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Topic: Vango Genesis 400/Spectrum 500 thoughts?

JohnMcL7

29/4/2014 at 9:10pm
Location: Inverness
Outfit: None Entered

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The search engine is drawing a blank on this so apologies if it's been discussed already.

I've been reading up on the Vango Airbeam tents as I like the sound of them but I'm getting pretty confused over the names as it's not clear which are the older and which are the newer ones. The reviews on this site for the Vango Infinity series (earlier airbeam technology?) are pretty mixed with a lot of people complaining about leaking issues around the airbeams or the airbeams collapsing them.

I was having a look at what Tisos had as they've 20% off at the moment plus the local store here are usually very helpful. They list the Infinity 800, Genesis 400 and the Spectrum 500 but I can't find much information about the latter two so I'm guessing they're newer ones? Anyone familiar with them and have any thoughts? The Airbeam tents seem to be bulkier and heavier plus more expensive but that seems reasonable for the ease of putting them up with one person as long as the tent itself works fine.

Thanks,
John

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JohnMcL7

10/5/2014 at 12:52am
Location: Inverness
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I went along to Tisos and rather conveniently they had the Genesis 400 pitched in the store and they had the Spectrum 500/600 packed up which was handy for comparing size/weight. My initial plan was to go for the Spectrum 500 as I thought I may as well go for something a little bigger but on seeing the Genesis 400 was a good size when pitched, a good bit cheaper and the the packed up size/weight seemed quite a bit neater.

Just waiting for a dry spell to have a go at pitching it before giving it a go properly.

slider72

10/5/2014 at 1:00am
Location: Leicester
Outfit: Vango Airbeam

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Will look forward to reading your thoughts on it, or full review, as I am looking at airbeams too.

doubledee

23/6/2014 at 5:51am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Outwell Vango Hilleberg Terra Nova

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Hi,

Any feedback on the Genesis 400? I'm considering updating my comfy/head height tent setup due to several broken poles on my Outwell. The 400 and 500 Airbeams and the Sunncamp Breton Air 500 are on my radar but with only a small hatchback, pack size is important. The Genesis 400 seems to fit the bill but I haven't seen one pitched in the flesh. There doesn't appear to be any reviews on the 400 or the Sunncamp.

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JohnMcL7

27/6/2014 at 11:07pm
Location: Inverness
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I haven't tried the tent out properly yet aside from pitching it in the back garden, it seemed as easy as claimed to pitch although a fiddle to pack away. I didn't manage to get it anywhere near as small as it was originally but probably the way it is with all similar tents plus I'm pretty inexperienced with camping.

I took some pictures of it when it was pitched in store at Tisos so I'll upload them onto the site to give some idea of the size. I don't really have much for comparison but I liked the size as it felt quite roomy, I'm hoping to give it a proper go next month.

John

doubledee

28/6/2014 at 1:30pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Outwell Vango Hilleberg Terra Nova

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I have subsequently bought the Genesis 400 blind after seeing it marginally cheaper online. I have an OE card that gives me 10% discount at Tiso but they don't stock the groundsheet or carpet, which I fancied as it's my comfy tent. I compared the dimensions of the 400 and 500 and didn't think the extra 50cm of space would make that much difference as it's only for 1-2 people and maybe a dog and I don't exactly take the kitchen sink with me. A couple of chairs and an Iceytek coolbox is usually it. It arrives on Monday so I might use it next week if the weather is decent and post some snaps if I remember.

With regards to packing the tent back up, I think that all tents regardless of manufacturer are vacuum packed at the factory. Careful folding and expelling of air will help but an oversized bag is the best way to ensure that you get the tent put away quickly. Hilleberg supply a generous bag with their tents so I can simply stuff my Nammatj GT back in. I have a small Vango backpacking tent that was a right pain to pack away so I used a dry bag and stowed the pegs and pole separately.

Anyway I'm looking forward to quickly pitching the Airbeam and sitting down with a glass of wine or bottle of beer!

JohnMcL7

28/6/2014 at 1:37pm
Location: Inverness
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I originally was thinking of going for the 500 but when I saw the size of the 400 set up I thought it would be fine for size plus the 500 pack (they had the packed up bag available) was quite a lot bigger and heavier despite the tent not being that much bigger.

John

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doubledee

29/6/2014 at 8:13am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Outwell Vango Hilleberg Terra Nova

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The 500 version of the Genesis would be a better comparison. Looking at the Spectrum, it has a few additional features which obviously add bulk and weight.

doubledee

06/7/2014 at 5:46pm
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Outfit: Outwell Vango Hilleberg Terra Nova

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I used the genesis 400 last week and it was very easy and quick to pitch on my own. There was plenty of room in both sleeping and living areas. Even packing it away was relatively easy on my own and it didn't take that long.

Overall, I was very impressed.

steel

12/7/2014 at 8:52pm
Location: North London
Outfit: Berghaus Air 4 8 Roben Green Cone

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I bought a Vango Genesis 500, I've only used I once but I like it.
I've been camping for over 20 years and it's the best tent I've owned.
Plenty big enough for 4 people but really easy and quick to put up and pack away even single handed.

-------------
all the gear and no idea

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