By: MikeJ Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 19/02/2010
After spending a weekend in a cheapy Argos tent, we decided we wanted to give a proper tent a go. We purchased a Vango Escape (special edition of the venture for local camping shop).
Our first visit was for a weekend in Scarborough and TBH we basically threw the tent up as quick as possible. This showed when fitting the living area groundsheet as the front of the tent was out of line. That night we had REALLY bad weather. Me and OH spent ages just lying there waiting for something to snap and eventually fell asleep fearing the worst. Next morning the tent had taken everything that the weather had thrown at it.
We have taken the tent for numerous weekends (including another east coast wipe out)and it has come through with flying colours. We have also taken it for a 10 day holiday in the South East. OK, so it isn't the biggest tent in the world but with a bit of planning on layout etc 4 people spent 10 days without any problems.
I got hold of a cheap plastic sheet from B&Q for under the bedroom compartment and a couple of steel poles from an old gazebo, threaded through the peg elastics at he front gives us a nice porch way.
Will it suit everybody.No. Would I buy one knowing what I know now for us.DEFINITELY
By: Projectgaz Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 30/08/2009
I bought this in May 2009 from Go Outdoors Sheffield for £59.99 with my girlfriend.
We're very much fair weather campers so haven't tested this in any extreme conditions yet.
Used a couple of times, it's fairly easy to put up with 2 people, getting the pitching of the fly sheet so the inner hooks up right takes a bit of trial and error!
I'm 6ft2 and find the size of this tent brilliant, I can stand (Albeit, a little stooped over) right through the tent, and there's loads of room for our stuff or just room to chill inside.
We did have some pretty strong winds in Newquay and I was quite worried given some of the reviews I'd read, but it stood up well with no issues.
The inner has come away from the stiching slightly near the zip where it was tightly attached to the outer, but it's repairable, just be wary of any point on the inner where it's hard to get the zip through, consider unhooking near that point so save the strain.
I did see one of these in a campsite by a welsh beach where it was quite windy and it looked like it was about to fall down, however, the clever camper had pitched into the wind (You should pitch your tent, especially if it's this size, with it's back to the wind) and the guy ropes were all over the place and not in line with the shape of the tent at all, so I'd say it was more down to very poor pitching than poor design.
I do have one major annoyance and find it strange I haven't seen anyone else comment on it, but there's a small pole which affixes just outside of the inner for stability, great idea, but it's impossible to position this without it pressing fully against the outer, which would just draw water in. I've looked at the promo pics of the tent and you can clearly see the contour where this pole is against the outer, so it's part of the design. I don't have the guts to just put it in and see what happens as if it starts to leak it in, the path for the water will be open, and it won't stop until the rain does, and it's right above the inner!
All in all, this is a great leisure tent, will stand some pretty hefty wind if pitched correctly and the waterproofing is good enough for a good old British shower. I wouldn't pay the RRP of £150 for it, but if you see it on sale for £59.99 or somewhere close, it's a total bargain, just keep an eye on the tension on the inner.
If anyone's got any comment on that stability pole that sits just above the inner, I'd appreciate an email about whether it draws water in, and if it actually helps stability.
By: Missemmaapple Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 22/08/2009
I wouldn't advise anyone who camps in Britain to buy this tent, we used it twice and both times it blew out of shape in the wind, the second time it became unusable. It would be OK for use in a sheltered spot but I would not feel confident taking it on a camping trip in the United Kingdom again.
I gave it three stars because it is a good size and it is easy to put up.
By: Twojonnies Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 08/08/2009
Unsure of year of manufacture
This is my first tent and it is extremely spacious and comfortable for me and my husband and our dog. The front living area is nice and roomy and great if the weather turns nasty. The best thing is that you can stand up in both sections! I wouldn't really recommend this tent as a 5 man - 4 is probably more accurate.
Ours has come away from the zips a bit (sleeping area) but this could be due to us pitching a bit too far out therefore putting pressure on the sides(!).
