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Currently have a Vango Oregon 800 tent which we love but could do with something smaller for weekends. Had been planiing to try and get hold of a Oregon 600 on the basis we would know 1) how to put it up and 2) our Vango sun canopy and tunnel canopiy would definitely fit (which one we use depends on the weather). However, when I've come to look at prices the Oregon 600 would now cost us more than we paid for our 800, whereas there seems to be some pretty good deals on the Icarus 500.  Is there any difference in the quality between the two is the Oregon just more expensive because it is a discontinued model?

I've got an Oregon 800, 600 and 400 so you could say I'm biased, lol. Two are the oldr riser groundsheet model, the 400 has a SIG, which is a bit of a departure for me, lol!

Anyway, why did I just keep cloning Oregons? The shape suits me, I can pitch any of them blindfold, our canopy fits them all, they're good sturdy tents in a classic shape, I like them.

Cons? Well, I got them all at what I consider good prices but they're certainly more expensive now. I think though you shouldn't compare the Oregon with the Icarus, more to the current long tunnel model that Vango is putting out, the Tigris, which is about £230-ish atm for the 600.

Why is the Icarus so cheap? Well, one theory. Vango always seem to have one real bargain though as a weekender/short stay lent, to lure both new and established campers over to the Vango side. Used to be the Vango Venture 500, this year it's the Icarus. People do tent to carry on buying the same tent brand once they are happy. Straightforwards, no frills design, produced in huge quantities, sold as a loss leader?

Thanks for your response Val, knew there was someone on here with a passion for Oregon's. (Would have responded sooner but have been ill)

Had a look at the Tigris but is v expensive for a second tent though when I looked more closely at the Icarus I don't think the tunnel extension we have is the same width.

Out of interest, which end of the Oregon 600 is the 4 man pod? As my oh pointed out, if it's at the flap end, then we wouldn't be able to use the sun canopy extension (well we could but would have to keep going out the side door and walking round which kind of defeats the purpose!).

Quote: Originally posted by thorneywilson on 07/5/2010

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Out of interest, which end of the Oregon 600 is the 4 man pod? As my oh pointed out, if it's at the flap end, then we wouldn't be able to use the sun canopy extension (well we could but would have to keep going out the side door and walking round which kind of defeats the purpose!).

 

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It's at the rear end. It's the two man pod that hangs over the end door. You can see here on the schematic. Take that down and you have a humungous living area. We don't, usually, because it's our weekender for four of us but even then we open the end door to air the tent through.