Vango Scafell 200 Backpacking Tent

I was looking for a three season tent robust enough for UK weather above 1800ft. It had to suitable for solo backpacking, light enough, yet roomy enough for for one plus a 65 ltr rucksack.True, this is not the lightest tent, but stability and durability was my key concern.For this reason after much research into other light weight tents I came back to Vango a make I trust to make a tent suitable for UK wet and windy weather.I have fond memories of Cotton Force 10 tents back in the seventies. I have a Vango Equinox 350 which is almost thirty years old, which has stood up to the worst the Lake District could throw at it. Still as sound as the day I bought it, but rather large for one.So this tent has a lot to live up to.Initial thoughts, the materials seem robust, the groundsheet is where much of the weight has been saved. Whilst the groundsheet is not unduly thin, I have made a footprint out of an old survival bag for additional protection on rough ground.I have checked all the stitching, seams are tidy, zips work easily, pegs likely to bend on hard rocky ground. The tent goes up very quickly, having inner and fly attached is a real bonus in adverse weather. Packing away is equally simple. I love the easy stow compressible valise.The tent stows into the bottom pocket of my Osprey Kestrel 65 rucksack with ease, poles slip into main compartment.The tent offers a roomy interior for one with plenty of room for gear. Would not recommend 200 for two adults go for the 300.The inner tent provides enough headroom to sit up in without causing inner touching fly. The tent has a single circular zip entry to inner. The vestibule has sufficient room to stow muddy boots, along with wetproofs and cooking gear.In bad weather cooking is possible in vestibule whilst sitting under cover. I have attached two pegging straps to ensure fly is held open well away from stove.The tent is nice and bright inside with excellent ventilation. It has two decent inner pockets, but disappointed it did not have a light hook, so I added one.Whilst in lock- down testing this tent on the mountain has not been possible. I have tested the tent thoroughly in heavy rain, hailstorm and high winds.I have slept in the tent several nights with temperatures as low as 4C. The limited amount of netting on inner tent pays back by retaining heat. I am sure I can push the use into early spring and autumn.I can confirm the TBS (tension band system) makes Vango tunnel tents stable in adverse weather conditions. It is feature on my Equinox 350 , with is much longer wider and has a much higher profile and remains amazingly sturdy in extreme winds.All in all i believe extremely good value.

Bought this as a replacement for my sons old tent which was not very good and very difficult to put up. Used it for his Silver DofE and another camp so far and really likes it, able to put up in a few minutes and both have been wet winter camps

There is a lot more internal space than I expected. Pack size is good but not as small as some of the other trekking tents I have seen. The pegs and poles are very lightweight but sturdy. Very please over all.

Fits the bill nicely and it will even be hardy enough to withstand a bit of Ground frost. (Tested with a 2 Season Sleep Bag plus Liner)Roomy for 2 - however better for 1 person, A Border Terrier (my little Alfie) and a 90L Backpack.This is a good alternative to my Beta 450 XL (of which is great if you are on an organised campsite and you have a blow up or fold out bed)Enjoy your purchase, the only tent you need for the Late Spring - Summer - and into Late Autumn British Camping Weather.Dries out really fast too, wait for the rain to stop and give it a shake, all the excess water had dispersed in minutes whilst I was packing away after a very winy (30mph winds) on a recent backpack to Hallin Fell.

Vango pointlessly change the name of their 2 man tunnel tent every year - it used to be the Spirit 200 and has been several things in between - but fortunately the bombproof design remains the same. It has a great space to weight ratio, a porch big enough for cooking and storing rucksacks and critically for use in the UK climate, it pitches flysheet first (although the inner can be left attached in dry weather). Sure there are lighter, flashier and more expensive 2 man tents available but the Scafell 200 is an outstanding balance between strength, weight, functionality and price, which has stood the test of time.

Made it up in the garden to test it. Comes in a small bag, it is very light. Materials look very strong and high quality. Very easy to put up by yourself, took less than 15 minutes having never made it before.Took the tent out camping for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition; took no time to make the tent a second time. It was very secure overall. It rained loads on the evening, and the tent stayed bone dry. Inside it is roomy for one person and their bags.Very pleased with the tent, a fantastic purchase. 😊