We paid £119.99 for this in july 2009 from GO Outdoors, but they do have it for half that at the moment, I'd recommend this as a great buy - especially for first timers.
By: BHOW Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 30/07/2009
I bought this tent for £59 in the sale.
We find it easy to put up, spacious and functional.
It damages quite easily and have so far suffered a broken pole and a small graze in the fly sheet. Despite this we are still more than happy with it (especially for the price) and like the side door + front door arrangement.
We camped with it in windy wales on the 25th/26th July when it RAINED LOADS- it was very very windy but it with stood all of it and we did not have any more than a feeble dribble of a leak in the porch area.
By: Campw Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 27/07/2009
Difficult to rate the tent because we have had some great fun in it, but. Second time we have now come home with broken poles. It just wont withstand any wind!
The tent goes out of shape as soon as the wind hits it and eventually the poles go as you would expect. So you are in it and it is flat on you and then snap!
By: DHut Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 20/07/2009
The big flaw in the design is the front section and door. Rain collects in puddles on the roof and inevitably seeps through. Rain penetrates under the front door, despite careful pegging down. Clearing up big puddles in the outer section is no fun. I realise this is a leisure tent, but the rain I experienced was not particularly heavy, just persistent. So what it would be like in a full on downpour is anyone's guess.
By: EstherP Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 14/07/2009
Super tent. Very spacious for two people, plenty of room for a couple of stools/chairs and a small table in the porch, as well as space for kit. Bedroom very spacious for two, would sleep 4 easily, five would be very cosy. Very civilised compared to using a small three man which was our previous tent. Good value price (got it for £80 new). It didn't rain much when we used it, so can't comment on that, however, we did have strong winds. There are eyelets for additional guy ropes to be attached at the corners - we did this and it made a phenomenal difference to the stability of the tent - I highly recommend you do this if you buy this tent. Wonderfully spacious, so nice to be able to stand up throughout!
By: Cestrian3 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 10/07/2009
Upgraded from a Vango Hurricane as was sick of not being able to stand up in a tent and wanted somewhere to sit out of the rain!
Good tent and easy to put up. Takes a little more time to take down than put up though. Would suggest it is more like a 4 man tent as would be extremely cosy with 5. We used it with 2 adults and a 2yr old and was a bit cosy then. We have used it 3 times now but noticed on the latest outing (3 nights) that water came through the seams on the inner groundsheet from the damp ground underneath.
The 'J' door is a bit of a pain in the wet as all the water drips into the tent off the zip flap when you open the door.
The extended living space is a good size for 2, but not for many more, when you have a table and stove etc in the tent.
Over all a pretty good tent but ideally would need to be larger for a bigger family or longer trip.
By: Molly*angel Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 02/07/2009
Brill got this tent from go outdoors in Wigan for a bargain price £59.99 bought it because its a good make and it was our first camping trip also its rained a lot and was windy and had no problems, also camped in Keswick this week June 2009 and was good in really bad rain and very windy a bit scared but it stood up well. It only took us 30 mins to put it up too.
I would say its only a 4 berth though we fitted 2 single blow up beds and one double and it was a tight squeeze but living area is ok and opened side door rather than the big door. I'm also going to get a canopy for more room when it rains to cook etc
By: Jimbob868 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2003 Rating: Date: 14/06/2009
My wife and I bought our venture 500 back in 2003 to go to the V festival, we have had a great time using it all the time it was just us two, easy to pitch, easy to pack up, not big enough now as we have two small children, but brilliant value for 2 adults. Id recommend one.
By: Nicky Hatherell Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 08/06/2009
We bought this second-hand - good old EBay, so not sure exact year of manufacture.
We love this tent!
As some reviews have already mentioned it's not quite perfect for windy places; we've found that out for ourselves, but for normal weather conditions (although, what is normal in this country?) it's great. My husband is 6' tall and it's ideal for him - he can stand up easily. A good size for the 2 of us and our kit.
