I have been swithering about a smaller tent for months. I thought that I had my heart set on the Oregon 5 which I thought that I could pitch by myself with the help or hindrance of 2 six year old boys...but then I saw the Vango orchy on the web.
I have not been able to see it in real life but wondered if anyone can answer the following questions:-
1) Can it be pitched singlehandedly? The pole sleeves look quite short which makes me think that I should find it easy enough, but can't see if there are tension straps on the ring and pin system (I sometimes have trouble with the last pin in the dome on the Diablo 600)
2) The "blurb" says that there is mesh on the doors. Is this on both side and front door with an outer door in the fly? (I visit friends in Skye and the only way I would camp in a tent up there in the summer is with mesh to stop the $%^*&* (oops sorry!)midges from getting in! (the oregon doesn't have any mesh doors- so short of zipping yourself into the bedroom pod I can't seen anymeans of escaping them!)
3) Is the groundsheet sewn in porch/living area or bathtubbed? The oregon 5 does not look as if it loops up and due to wind and rain I have seen even in summer months in the north (and the puddles that appeared in the porch of the Diablo 600 older syle without bathtub in porch when in Cornwall last summer) I would prefer to be as wind and water tight as possible. I would think that rain could end up being blown into the Oregon 5 living area.
Many thanks
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I have the Orchy 500 and the answer to all your questions is YES. The only problem i had putting it up on my own was the pole that sits across the front, but i am about to email the shop i bought it from about this as even a male friend had trouble with it.
It does have mesh on both doors and the goundsheet is sewn in all the way around excluding the door ways where it toggles up when the doors are closed.
All in all I love it. First tent i've had with the SIG and i couldn't believe the difference it made to the temp inside the tent. I got the large canopy for it which after one weekend i woyldn't be without. Just being able to take your shoes off without the rain getting in makes it worth its weight in gold. Look at my profile for a pic.
We just used our Orchy 600 at the weekend for the first time. I found that I needed some assistance in creating the dome shape. Once the dome shape had been created it was fine. I also found the ring and pin system was quite easy to use.
If you do chose the Oregon 5 be sure to google 'Outwell Oregon 5 2007' as there are places selling 2007 stock at £130. They are exactly the same tent.
Having looked at both of these the Oregon 5 is undoubtedly easier to pitch - tunnel tents with short sleeves are surely the easiest non pop up tent to erect. As Angelas says though the orchys features are better, but i do like the standing height of the bedrooms in the Oregon
------------- John
May....Le Port De Limeuil, Dordogne Aug....Trinite sur Mer, Sth Brittany
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
There is a video on youtube of an Orchy 500 being pitched single handedly by the salesman at Yeomans of Ambleside and it looks really easy. We have also been considering this tent even thought there is nothing wrong with the tent we have, just fancy another one.
Angela
I looked at the picture of your tent and the colour is fantastic. Bet you get some looks on site.
Quote: Originally posted by Waterview on 06/5/2008
Mamee
There is a video on youtube of an Orchy 500 being pitched single handedly by the salesman at Yeomans of Ambleside and it looks really easy. We have also been considering this tent even thought there is nothing wrong with the tent we have, just fancy another one.
Angela
I looked at the picture of your tent and the colour is fantastic. Bet you get some looks on site.
Well me and my little girl love it and thats all that matters to us....lol!!!!
I have also just bought orchy and had first weekend away over bank holiday. Can be pitched on your own (if I can manage it anyone can!) and has all the features you asked about as Angela says. I would also recommend getting a canopy with it (although they seem to be very scarce in the grape- see previous threads!) - as this would stop any problems with rain blowing in when you open door. Overall very pleased with it.
Angela- what is the problem with your front pole? Although quite happy with tent am still not entirely certain where you should peg in the guy ropes that come from the end of the pole to get best 'shape'... any tips? Cheers, Sarah x
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
The front pole won't go in the eyelets without a real struggle. I couldn't do it at all and a male friend really struggled. Called the shop today and they are picking it up on thurs to have a look at it. I had another look at the dvd today and you should peg them out to the front.
Hi Angela... thanks for that. I have been pegging them bit to the front but maybe not as far to the front as I should as the porch pole doesn't 'pop up' as much as the one in the picture! Will try further forward next time. By the way your canopy looks fab I eventually got a standard one in grape but did not use it this time... large one looks much better! v jealous! take care, Sarah x
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Vango Orchy v Outwell oregon 5
)midges from getting in! (the oregon doesn't have any mesh doors- so short of zipping yourself into the bedroom pod I can't seen anymeans of escaping them!)
