By: Joe Pineapples Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2013 Rating:
These are like gold dust now (I don't know why they where discontinued, it makes no sense). I bought this because it's very similar in frame design to my Vango Blade 100 Pro, which I love but that one has an end-entrance which is small and you have to crawl in. The Apex 200 has a large side entrance with a large vestibule/porch area.
The quality is excellent, it has an internal tension line system to brace against high winds. I've seen some people complain about the bag size that it fits into, I have no idea what they're talking about. I can only assume they've not had a backpacking tent before and don't know how to pack one away. Mine fits just fine, with no struggle. Likewise with the zip rain cover, most users would know that you run your thumb in front of the zip to lift the flap it as it closes, some people don't seem to understand this.
It's a warm tent, I've used this in cold conditions and slept soundly. I'm not convinced you could comfortably sleep 2 people in it, unless one is a small child or your adult partner who you cuddle up close with. The porch area is ideal for both storage and cooking in rainy conditions.
It's very light, about 1.6KG and packs down small.
The only drawback I would say is that if you are tall it may be a bit of a squeeze from end to end.
6'5' would be pushing it I think.
If you're looking for an ultra light 2 man tent with warmth and space to sit in during bad weather, buy this if you are lucky enough to find one!
0 from 0 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Sagnier Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating:
I have used my apex 200 tent a few times and I'm very pleased with it. It seems like a popular one given the number of people viewing this page - given that, id like to make a comment about the size of the bag.
Both of the other reviews have noted that it's too small. I would like to make the case that it is not too small. It seems there are two things to consider when making this judgement - firstly; does the volume of the tent, pegs and poles literally exceed the volume of the bag? clearly not, is the answer, as the tent is in the bag when you buy it. Secondly; is it reasonably within the powers of the average person to put the tent in the bag? I would say (having done it several times) yes it is. I possess no magic powers. I'm not even very good at origami. I think it only requires a bit of thoughtfulness, and careful folding.
Personally I'm very happy with the bag the size it is. A little care taken with the folding and rolling and it goes in fine. Not at all difficult. Five minutes up, five minutes down.
Also, the rainflap over the door zip will snag if you yank the zip closed and hope for the best. But if you're mindful of the possibility of it snagging and take care not to let the flap get caught (really quite easy) then. It wont get caught!
A brilliant tent in my opinion.
0 from 0 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Leafletter Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating:
Just returned from a cycle tour through Scotland with my wife using this tent. We wanted a small footprint, green tent with single pole and side entrance. Our experience with Vango tents has been favourable in the past and we felt this would be up to the weather conditions we were likely to encounter.
First impressions were of a very well made and sturdy tent with strong but light fabric, top quality poles and guy fittings - all very good value for the price.
We noticed when cutting a Tyvek groundsheet protector that the dimensions of the inner tent did not match the floorplan supplied by Vango. It is 125cm at its widest, not 135cm. This was disappointing because the size of the inner was one reason we bought it. It did however have the advantage of making the porch slightly bigger than the floorplan indicated. (The actual weight was also more than the stated weight, but still light).
There are two large vent hoods which give the tent a rather strange shape and could prove a liability in strong wind, although we enjoyed such good weather in Scotland we did not have the chance to find out!
I was also a bit concerned that the front of the tent had no guying points, although that again had the great advantage of making it very easy to get in and out through the large door, and did not seem to be a problem.
The inner is held taut by an attachment to the fly so there's no fabric draped on the face, even with two of us sleeping in it.
The front vent hood acts as a canopy, keeping the rain off when the flysheet is open, and makes the porch seem roomy when the fly is zipped shut and the inner is open. There is plenty of headroom even for two adults sitting up in it.
The mesh vents in both the fly and inner give effective ventilation but do not prevent condensation. Because the inner door is only mesh at the top means that it is a warm tent, something we appreciated in the north of Scotland. Also, this is the first Vango tent we've had whose flysheet fabric stayed taut and did not sag in the wet.
So after a week's use, overall I have to say we are very pleased with the tent and would happily recommend it.
However, the reasons I didn't give it a ten are some minor problems which are very irritating.
First, the stuff sack is the size and shape of a packet of spaghetti and was too small to put the tent back in. Other reviewers have managed to get the tent back in, but I couldn't be bothered, and bought a 13-litre Alpkit dry bag which fits it perfectly and removes that particular niggle (http://www.Alpkit.Com/shop/cart.Php?target=product&product_id=16316&category_id=295).
Another drawback - the little short pegs which we replaced with proper-sized ones.
There is a rain cover for the door zip which snagged every time I tried to close the door.
Finally, the clips that attach the inner to the fly theoretically enabling it to be pitched 'as one' are too slack to stay in place. So although it takes a couple of minutes to put the tent up, I then have to grope under the fly to find the inner and attach it.
1 from 1 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
By: Kenb Reason: I own(ed) one Made in: 2010 Rating:
There are two very minor negative points about this tent, but I'll leave that until the end, otherwise the news is all good.
Firstly the single pole makes it easy to put up.
Secondly, this tent is both light and robust : the material is not flimsy, is reinforced in the right places and does not sag on those damp cold mornings.
So far so good, but it gets even better. There is room for two if you are making it a short trip or have just fallen deeply in love with your tentmate. However, the Apex 200 is a light giant for one who is backpacking or cycling about.
I have not tested it in strong winds, but in very breezy conditions, pitched to the wind there was no flapping and a sound night's sleep happened. The tension band system actually works!
The next day's rain stayed well out of the tent and the canopy meant I could keep the door open and not get the inside wet. I like that canopy: it gives even more headroom and keeps the upper tent taught - its an excellent design feature.
Cons ; The bag is far too small and the door is mesh only at the top.
I love this tent, its ideal for me, being well made, roomy for one, and just do - able if a close friend comes with me.
Even with the minor faults, I'm as chuffed as nuts with this beauty.
2 from 2 people found this review helpful, was it helpful to you?
Add your review of the Apex 200!
If you have used this product please leave a review, or your comments for other visitors, many thanks!
Protex® 30D SPU-RN 3000 flysheet TBS® Pro – Tension Band System Flat external pole sleeves Large apex vent Rain stop flysheet door 70D ripstop polyester inner HD nylon 5000 groundsheet Pole sleeve tension adjustment Powerlite 7001-T6 Alloy poles As one or Flysheet first pitching Hooped design Flysheet door can be partially opened as a vent Reflective piping Reflective webbing at pegging points Line-Lok guyline runners Half mesh inner doors Inner tent pockets Repair Kit Taped seams Lightweight stuffsac Pitching time 5 mins Pack size 44 x ø11cm Total Weight 1.6 kg
