Showing posts with label 250. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 250. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 August 2011

Vango Alpha 250


Sleeps: 2
Weight:  3.3kg
Dimensions:  Internal 205x150cm
Pack size:  57x15x15cm
RRP:  £55

Review:  The Vango Alpha 250 is a much better option than the Vango Alpha 200 for a similar price, with decent width but still only 205cm of length so taller campers might find it a bit short.  However, as an entry level dome tent this fits the one really fits the bill.  It shouldn't be expected to stand up to winter conditions, but for summer camping or as a festival tent the Vango Alpha 250 is a great option.

Best bits:  Cheap and roomy, good quality dome tent
Worst bits:  Entry level quality occassionally shows
Alternatives:  The Sigma range is a step up in terms of quality, but comes at increased price

RRP: £55
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £40

Sunday, 7 August 2011

Vango Omega 250

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  4.25kg
Dimensions:  215x140cm, external space of 200x160, max height 120cm
Pack size:  47x18x18cm
RRP:  £180

Review: The Vango Omega 250 is the smallest tent in the Omega range.  More hardy that the similar shaped Vango Beta 250, the Omega is designed for expedition activies that demand additional external space - such as mountain biking (there is space to keep a bike or two safe in the porch) - and is recommended kit for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in the UK.  The flysheet is stronger than the Beta, with a 5000mm hydrostatic head vs 3000mm. The Omega also shaves 650g of weight off the Beta model.  The internal space in the Omega is tolerable - it can feel a little cramped if you keep your bags in the inner, but there are plenty of smaller ones on the market.    The external porch has its own groundsheet, although if you are storing bikes in this section it can get dirty quite quickly.  As with all new expedition Vango tents, the poles eyelets come with tension straps to improve stability, and the tunnel design and high quality materials mean that the tent can withstand most weather conditions in the UK.  For further stability, you'd have to look to a semi-geodesic model such as the Vango Halo or Vango Hurricane, but you'd have to sacrifice the external space.  For a good quality tent with plenty of storage, it's hard to beat the Omega range.

Best bits:  Lightweight, good external space, high quality materials
Worst bits:   Hard to find any faults with this excellent tent
Alternatives:   If you don't need the extra weatherproofing, then you can save a few pennies with the identical looking Vango Beta 250.  For a similar design but with even more weather-proofing, step up to the Vango Equinox 250.

RRP:  £180
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £159