Force 10 Helium 200 review

Sleeps:  2 (just)
Weight:  1.3kg
Dimensions:  internal 210x120cm
Pack size: 40x12x12cm
RRP:  £250

Review:  One of the lightest two-person tents on the market, although it's only 30cms wider than the Force 10 Helium 100, and as with the Helium 100 the internal height is pretty stingy, so don't expect much room to move around.  Also (as a two-person tent), don't expect to be spending a lot of time inside the tent - it's designed for getting out of the elements to sleep in comfort and not much else.  But that's where the negatives end - the Force 10 Helium 200 is a fantastic two-person ultra-lightweight tent.  Solid as a rock even in awful weather, high quality flysheet and seams, just one pole with innovative curved linking sections to reduce strain, and just seven small pegs.  For couples tackling mountain backpacking or long-distance trails, this tent works out at just 650g each (although you probably wouldn't want to detatch the inner from the flysheet as it makes it so much easier to erect to keep them together), which can make a vast amount of difference.  If you shop around for the best price (as we have done below), this two-person tent suddenly becomes competative in the one-person lightweight market.

Best bits:  Very lightweight as a two-person, roomy and still light as a one-person
Worst bits:  Snug with two-people inside, not suitable for anything other than sleeping

RRP:  £250
Where to get it cheaper?: £199 here

Vango Banshee 200

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.1kg
Dimensions:  Internal 230x120cm
Pack size:  44x13x13cm
How to pitch:  Watch the video here
RRP:  £120

Read our comparison of all lightweight tents here

The Vango Banshee 200 is the budget tent of choice for two-person lightweight camping.  At just 2.1kg in weight, this can easily be shared between two people without much trouble, and this comes in way under the cost of other truly lightweight two-person tents.  The internal dimensions are snug, but not overly so, with 230cm of length accommodating taller campers, although the width is somewhat restrictive.  The two pole tunnel design is easy to pitch and thanks to unbelieveable 5000mm hydrostatic head on the flysheet this tent should keep you dry in even the worst monsoon.  For backpacking couples, there really aren't many negatives to this tent, but those looking for a little more comfort might find the narrow width frustrating and would be better with a budget three-person tent.

Best bits:  Lightweight, good internal length and excellent quality
Worst bits:  Somewhat narrow

RRP:  £120
Where to get it cheaper?:  £89 here

Force 10 Helium 100 review

Sleeps: 1

Weight: 1.19kg
Dimensions: 210x95cm internal
Pack Size: 40x11x11cm
How to pitch: Watch the video here
RRP: £220

Review:  The Force 10 Helium 100 is a great little tent.  Whilst you might shave a few grams off with an ultra-lightweight tent, to get a double-skinned tent that is near to 1kg for under £200 is fantastic.  It can easily be thrown into a small rucksack, and is perfect for hiking and camping. The tent goes up and down very easily - there is just one real pole (you can't count the little stub that holds up the foot end as a pole), and seven pegs.  As with all one-person tents it takes a bit of fiddling with the corners of the tent to get it taut, but once sorted the tent holds firm. As a test run, we took this tent to a festival this summer, and in very strong winds it was easily erected, and whilst other tents were blowing away all around the Force 10 Helium was rock solid. Inside the length is decent and can easily accommodate a person up to 6 feet tall with a bag.  The width is reasonable, but the height is a little restrictive. In short, one of the best lightweight tents around.

Best bits:  Lightweight, easy to erect, weatherproof
Worst bits:  Height can be restrictive, somewhat difficult to get in and out

RRP:  £220
Where to get it cheaper: £175 here

Terra Nova Laser Competition 2

Sleeps: 2 (at a squeeze)
Weight:  1.25kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x105cm at the widest point
Pack size:  40x16x16cm
RRP:  £380

Review:  The Terra Nova Laser Competition 2 is the entry-level two-person tent from lightweight pioneers Terra Nova.  At just 1.25kgs, the Laser Competition 2 is one of the lightest two-berths on the market, but it's hard to get two full sized people into this tent easily.  It's even narrower than competitors such as the Force 10 Helium 200 or the cheaper Coleman Rigel X2, and to be honest it is hard to justify this tent over either of those, especially since the Helium 200 is cheaper at most retailers. However, Terra Nova are a small company based in Derbyshire, and those looking to support their local businesses won't have any compliants with any of their excellent quality tents.

Best bits:  Very light, small pack size
Worst bits:  Even narrower than other lightweight two-person tents
Alternatives:  The Force 10 Helium 200 or the cheaper Coleman Rigel X2

RRP:  £380
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £265

Vango Omega 450

 
Sleeps: 4
Weight: 6kg
Dimensions:  Internal 260x220cm, max height 145cm, external 280x235, max height 155cm
Pack size: 55x21x21cm
RRP:  £235

Review:  A bigger version of the Vango Omega 250 and 350, the Vango Omega 450 is an excellent choice for small groups looking for a hardy, lightweight tent with ample exterior storage space. At just 6kgs, this tent is seriously lightweight when shared between four people, so is ideal for cycle touring (due to the porch space to store the bikes).  260cm of internal width should be more than enough for four people, with a considerably bigger internal footprint than the Vango Icarus 400 or the Vango Orchy 400. As with the smaller models in the Omega range, the design looks very similar to the Vango Beta 450, and so you are really just paying a little extra for the better quality materials.  Read the full review of the smaller tent here for more information on 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 450. For a similar design but with even more weather-proofing, step up to the Vango Equinox 450.

RRP:  £235
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £165

Coleman Avior X2

 
Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.45kgs
Dimensions:  Internal 215x125cm
Pack Size:  40x15x15cm
RRP:  £120

Review:  The Coleman Avior X2 is a great quality tent, with nice touches like reflective patches to find your tent in the dark, and two doors to help getting in and out (the side door makes it so much easier than using the end door).   On the downside, the internal space is pretty cosy - it's really a 1.5 person tent rather than a true two-person, and there is very little external space for anything other than a pair of boots, so two big campers with bags will struggle to fit in.   The weather-resistance of this tent is really good for this price level - a 4000mm hydrostatic head for the flysheet, tunnel design and multiple guys means that it holds steady in pretty much any UK conditions. On the inner tent, the roof is a mesh design to allow better air circulation in hot weather.   The tent is a bit heavy for a one-person, but split between two it is very competitive.  However, the best thing about this great little tent is the price - at well under £100 in most stockists this is a very good option in the lightweight and cosy two-person all-weather tent market.

Best bits:  4000HH flysheet, clever design, great price
Worst bits:   Small interior for a two-person
Alternatives:  Shave off a bit of weight for a similar price with the Vango Banshee 200, or get more space by upgrading to the Coleman Avior X3 for a few more pounds.

RRP:  £120
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here - £70

Marmot Grid 2 Person

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.7kg
Dimensions: Internal 230x120cm
Pack size:  56x19x19cm
RRP:  £300

Review:  The Marmot Grid is an excellent tent for camping in poor weather and exposed conditions.  The innovative three-pole design is similar to the geodesic design of high altitude expedition tents.  The materials are high quality, with a ripstop nylon flysheet of 5000mm hydrostatic head, lightweight poles and fully taped seams.  Of all the top-end two-person tents this has the best internal dimensions, with a cool 230cm of length suitable for even the tallest campers.  The weight is higher than some competitors in this price-range at 2.7kgs, so might need to be shared between two for backpacking trips, but 1.35kgs each is not going to hurt anyone.  The three pole design means that guys are unnecessary, but it does increase the time taken to erect the tent by a few moments, especially the first time you take it out.  All said, if you can afford it, this is a quality tent with plenty of room for two, which can take all that the elements can throw at it.

