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finally a choice between 2 tents. we did not think we would get there. i prefer the campus because it is rated 3 season. angie prefers the vango because it has a slight porch on one side also a full foot print ground sheet. the living space is about the same.

i shook the vango tent with and without the tension bands in place. the bands made a hugh difference to the movement of the tunnel. but would this cause a pole to snap rather than bend.

i have heard of a 20mph wind limit that vango limits its tents to is this true.

any recent experiences with these tents would be very useful thanks.

jimangie

We've got an Indiana 8 and we are pleased with it, it's not had much use yet so unfortunately I can't comment on how it stands up to the conditions though. The thing I liked about the Indiana was the cost and size.  You've plenty of room and options, hang all the bedrooms or only 1 its up to you.  There's only myself, my hubby and 2 kids under the age of 6, we hung the main bedroom and 1 other at the weekend.  Actually I felt we didn't need half the space we had, but the weather was lovely so we were outside all the time and the boys will grow!  I like the fact you could put a table and 4 chairs in it and not have to move it!  The other advantage is my 6ft OH doesn't have to stoop at all.  The tent went up pretty easy about an hour on a first attempt but we are fairly new to this and need practice!

I hope this helps ... Quinnys

We have Indy 8 and I agree with everything Quinnys says above (been here before haven't we!!)  We've only been away one weekend up to now but we did have heavy rain and some wind and it stood up to it no problem.  I love the space.  We have two children 12 and 8 so we used all the bedrooms, kids have one each and we have the huge one, which we got our high rise inflatable bed in and lots of room at the end of bags, dressing etc.  My niece also stayed in with my daughter and they had a camp bed each no probs there either.  In our living area we had our camp kitchen, four chairs, a table and various stacking storage boxes and we weren't cramped at all.

Am not familiar with your other choice, sorry, but can highly recommend the Campus Indiana 8 - if you do a search on here, I don't think you will find a negative comment!

Good luck with your choice.

Trace x

i have read that campus make family tents that perform were vango make mountain tents that perform and trade of this reputation when making family tents.

we still cant make up our mind.

dave which would you choose

thanks

jimangie

We have had a vista 800 dlx since 2002, our model must have been one of the early ones as we have no windos and no draft strips, whereas subsequent models have been improved to the 2005 version with windows, draft strips and a porch.  We acquired a new flysheet (probably 2003/04 version) with small windows and some draft strips for £10. Thought it was worth a gamble to replace our flysheet, but found that while the poles still fit the bedroom inners and ground sheet don't.  We are currently waiting to hear from Vango if they can supply, at a reasonable cost (ie. less than half the price of a new vista), Otherwise we shall be getting the new vista with porch.

Our vista has been used on average 4 times each year for the past 3 years and has stood up extremely well to all of our british weather, including very strong winds, heavy rain and sunshine! We have been so pleased with it that we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. We camp in it from easter through to september. Having looked at other tents on the market we still feel that, for us, it gives us the most space and reliability. We love it and if we do get the 2005 vista will be even more impressed with it.  Can't wait.

Hope to have things sorted before Scarborough at start of school holidays.

as suggested try the search item.

we have a campus and i loved it untill recently when it took a battering and made me rethink what i actually wanted from a tent.

i saw both tents to at outdoorworld 2 in liverpool. the vango has a gap all round the bottom of the fly sheet. it does have a mud wall that can be rolled down though. the indiana 8's fly sheet goes all the way down to the floor.

i would be tempted with the indi 8 for this reason.

paul 

ok finally made the choice to go with the vango, angies choice. i have ordered it today and cant wait to try it.

jim