By: Maarkb Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 02/02/2012
On the throws of sizing down from a Raclet Acropolis Trailer tent this tent is ideal for the wife, myself and the dog we have used it in all weathers from blistering sun shine to force 6 gales and it stood its ground. Very easy to erect with good internal standing height. All in all a good all round tent ideal for the week end breaks or longer 10/10
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By: Canvas Crew Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 16/01/2012
Easy to put up, the 2 of us managed it in 20 minutes, lots of space for us - would not say its a 5man, the 2 of us and our dog love it. Did leak on the first camp - but reading other reviews, was not aware of the 'weathering' needed.
Plus: easy to erect, space & height, doesn't take up too much pitch space, and packs in the bag after! Lets the light in the living space, but darker for the bedroom area - great idea!
Negatives: flimsy pegs, front door - bad design, rain easily follows you in, we use the side door all the time now.
Overall: probably not as good quality as our old Coleman, but for the price is an excellent long weekend tent, may try it for a week out in 2012!
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By: Zanta Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 07/01/2012
Bought this as a weekend tent to supplement our Tigris 800 which we use for longer stays.
Positives.
1) Easy to assemble, despite a gale and thankfully similar to our Tigris which takes 40 minutes on my own.
2) Space is good for the price and the prefixed inner is great. My family includes a massively over excited 3 year old!
3)Access in and out is good although as I will say later this has it's compromises.
4) Both this tent and our Tigris have taken an absolute pounding from gale force winds to torrential rain and coped with flooding. No water egress as indicated by other people although I could see where the issues might be.
5) Storage is good for the size, however, we do not travel light and it struggled. Solution, bought the extention and will try this during the year.
Negatives.
1) Tent pegs supplied are dreadful. I replaced them with more study pegs before I took it out, a good call as it turned out. The remaining supplied pegs I used all needed to be re-done during the night.
2) If you are forced to cook inside during inclement weather the designed capacity of five means it will get really personal and dangerous. Get the Extension to solve this.
3) The Front entrance is extremely vulnerable to flapping and creating a racket and ripples throughout the rest of the tent if the wind hits it front/side on. I solved this by putting an eyelet in the middle of it an pegging it there.
Overall, a couple taking this tent with a dog will have all the space they need. If you are a larger family unit get the extension! Further more if you really need space I would recommend the Tigris 800 we also have.
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By: Fairymill80 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 30/12/2011
As a single 31yr old female I went camping alone for an entire week in my wonderful tent & extension! I managed to put this entire thing up on my own, and have got say, I'm rather proud I managed it! Yes it was a little difficult doing it on my own, but it wasn't stressful (although having lovely weather did help alleviate this!).
Personally I'd say it's a comfortable tent for 2 adults, and no more. However, camping alone I took a camping wardrobe, gelert single folding camp bed, large table for stove etc, and a tall camping shelving unit for kitchen items. The set-up for me was perfect and 'home' still felt tidy and spacious. I also had the extension which was a nice add on for some privacy when sitting outside or bbq'ing. I think at night when you've zipped up the main tent door and are all sat inside playing a game of cards or whatever, this tent would actually be too small for anymore than 2 adults (if you had the same furniture as me). However, if camping without the furniture I had then I'd say enough room for 3 adults, or 2ad & child/pet.
The sewn in ground sheet I feel is a must and serves well, the doors have an extra piece at the end to tuck under the groundsheet which was a nice added extra. There are also a couple of secret small zipped areas to allow for electric hook-up (which I used).
I've used this tent 3 times so far (twice in 2009 with a partner, and once in 2010 on my own). I'd certainly buy a Vango again, and think paying extra for a good brand and sewn in ground sheet make a vast and worthwhile difference!
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By: Lilyladies Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 02/11/2011
We bought our Icarus 500 and took it away for the first time at the beginning of September 2011. We were amazed at how quickly we pitched the tent and how spacious it was. The 'bedroom' area was big enough for two double airbeds and a small camping cupboard.
The rain and wind howled on our first night and yet the tent remained rock steady!
Despite the rain and wind the rest of the week we were fantastically warm and snug in our Icarus. I would recommend this tent to anyone - for the price it is very reasonable and is very reliable.
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By: Dm999 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 31/10/2011
Positive
========
+ Easy to pitch (1 person can do it on their own if needed).
+ Ample room for the two of us.
+ Plenty of headroom.