Best bits:  Excellent design, roomy inside, high quality tent
Worst bits:  A bit heavier than some backpacking two-person tents
Alternatives:  If you're not so tall, the Force 10 Helium 200 will fight the weather just as well, but is under half the weight.  For total weather resistence step up to this tent's spiritual big-brother, the Terra Nova Ultra Quasar.

RRP: £300
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £264

Terra Nova Laser Competition 1

Sleeps: 1
Weight:  930g
Dimensions:  220x93cm internal
Pack Size:  40x12x12cm
RRP: £320

Review:  Terra Nova are the premier brand of ultra-lightweight tents, and the Laser Competition 1 is the 'entry-level' one-person tent.  The big positive is the weight, at under 1kg for tent, poles and pegs, this is a seriously light tent.  The tent is primarily aimed at lightweight hiking and mountain marathons, but is too expensive for any other use.  At just 220cm in length, this tent can feel a little cramped for taller campers.  However, the big problem that this tent faces is that it falls between two stools - it is more expensive that some of the newer, more roomy, double-skinned tents that weigh around 1kg, but it is heavier than the best ultra-lightweight tents which can be had for just a few more pounds.  However, if you are not very tall and want a very good quality tent for lightweight hiking or competition, then the Laser Competition 1 will be a good choice if you can get it at the right price - we've scoured the net to knock nearly £100 off the RRP, at which point the tent becomes competitive.

Best bits: Lightweight, excellent quality as you'd expect from the Terra Nova brand
Worst bits: Costs a little more than comparable newer tents
Alternatives:  Add 220g and get the Force 10 Helium 100 which is also longer, or add a few quid and get the Terra Nova Laser Photon 1

RRP:  £320
Where to get it cheaper?: Click here: £224

Coleman Novae X2

Sleeps: 2
Weight: 1.9kgs
Dimensions:  Internal 220x130cm (at its widest)
Pack size:  53x16x16cm
RRP:  £230

Review:  The Coleman Novae X2 is a lightweight two man tent with an interesting design that sees the flysheet hang from an external structure of poles, and then the inner hangs from the flysheet.  At 1.9kgs, this tent is lighter than most of its competitors and might suit two people on a backpacking trip.  However, the internal space in this tent is cosy - at its narrowest the tent is just 80cm - and the flysheet is only 2000mm HH, which means it is somewhat weaker than some of its competitors.  For us, we think there are potentially better options on the market - the Vango Banshee 200 is only 100grams heavier, about half the price and made of better materials than the Novae X2.   Plus, if you really want lightweight, the Force 10 Helium 200 is just 1.3kgs for about the same price - although you do lose a few more centimetres of width.

Best bits:  Lightweight, interesting design
Worst bits:  There are lighter and better options on the market for around the same price

RRP:  £230
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £146

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

Coleman Pictor X2

Sleeps: 2

Weight:  3.35kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x120cm, External 135x120cm
Pack size:  47x30x19cm
RRP:  £170

Review:  The Coleman Pictor X2 is a good quality two person tunnel tent, which should suit campers looking for relatively lightweight options that also have external space to keep bags or other luggage.  A similar design to the Vango Omega 250, but slightly lighter and slighter smaller, the Pictor X2 is a better choice for those who don't need the expedition-standard materials found on the Omega and don't mind a fairly cosy internal space. Easy to pitch, and comes with all the usual Coleman touches like colour-coded poles and reflective strips to help find the tent in the dark, this is a good tent for a reasonable price.  If the narrowness of the internal space is a problem, one could always upgrade to the Coleman Pictor X3, which adds a huge 60cms to the internal width for an extra £20 or so.

Best bits:  Rare to find a two person tent with good external space for less than 3.5kgs
Worst bits:  Narrow inside
Alternatives:  If the narrowness really is a problem, upgrade to the Coleman Pictor X3.  If you're planning on using this is bad weather, consider the Vango Omega 250.