By: Squipper99 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 08/06/2009
Bought this tent in a sale for £75 from GoOutdoors in Sheffield, and what an investment. Had a vis-vis tent before and had limited space available in bad weather. With the vango we can sit inside when its raining or at night.
We love this tent its not too big and is so easy to put up( took us 12 minutes last time). The bath floor area means very little water gets in even in torrential downpours. With the 2 entries if the wind changes you don't need to move the tent just use the other entrance. We did buy some washing line poles to make a canopy at front , it was ok but collected too much water. We now have a small sun canopy extension and what a difference that makes. Ideal for a sheltered cooking area.
Overall this tent is waterproof , wind proof, easy to put up , tons of bedroom space for three of us and now with the canopy we have good cooking space as well.
As far as I am concerned this was the bargain of the century for us.
By: MoanyMoany Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 06/06/2009
Not quite sure when our tent was made, picked it up in a Millets sale for £60 a few weeks ago. We have a trailer tent so this was our first time in a normal tent.
Just the two of us, there was plenty of room, we used a low double airbed but could get away with one of the higher ones. Both doors proved useful and the riser groundsheet kept the wet and wind out at the front. The mesh on the bedroom compartment was useful to get the warmth or breeze in but keep any bugs out.
Overall for our first tent we were very pleased with performance, one warm night, one cool night and one rainy night all passed with relative calm and comfort wrapped up inside the bedroom.
By: Thellanwnog4 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2004 Rating: Date: 13/05/2009
Got the tent from freecycle, I believe it is a 2003/2004 model. Went off for a week recently first camping trip, 2 adults and 2 children. Wouldn't call it a 5 berth as just about managed to squeeze 1 double and 2 single airbeds into the bedroom area. Also have the large canopy which wouldn't be without as the tent just not big enough to store everything in.
Held up well to hail storm and rain. We had some rain coming in but that was only where the side door is, the canopy had raised the zip flap so the water got through. As soon as flap pushed back down again, no more drips.
Did take spare poles for tent and canopy but not needed as poles held up well.
Good family tent, well made. Recommend it but only with canopy if you are a family.
By: Scotditch Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 05/05/2009
Have used this tent for weekends as well as for family holidays of up to a fortnight.
Good for up to a family of four, though if seriously windy it's full height will cause it to blow about a bit.
Now four years old, it's still going strong, though starting to lose a bit of it waterproofing and in windy conditions, pitch with extra guys to help stability.
By: Darthtrainer Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 17/04/2009
We bought this tent late last Spring and have so far done a couple of long weekends in it. As camping novices we were impressed with how easy and quick it is to pitch this tent, it took two of us about 30 minutes. It stands up very well to wet weather but ice and snow are a little more challenging for it as the build of condensation gets a bit ‘drippy’ in the tent however the benefit of the bathtub groundsheet in the porch area was plain to see.
I agree with other comments that it doesn't stand up to strong winds well. We have had to replace two sections of two different poles. Malhams wind flattened the tent completely. However if you pitch in sheltered areas you should never have a problem.
In terms of space it is perfect for 2 adults, especially as you can stand up in the bedroom. I could see being able to squeeze 4 adults into the bedroom but not in the living/porch area, I would say 3 adults maximum.
Overall we love this tent and won't be replacing it until this one either gives up in a few years time, or we need more space.
By: Two_in_a_tent Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 13/04/2009
We have owned 2 of this model of tent. The first one, which we had pitched perhaps 6 times previously, suffered during extremely high winds at a coastal site in 2006 - We had to pitch windbreaks either side of the pitch in order to provide shelter whilst pitching the tent or we literally couldn't get it to stay upright. We think the fact that we had so much difficulty pitching might have resulted in a slightly contorted structure which may have contributed to the shattered porch pole - the porch end of the tent was being repeatedly flattened by the wind during the night. The strain put on the tent also tore a couple of rivets out of the porch groundsheet. It's worth mentioning that the winds also snapped 2 of the metal windbreak poles, so it really was quite violent!
