Just wondered if anyone had any experience with the Vango Banshee 200's? They're going for £56 a pop with a price match at the minute, and I'm looking to get back into some 2 dayer hikes with my brother (and practice hikes to improve my fitness to do longer hikes with him, being the personal trainer and soldier he is!).
I've always been sceptical of tunnel tents - in the past I've always had at least semi geodesics, but have been out of the game for a few years. I've come to realise I don't really need that level of tent - especially with finances the way they are at the moment - and the Banshee 200 looks to be a good weight and as if it should cope with 3 seasons hiking and camping in the UK.
At 2.1kg it'll be more than okay for me to carry solo - my brother will have his own tent....
------------- Mr Bukey
Wants to go camping again...
Although I don't own one, the Banshee gets consistently good reviews throughout the outdoor forums. However,providing you don't have an aversion to a blue version of this tent the lichfield (vango's sister company) trekker then they are currently available at the Argos Clearance Warehouse in Corby for £24.99
That's really interesting to know also being in Northants... I prefer the green to blend in a bit better when wildcamping to be honest... But at that price difference it can't really be argued with!
The thing that does make a difference to me though is the pitching - isn't the Lichfield inner first pitching (as older versions of the Banshee), and can't be pitched in one? If it's chucking down, especially with such a small tent - I'd want the inner to stay dry....
------------- Mr Bukey
Wants to go camping again...
Never owned a Banshee but I've seen plenty in use. They seem like reasonable little tents for the money. They're DoE (Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme) approved and are quite light. IIRC they pitch as-one or can be pitched as fly-first.
There's not much headroom and the tent is narrow for two people (being a side-door design doesn't help in that regard). It's effectively a one-person tent but that is true of many lightweight two-berths.
The full retail seems to be £120 but the usual price is around £75-80 so if you can get one for £56 you're onto a bargain.
Re colour, the green ones I've seen are very dark olive so wouldn't necessarily blend in to countryside, especially in spring - that said, the red version would be rather less inconspicuous
Thanks Sceptical Camper... Pretty much as I'd concluded so good to get the confirmation.
With the wild camping, maybe not ideal then in colour - but certainly better than bright blue. :-)
I've seen the Chinook 200 for £100 too - and with a price match that can be got down to £90.... It's just a little on the heavy side for what I want at the moment (more of a camping tent than backbacking for me). Just haven't got the money I'd like to have at the minute or would consider grabbing both...
Anyway - think I'm going to grab the Banshee - at £56 it's the equivalent to a night in a budget hotel....
------------- Mr Bukey
Wants to go camping again...
To be honest, at £56 you can hardly go wrong! Go for it.
That's also a good price for a Chinook too - but it's a bit of a lump for backpacking as you say. I've seen a few on campsites in the Lake District and they look really sturdy but the oddly-angled two-door arrangement strikes me as potentially awkward.
The Banshee is a good tent as is the Vango Spectre in both 200 and 300 size. I preferred the spectre as high point is centre with the large hoop, where as the banshee's high point is nearer one end if you no what I mean. Its really down to personal preference.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
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