We visited Yeomans' tent show at Calver last weekend and were very impressed with the Outwell Vermont XL. However, I've just spotted the Vango Monte Verde 900, a new tent for 2010, which appears to be almost identical but many quids cheaper, ie £520 as opposed to £650...
What are the relative merits of these manufacturers? Do you simply get what you pay for? Has anyone seen the Vango yet?
Actually, as a seperate point, has anyone had problems getting a tent of this size (7m x 5m) accepted at a site?
Many thanks, Andy
BTW the tent show was a great (and cheap ) day out with the kids!
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We saw Yeomans display at Ripley recently, but TBH I don't recollect seeing a Vango Monte Verde up.
Outwell generally are perceived to be upscale, with Vango seen as a kinda mid to upper end maker.
That said, a good search around here will give you evidence of good, and bad, in both. Check the reviews too - tho' bear in mind they tend to be positive. Negative experiences are more often posted as threads.
Most volume makers outsource manufacture to China and whilst they quality assure a %, some faults with ANY maker at ANY price do slip through.
Within reason then, and price being OK, it makes sense to buy from a reputable seller, such as Yeomans. They have a good reputation for exchanging duff equipment, as do some Go Outdoors branches (local experience seems to vary with the store).
Then test pitch it before going away, and you've got chance of swapping it should anything be faulty. It likely won't be, but best to test pitch first.
As someone who has worked in the trade for some years, i can give you some gut reaction advise.
Both manufacturers make tents to equally the same quality, and as previously mentioned good retailers should look after you and both of these manufacturers have retailers around the country so you should be able to get hold of spares should the worst happen during any trip.
Which tent first took your liking, did any nice features stand out about either, and without being age ist or sexist which model did the females and children of the family spend more time in.
Yeah, they only had the Outwell, which the family loved. In terms of layout we think it'd suit us the best (kids aged nearly 6, nearly 4 and a 16-month-old who will be walking by the time we go away...) out of all the tents at the show, which included the Hartford XL, Maryland XL (see a pattern, here? ) and Vango Tigris 800.
The Monte Verde wasn't at the show, as it appears to be a new model this year, but as it's very similar in size and design, it could be a slightly cheaper alternative. We've actually seen the Outwell, though, which gives it the advantage...
The Vango Monte Verde seems to squarely aimed at the Outwell Vermont, which has been around for a few years. Vango have even given their "version" the same name, albeit in Spanish ! (Vermont = vert mont, green hill). A bit cheeky, no?, or are they just acknowledging their debt?
Having had Vango and Outwell tents the only differences that are obvious to me are windows - generally more on the Outwells though I can't speak for this year's Vangos and ventilation - again there seems to be more on the Outwells.
The other thing for us is the kids rooms, definitely a plus point for us because our four year old loves it and likes going to bed at night in it
Good luck on your choice, they are both excellent tents!
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Hahaha! I never noticed that with the names. Very humourous.
Yeah, I like the kids' room option on the Outwells, qualified by the fact that I'd be paying more to have that option as well as paying for the actual kids' room!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Vango V Outwell...
) day out with the kids!
) and Vango Tigris 800.
