so-call gold standard is to compare other tents.
That’s a kind offer, but honestly I’d bd so scared of damaging it id be a nervous wreck 🤣
@@daleyoutdoors I have lent it out before to random UA-camrs and have so many spare Hillebergs I don't have any worries - I live on the Manchester side of the Peak District if you do want to test it.
That looks like a nice little tent there (even with it's little flaws) - I'm sure it'll hold up to the elements when you're up Kinder Scout next! - I am curious as to what other gear you did bring with you apart from what was shown on video to get such a light pack weight! Inquiring minds need to know!. Cheers for taking us along, and sorry you had to bail in the end. All the best, James
I didn’t take anything else 😆 Thanks for watching mate. I’ll be back out for a proper camp/test in a couple of weeks 👍
Great tent, and great review as always Daley
Can't blame you for bailing. No point in freezing your nuts off
🥜
Looking forward to the next one
Thanks Ivan!
I love a Vango tent. I’d have this as a 3.5 season tent, it’s not 4 season. A true 4 season has snow flaps but bar that it should hold up to most things. Vango’s are usually pretty bomb proof
I'll check it out 👍
Nowt worse camping than being cold. Luckily looks like you hadn't gone too far so not so bad. Another cheap 4 season tent, about £75 is the Flytop (the one with the snow skirt) I think personally it's a brilliant tent for the money and it's been in all sorts of weather. I like the look of that mat, especially the width. Cheers.
Thanks for being so honest (l have my suspension sometime about other U-tubers) l must say "l did like the colour combo though.
No worries! 👍
Disappointing about the sleeping bag, I stayed out the other night above 400m and I had a naturehike bag with a 2deg comfort, also took my reactor extreme and didn't use it because I was plenty warm enough. Was a cold night with frost on the tent in the morning.
The whole point of a 4 season tent is take it anywhere and not worry over pitching it on top of a mountain
Good vid dude, nothing worse than not being able to get warm... luckily I am a warm sleeper.
Can never be too careful buying online so atleast you kept yourself safe. I sadly recently made a mistake but luckily I fell on my feet and our mutual friend grizzly supported me!
Also if you ever want a tent to stand up against kinder scout... don't go with gaz and it won't get windy haha 😂
Cheers mate 👍
Hello, I'm watching your video as I type.. I have had the vango hydra 200 which is almost the same this vango. I've had mine out in gusty winds upto 50mph + and down to -6 . Very waterproof, perfect for one person and holds the heat inside very well. Downside, the weight and the poles that cross over the top in snowy conditions holds the snow and end up sagging a bit. Becareful with the eyelets on the guy points as 1 came out of mine.. But overall a very good 4 season tent for the money 😁👍 used mine up in Scotland, Galloway, Wales and the peak district without issues .. 😁 yep, no matter what tent your in a good choice of sleep system this time of the year is a must. But the vango is good for keeping the chill out.. 👍
Vango do some excellent tents...cheap enough..and decent quality...cant go wrong.
My old fav ....vango equinox.
I ve got a 2 man banshee that i use mainly becuase my camping buddy is my dog. Decent tent just doesnt compact down as much as i would want. Future upgrade will be for a 2 man tent under 2kg but they cost a bit more
I find vango tents great tbh. knowing when to bail is called looking after yourself 👍
If you roll the door up the other way, all the bunched up material will be on the inside and the outside rain flap will rest over it
Yep. Still only useful when it’s dry though.
Hi, I enjoy your videos, a bit of a school boy error in choice of sleeping bag, if it is going to be plus 2c I would use a minimum of a -10 bag for warmth and comfort, if you are too warm you can always open bag, The pro UA-camrs with the £800+ tents get them as they camp in very extreme conditions as they are all a bit crazy but we have the fun watching them in dire situations at times! When younger and camped in winter conditions I got a Vango force 10 which was bulletproof but too heavy for backpacking! That Vango should serve you well but I wouldn't use it in stormy conditions! In fact I wouldn't camp in stormy conditions! Cheers Mark.
