Vango TBS Spirit 200+ Tent
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	TBS Spirit 200+ Tent Vital Statistics: Colours: Grasshopper Weight: 2.90 Kgms SRP: £290.00

TBS Spirit 200+ Tent

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Grasshopper

Weight:
2.90 Kgms

SRP:
£290.00

Features to Note:

Fabrics: Flysheet: Protex® SPU 5000 ripstop nylon (Hydrostatic Head 5000mm)
Inner: Ripstop polyester
Groundsheet: HD nylon 6000 (Hydrstatic Head 6000mm)
Poles: PowerLite® 7001-T6 alloy + TBS® Pro
Pitching: As one or flysheet-first
DofE Recommended Kit
TBS® Pro Tension Band System
Gothic Arch pole structure
Flat pole sleeves
Tunnel construction
Extended porch area
Line-Lok guyline runners
Inner tent pockets
Multiple reflective points
Rain stop flysheet door
Flysheet door can be opened as a vent
Supplied with compression stuffsac
Claimed pitching time :10 mins
Pack size: 43cms x 15cms

In-use Test:

Although threading the poles through the sleeves initially was a little fraught, we still managed to pitch Vango's Spirit 200+ in just 10 minutes the first time. The inner was pre-attached to the flysheet and the sleeves are all colour coded - so pitching this tent is certainly quite straightforward. It can also be pitched outer first.

Once inside, the space is quite good. There is a completely enclosed porch where it was possible to store two large backpacks plus walking boots and still have enough room for a small camping stove.

The main compartment is big enough for two people to sleep - in an emergency it might even accommodate three. However - if you are over 6ft you might be a little bit cramped.

There are two ventilation points in the main compartment, one in the flap between the main tent and the porch which also has two ventilation points. So far I've slept in it alone - and there was only minor build-up of condensation. Will update this review when we've seen what it's like with two.

It's a tunnel design which may suggest it could be less stable in windier conditions than a geodesic. However, it does include Vango's TBS system which provides some extra stability to each pole via additional internal guylines.

The only entrance/exit is in the porch - but the door can be opened as a vent which is useful if you're cooking in there in bad weather.

There is some mesh insect protection in the flap between main tent and porch also in the porch.

Buying Advice:

Vango's Spirit 200+ is perhaps a bit heavy for backpacking and a tent with a geodesic design may be better for camping in very wild spots.

However, if you want an easy-to-pitch tent with reasonable stability, good space at a decent price, then consider the Spirit 200+

What do you think?

Have you got a Vango TBS Spirit 200+ Tent?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Vango TBS Spirit 200+ Tent - so we can publish your important views below.

• I bought this for around £160 by shopping around. Easy to pitch although threading poles was a fiddle. Like ability to pitch outer first. I was able to pitch it myself in less than ten mins. I am 6'2" and found inside had plenty of space and enough hieght. Inner never touched outer and remained bone dry. In poor weather it performed really well. No stability issues in very high sideways winds. Gives a genuine feel of quality that inspired confirdence. Only negative point is the single doorway. If you choose to ignore the wind directions and plonk it down - you may end up with rain driving into the sleeping area as I had in Oban a week ago. Operator error!

Howard Greenland, Norwich