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I have been swithering about a smaller tent for months. I thought that I had my heart set on the Oregon 5 which I thought that I could pitch by myself with the help or hindrance of 2 six year old boys...but then I saw the Vango orchy on the web.

I have not been able to see it in real life but wondered if anyone can answer the following questions:-

1) Can it be pitched singlehandedly? The pole sleeves look quite short which makes me think that I should find it easy enough, but can't see if there are tension straps on the ring and pin system (I sometimes have trouble with the last pin in the dome on the Diablo 600)

2) The "blurb" says that there is mesh on the doors. Is this on both side and front door with an outer door in the fly? (I visit friends in Skye and the only way I would camp in a tent up there in the summer is with mesh to stop the $%^*&* (oops sorry!)midges from getting in! (the oregon doesn't have any mesh doors- so short of zipping yourself into the bedroom pod I can't seen anymeans of escaping them!)

3) Is the groundsheet sewn in porch/living area or bathtubbed? The oregon 5 does not look as if it loops up and due to wind and rain I have seen even in summer months in the north (and the puddles that appeared in the porch of the Diablo 600 older syle without bathtub in porch when in Cornwall last summer) I would prefer to be as wind and water tight as possible. I would think that rain could end up being blown into the Oregon 5 living area.

Many thanks

Hi there,

I have the Orchy 500 and the answer to all your questions is YES. The only problem i had putting it up on my own was the pole that sits across the front, but i am about to email the shop i bought it from about this as even a male friend had trouble with it.

It does have mesh on both doors and the goundsheet is sewn in all the way around excluding the door ways where it toggles up when the doors are closed.

All in all I love it. First tent i've had with the SIG and i couldn't believe the difference it made to the temp inside the tent. I got the large canopy for it which after one weekend i woyldn't be without. Just being able to take your shoes off without the rain getting in makes it worth its weight in gold. Look at my profile for a pic.

Hi there,

We just used our Orchy 600 at the weekend for the first time.  I found that I needed some assistance in creating the dome shape. Once the dome shape had been created it was fine.  I also found the ring and pin system was quite easy to use. 

Mamee

There is a video on youtube of an Orchy 500 being pitched single handedly by the salesman at Yeomans of Ambleside and it looks really easy.  We have also been considering this tent even thought there is nothing wrong with the tent we have, just fancy another one.

Angela

I looked at the picture of your tent and the colour is fantastic.  Bet you get some looks on site.

Quote: Originally posted by Waterview on 06/5/2008

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Mamee

There is a video on youtube of an Orchy 500 being pitched single handedly by the salesman at Yeomans of Ambleside and it looks really easy.  We have also been considering this tent even thought there is nothing wrong with the tent we have, just fancy another one.

Angela

I looked at the picture of your tent and the colour is fantastic.  Bet you get some looks on site.

Well me and my little girl love it and thats all that matters to us....lol!!!!

 

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I have also just bought orchy and had first weekend away over bank holiday. Can be pitched on your own (if I can manage it anyone can!) and has all the features you asked about as Angela says. I would also recommend getting a canopy with it (although they seem to be very scarce in the grape- see previous threads!) - as this would stop any problems with rain blowing in when you open door. Overall very pleased with it.

Angela- what is the problem with your front pole? Although quite happy with tent am still not entirely certain where you should peg in the guy ropes that come from the end of the pole to get best 'shape'... any tips? Cheers, Sarah x

Hi Sarah

The front pole won't go in the eyelets without a real struggle. I couldn't do it at all and a male friend really struggled. Called the shop today and they are picking it up on thurs to have a look at it. I had another look at the dvd today and you should peg them out to the front.

Many thanks for all your help.

I have now placed an order for the Orchy and a sun canopy (thanks Angela)

The your tube video of the chap putting it up made up my mind, though I reckon it will take a few practices before I am that smooth.

I wanted the pink, sorry grape, but thought that if I wanted my twin 6 year old boys to go with me I had better go for the green.

Now here's hoping that the website lives up to its promise and it gets delivered tomorrow. I want to play!

Mamee