Vango Equinox 350

Not that thrilled with the tent. It's not a tent for life! Falls between two categories: slightly better than a cheap lightweight, but by no means a serious tent.

Bought the Equinox 350 four years ago and have not used it for a couple of years, still favour my strong, reliable and very heavy 25-year-old brown canvas tent (needs car or trolley) .

Bad points:

Was really suprised when I found that I couldn't keep midges out on North Coast of Scotland/Ireland.

Seemed to get in via netting window and gaps where tension straps feed through. Perhaps there is a way around this, but instructions did not alert user to the possibility of this happening.

Very difficult to erect in strong wind alone.

Inner tent feels quite fragile for use with kids and the clumsy.

A cat on the tent roof managed to leave small pin hole punctures on outer tent fabric (not sure if it is still waterproof!).

Won't say much more as I may want to sell it.

Good points:

Has kept me dry in very stormy weather and remained stable.

Space for storage outside of sleeping area useful.

I don't drive therefore appreciate the fact it's manageable without a car, though not for backpacking alone. It's compact, so I've been able to take the Equinox 350 on the plane/public transport as hand luggage. I've also posted it ahead of me in UK.

Friend on Rathlin Island looking after it for me at the moment. Perhaps I should get it posted back to me and use it again.

I bought this tent in a sale probably two to three years ago. I wanted a tent I could either backpack or put in my car and take the three kids camping. I have done this on numerous occasions and have not been dissapointed. I have camped in fair weather and also, a month ago camped out in the UK when we had the bad windy/rainy weather. We were out in it for five days and it absolutely threw it down for two days and the wind was horrendous one night. The tent stood the test, not one soggy person!!

Like a previous reviewer mentioned, I think midges do get in via the tension straps slits but this provided great entertainment for the kids ... splat the fly !! Little area outside main sleeping area allows you to cook even in bad weather, with zip up double flaps (one netting one material) and would also allow another person to sleep if pushed. All round I am well chuffed.

Have had the tent for a few years now, and have to say it has performed excellently every time it has been used. We have camped in the hills with three of us sharing the weight, which is its only drawback, but for its size and weight it performs admirably. Have had eight people sleeping in it once, in the huge porch too, but this just proves how versatile this tent is.

Would recommend buying one to anyone. We have never been wet or cold, nor too hot, and there is bags of space for cooking and gear inside if the weather isn't good. Easy to pitch, once you have done it a couple of times, (instructions in the bag) and you only need four pegs if the weather isn't too windy, as it's very sturdy when erected. So go out and buy one, you won't regret it.

A very good all-weather, windproof tent if you are willing to heft it up the mountainside; she's not light. But split between two or three, and you are flying. Space is actually ample enough for four inside, and the vestibule is huge: fine for cooking in, or just chilling out during bad UK weather. Have had it out in an exposed spot during a gale, and she held up fine: inner tension-band-system is great. Breathes well too. Good all-around, minus the weight.