Cycling UK Forum

Firstly I would like to say hello to everyone as I am new to the forum.

I am looking to get into touring and hope to do my first trip next month so am currently purchasing the equipment I think I may need.
I am on a budget so I was looking at the following tent. What do you think, will it be suitable for a short tour, does anyone have any experience with this make? If it is not good do you have any suggestions on a better alternative in this price bracket?

Vango Soul 100 Blue Tent
1 person tunnel tent.
1 room, 1 door, mosquito nets and sewn in groundsheet.
Fibreglass poles that are colour coded.
Tent material polyester.
Hydrostatic head 2000mm - the higher the figure, the more waterproof the tent.
Fire retardant double skin with taped seams.
Living space size H85, W90, L210cm.
Maximum height 90cm.
Pitched size H90, W240, L100cm.
Packed size L48, W8cm.
Packed weight 1.73kg.
Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee




On sale at £49.99
Many thanks

Steve

hey,

where are you going ?

cheers

Hi, Well for my first tour I am planning on a short journey up to Scarborough, then along old railway to Whitby and back, a total of around 150 miles broke into 3 days. Using it as a short intro as i'm new to touring,

Hi,

I ask because if you intend to do a short trip, and then head off into Africa or something then it makes a difference to the technicalities of the tent. Mosquito nets are probably not a required for Scarborough

on a short trip, I think pretty much any tent will be ok. but, assuming this is to lead into more camping trips, a 1 1/2 or 2 person tent is more comfortable. Sometimes, on longer trips, if it's cats and dogs outside, then the tent becomes a safe haven. Having room to read a book, make a brew, or whatever is better.

cheers,

Don't know about that particular tent but there are times when a a one man tent is a bit claustrophobic. If you can, I would suggest you stretch to a 2 man. Go Outdoors have this tent and the two man option for less than the sale price you are quoting (with a voucher) but the reviews aren't very good. It seems the poles are prone to snapping.

Go Outdoors were doing the Vango Banshee 200 for £75 last week. A better buy I think.

Coleman Avior x 2 at £79, somewhat dearer but an excellent tent.

http://www.outdoorexperience.co.uk/prod ... -avior-x2/

irc wrote:Go Outdoors were doing the Vango Banshee 200 for £75 last week. A better buy I think.

Bugger. Really? I would have snapped one up at that price if I'd known.

stephenjubb wrote:Coleman Avior x 2 at £79, somewhat dearer but an excellent tent.

http://www.outdoorexperience.co.uk/prod ... -avior-x2/

+1
I've never toured with mine but I have slept in it and for the money, you'll be hard pushed to find a better tent. Waterproofing is all well and great, but if the condensation in the tent can't escape, you'll be just as soaked and this tent copes quite well. The side door is a godsend when the end door is blocked with panniers and other camping stuff, also makes it nice and airy.

I'm another fan of the Vango Banshee 200. 1 man tents are too small to get your panniers in, and also a lot more prone to condensation problems.

Godlykepower wrote:

irc wrote:Go Outdoors were doing the Vango Banshee 200 for £75 last week. A better buy I think.

Bugger. Really? I would have snapped one up at that price if I'd known.

If you still want it but it's collect only. Have to see if your local store has any. Clydebank store had 3 when I was in. They didn't have the pair of walking boots I wanted which were shown as "in stock" on their website but I saw 3 Banshee 200s on the shelf at £75.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/banshee-200-p183908

stephenjubb wrote:Coleman Avior x 2 at £79, somewhat dearer but an excellent tent.

http://www.outdoorexperience.co.uk/prod ... -avior-x2/

+2 !

A really excellent tent with features that are unique - that side door

Al

Vango blade 100, also at Go Outdoors. They were d8wn to £63. Well made tent, much more spacious than your standard 1 man tents and a good-sized porch to put your bags in.

I've been using a banshee 200 for 3 years now and have done LeJog, a two week continental tour and two shorter tours in this country with it. It's light, strong, doesn't leak and goes up in 2 mins. I wouldn't buy anything smaller as it has just enough room for me and my kit and any weight saving would be minimal. The only criticism I could make of this tent is it's too short for anyone over 6 foot tall. Luckily, I just fit.

Steve

you will find that the only thing more numerous than the number of tents out there is the number of opinions about them

If you get the chance, go to a shop where there are number of tents on display so you can get a feel for the different designs and which may suit you.

It is generally considered that glass fibre poles break more easily/frequently than alloy (although the latter can break). As for hydrostatic head views vary as to tthe minimum reauired by the botton line seems to be nothing under 1500 and over 3000 should see you alright.

Ultimately if this is a first tent, do a bit of research, fix a budget and then take an informed punt. If it turns out not to be for you then the for sale board here is quite handy