Vango Idaho 500 Tent Reviews and Details

Tent Reviews: Vango Idaho 500

Tent and Awning Reviews Index > Vango > Idaho 500 Reviews

Current Model?
Berths:
Weight:
RRP on date added:
Bedroom inners:
Living area groundsheet:
Pitching Style:

Discontinued
5 (more 5 berth tents)
12.60 KG
Ł140.00
1
Fully Sewn-in
Fly first

Average User Rating:

5.75/10 from 8 reviews

Viewed: 28250 times

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8 Reviews of the Idaho 500

By: Chaffinch1977 Reason: I've used one Made in: 2007 Rating: 6 from 10

Mrs Chaffinch and I borrowed this tent from a friend for a camping trip at the fisherground campsite in the lakes. We had a wonderful time with good weather and had a great time in this tent. That being said, I would be worried about its capabilities in poor weather. You get what you pay for and at Ł90 it represents good value for money. The tent was easy to put up but the tent, although only a year old, had 3 or 4 pole sections that were splitting at the ends. Like others I think camping in exposed sites with this tent is a no-no. The bedroom area was fantastic for the 2 of us and you can stand up in the entrance to the bedroom. Bedroom door panels had a handy mesh panel at the top for increased ventilation and the 2 tent flaps at the foot of the sleeping area were good for keeping condensation away. The sewn in 'tub' groundsheet wasn't the most robust I have seen. The problems mentioned before regarding the doors and zips were only minor inconveniences as the weather was not too bad (we did have an hour or 2 of drizzle 1 night).

The biggest issue for me is, why Vango didn't increase the size of the window. It was fine on a sunny day with the doors open but the inside would be a pretty dull place if it rained as there is just the 1 foot square window at the back of the tent. All in all - decent tent for the money but it does have limitations. Good for summer weekends only in sheltered sites where wind will not test the poles too much. I posted a few pics enjoy.

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By: Simon W Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 7 from 10

I have to rush to the defence of this model as I feel that a couple of reviewers have been overly harsh on a perfectly good product. I would agree however that Vango didn't quite get the ventilation right, I certainly used to mistake condensation for water tightness - but in reality this is a well designed and likeable tent, we used ours about a dozen times over 2 years - and never once did it let us down, yes there was an occasional spot of water by th the door, if it was windy - but the tent never gave any quality issues and when I came to sell it I got back 70 % of its purchase price. Obviously I had looked after it - never pitched it without a footprint and always dropped it dry. Great tent, Recommended !

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By: Got the tshirt Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 1 from 10

I have just changed my mind about this tent ! At Guide camp this week we had one day of rain, by lunch time the Idaho was leaking through most of the seams. By tea time a very experienced Guider recommended not sleeping in it, it had drips over most of the dome part of the roof and a large puddle behind the sleeping area! We had much older vango ventures for the Guides which stayed dry. I was lucky to have the option of sleeping under cover with my 6 year old. I have emailed vango!

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By: P7hut Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 7 from 10

In to our 3rd year camping with this tent, haven't had any problems. Yes the doors don't seal fully at the bottom, yes the poles can flex a lot but this tent has stood up to some really bad weather over the last few years. It stood up to some very high winds at the beginning of last year and sat in water while it rained constantly for 2 weeks last September. And it still looks good as new! A great bit of kit.

Only down side is that I can't find a porch or canopy for it. Which may force us into buying a new tent later this year.

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By: Ecocamping Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 6 from 10

Have to echo earlier point that when it rains the water can come in under the door and across the ground sheet, a design change such as zip across bottom of the door would be more effective or no ground sheet in outer part (it was a very windy and expose camp site and we had heavy rain one night). But the bedroom compartment will fit 5 10 to 11 yr olds comfortably. Also the orange guy ropes are more difficult to see at night – personally prefer white ones.

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By: Got the tshirt Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 9 from 10

I have just bought this having searched for a weekend tent which I can put up with help from one of my children. I have camped in it this weekend and have loved it. It is very easy to put up [my 6 year old helped me], it is really spacious. It meets our needs brilliantly I probably wouldn't camp in really bad weather but thats not what I bought it for. I have an Outdoor Revolution Scenic 7 for family holidays or longer stays. A great tent shame they don't make it any more.

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By: Davies7 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 9 from 10

Very happy with our tent we use it all the time and in very bad weather conditions.Never leaked and very little condensation.
Loads of room for me and the wife. You can squeeze another couple in. Poles are to flexible and do blow in the wind but who's dont. Lots of living space. Love it.

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By: Jamieharris Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: 1 from 10

Very disappointing. Badly designed, inferior quality materials. Poles much too flexible-tent sides blown in in relatively low winds. Poor ventilation. Badly designed tub-type sewn in groundsheet-tends to let water in through the doors, then retain it. Flysheet easily ripped-I'm not cackhanded-I'm used to using tents (I'm a Scout leader). All in all I can't recommend this less. We bought three, and they were the biggest mistake with canvas we've ever made.

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Manufacturer's Description

Height : 190cm
Weight : 12.60kg
Pack Size :
Hydrostatic head : 3000mm
Made of : Protex 3000
Berth : 4
Taped seams : Yes
Inners : 1
Living area ground sheet : Yes
Fire retardant : Yes

Sewn-in groundsheet which adds protection, comfort and helps keep the bugs out.
Seam taped flysheet which gives long lasting protection from the elements.
Mesh ventilation on the inner tent reduces the build-up of condensation and keeps bugs out.
Mesh side door which adds extra ventilation options.
Bathtub inner groundsheet which gives you total climate protection and prevents insects crawling in.
Fibreflex fibreglass poles which are though, sturdy & reliable.
External, continuous pole sleeves which help you pitch it easily.
Colour coded poles which help you put the correct poles in their pole sleeves.
Pre-angled poles which enhances the stability of the tent.
Flysheet vents for comfort inside.
Crystal Clear windows which allow the maximum amount of light through.
Handled carry bag with zip which makes packing & moving on easier.
Rating: Family Tents
Capacity: 5
Pitching style: Flysheet First or pitch 'as one'
Total Weight (kg): 12.60
Packed Size (cm): 60x24

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