Vango Icarus 400 review

Sleeps: 4
Weight:  11.25kgs
Dimensions:  internal 210x240cm, external 210x260cm
Pack size:  65x30x26cm
RRP:  £220

Read our guide to Vango group tents here!

Review: The Vango Icarus is one of the best selling ranges of the new 2012 group tents from Vango, and it's not hard to see why.  With everything you need for a good group tent, but none of the unnecessary extras, the Icarus comes in at a decent price.  Moreover, the smaller models are usually sold at the same price as the Odyssey range, but the Icarus comes with an extra door to the front (letting you open it all up to let the air move through) and a sewn in groundsheet.

On the negative side, it is a fraction smaller than some of the other group tents, around 10-20cms narrower - so if you are a group of bigger campers, perhaps consider either a different model or buying a slightly bigger tent in the range (i.e. a 500 tent for four people) to give you ample amounts of space.  Also, the Icarus can be fitted with a front canopy extension to extend the porch space, but this is around £130-150 depending on the size of the tent.  If you're thinking of using this all the time, you may be better buying the Vango Tigris XL, which is essentially the same tent but with a built in front canopy extension, but it is cheaper than buying the two bits separately.

Best bits:  Affordable, two doors to either side of the front porch (compared to just one on similar the Vango Odyssey), sewn in groundsheet, high quality materials
Worst bits:  A bit smaller than other group tents, external area can be extended with add-on canopies, but you might be better buying a larger tent with the canopy built-in

RRP: £220
Where to get it cheaper?: £199 here