Vango Force 10 Helium 100

Checking out my new tent.

What gorgeous weather. It’s hard to believe it’s only March!

I made the most of it and finally got to erect my new tent on my mum and dad’s grass. I’d bought it a few weeks ago and needed to put it up to check it was ok, but the lawn has been way too soggy. It’s a Vango Helium 100 and is similar to my existing tent just a bit smaller and almost 2 kilos lighter. I’ll use it for walking as I realised on the Great Glen Way last summer that I really need to get my weight down when I want to walk for days at a time carrying all my gear. Although I loved the walk, it was much more enjoyable on the last two days when I had a base camp and didn’t have to carry everything all day.

I spent a lot of time looking for this tent and have read loads of reviews. I wanted something light, but not too low. Something easy and quick to get up when it’s chucking it down and blowing a gale. It has to be able to stand up to bad weather and not be draughty. It has to fit me and my backpack comfortably inside. And it couldn’t be too expensive. Once I’d decided on this one, it then took a long time to find one at a reasonable price.

It didn’t take me long at all this afternoon to erect it (I took longer than I usually will, with it being the first time). Once it was up, I lay in it and fitted perfectly. It would be a tight squeeze for anyone much taller than me though (I’m 5.4). It feels very flimsy but supposedly the material is made that way to be light but is still really strong and weather proof. I guess I won’t know till I get to use it in a storm.

The weight, by the way, is just under 1.25kg (slightly more than the advertised weight).

Author: Anne

Join me in my journey to live a life less boring, one challenge at a time. Author of the forthcoming book 'Walking the Kungsleden: One Woman's Solo Wander Through the Swedish Arctic'.

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