I sent the tent off to the Vango repair centre, and 4 weeks later we received a brand new tent as a replacement. Can't ask fairer than that I suppose. And the newer version seems to have better reinforced rivets which we have had no problems with.
We usually use this tent for short breaks in good weather, as it is easy to pitch (usually!) and has ample space for 2 and a dog to sleep in the inner tent, with plenty of room in the porch for a couple of chairs and a few boxes of kit. It stands up well to rain, we have never had a leak, although condensation does cause a problem in warm weather, producing wet patches and drips.
By: Loopyli Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 14/02/2009
This is a fantastic tent for the money - see pics I have posted. We were new to camping when we got it in 2007 and it's great. We are a family of 4, now 5 with young kids and I loved that fact that we could all sleep together, 2 double airbeds fit in the space perfectly. It takes about 15 mins to put up and we have never had any probs with it. Bit small now as they grow older but great for weekends.
By: WitchEcho Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 19/01/2009
We bought this tent late last summer and have so far done a couple of long weekends in it. As camping novices we were impressed with how easy and quick it is to pitch this tent, it took two of us about 30 minutes (though we had received over the phone pointers from our experienced brother-in-law!). It stands up very well to wet weather, we had two very wet spells over the two weekends, no leaks at all, the benefit of the bathtub groundsheet in the porch area was plain to see.
I agree with other comments that it doesn't stand up to strong winds well. We will have to replace two sections of two different poles before we go camping again in April. Anglesey's wind flattened the front of the tent completely on our last trip. However if you pitch in sheltered areas you should never have a problem.
In terms of space it is perfect for 2 adults, especially as you can stand up in the bedroom. I could see being able to squeeze 4 adults into the bedroom but not in the living/porch area, I would say 3 adults maximum.
Overall we love this tent and won't be replacing it until this one either gives up in a few years time, or we need more space.
By: Yorkie123 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 28/12/2008
Had this tent for 3 years now and it's been used 8 times, sleeping a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 kids under 8). It has been in some heavy rain and strong winds on occasions and has withstood it all. Not once have we got wet inside the tent in all the rain.
If your looking for a good family starter tent and your a small family like we were then you can't go wrong with this one. Now the kids are older and bigger they now want more space so now looking for a bigger tent, but the wife and I will still use this one for the two of us.
With 2 of us it normally takes 15-20mins to put up, and on your own about half hour.
The only problem we had was with the front porch pole wich shattered this year due to the front of the tent was facing into the wind(we had no wind when we arrived at the camp site) but it was soon repaired with electrical tape and is good as new.
By: Mitchum44 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 06/10/2008
Brand new to camping and after a lot of research, we bought this tent and we are delighted with our choice,(there is only the two of us) cheap to buy £80.00 online, easy to pitch, good head height in the large bedroom area, decent living space (for 2), we bought the tent in August and have managed 5 weekends away in varying weather conditions including heavy rain, no problems so far, we have recently bought the large canopy for the additional room so that we can use it for longer breaks as well as weekends, I have knocked one star off due to the porch poles bending in the winds it has been exposed to, although it has stood up to some fairly strong gusts.
By: Cardi Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 02/10/2008
Superb tent water proof, suits 2 adults for comfort camped for a week took heavy rain and strong wind in its stride as long as it is pegged using power pegs I find the yellow plastic pegs do the job. It is stable in all weather.
By: Raf48 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 21/09/2008
I have just returned from my first trip using this tent.
The exact model is a Venture/Tamor 500, and must be the very latest version. In fact I can't find an image the same as my tent!
I am really responding to some previous comments, and assume that this is an up dated version, that addresses some of the old problems.(I hope)
Firstly mine has a finishing strip hiding where the inner tent fixings are. Secondly the poles only run through sleeves in the roof section, then there are three clips to each leg which are clipped on after the tent is errected. I actually chose my tent because of the pole thickness 13mm which appeared thicker than two other tents on show with the same type of design. Perhaps they have been up graded because of earlier wind problems.
