Vango Gamma 350

Gerardo says : I've had a Gamma 350 for about 3 years now (the same colour/model as the cyclist photo above) and have used it well over a dozen times on campsites around the coast of Scotland. It is relatively easy to put up once you've done it a few times, but definitely helps having an extra pair of hands to stabilise things when it's windy. This tent has withstood some of the wettest and windiest weather I've known and also witnessed a rare but amazing heat wave in Achmelvich which is a place everyone should visit at least once. The Gamma handled these with ease – secure and waterproof yet with enough ventilation when the sun comes out. The sides can flap about in high winds so it’s advisable to pitch lengthways into the prevailing direction if the forecast looks gusty. It survived last years Knockengorroch festival intact whilst many dome tents around us were battered. The inner tent which is hung from the poles of the outer tent is spacious with a few pockets and a sensible midge-proof door. The porch is also a great size and on my model has a taped in groundsheet. My only complaint about this tent is that the porch is far from midge-proof, which can be a real pain when you're sitting eating and chilling out. It's because there is a gap between the porch area and the sleeping area and all the midges can get in here and cause havoc. I wish Vango had either given the outer tent a complete sealed groundsheet rather than just at the porch area or had incorporated a mesh panel that could be zipped between the inner and outer tents to seal the gap. I may experiment with some clothes-pegs and net curtain on my next trip – the midges in Scotland can get that bad!. If it wasn't for this bugbear I would probably give it a ten.

PGtips says : I own one of these and have bought about 5 for my Dof E groups to use. They can handle four people as the porch area is large, most of your kit can fit into it and leave enough space for moving around. I bought my first one as I wanted to do a bit of cycle touring and leave the bike broken down in the porch, they do cope with weather quite well considering they were marketed as 2 season.

AdeMonk says : Great tent. Used with partner on several cycle touring holidays. Has stood up to storms that have flattened other tents on campsites. Porch area has 2 openings so can be opened to make the best of weather/views. Gives a real sense of space whilst still being undercover. Door to sleeping space is a combination of 2 mesh and fabric doors that can be adjusted to allow good air flow whilst still keeping bugs out. Only fault is that the tension straps cannot be adjusted and this makes fitting the poles quite hard work (some tents allow straps to be loosened, poles easily fitted and then tighted straps to pull poles into correct shape.) Now have a baby and would ideally like larger 450 but seems to be discontinued (Aug2007)

jimmy says : ive used my gamma 350 a few times and more than half of those trips have been in wales, where as many expirienced campers will tell you that the weather can really change! this tent has endured some of the worst weather ive ever seen, and it easy to put up and pack up. plenty of space for equipment and indoor cooking if you need to... good light weight tent for two or 3 people 4 at a push. buy one if you love the outdoors

Ellie says : Ideal weekend tent for 2 people, we have the diablo 600 for what I call long haul hols. Plenty of room in porch area for table and chairs and bedroom quite roomy, goes up pretty quick as well.