VauDe Campo XT 5

The Campo XT5 seems to be a quality tent that should last for a good number of years.

I just received my Campo XT5 from Campsaver after much thought. I have camped for 50 years and very much enjoy it. My wife does not because of the inconveniences my smaller mountaineering tents pose for her.  Basically if I am going to get her to join me on outings I needed a bigger tent.

I also considered options from Big Agnes, Kelty, Marmot, REI, and Redvers. For comparison, my other tents include an original Eureka Backcountry 2 Outfitter, Alps Mystic 1.5, Marmot Nusku 2, and an Exped Andromeda-2.  In the end this seemed like it was of the quality I wanted and covered the space considerations I needed to make for my wife.

At this time I can't give a complete review of the tent and will do that when warmer weather returns. What I can provide is an "un-boxing" review.

My first impression of the tent was "WOW" even as I was removing it from the stuff sack. It is an interesting affair with a roll top much like you would find on a dry-bag. The roll-top stiffener is made of medium weight plastic and in has the instructions for pitching printed directly on it. Nice touch. 

I unrolled the tent on my garage floor and began the initial evaluation pitch. Pretty straightforward for anyone that has pitched a free-standing dome tent with a secondary rain fly. Using duct tape as corner anchors on the floor further allowed me to extend the two vestibules and do a walk through. At this point my impression of the tent is that it is of very good quality with nice stitching, good materials and thoughtful details.

My wife seems to think she may be comfortable enough in this to warrant a few trips next summer. I may have reached my initial goal here.