I bought this tent as a smaller spare that we take on holiday in case the weather is forecast to rain on the last day or so. The idea being that we can use this smaller version and pack our big tent away dry, as there is no where to do this at home.
There was no wind, so don't yet know if this version will cope better than the older ones.
I have only given nine out of ten for the following two reasions.
There is an eyebrow pole over the front of the inner tent to hold a better curve. This is tensioned via a black webbing strap, which goes accross the inner tent doors bellow the door level. Only a couple of inches, but as the step into the inner is high, I found it to be a bit like hurdelling, (head down legs up)
This is easily remedied by a short length of cord with a hook each end. Once the tent is up, I just hooked it over the middle inner tent clip and lifted the strap about two inches and hooked it on. The strap is now just above door level.
The second thing, is lack of a forward facing window.
The are small windows either side of the front door, but I like to look forward, that's why I pitch the tent that way. (Always allowing for weather that is).
Instead of fitting two windows in the side panels, they could have fitted just one, and had a better out look.
All that said though I am very pleased with it and look forward to my next short camping trip when this will be my tent of choice to take.
By: Drog Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 11/09/2008
Second posting: Once again I have been let down by this tent. The wind this August, in the Forest of Dean, was fairly strong, but not gale force, and for the second time the pole in the front hoop has shredded, in spite of crossing guylines. With modification to the poles this would be a great tent.
By: Bertie34 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 21/08/2008
Just got home from a 3 night break with my 3 kids(left hubby at home!). Its easy to pitch and has a large bedroom which was plenty big enough for 4 with space at the end for your bags and junk! I presume that space is for the 5th person and if you like it very cosy then you could squeeze in! The living area managed to accommodate 4 people but there isnt room for cooking etc.(we have a large vango sun canopy that fits to the front for extra space and adds ample space for sitting etc if needed (a real bargain from ebay at £27!)The dividing curtain can be easily taken out and the kids enjoyed us all piled in together.
We had lots of heavy rain and not a single drip so its waterproof. The bedroom was very warm despite its height and having an alternative door is a great idea if its getting muddy around your pitch. Not encountered strong winds but it was gusty and didnt move.
My only gripe is that the slope at the front makes getting in and out in the rain tricky if no canopy is in place.
I loved this tent and cant wait to use it again. It packs away into a holdall sized bag and leaves loads of space in the boot so is ideal for dashing off for a few days .But the family tent will still be used for longer stays!.
By: Hairywol Reason: I've used one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 18/08/2008
Borrowed this tent from friends for a weekend - didn't need the size of our own Vermont.
Biggest plus is that it's big enough to stand up in - great for getting dressed - for little more than a 3 or 4 man bivvy tent.
The tent pitches outer first (for which we were thankful), but then a really useful full-size inner hangs from toggles, including a bathtub groundsheet for the porch area. The outer is pitched very quickly using only three flexible poles, but pegging the guys needs to be done carefully if maximum rigidity is to be achieved. The poles in my view could be thicker and more robust.
The bedroom area divides into two using a detachable nylon partition, but the whole space is very useful. As with nearly all tents, it would be very tight for the advertised five inhabitants, but two or three is fine.
Thr porch area is a useful size with two entrances, the easiest to use of which is the side door, again comfortable for a couple.
We had wind, which the tent withstood adequately (poles did flex quite a lot) rather than splendidly, and hammering rain which it withstood splendidly (nary a drop penetrated any seam). The next morning we did have some sunshine and the Venture was first to dry out - handy for avoiding the tent-over-the-bannister scenario.
I liked the tent for its ease of use and space-for-money; the only reason it lost three stars were the too-bendy poles.
By: CarerQuie Reason: I've used one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 15/08/2008
I have just returned from a 4 night break with 3 children in this tent.
It wasn't a brand new one; I bought it secondhand because I knew it was a good make.
It bowed alarmingly in Wednesday's storm but the only damage was two torn guy ropes.They were easily replaced.