+ Good layout, you can tie back the bedroom divider to have one large bedroom with space for clothes, bags etc.
+ Plenty of room for a small table and chairs in the front section plus room to cook if it's raining.
Negative
========
- Vango do not make it clear that the tent needs to be weathered before use; i.E. The tent needs to be erected and get thoroughly soaked by the rain (or a hose) and then allowed to dry completely so that the needle holes tighten around the stitching to stop any leaks on the seams. We our on our third Icarus 500 as the first 2 leaked and we were unaware of this procedure, the third tent had 2 very minor leaks but this has been resolved by us weathering it before use.
Minor quibbles
==============
- The tent pegs are cheap wire and started to rust after one nights use.
- Although we didn't experience broken poles like some have, the poles are a bit creaky and sound like they might split easily if you weren't careful.
Overall
=======
We really like this tent, the layout suits the two of us and aside from Vango not explaining the weathering we would have given it a 10/10.
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By: Laydee70 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 06/10/2011
I've used this twice now (in good weather),easy to erect even just on your own. Although packing really could do with 2 people if it's windy. Withstood hard wind but haven't had any heavy rain on it,just foggy rain and it didn't leak. I've managed to slightly rip the dividing sleeping part but that was my own fault as I had the poles too far apart and didn't realise so not much flex there. I also managed to snap part of a pole, there doesn't feel like there's much flexi in them but you need the sturdyness for bad weather. I've used it just me and my son and also 2 adults/2 kids. I think 5 people would be a squeeze though. All in all a good buy, I gave it 9 out of 10 as I haven't used it in really bad weather to test (hope I don't have to either!)
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By: Tessan Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating: Date: 29/09/2011
A well made tent that is strong, durable and waterproof. It is easy to put up and take down if there are two of you.It is tall enough for adults to stand in. There are only 2 of us so plenty of room for sleeping and a large living area. On a negative note we had to have one of the pole sections replaced after 1 year. We are very pleased with it and would recommend the tent to others.
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By: Rarebear224 Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2009 Rating: Date: 27/09/2011
Lovely practical tent, OK for a short stay for 2 adults and 2 children, no issues with leaks, have used on Brecon Beacons in not such great weather and was fine. Dark fabric over sleeping area a great idea with early rising children! Very easy to pitch, even for one person and easy to pack up again. Would recommend it.
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By: Rmorris Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2011 Rating: Date: 26/09/2011
Bought this last minute in a deal from Millets for about £120 and had one weekend in it. On the whole quite pleased. This will be used when the larger tent would be overkill for a few days.
Plus: Spacious, easy to pitch, full standing room. Nice storage holders.
Minus: Poor pegs which are easily bent, flimsy feeling poles (made a very unnerving cracking sound when bending into place).
I havent used it in either a storm or bad rain so I cant comment about it under these circumstances but for a low budget, practical tent, it seems an appropriate choice.
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Icarus flew towards the sun and this tent is also aiming high. Easy to pitch, ‘as one’ structure with generous living area, this tent will create an ideal base for your weekend adventures. The Icarus provides a place to hide when the weather is poor or a haven to return to after a long day in the sun.
Specification
Flysheet: Protex® 2000 polyester, hydrostatic head 2000mm, tape sealed seams, Fire retardant Inner: Breathable polyester with central divider curtain Groundsheet: PE, hydrostatic head 10,000mm, Sewn-in Poles: Poweflex fibreglass poles Weight: 10.2kg Pack Size: 72 x 26 x 26cm Colour: Ensign/Bluebell
Features
As one pitching simple and quick to pitch Crystal clear windows allows maximum light into living room Pre-attached guylines with guy tidies improves pitching and re-pitching speed Reinforcement points extra strength on tension areas of the flysheet Reflective webbing find your tent at night or in adverse conditions Parallel zip door create a canopy for sheltered entry or shaded seating Front over door mesh vents allow continual airflow to enhance comfort Polyethylene 10,000HH groundsheet strong, sturdy, waterproof protection, Sewn-in Comfort Colours darker over the bedroom for a restful nights sleep Side Mesh Door allows door to be left open for insect-free ventilation Heavy duty pole sleeves ensures even distribution of tension Inner Pockets keeps those essentials close at hand Handled carry bag for easy pack-and-go Repair Kit for that unforseen tent emergency
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Date: 02/02/2012
Date: 16/01/2012
Date: 07/01/2012
Date: 26/09/2011