RRP:  £170
Where to get it cheaper:  £89 here

Vango Omega 350

 
Sleeps: 3
Weight:  5.15kg
Dimensions: Internal 215x200cm, max height 125cm, external 220x200cm, max height 135cm
Pack size:  48x19x19cm
RRP: £185

Review:  The Vango Omega 350 is a bigger version of the Vango Omega 250 so read the full review here for more detail.  The step up from the 250 to the 350 sees 60cms added to the internal width, which makes this tent feel generous for three people (whereas the Omega 250, at 140cm wide, is average for two people).  Otherwise, more of the same from this excellent Vango 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 350.  For a similar design but with even more weather-proofing, step up to the Vango Equinox 350.
RRP:  £185
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £125

Vango Halo 200

 
Sleeps: 2
Weight:  3.5kg
Dimensions:  Internal 210x140cms
Pack size:  40x17x17cm
RRP:  £150

Review:  The Vango Halo 200 is a high quality and fairly spacious two person tent at a reasonable price.  The semi-geodesic/dome design paired with a 5000HH flysheet means good weather resistance, whereas the symmetric double-door system and capacious external space (for an expedition tent) means easy access to the tent and to your belongings.  As with most of the new expedition tents from Vango, the Halo 200 come with tension straps on the eyelets for the poles and a clever V-shaped guy rope system on each side to equalise the tension across the poles.  The groundsheet is a sturdy, bathtub design which should stand up well to pretty much anything, and you shouldn't need a footprint for this tent - although it does help it to keep clean if nothing else.  The only downside to this tent is the weight, which still isn't too heavy between two, but for one person there are lighter alternatives - albeit at a higher cost.  A fabulous tent.

Best bits:  High quality, clever design, reasonable price
Worst bits:   A little heavier than some expedition alternatives.
Alternatives: The Vango Banshee 200 is lighter, but tighter inside.

RRP:  £150
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £108

Coleman Rigel X2

Sleeps:  2 (allegedly)
Weight:  980g
Dimensions:  Internal 230x140cm (at the widest point)
Pack Size:  53x20x5cm
RRP:  £110

Review:  The Coleman Rigel X2 is the lightest tent in the Coleman range.  However, despite the 140cm width at the widest point, the shape of the tent means that it narrows quickly towards the foot-end, and as such it is very tricky to squeeze two normal sized people into this tent.  There are, however, lots of positives about this tent.  The weight is miniscule, especially considering the budget price - to get a quality tent that is both less than 1kg and less than £60 is pretty incredible.  The tent is easy to erect, and packs away into the groundsheet with a clever packing system.  As with all Coleman tents, the poles are colour coded (although you don't need it with this one!) and there are reflective strips to help you find the tent in the dark.  Whilst not ideal for poor weather conditions, as a very lightweight option for spring-summer backpacking this is a good budget option.

Best bits:  Incredible price for a <1kg tent
Worst bits:  Not a two-person tent unless you are willing to be packed together all night
Alternatives:  The Force 10 Helium 200 is a little heavier, but a little bigger and much better at withstanding poor weather conditions.

RRP:  £110
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here - £57.50

Coleman Phad X2 2011

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  3.45kg
Dimensions:  Internal 210x140cm
Pack size:  42x17x17cm
RRP:  £179

Read our review of dome tents here!

Review:  The new Coleman Phad X2 is a good tent for the price range.  The semi-geodesic structure and 14 anchor points ensure excellent stability and wind-resistance, and the 4000mm hydrostatic head on the polyester ripstop flysheet is higher than most two-person tents at this price, so you should stay comfortable whatever the weather.  The one drawback for this tent is the weight, which at 3.5kg is getting towards heavy for one person to carry over long distances, but split between two you should have no problem.  Space inside the tent is moderate, with 210cm of length potentially a problem for very tall campers, and width that varies from 140cm to 120cm - so easily enough room for two (a standard double bed in the UK is 135cm).  As with all geodesic or semi-geodesic structures, the tent is a little more tricky to put up than others, but after the first time you shouldn't have too much trouble.  A cracking little tent.