I was very impressed that it withstood the prevailing conditions because my friend's (new) tent was utterly destroyed;poles snapping and splintering.
I am going to keep this tent as a back up because it would be useful if 3 of us were going camping.
I found the 5 person suggestion to be rather optimistic and the living area wouldn't have accommodated 5.
All in all a very good tent for a small group.
By: Katelilyb Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 13/08/2008
We used this tent for a family weekend away in the sun and it was perfect, but when we took it away during a very windy week it was a disaster. It stood up to the rain reasonably well with just a few leaks - but it is not sufficiently sturdy to cope with strong winds. The front kept collapsing in the wind, and then the pole shattered in three places. Ended up having to come home early.
Would not recommend for anything other than short stays in pleasant weather.
By: Jules N Rob Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 11/08/2008
This has been a great tent. Used for at least 6 camping trips including a two week holiday last year.
We only got a new tent as our Labrador needs more space then this tent can offer.
The only reason it didn't get a 10 was because of the problems we had when it was windy.
On one occasion, We had to swap bedrooms with our nephew who was 7 in the middle of the night as the wind was blowing the back right corner right into the tent. It wasn't blowing a gale, just a few gusts which woke him up every time.(as he was getting hit by the wall of the tent)
We have used it many times since then and it has never leaked or had any lasting damage. We have tried making the guy lines extra tight and changing there position in the ground but if its windy, this tent just does not react well.
We attached a vango large canopy to it this summer and it worked really well, but can't be used in even the slightest wind with this tent as it isn't strong enough to hold it so be became a bit of a nightmare having to collapse the canopy every time we wanted to go out!
We also took a point off as I fail to see how you would fit 5 people in it, though we never tried. A smaller than double ready bed and 2 small kids ready beds fit but all were touching. You could not of squeezed anyone else into it!
We don't plan to get rid of our venture 500, it will be kept on stand by 'just in case'!
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has more than 1 child or anyone with a large dog, when the weather is bad, we had to lock our poor dog in the boot of the car as we simply couldn't fit him in the porch area with us and a child. He would of had far to much fun with the air beds if we had let him in the bedrooms. Labrador puppies like to chew :-)
By: ElizaD Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 21/07/2008
We bought ours for £59 from Go Outdoors - they said it was last year's model (it's sage/laurel). We are first time campers (well since school anyway!) and think this tent is great. Even at the full price it would be a bargain. There are only 2 of us and the space is great. During our recent trip to Norfolk, we encountered endless rain for 24 hours - it never let a single drop in, apart from at the bottom of one zip that I hadn't fastened properly. We have bought the footprint groundsheet and the carpet to make it more homely, and to be honest, I don't think we could do any better for the money. It would definitely be cramped for 5 adults, but for 2 adults and 2 children it would be fine. We could easily spend a week in it no problem. The quality is brilliant.
By: Drog Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 04/07/2008
We travelled 14 days through France to Andorra and erected it quickly and easily in all weathers. It was a great success and was dry and comfortable. It was an ideal tent for two of us travelling with all mod cons with just enough room for table and chairs and camp kitchen in living room and portaloo and TV in divided bedroom. It let us down however in may 2007 when weekending near Morecambe. The wind was gale force and most of the site binbagged there tents and slept in cars or went home during night. Our tent distorted and the front hoop snapped and shredded in spite of ingenious guys and pegging. A replacement pole was supplied within 10 days and we were soon back in action. BTW our grandchildren love staying in it with us. Perhaps internal crossbracing would help in bad weather.
By: Shridd Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 30/06/2008
Absolutely brilliant! Especially for 2 people. You can get a double airbed + large suitcase (used as headboard) in the undivided bedroom and have room and height (6') to each get dressed/undressed simultaneously too! Plus your own door for late night 'visits' to the bucket ensures you do not need to disturb your partner. Living area great - room for table for dining, sitting out of elements, etc but unfortunately not enough room for the double burner stove too (would have given 10/10 if been so).