Sadly our vango snapped on the kink in the front pole shown at 2.08 go outdoors took tent back with full refund and said they had a few do that. Nice design/ layout just a shame pole joiner wasn’t stronger. Keeeep camping pa I love and adore my orc Rakoon 2.1 which has been out all over the country and well worth a look especially for sit up / living space
I started my wild camping journey with a Vango Blade 100. Then got a Zenith 200. Solid tents for the price. Be interested to see how it fairs in some rough weather. Yep, no point putting yourself through the mill if freezing mate. Good idea to knock it on the head. TOP FACT: Vango is an anagram of 'Govan', where the tents were originally made...
Your knowledge amazes me 🫡
This looks very much like it was based on my Wild Country Trisar tent
Great job 👏
I really like vango tents and this looks really nice but too heavy for me
I didn’t think Vango rated their tents in seasons. They are good for year round U.K. use.
Just got a Vango nightstar 375 sleeping bag and itching to try it out it feels meaty I'm hoping it's ok in conditions you were in.
I haven’t seen those. I’ll take a look 👌
If you’re ever up for a hike and camp let me know. I have some high end tents so maybe on a camp you can bring one for yourself you want to compare against one of the higher end and can have a look around mine?
I have the abisko lite 3, Hilleberg Soulo & Southern Cross 2 as higher end tents. Also have a xmid 1P solid, cloud peak 2 and naturehike Opulas 3 if any of those options work.
I have this and the hydra 200, i live in the north east of scotland and both them tents have been put through some punishment. My only gripe the helvelyn leaks on the toggles on the vestibule.
I pulled the plug on my wild camp last year because I forgot my sleeping bag. Haha. Sometimes you have to do it
Oops lol. Worst I’ve forgotten is my spork so far 😆
Vango tents are pretty reasonable against most weather tbf and you get what you pay for.im surprised that you were feeling the cold tho either you were coming down with something as there's a lot about or the ratings aren't what they seem with the mat and bag?
Yeah it was weird. The mat has been fine down to -3 and it felt like the cold was around my sides and top 🤷♂️ probably man flu 🤣
If the zipper is a big issue, you can always get some of those clip on replacement zipper pulls and make your own 2-way zipper. Also, with the guy lines pulled out and the pegs pulled tighter, it may tighten the zipper up enough to not get hung. Would I buy the tent? That's a no. I have to have room to be comfortable.
Good review - should check out the new tent Wildbeare has got - some patented shape . Bit more expensive but intriguing.
I’ve looked at the x mid. They’re baby blue though, and the import fees are crazy 😬
@@daleyoutdoors I know ! There should always be a green or brown option and orange if you need to be seen . They limit their appeal massively by poor colour choices.
Disappointed you didn't manage the whole night, Ah well, Tent seems solid, Take a hot water-bottle next time. :)
nalgene hot water bingo
Wow look at all that flat ground
Did you find out why the lightour mat was going down through the night? Ive not been out since November due to an injury so not used mine again yet 😢
I *think* it was just warm air cooling down and contracting. Ive just been topping up before going to sleep and it’s been fine. I doubt many will have their mats inflated as long as I do on a camp to be fair.
I was wondering if you've ever considered a Hex Peak pyramid tent? haven't seen all your videos so it may be that you've already tried one? We have the F6 because there's two of us plus two dogs so it's a bit bigger than a typical backpacking tent but lots of height in the middle ie 1.6m so my wife can stand up straight and I can too with a bit of a stoop so handy for getting dressed. Not sure how it would do in v high winds but I've seen video of the smaller V4 version doing very well eg standing up better to the wind/maintaining its shape better than it's neighbour, a Hilleberg Enan.
I haven’t tried one. Will have a look.
❤ as always
That inner is looooow though…. No way I’d fit in that, I’d feel claustrophobic lol!
I thought I would too but it’s just bearable for me 🤓
Enjoy your deadpan delivery and humour.
As far as I'm concerned the tent you started with...Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 remains my mid range hero. Not perfect. Plenty of mod ideas. Never had wet inside or a condensation issues. I know my limits and this tent is perfect. I also bring a large tarp for extra shelter and out of tent Livability.
