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Outwell had its quality gremlins last year, may be one or two have defected to Vango this year. Seriously, if your supplier has all its tents from a bad batch, a replacement could just have the same/similar faults.

For the money, I do think some people have very high expectations. OK - the flysheet and groundsheet need to be waterproof and poles in good condition initially, but a few loose threads that haven't be cut off and a wobbly seam here or there for a tent costing well under £200 IMHO is nothing to worry about.

I've had to do little alterations and improvements to most of my tents over the years - including the 4 we currently have - 2 Vango, 1 Coleman and 1 Kampa - although the Kampa is consistently the highest quality throughout, but you do tend to pay for the privilege. On our large Premium range Vango I am adding an extra toggle to the divider in the inner tent (I am not bothered about a bit of untidy overlocking on one of the seams on the inner tent even though I am a seamstress and could sort it - the seam is sound). For the Vango Kairos I have moved a toggle for the base of the door so it lines up better, for the Coleman I've had to darn the flymesh, create a condensation catcher for over the inner tent and am about to make curtains for the windows. For the Kampa, I have had to Tenacious tape some of the heat seamed tape on one seam, which hadn't adhered as well as it should.

As one retailer member of the forum has said in the past - there is no such thing as a perfectly made tent.

You wouldn't get much of a tent for the prices many of us are prepared to pay or can afford in the UK even if the people who made it got the UK minimum wage. Unfortunately for us, Chinese workers are starting to have similar quality of life expectations, which is putting pressure on manufacturers to trim where they can to keep prices within our expectations. I fear quality control may be one of the areas taking a hit here.

hi all where do you get tenacious tape from,and is it good?

McNett Tenacious Tape is excellent for tent repairs - is a clear tape that can be used to repair rips and holes in flysheets, groundsheets, coats, bags, etc. Cut bigger than the hole, round the corners at bit and press/rub over to ensure good bubble free adhesion and you'll have an instant, almost invisible long term water-tight repair. Comes in a length or patches. Just enter it into Google and you'll find plenty of sources. We have some in the tent repair kit and in a drawer at home (as its surprising what can be repaired with it).

Hi

I am not going to mention any brands but I would like to expand a little on what Speedcamp said above..

Tents are made to a quality and standard that we in the uk are happy to pay for. A nice simple 3 poled tent might sell for say £150 ish, this same tent with the same fabrics could cost £250 ish if it was to be made to the best possible standards with every tent check fully before packing etc.

Its the price we pay for wanting everything so cheap.

Talking of cheap, buy buy buy now as you will be in for yet another shock next season. Tent prices are going up.

Gary Cross