By: Rogueslayer Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 28/06/2008
I bought this tent for my first ever camping trip on my own and im delighted with it. I found it straight forward to pitch and there was lots of room. I really liked the fact you can stand up in the bedroom it made dressing much easier. The living area was fine for me or a couple but it would be cramped for anymore. Although I did see a family with the sun awning on there's and they looked to have much more room. I also liked the full ground sheet in the bedroom as I am adverse to sharing my bed with anything that has more legs than me ! The tent stood up to some heavy rain and strong wind well. Excellent value for money.
By: Allan_1983a Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2003 Rating: Date: 11/06/2008
Me and brother (both experienced campers) bought this tent in 2003 for a two weeks camping stint. The first time we put it up, in a bit of wind, the pole snapped. We did some quick camping DIY involving black tape and it lasted the two weeks without a problem, it was great! Now me and the girlfriend are using it, she had never camped before and we still manage to erect in 15 mins! so I couldnt say enough good things about it! Only bit would be the living space but as said earlier if you get the porch attachement its fine!
By: Ai U.K. Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 07/06/2008
I originally bought a Venture 500 for my dad to accompany us on camping trips as we had a Diablo 600, since then I have bought another for myself as they really are perfect for short trips and weekends as the Diablo is a little too big just for a weekend.
They have both survived everything the good old British weather can throw at you and have never leaked, ripped or shown any sign of wear throughout gales and strong winds etc.
They sleep 2 adults and 1 child fairly comfortably but any more than that I imagine would be crowded, certainly not a 5 berth.
The living area may be a little small but if you add a large Vango sun canopy this makes a massive difference, you can use a windbreak to close the end off if the weather isn't the best.
I would recommend using rock/bivvy pegs to peg out the corners in bad weather, the seem to hold the shape of the tent better if the weather is bad.
All in all I really like this tent and it is great for weekends etc, can be put up and taken down on your own in under 20 mins once you've done it once. Great value for money.
By: Janners Hat Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 03/06/2008
This is an excellent value for money tent that is of a good quality, easy to pitch with reasonable internal space.
We have used this tent during the storms in May 2007 and while we suffered no damage or leaking the poles did appear to distort easily in the high winds making for an interesting couple of nights away. Saying that, the tent did stand up to the gales and there was no lasting damage.
Overall, a good tent for short family trips.
By: Outdoor crew Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 03/06/2008
I wanted a smaller tent for shorter trips that was also outer erect first,just in case of rain lol ! The bargain price swayed me and I wasn't disappointed,but no way is it a 5 berth.For two adults and a child it was just right for us,although the bedroom was very roomy,it would have been better to have had a little more space in the living area.We camped in some heavy rain and we were cosy inside.It would also have been nicer if the front door could have been used as a porch as well,just in case we had some sunshine ! But good value for money nevertheless.
By: Barely bear Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 01/06/2008
Great tent. Easy to put up and has never leaked but, and it's a big but, this tent does not stand up to wind. We camped last weekend in the lakes and ended up having to come home early with two snapped poles. We are looking to upgrade so can anyone recommend a good sturdier alternative?
By: Bungo Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 30/05/2008
Ace tent easy to erect . Shame about small living area. But worth the money. And for a 5 man tent its very tight with all in .
By: HappyCamperAJCW Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 29/05/2008
We bought this tent at a very reasonable price, as novice campers, for our first attempt. Very simple to pitch and quite a good size. Living area is quite limited but bedroom space is very good.
Only reason for lower rating is that we only managed one nights stay in the tent. We came up against what I would describe as average winds and the tent did not survive, the whole of one side was flattened and as this was our first camping trip, it was pretty frightening.
By: Corporate Camper2 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2008 Rating: Date: 25/05/2008
This is possibly the perfect weekend tent for the small family.
We are two adults, one child and a dog, the VV500 suits us perfectly. The tent can be erected by a single person without any difficulty and it is sturdy enough to cope with (just about) all weather conditions outside while taking a battering from kids and dogs from the inside!