As the saying goes...horses for courses. Evaluate your camping limits and buy accordingly.
Very good to hear your reviews.
I get tired of UA-camrs who start small and review cheap gear and then as the channel progresses they are buying the big money gear and the big money tents. Yep, you know who you are...
Please stay true to yourself in delivering these really enjoyable and pragmatic reviews. 👍
Cheers mate 👍 Cloud Up is a great tent 👌
@@daleyoutdoors
Bro' I love the way you keep calling it the Cloud Up 2...but I know what you mean 👍👍🤭
@@davidf4897 the Up is better than the Peak 🤪🤣
@@daleyoutdoors Nooooo 🫣🤣🤣
@@daleyoutdoors I prefer the Cloud Up 😁
Looks robust but don't like not being able to sit up inside the tent. Good review. On another note I could do with some advice. I'm after a high R value sleeping mat for winter use. I've been looking at a Nemo Tensor extreme or Thermarest Xtherm but put off by the price. There is a light tour 5.8 I think you have mentioned. I'm after regular wide. What are your thoughts and where can I get a good deal.
I use the light tour in this video and loads of others. I’ve got a dedicated review video on it too. Links to it on video descriptions.
I've got a Mountain Equipment Aerostat Synthetic 7.0 insulated sleeping pad, with an R rating of 4. It's really warm, robust and comfortable, cost me £120. I hope this helps
The simond makalu is double the price but a highly capable silnylon and pu tent that could be compared to the vango.
Did you get rid of the Robens Chaser 2 tent? despite being a 3 season (and a mesh inner) seems to me with it 125mph wind resistance it should be up to year round use so long as your use a suitably warm sleep system?
Yeah I sold it. Was too much of a faff to pitch and had about 927 different options to mess with. Prefer to keep things simple like me 🤓
No tent will withstand 125mph winds
Guide lines are supposed to be stretchy.its so as it gives with the wind and then returns back to position.
Guy lines. Not as much as these do 😆
yes guy.maybe you could show how bad they stretch,cannot decide this or the banshee.@@daleyoutdoors
@@t147han I haven’t tried a banshee but I think both are good choices
Oh no, do i need to return the my Nemo already?! Was it that bad?
I need to do some more testing with it
I might return and swap it out for the Alpkit Pipedream, although I'd be pushing it with the expense a bit. It's not a small bag anyways, nor is it light! It's concerning you had to bail due to that 🫣
I had a Wickes tent outa bargain bin for a tenner it was about 800 hydrostatic head it was quite waterproof tho the picket would fill up when raining if you were quick to catch on you could fill your mug then pan and put it on to the stove quick cuppa otherwise bail it out of fly, hurray some dampness ensued, me n my dog thought it was fun, but there you go not that bad for a tenner, as i was comin back from wales via canal wuff some of the tent shrivelled up cos of a mishap with a triagia meths isnt the brightest of ideas in a tent like I said oh fff wuff that quick my dog thought it was fun exiting. That's life pity about Wickes tho...
Have a look at the Alpkit tetri. I have one and it's very good quality for the money
I almost went for one of those when I bought this
@@daleyoutdoors I tested mine in 3 days of solid rain at Kielder and was superb. Very robust tent
@@yetiibob8407 I might grab one and do a comparison 🤔
"not worth getting squashed by a tree for a UA-cam video..." C'mon man, that's pretty weak, think of the views.... 😀
Really useful video mate, as always, keep them coming... and watch out for those trees 😉
Haha good point 😆
Nice vid. 😊
Thanks
Thank you! 👍
@@daleyoutdoors ...no worries. I hope yourself Gaz and Fendy head out together again soon. I really enjoy yours and his videos.
I'm sure we will soon 🤓
A vango tent! After all the crap you give grizzly gaz over em! Welcome to the dark side 😉
🤣🤣🤣
What's that camping mat lightor
Light tour. Been using it for ages and done a few videos with it now.
I feel thus tent is too small low headroom can't get 2 in it. I think helm 2 offers much more flexibility.
