We took our Vango Sumatra on its second trip last weekend, and sadly it just didn't hold up to the weather - we had leaks, plus the brow pole was so bent we couldn't use the front door. I'e since contacted the Vendor and they have happily agreed to a refund or replacement tent.
But what to get instead?? We were very happy with the shape/size of the Sumatra, so perhaps the new style Orchy 600 would fit the bill? I'm worried we get the same problems though and my hubby would kill me if I picked a wrong un again! It needs to have really good midge-proofing and wind/rain-proofing at the doors as all our camping is done in Scotland (with room for our two young boys).
I looked at the reviews for the Outwell Montana 6 and it seems to come out really well - it would be top of our budget I think.
Any thoughts much appreciated. Not fussed about going for cotton again, just want a reliable tent!
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I was going to suggest the Montana 6, but the alternatives are Kampa Filey 6, Easycamp Boston 6, or the Royal Hampton 7 (I'm sure there are a few more)
We have a very reliable Vango Columbia 600 and are very happy with it - the TBSII system and windshedding shape were key factors in our choice, along with 5000HH, steel poles etc. However, in terms of quality and features the Kampa ultimate range is excellent (their 100D flysheets should significantly outlast the 75D polyester of other makes) - hence why we bought the Kampa Bude 4 recently. Certainly worth a look!
Thanks all - I've spent a bit of time looking at the reviews ... but I'm no nearer to picking a winner!
Most of those tents are really heavy - how do you handle them?? Not sure I could drag 37-40kg about.
The only one which comes in ligher is the easycamp Boston 600, but it looks like there are no fly meshes on the doors, which is really unfortunate, otherwise that seems a really good buy.
dadsbeaniemad - why are you so against Vangos, out of curiosity? I thought they were quite good quality.
Does anyone have any other suggestions? Ideally looking for something not much bigger than the Sumatra (550x300cm outer), and not tooooo heavy!
The Sumatra is just the Orchy in polycotton, and the Orchy does not have a good reputation in high winds so......
As to Vango quality, I'd be hard pressed to buy a different brand of tent. I've had Vangos all my camping life and not hit a dud yet, plus their customer service has always been more than excellent in my experience.You can't get spares easily for Colemans, Kyhams are often very bulky and (imho) Outwells are often very over fussy in design and their customer service is breathtakingly awful. But to be fair, some of the biggest Vangos are pretty fussy too, lol.
Vango have the TBS as well, which makes a huge difference in stability in a tunnel tent. But got to say that out of the recent big Outwells the Montana has emerged as a real classic. It's the one Outwell I'd even been slightly tempted by, put it that way!
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I just don't think that the Vango tents are as good as someof the other makes out there.I didn't like the feel of them when looking about them.
From all the problems people have with them and their performance in bad weather I would much rather have a Khyam or an Outwell.
Can't say anything about Outwell customer service as I've never had a probelm and if I did I would just deal with it through my retailer who's an idependant store and very good.
By all accounts Vango are just as difficult to get a hold of and deal with if you need to.
Never had any problems with my Khyam either - spare poles/QE knuckles were included with it when bought but never needed to use them.
I haven't had experience of the Kampa tents either but from what I have read about them they seem to be a good new brand (for tents) and I'm sure as such should there be any problems they would be sure to sort them to the customers satisfaction asap.
To be totally truthful I would have a canvas tent over any of them anyday.