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Fad64

I bought an Omega 350 a few weeks ago from a tent show.  I wanted something which I could pitch quickly and easily on my own for when I go camping with my eldest son (8).

I've only actually pitched it in the garden.  It's certainly waterproof as it was out there for a few days before the rain stopped and I could pack it back up.  It's really easy to pitch with the inner tent and porch groundsheet pre-attached.  Be aware that the porch groundsheet lays flat so leaving a gap between the groundsheet and the flysheet.  Could be a bit drafty?

I'm really pleased with it as I think it will suit our needs - one adult and one child in spring or summer time.  I'm not sure you'll get much feedback on it though as I believe it's a new model for this year.

The Equinox is designed for more demanding situations hence the price.  For one it uses Vango's tension band system which makes it stand up to the wind better.  The Omega doesn't have this.

Steve

Sorry for the delay in replying; I seem to have lost track of this thread.

To answer your questions:

1) the inner is permenantly attached to the outer.  This tent is described as one of Vango's new 'speed pitch' tents so probably applies to all their tents described as such.  Something to be aware of.

2) Not much of a gap at the bottom of the flysheet.  There are tensioners on the flysheet at the bottom of each pole.  I just pointed it out as I think Vango describe the groundsheet as 'bathtub or riser' and it isn't; it's a conventional flat groundsheet.

3) I wouldn't cook in the tent myself but definately room in the porch for a double stove.

Steve

Also found this; might be of interest?

Link

Hi Fad

Just to clear this up for you - the bathtub groundsheet is on the inner tent - your sleepiung quarters and the groundsheet in the porch is a flat one!

Hope this helps!

Louise x

The bedroom has its own groundsheet sewn into the inner.

It's not difficult to dry out but of course whatever tent you have you'll need somewhere to dry it out if packing up wet won't you?

Once the weather improves a bit I could take some photos.

Steve

Quote: Originally posted by Velvet Kitten on 15/6/2007

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Hi Fad

Just to clear this up for you - the bathtub groundsheet is on the inner tent - your sleepiung quarters and the groundsheet in the porch is a flat one!

Hope this helps!

Louise x

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Yes that makes more sense.  No mistake with Vango's details just my misuderstanding them!

Steve

Fad, as Stevie says the Equinox can be described as a serious bit of kit. I've read quite a few reviews from people using them in quite awful conditions and they have stood up to it. However, as you said, it's the headroom in the Omega that catches the eye, well that and the alloy poles and quick erect that raises it above the Vango Beta, the cheaper model. The Beta I think has a removal bedroom as its not listed a s quick erect, so I thinkit's the same as the Omega apart from the pole material. I haven't checked the groundsheet spec though.  As I was looking at the Omega also, it's really reassuring that Stevie gives it the thumbs up for waterproof, cos I was a little worried about the 2000HH.

The inner can be removed on the equinox I believe, but I'm not sure the porch ground sheet is any different in style to the Omega.  It depends how you are going to use it I suppose and whether you can live with on your knees...or semi bent over! If you can crawl about you could look at the Khyam Igloo or Mckinley/Biker which has a porch...these tents also have very good reports for there stability and water soundness in harsh conditions. Not much headroom though. It all depends on what you mean by serious camping. All mountain tents you will notice have much lower profiles...for obvious reasons..and are generally much lighter materials as it is asuumed that they will be carried by hikers, climbers etc. How are you getting about?

For me, If the Omega and Equinox had fully sewn in groundsheets and by fully SIG I mean zipped along the bottom of the door as well...they would be even better....cos I don't react well to mossie bites, something you may encounter in Scotland! The bedroom is secure in that respect however, cos that is sewn in.

I can't think of a tent in this size that has a proper FULL sig.

Wont be a problem drying it...just prop it over a few chairs in the living room and air it out...I'm sure the missus wont mind.

You could also consider these:

OUTWELL OREGON 3 1450 Ht not alloy poles but 3000mm HH,same shape as Omega

OUTWELL OREGON 4 1550 Ht, 3000 HH rest as above

Or even the SUNNCAMP EVOLUTION 300. Only 1300 Ht but semi geodesic shape and wind friendly profile, 300mmHH AND FULLY ZIPPED SIG including along ground sheet...Keep those mossies OUT! I have been in the larger EVO 400, which has 6 foot headroom in porch, and was quietly impressed. Very good remarks about the EVO 400 from people. None of these tents are mountain tents, but neither is the Omega.

All around £95-£110.