Vango Force 10 Vortex 300

[Big Dod]

Afternoon all,
Just a few photos of the new tent.
This is the first tent I have bought in a Long time.
Looking forward to getting up into the Mournes just as soon as I get the rest of the stuff I will need bought and thought I'd put these here for anyone else who is considering this tent to have a look at too.
Havnt been out in it yet, just got it a few days back so its setup in the garden ( as it was too big for the kitchen   )

Gear loft as you can see, and lots of little plastic loops for hanging stuff on inside.
And the vents on the outside can be accessed from inside the tent.
One of the main reasons for this purchase was the ability to pitch it 'all in one' so the inner won't get wet if its pouring rain etc...

By the way, I had asked for a 200 from   http://www.summits.co.uk/   as it said on their website that they had 3 but got an email a few days later that they didnt have any in green left and would an orange one do.  So I opted for the 300 in green as my daughter will be coming with me from time to time and when I go on my own I'll have a fair bit of room, lol.  Aye, I can do that snow angel thing in this and not touch the sides.  I'm 5'11"....

Even though I had this problem with ordering I would like to add that all contact with them was completly painless.  The lads at Summits Outdoor were real easy to talk to and only too willing to iron out any problems.  Also all emails sent to them via amazon were answered the next day, every time.  As a result I got this for £300, so happy enough with that

[Fred]

Looks like a great tent. I have the F10 Baltoro which is similar but without snow valances and I cant really fault it, the build quality is superb. It will serve you well but its a bit over the top for drizzly days in donard woods!

fred

[surfnscenic]

Looks a nice tent you have. Wishing you many happy outings.  Have you not slept out in it yet in the back garden?  Go on, you know you want to!

I think a tent with a bit of room, even if it's a liitle heavier is worth it, especially when it's raining.  It makes getting changed, storing gear, cooking, simply moving around so much more easier; and reduces the onset of the dreaded cramp.

If you get a chance post more photos with some other camping gear inside eg. sleeping mat and bag.

Thanks for posting.

[Big Dod]

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is sumit camping when the rain and sleet is horizontal or worse

I love being out and about when its stormy out.  Got the whole place to yourself..

Obviously I love a balmy summers night too but witnessing nature in all its fury is one hell of a buzz for me.

As many men have said before and I couldnt agree more - No such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes

Drizzly night in Donard wood wouldnt do it for me Fred.  Just wanted something that I know will stay up, no matter what the weather is like, if I decide to head up Sleive Donard or wherever for the night to clear my head

[Big Dod]

Hi Surf...
Just missed you post.
Getting some more kit ordered on Friday (Pay Day - Monthly) and then hopefully off up, probably Commedagh for the first run, when it arrives.
I'll have the pics up with gear in it etc when that happy day finally arrives

I live 50m from Xtravision in Newcastle so wanna get a couple of radios and see if the wife can hear me when I get up there   Maybe not one of my better ideas    but would be useful in an emergency if it does work and as another thread stated theres the channel used by fellow wilders to monitor to see if anyone else is out and about too...

Will be an interesting first night for one other slightly embarassing reason too.  I'm originally from Carnlough, county antrim and I used to love orienteering when I was a kid, especially at night.  Then they released american werewolf in london and that put an end to that caper   Havnt been out in a forest on my own at night since lol....  So no mucking about with wolf noises if you know I'm up there or you'll be carrying a fatal heart attack back down later...

I was a bit worried about the size and weight issues with this but then I am doing this for the exercise as well as the views and photo opportunities.  I realise the benefits of reducing the weight of your pack but the way I see it, I'll have plenty of room and comfort when I get there even if my daughter and or the dogs ( Yes, read that thread ) come with me...

[RedLeader]

We used the A frame Force 10s in Scouts but at a whopping 7kg they're not exactly summit tents I've not seen much of the rest of the range but I'm guessing they're just as bulletproof.

I always thought Vango made Force Ten tents, is that the case?

[Big Dod]

Yes its a Vango.
Actually doesnt feel that heavy to be honest but then I'm not exactly what you'd call 'of a small build'
I'll update my thoughts on that after I hoof it up Commedagh though...

[RedLeader]

Cool. I'll look forward to the pics and writeup.

I was always curious how most of Vango's stuff was pretty middle of the road quality wise apart from the F10 range which is absolutely top notch.

Yes its a Vango.
Actually doesnt feel that heavy to be honest but then I'm not exactly what you'd call 'of a small build'
I'll update my thoughts on that after I hoof it up Commedagh though...

[Fred]

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is sumit camping when the rain and sleet is horizontal or worse

I love being out and about when its stormy out.  Got the whole place to yourself..

You might be camping alone in those situations!
The tent is definitely up to the job though, many happy outings with it.

fred

[Big Dod]

You might be camping alone in those situations!
The tent is definitely up to the job though, many happy outings with it.

fred

Hi Fred,
Thanks bud, cant wait
Although I am looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the folk on here at some stage, sometimes is the 'being alone in the middle of nowhere braving the storm' thats the attraction

I was always curious how most of Vango's stuff was pretty middle of the road quality wise apart from the F10 range which is absolutely top notch.

Hi RedLeader,
Yes, the reviews I've read about issues with the quality of some of Vango's tents is what worried me slightly about this purchase.  Obviously any tent isnt going to be challenged in any way in your back garden so hopefully the Force 10 brand will live up to its rep up the Mournes..
I for one am looking forward to putting it through a few rough nights    And a lot of good ones too, of course..

PS

Who is Mr Tom Heaney and where does he get all those tents from anyway?   
Is he / are you on here?
Youtube channel unavailable.

[Matthew]

Tom Heaney is the manager at Cotswolds Boucher road. He gets the tents from all over the place and regularly changes them when offers etc come along.

[Wolf_Larson]

Looks like a great tent, also looks like we could all party in your tent (BIG) its always nice to know if my tent blows away then ill be knoking your tent door ;-)

Cant wait for your other posts and reveiws.

[Big Dod]

I'd always help out another camper in need Wolf but I have two of these ( below )



Brown and white - always friendly
The one on the left - friendly right up until someone tries to occupy her chosen place of rest

( Photo is of the Mutts wondering whats taking my 2 daughters so long to climb Sleive Donard - Between saddle and summit. )



PS  If anbody knows how to tire one of these brown and white ones out I'm all ears..

[surfnscenic]

I'd always help out another camper in need Wolf but I have two of these ( below )



Brown and white - always friendly
The one on the left - friendly right up until someone tries to occupy her chosen place of rest

( Photo is of the Mutts wondering whats taking my 2 daughters so long to climb Sleive Donard - Between saddle and summit. )



PS  If anbody knows how to tire one of these brown and white ones out I'm all ears..

I thought I'd seen one of these before......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw

[specimanYak]

PS  If anbody knows how to tire one of these brown and white ones out I'm all ears..

They look like a pair of friendly hounds, once you get to the top of a summit have you tried throwing a Frisbee down hill for them, that should keep them occupied.