Looking for the perfect tent for your first wild camping adventure? The Vango Exedra 200 is a strong contender for the title of best beginner tent, offering a compelling blend of lightweight portability, ease of setup, and robust weather protection. Weighing in at just 2.4 kilos, this two-season tent is ideal for spring and summer trips, making it a practical choice for backpacking enthusiasts. Its innovative design prioritizes user-friendliness, making pitching a breeze even for novice campers.The Exedra 200’s impressive waterproof capabilities, featuring a high hydrostatic head on both the flysheet and groundsheet, ensure you’ll stay dry in unpredictable weather. Beyond its weather resistance, this tent provides ample internal storage with numerous pockets and a spacious interior capable of comfortably accommodating two people and their gear. Read on to discover why the Vango Exedra 200 provides exceptional value and is a top choice for both beginner and experienced wild campers alike.
Pros And Cons
- Weighs approximately 2.4 kilos
- Made from recycled polyester fabric
- Inner pitch first
- Two-season tent
- Includes ali pin pegs and hook pegs
- Has three poles (two main poles with hubs and a roof pole for height)
- Flysheet has plastic hooks and Velcro for secure attachment
- Includes guidelines with reflective material and line lock adjusters
- Enough pegs included for all pegging points and guidelines
- 68 denier flysheet fabric with PU coating and taped seams, 3000mm head
- 70 denier recycled polyester floor with taped seams, 6000mm hydrostatic head
- High bathtub floor
- Polyester fabric on ceiling to help with condensation
- Lots of mesh for ventilation
- Four pockets in the lower part and four gear loft style pockets
- Spacious enough for two people with mats and gear
- Two mirrored doors
- Porches can be rolled back
- Packs down small
- Good price point
- Might be too cool for winter conditions
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Lightweight and Packable Design
The Vango Exedra 200 boasts a remarkably low weight of approximately 2.4 kilos, making it an excellent choice for backpacking adventures. Its construction utilizes recycled polyester fabric, aligning with environmentally conscious practices. The tent is designed for two seasons, perfect for spring and summer camping trips.
Setting up the Exedra 200 is straightforward; its three-pole design with easy-to-use hubs and clips ensures efficient pitching. This ease of use makes it exceptionally suitable for beginner wild campers who are still gaining experience with tent setup.
Pitching the Tent: A Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by securing the pegs and poles. The Exedra 200 includes both ali pin pegs and hook pegs, providing secure anchoring in various terrains. First, peg out the four corners to create a stable base before proceeding with the rest of the setup.
Next, attach the inner tent to the poles using the provided fabric sleeves and clips. Then, carefully attach the flysheet using the plastic hooks and Velcro straps, ensuring a snug and waterproof fit. Remember to secure the guidelines for extra stability, even in calm weather.
Key Features and Specifications
The Vango Exedra 200's flysheet boasts a 3,000 mm hydrostatic head, providing ample protection against rain. Its 70 denier recycled polyester floor features a higher 6,000 mm hydrostatic head, ensuring excellent groundsheet protection. The tent features a high bathtub design extending around the inner tent to keep the interior dry.
Internal features include four lower pockets and four gear loft style pockets for storing your belongings. The tent also incorporates a polyester ceiling to prevent condensation dripping onto occupants, adding to its overall comfort.
Performance and Value
The Vango Exedra 200 excels as a two-season tent, ideally suited for spring and summer camping. Its ample interior space accommodates two people comfortably, with enough room for sleeping mats and gear. The dual mirrored doors and roll-back porch system offer versatile options for storage and ventilation.
Compared to similar tents from American brands, the Vango Exedra 200 offers excellent value for money, providing comparable features at a significantly lower price point. Overall, it's a highly recommended option for both beginner and experienced wild campers.
Conclusion: Is it the Best Beginner Tent?
The Vango Exedra 200 is a strong contender for the title of best beginner wild camping tent. Its lightweight design, ease of pitching, and impressive waterproof capabilities make it exceptionally user-friendly. The abundance of pockets and spacious interior further enhance its practicality.
While not suitable for winter conditions, it’s perfect for spring and summer adventures. Its excellent value for money and comparable features to higher-priced competitors solidify its position as a top choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable wild camping experience.