The 'living area' is a little cramped, but it is just about possible for all of us to take shelter in it along with chairs and a table.
The 'bedroom area' is quite well proportioned, I think fitting five people in there would make it pretty cosy, but for our family it's just right.
If we had more kids, or were planning longer stays then I think we would be looking elsewhere but for a 'compact' quality family tent at a good price, it takes some beating!
By: Feebee Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 23/05/2008
We got this tent to see if we would like camping, it was a great starter tent and is great if I go away with just me and the kids and leave the OH at home. But when there are the 4 of us the living area was a bit cramped so we have upgraded to an Outwell Montana 6. I can pitch it on my own and I'm only 5ft3 without any problem. Excellent starter \ weekend tent and would recommend it.
By: Mobilis Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2006 Rating: Date: 19/05/2008
We love our Venture 500, which we use for weekends away.
The bedroom has masses of space for myself and two sons, and the tent is easily erected by myself with minimal help from one of my sons. It has stood up to torrential rain and gale force winds (Summer 2007) without any problems. My only design improvement would be to make the living area slightly larger, and to allow the door to act as a porch.
By: LML0 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2007 Rating: Date: 16/05/2008
Overall I feel that this tent is an excellent weekend choice, offering a good living space and the optional divided bedroom section.
The tent suits two people perfectly and could accomodate a child, the living area will fit a small table and chairs for the rainy days.
The tent is quite easy to ptich once you have got the hang of it, the sleeves for the poles are quite tight though, be careful when threading through.
Overall, a great inexpensive weekend tent.
By: Evochic Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2003 Rating: Date: 10/05/2008
This is the tent we use have used the last 4 years for our annual touring holiday in France,its is put up on average 7 times in the 2 weeks we camp,have absolutly nothing bad to say about this tent,we have had storms in Montalivet that flattened lesser tents.Horrendous rain for hours on end in Biscarrose and it has never ever leaked a drop,one large hanging bedroom that has a divider curtain,easily removed and a living area roomy enough for a table and chairs.
Can put it up on my own in less then 20 mins.And Im a 5ft female.And packs away neatly into a 3 in 1 suitcase style bag.
An excellent tent for a couple or maybe a small family,
By: Steventhehamster Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2003 Rating: Date: 03/05/2008
This was our first tent and we loved it. We bought it to see if we liked camping and found it good value and fairly easy to pitch.
It withstood some heavy rain without leaking.
The living compartment was cosy for 2 adults and a 3 year old but we managed.
This would be a good starter tent to see if camping was for you or a good tent if you only intend on sleeping in it.
By: Snowy747 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2005 Rating: Date: 01/05/2008
We bought this as a weekend tent as the Monty 6 is a little large for 2 nights. It was reasonably easy to pitch although the poles were a tight fit but we soon sorted that.
I think this would be a good tent in good weather but I found the living area too cramped for 2 adults and it is definitely not for 5! The bedrooms were roomy and we got two double airbeds in with the divider rolled up.
It survived a weekend of heavy rain without any leaks and seems to be well made. I would definitely recommend it for a couple for short stays but no longer and it is definitely not a family tent.
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This is a classic small family dome tent with and extended porch area that forms the main living space. The Vango Venture 500 also features excellent head height throughout, a large front panel door and a side 'J' door for in/out flexibility. The PE groundsheet (5000mm hydrostatic head) is completely detachable for ease of cleaning however, when in place inside the tents, the 'riser' trim of the groundsheet will ensure that it will exclude the worst of the elements.
The bedroom, although advertised as a 5-berth will more comfortably sleep four - and there is a divider curtain down the centre for of the bedrooms for privacy. Other features include, two 'Crystal Clear' windows with internal covers, multiple vents, a Protex 3000 durable polyester flysheet (3000mm hydrostatic head), taped seams, colour coded poles and continuous pole sleeves, flysheet first pitching, breathable polyester inner with mesh vents, Powerflex poles, storage pockets, lantern hanging point, carry bag, repair kit. Flame retardant throughout.
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