Yes. It’s not £140 though 😉
Think you know i have the hydra it was cheaper and higher spec plus it has a zip on the door mesh at the top to vent, a higher hydrostatic head and a better green apart from that both same and rock solid, people will carry 12 cans of beer in yet complain about the weight of the tent 🤷♂️🤷♂️ enjoyed that Ben, i like it when you do these slightly longer vids 👍 😀
Yeah the hydra looks good but was out of stock when I looked 😭
You are hilarious 😅😂😂😂😂😂🎉
U need a footprint to go under the tent .so when Ur packing away the tent it's dry underneath
I usually just use a dry bag 👍
Hope you have enough carbon credits for that fire!
Probably 🤷♂️
im asking a few people like your self josh and gaz the sam question if you had to life a year with your partner travling in the uk in one tent and using one set of things stove lamp mats exetra again for two of you what would it be
A roof tent…
@@daleyoutdoors so i can put you down as a no idea then lmao witch is strange as you review them but no worrys
@@Paul-hl4cj I review them for wild camping on my own, not living in for a year with someone else 🤷♂️
The more you get into it the more you realize that weight kills all the fun. Obviously we all have to start somewhere, but I wouldnt consider any tent above 2 kg even as a starter. There is plenty of affordable options, even cheaper than this vango, half the weight✌️
Share some links/names and help people out 👍
@@daleyoutdoors Looking for and finding good deals is part of this hobby, so I wont recomend anything😋 Would question weight at any purchase, even the idea of having 4 season tent at all. 3 season tent with good sleeping set would get similar results and save a lot of weight.
@@djka8083 well swerved 👍
You don't need to recommend any tents. Just tell us of the "plenty of affordable options, cheaper than this Vango and half the weight" and we can do our own research on them.
Also, which tent do you use for winter?
@@GrizzlyGazLoads of tents below £200 and 2kg. Januray sales are on every website. I use lanshan, its not for everyone but works for me. Whatever I saved on a tent I bought good sleeping system. I dont need 4 season tent tbh, wouldnt mind going 2nd hand as a begginer. 2.8kg for one person is a lot unless you are built like a unit or dont plan to do a lot of walking.
#TouchIt
Once i got an unna second hand i never bought another tent
Don’t rub it in 😆😭
@@daleyoutdoors look for local second hand sales, be ready to pounce they do appear.
I bought one of thise, well its a hydra 200, same design just different name, heavy yes, like a tank but, it's hellish in the wind and rain, nice and warm plenty space, love mine i tend to switch to a banshee2 aswell, I have 8 tents and I have hammocks bivis tarps, loads of gear and I do find these 2 tents a joy to use, not compact not light but reliable and spacious
Disappointing tent by the look of it. The interior height is too low and the issue with the zip…like you said, why wouldn’t they design it to pull from the top down 🤦🏻♂️
It is annoying. I only let it go because of the price 😆
@@daleyoutdoors Yeah, fair point. What happened with the eBay buy, just didn’t show up or something else ??
@@craigy1872 didn’t show up so opened a case with eBay and got my money back. When I bought the seller had 200+ items listed for sale. They vanished days later.
Those bag ratings really have a lot to answer to. They are never correct. I've frozen through some nights, nothing 10 burpees couldn't fix or warm stones from the fire. How tall are you btw? I wanted to get this but if I can't sit up then no point.
5’11’’
Not sure why you think it's acceptable to use the habitat of animals for your fire. ALWAYS take in the wood you need. There is never a reason to use branches and habitat. Crazy and irresponsible. Embarrassed you publicised it.
The branches I used were already stockpiled for use on the fire pit.
So you think that bringing in wood with you is better than using what you find in the woods? How on earth did you come to that conclusion and how on earth is this always possible logistically? Unless you've cut down a tree in your own garden, processed it, then seasoned the logs in your own house (to avoid animal/insect habitation but also impossible anyway) then the logs most people have at home will be from a woods or forest anyway. Then stored outside, in a log pile long enough to season, which will inadvertently provide habitat for animals and insects. Therefore you will destroy this habitat when you move the logs to take camping with you!
One of the most ridiculous comments I've ever heard!