Best bits:  Weather-resistance, internal space, great price for this level of quality
Worst bits:  Somewhat short of length
Alternatives:  You could go a lot lighter with the Force 10 Helium 200.  Taller campers or those looking for a step up on the semi-geodesic ladder might consider the Marmot Grid.

RRP: £179
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £101

Robens Voyager 2

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.8kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x130cm
Pack size:  50x19x19cm
RRP:  £170

Review:  The design of the Robens Voyager 2 is very similar to the Easy Camp Star 200, in fact at first glance you'd struggle to tell them apart.  This begs the question, why pay three times as much for the Robens? The simple answer is quality of materials.  The flysheet on the Robens is an impressive 5000mm hydrostatic head, compared to 2000 on the Star.  The seams and pole webbing is better and the eyelets for the pegs are thicker and more durable.  The internal dimensions are slightly bigger, with an extra 10cm of length, and a wider back end to the tent. So in short, this is a good choice for campers who don't need lightweight but who do want quality and decent weatherproofing.

Best bits:  Quality of materials, decent internal dimensions
Worst bits:  Hard to justify the increased price for an everyday two-person tent
Alternatives:  If you're not very tall, and just want something for summer camping, then go with the Easy Camp Star 200 instead and save plenty of pennies.

RRP: £170
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £127

Terrra Nova Laser Photon 1

Sleeps: 1
Weight:  720g
Dimensions:  220x87cm
Pack size:  35x10x10cm
RRP:  £380

Review:  The incredibly lightweight pioneer from Terra Nova.  This tent was released in 2007, but it remains the industry-leading contender for lightweight camping.  At just 6cm narrower than the Terra Nova Laser Competition 1, this tent manages to shed a further 210g, without sacrificing stability or quality of materials. The pegs are titanium and the pole carbon fibre, which means you can still get a double-skin tent that weighs less than a pint of beer. On the downside, there is no extra length, so very tall campers may find it a bit cramped, but to be honest you are not buying this tent for comfort - you are buying this tent because you want something you can put in your rucksack and not even notice the addition.  It is, of course, expensive, but for those who can afford it and need to travel ultra-light there is nothing better.

Best bits:  Staggeringly light and still a proper double-skinned tent, the best lightweight tent on the market
Worst bits:  Expensive
Alternatives:  For lightweight camping, there are no alternatives.  If you're not lightweight camping and want extra comfort, then the Golite Eden is a good choice.

RRP: £380
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £265

Golite Shangri-La One Person

Sleeps: 1
Weight:  555g
Dimensions:  Approx 250x75cm
Pack Size: 20x10x10cm without poles
RRP:  £125

Review:  The Golite Shangri-La One Person is cross between a tent and a tarp, in that the tent is essentially a flysheet pegged over a groundsheet recepticle (which bears a passing resemblance to a shallow paddling pool).  As a result the tent is very light at just over 500 grams all in, and (as with Golite products) is of sufficient quality to withstand serious adverse weather conditions.  The tent is suitable for taller people, as with decent length of the groundsheet, although the width at one end is getting towards the 'snug' end of the spectrum.  It has a fairly unique shape amongst one-person tents with a ridged pitch, rather than the usual arc-shaped structure, which means that whilst the absolute height is greater the risk of touching the fly-sheet also increases.  The flysheet and groundsheet structure means that the tent can let in the cold, so should be paired with a high-quality sleeping bag in bad weather. The only real negative is the price, at over £100 for a quality flysheet and groundsheet, but for real lightweight camping with quality materials, the Shangri-La should not be overlooked.

Best bits:  Very lightweight, good length, quality product
Worst bits:  Expensive for what is essentially a flysheet, a bit narrow at one end
Alternatives:  The Golite Eden is heavier, but an actual tent with bags of room; the Gelert Solo is a lot cheaper and does the job.

RRP: £125
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £100