I have had many tents but for weight, cost, performance I don’t think any come close to this tent. Its bomb proof and I had this tent up in all conditions and has never let me down
Agree with everything.I bought one this summer for my Mountain Leader Assessment and it was just great. It stood up to a couple of very windy nights out in the Moelwyns. Good value, great weight and adequate space.
I am really interested in this tent. I am training for my M.L. so need a good 3/4 season tent for mountains and high winds but also want it lightweight for long hikes. I can't afford a hilleberg akto. Could this be an alternative? I heard the helium 1 is also a robust option. Any thoughts, sir? Rgds Imran
@@benmachair6361 Dear David Thank you so much for your reply. Would you recommend the helium 1 or 2 for mountain wild camping (for my ML) and also for longer hikes eg Coast to Coast?
@David Walsh Dear David Thank you so much for your reply. Would you recommend the helium 1 or 2 for mountain wild camping (for my ML) and also for longer hikes eg Coast to Coast?
How do you tension out the sides with the small poles? I spent a windy night I'm this tent And all the walls were flapping like crazy, even hitting me throughout the night.
Hi Andrew, I've got one of these too! I'm 6'2 and didn't have any probs. Camped out in the summer, no probs with condensation and had good weather so haven't tested in rain nor wind but I should imagine it would cope admirably. ATB Glenn
Looking to upgrade my tent and stumbled across this video. Just wanted to say thanks for a no ball honest review. It's really refreshing to to see. Thank you 👍
Nice review. I struggled to find a lot of videos on the Helium before I bought mine, but I really like this tent. I went with the 2man version though and the marginal increase in weight was worth the trade off for space.
Thanks Andrew. Yes a good tent , I did C2C and Offas in 35 days and camped 90% of time in the same tent. Hard rain and still dry, does get a tad condy in warmer evenings. But money well spent at 1.2 kg.
Iv got the helium 100, prob an older model but its very similar and done lots of trips walking and cycling and still going strong after several years and at 1.2 kg great for the money
The inner coating would be polyurethane, typical of tents dating back to the 1960s, which can be applied to both polyester and nylon fabrics. Happy New Year, Andrew. I am a new subscriber with a background in the outdoor equipment retail business. It's nice to see what folks on the other side of the pond have available to them, and to see what equipment designed in the USA is popular over there. Thank you for your videos!👍
Hi Andrew thanks for the review. My criticism of the tie back on the outer door was that there was still a large flap of material that was left hanging and it flapped around in heavy winds and was in the way of cooking in the vestibule with the door open. I carried a small clothes peg to hold it back. I’ve campped out on Kinder Scout in 50mph and minus 1 C in it and the tent was fine. I also found it was big enough for all of my gear in side with some planning plus me, and I am 5’10” and 14 stone. I even left my boots inside at the bottom and to one side. I found the foot vent draughty in high wind and I had to plac emy jacket over my feet to stop the cold. Height of tent a little challenging. A great tent though.
If you roll these side doors up from the bottom edge towards the top, it keeps the whole edge encased in the roll. I see so many people rolling the door from the top down which means a large flap hangs loose. Try it the other way, rolling it up from the bottom and you'll see what I mean!
Nice review, I also enjoyed the film of the tent in use. I have the ul2 and I really enjoy it. Niggles are the end poles which take a bit of getting used to, on older Vango models they were two piece where these are single piece, (storage), only a minor niggle. I do, however struggle with the tie back loops, being the same material and colour as the flysheet, I just get muddled with them sometimes and can't "unhook" them, they occasional tangle, but again, only a minor niggle, probably more to do with my eyesight. I have the ul2 with everything bagged up weighing in at 1.35kg, I swapped the tbs for dyneema cord and replaced the guy lines. It's a great tent and have enjoyed thru hike with it, looking forward to many more nights out there. Thanks again for vlogging. Stay safe out there, ATB... 👍
That’s a great review. I’ve still not used mine but intend to use it for most of my camping this year. Regarding the venting for the porch I’m pretty sure there’s an eyelet at the bottom on the door and using a trekking pole you can prop the door open like you can in the Vango cairngorm tent.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors I often hike with at least one hiking pole. I’ll share my Helium UL adventures and if there is an eyelet I’ll try a video of using it.
Thanks for the video. I bought this and used it on a 14 day spring wild camping trip in the Scottish islands. I loved it. Very waterproof. Coped well with moderate winds (25mph). I'm not sure it would cope with 40mph+ winds. But other than that it's great. Plenty of room for living and cooking. I found it warm. Easy to pitch. Lightweight. Good price. I did get some condensation but that's to be expected.
Very good tent. Many well spent nights in the tent, including last week in the Highlands. Very reliable, but two grown-ups in it I wouldn't do, would be too cramped, but for one man with a 60L hiking bag it's perfect. I am tall 6'2, and have had no issues. Very easy to pitch, and lightweight,
I have the Cairngorm 100 which is very similar. With the tent pitched correctly with regards to the wind, it’s impressively solid. I added a couple of peg points on the flysheet between the main pole and the end poles which has dealt with the somewhat slack flysheet in those areas. I think the size is very well judged and the shape makes excellent use of the space. I’m 6ft and although when I’m sat up inside I have to slightly duck down, it’s not a problem. I’d say if you’re 6’4 or above then this might be annoying.. however the length of the inside (lying down) will be plenty up to about 6’6 or so, which cannot be said of some other designs. The main thing is that it has a very low overall profile which makes it excellent in the wind considering the space afforded inside.
I have the UL2 version as I travel with a dog and wanted a roomy tent. I think you get a lot of tent for your money with this and I love its light weight and small pack size. I leave the end poles in permanently and just wrap the tent around them when I'm putting it back in its bag. It is a great tent for bad weather, nice and stable in wind. Thanks for the review, there aren't many up to date on this tent.
Happy New year, Andrew. Strikingly similar tent to the Wild Country Zephyros 1. In fact it was a toss up for me between that and the F10 Helium. Bought the former purely because I got it cheaper. Both great tents but definitely a bit claustrophobic if you're over 6 ft.
After watching this, I don't get it why people are saying that this tent is claustrophobic, and go for 2 person version. I see plenty enough space in there for my bike-packing bags. The only benefit I see of going with 2 person version in my opinion is having the second entrance on the other side, so that way I would have a nice view from inside the tent. Consider 2 person version, maybe if someone have a lot of gear, and is much taller than me, then probably that makes sense.
Thanks Andrew, picked up the UL2 version of this tent early last year on sale, but to my shame haven't even used it yet. Hope to remedy that this year!
Hi Andrew. Thanks for the review. I’m thinking in getting the Helium 2. I have one question though: what about condensation? Have you used it under heavy rain?
From memory yes, usual condensation on the fly in still conditions but no issues in the inner. If you're thinking Helium 2 have you considered the Nexus UL2? I'd think it's better all round.
I have the 2 man version which i've had for 2 years. The reason for the inner and outer corners are not pre-tired is so you can just put up the outer only in the summer. I'm 6'2" and have no problem in the tent. Only thing missing is no inner pockets on the 2 man tent. PS you shouldn't cook inside a tent.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Yes, I think most of us (all of us?) cook in the porch - at least in the UK! Just be mindful of what you are doing and it is fine :)
Iv only just realised you can add additional guy lines to webbing bands on the central hoop sleve. Just added 2 guys to these and its made it super bomb proof if it gets windy.
i was offered the 2 man version for 250 new. but i held back because i already have a good tent (coleman avion x2) but its missing the back porch pole. Been trying to find a place that has a spare! :(
Great review, thanks for taking the time. I'm a big fan of Vango - you get a lot, for not a lot of money I've got a Nevis 100, which is good too. I wish they'd reintroduce the Blade100, that was a cracker (the 200 is excellent, but bigger than I need most of the time) Haven't opted for the 'posh' Helium range yet, but I wouldn't rule one out
Thanks for watching . I have to say I like Vango stuff, does what it says on the tim and good value for money, the F10 range is well worth a look, mostly it's just weight savings for the cash.
I have had my UL1 for 2 years now and it has seen a fair bit of use in different conditions. I also bought the footprint which is handy. The only problems I have had are a hole in the inner at the zip. I think I caught the seam in the zip. Easily repaired with the supplied patch and a bit of sewing. It is also flappy in high winds but the TBS system works. Just noisy for sleeping. Pluses,? I'm 6 foot and can sit in it, just. It packs down really small. I can fit an exped downmat and my 60 litre pack in it. I notice condensation on the fly and sometimes get the footbox of my sleeping bag pressing up against it but not anything drastic. I remove the end Poles each time and I swapped the pegs out. The inner pegging doesn't bother me and the door holds in place in the loop if you roll it from the furthest point so most of the material is trapped at the loop. I don't find it claustrophobic and for its weight it beats tents at double the price. I saw some saying the prices were up near 500 quid. Mine was just over 200. It is my wee lightweight brother to my real Force 10mk3.
I’ll have to set it up and try, if it was an issue I think I would have noticed.. I’ll report back. Granted it is a small tent but this suits me for climbing mountains as it is very light.
Great review. 👍 i really like the tact uv used it in winter b4 reviewing. I see u share my practice of a makeshift groundsheet protector which can be left behind if not supr light. Very appealing tent because its about half the cost of competitors.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks, I'm 5'6 and your reviews have been really helpful for narrowing down tent choices. I'm torn between the Lanshan 1 Pro and the 3F UL 1 person (with the narrow foot end). Do you have any thoughts between the two? The lanshan seems to have more space around the feet, but the other 3f tent seems to have a nicer shaped vestibule. Would love to hear how you've found condensation between the two?
I need a 1 person tent do the Overland Track in Tasmania, where it can snow even in the middle of summer. Saw it in my local hiking shop, googled and found your video. Thanks
Hi Ben, the ground sheet is not as thin as some I've seen but I tend to use a foil blanket out of habit. Sleeping bags is a very personal thing with a huge choice, I've been using the same Mountain Hardware Hyper lamina for 3 season and Macpac Sanctuary 4 season for years to be honest, both great brands.
Hi Andrew, just wondering if you've had any experience with the F10 Hydrogen? At double the cost I'm struggling to find enough info to justify the investment & am particularly concerned the air poles won't last more than a couple of years. Would be really grateful for any thoughts you have on the Hydrogen. Otherwise it's a toss up between the Helium & the lunar solo... neither of which seem like a bad choice for predominantly west coast Scotland. Thanks
@@AndrewParkOutdoors thanks, just checked out the Aeronaut online & it's definitely a contender. So now there's also the aeronaut, & the soloist in the mix! 😂🙈😂 Doesn't look like there's been any stock of the helium since Jan so that's one less to consider...
Hi John, unfortunately I don't have it to check but it does sit pretty close to your head and feet so my brother who has it says it does feel a bit 'in your face' to be honest, takes his normal mummy style xtherm mat ok
Hi Julian, I only borrowed it for this test from my brother. We both swap out for lighter airier options in summer ( I reckon this would be a little hot though it's not a bad weight to carry even in summer ).
How does it perform in wind? Is there a wind spec. about the average wind speed resistance and the max (gust) wind resistance? (Tents below 100 km/h wind resistance are "no go" for Alpine area... and I guess same for Scotland highlands).
am really interested in this tent. I am training for my M.L. so need a good 3/4 season tent for mountains and high winds but also want it lightweight for long hikes. I can't afford a hilleberg akto. Could this be an alternative? I heard the helium 1 is also a robust option. Any thoughts, sir? Rgds Imran
Yes it's one for your shortlist Imran, if you need something stronger all year round for a bit of extra weight check out the Robens Starlight 1, just posting a video on it shortly.
Thank you. Look forward to your video. In the end, if you could only have ONE light-weight but robust tent for the whole year, what would your favourite be? :)
@@AndrewParkOutdoors good idea, I saw on one of hilleberg's photos they had a tent with basically a wall of snow made from bricks of snow to help with wind. Good thing about snow, you can build little walls or a hole to lower the height of your stove
Hi Andrew, how small can this pack lengthwise? Assuming the poles are the main constraint, the Vango website says 30cm, anther says 43cm, which is a vast difference. Can you measure the poles please?
really fancying one of these for this year to move up from my banshee, but damn are they hard to find. also thank you for the review, there is also very little info on the net about these
Great review Andrew😁👏🏻..I have the two man version of the Helium😁..You pointed out all the stuff annoys me about it😁👍..I found it quite awkward on the first pitch after that I found it fine to pitch..For me it’s the weight and the size of the pack especially for summit camps..Defo the tent I use for them..Enjoyed the review mate. Cheers Robert
I have the 1 man version of this. I almost got the terra nova compact 1 instead, but this saved me lots of cash. I haven't had it out in any kind of wind yet and I'm concerned it is far too flappy? I have seen other reviews online suggesting it is, have you found this to be an issue? I only ask because I have a 300 mile hike coming up and I am expecting some windy conditions..
More fool you😂 if they were good enough for the armed forces they are good enough for the likes of you, however, I have to agree the Blade was not one of their best! ATB
Just bought this tent well the ul 2 (arrived today) 😃🏕based on the advice of a fellow camper and a few reviews including yours. 2021 version so am wondering if they have listened to your advice 👍 I get out every 2 weeks without fail so won’t be too long before I give it a try 🏕 thanks 🙏
Keen to hear what the width at the head/foot is for the UL2 (and UL1 if someone has that). Also if it compresses down further than than the 30x14cm advertised. Looks like a great option for hiking/bikepacking in New Zealand conditions and a decent 70D floor.
I have had many tents but for weight, cost, performance I don’t think any come close to this tent.
Its bomb proof and I had this tent up in all conditions and has never let me down
How did you find the ventilation in hot still conditions, enough or not. I'm looking at the UL2 to help with this issue.
Agree with everything.I bought one this summer for my Mountain Leader Assessment and it was just great. It stood up to a couple of very windy nights out in the Moelwyns. Good value, great weight and adequate space.
I am really interested in this tent. I am training for my M.L. so need a good 3/4 season tent for mountains and high winds but also want it lightweight for long hikes. I can't afford a hilleberg akto. Could this be an alternative? I heard the helium 1 is also a robust option. Any thoughts, sir?
Rgds
Imran
@@benmachair6361 Dear David
Thank you so much for your reply. Would you recommend the helium 1 or 2 for mountain wild camping (for my ML) and also for longer hikes eg Coast to Coast?
@David Walsh Dear David
Thank you so much for your reply. Would you recommend the helium 1 or 2 for mountain wild camping (for my ML) and also for longer hikes eg Coast to Coast?
@@benmachair6361 Thank you
How do you tension out the sides with the small poles? I spent a windy night I'm this tent And all the walls were flapping like crazy, even hitting me throughout the night.
Hi Andrew, I've got one of these too! I'm 6'2 and didn't have any probs. Camped out in the summer, no probs with condensation and had good weather so haven't tested in rain nor wind but I should imagine it would cope admirably. ATB Glenn
Looking to upgrade my tent and stumbled across this video. Just wanted to say thanks for a no ball honest review. It's really refreshing to to see. Thank you 👍
Thanks for taking the time to comment Dan. Hope it was useful and happy camping whatever you buy. A
Nice review. I struggled to find a lot of videos on the Helium before I bought mine, but I really like this tent. I went with the 2man version though and the marginal increase in weight was worth the trade off for space.
Hi, do you have a link to the 2 man version, i'm struggling to find it?
is it reasonably sturdy in winds? I have helm one compact and lanshan 2 pro. but I m really intrigued by f10 helium..
I can't comment on the lanshan or helm, but the vango is pretty sturdy in the wind. I have never tested it too far, but it always feels solid.
Thanks Andrew. Yes a good tent , I did C2C and Offas in 35 days and camped 90% of time in the same tent. Hard rain and still dry, does get a tad condy in warmer evenings. But money well spent at 1.2 kg.
Iv got the helium 100, prob an older model but its very similar and done lots of trips walking and cycling and still going strong after several years and at 1.2 kg great for the money
The inner coating would be polyurethane, typical of tents dating back to the 1960s, which can be applied to both polyester and nylon fabrics. Happy New Year, Andrew. I am a new subscriber with a background in the outdoor equipment retail business. It's nice to see what folks on the other side of the pond have available to them, and to see what equipment designed in the USA is popular over there. Thank you for your videos!👍
Thanks Daniel, same, I love to see what's being used around the world. All the best.
Have the two man version of this and love it. Such an unpretentious tent that just works without shouting about itself 👍🏻
That's a good way of putting it, I think that's true of a few F10 models.
Thanks, Andrew, and a very Happy New Year to you, too. 😊
Happy New Year Christopher, heres to more freedom this year.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Oh, l'll drink to that!
Hi Andrew thanks for the review. My criticism of the tie back on the outer door was that there was still a large flap of material that was left hanging and it flapped around in heavy winds and was in the way of cooking in the vestibule with the door open. I carried a small clothes peg to hold it back. I’ve campped out on Kinder Scout in 50mph and minus 1 C in it and the tent was fine. I also found it was big enough for all of my gear in side with some planning plus me, and I am 5’10” and 14 stone. I even left my boots inside at the bottom and to one side. I found the foot vent draughty in high wind and I had to plac emy jacket over my feet to stop the cold. Height of tent a little challenging. A great tent though.
If you roll these side doors up from the bottom edge towards the top, it keeps the whole edge encased in the roll. I see so many people rolling the door from the top down which means a large flap hangs loose. Try it the other way, rolling it up from the bottom and you'll see what I mean!
@@pootlingalong8928 Thanks for that comment. I found in a gale even this didn't work, it unwrapped itself, hence the peg.
Nice review, I also enjoyed the film of the tent in use. I have the ul2 and I really enjoy it. Niggles are the end poles which take a bit of getting used to, on older Vango models they were two piece where these are single piece, (storage), only a minor niggle. I do, however struggle with the tie back loops, being the same material and colour as the flysheet, I just get muddled with them sometimes and can't "unhook" them, they occasional tangle, but again, only a minor niggle, probably more to do with my eyesight. I have the ul2 with everything bagged up weighing in at 1.35kg, I swapped the tbs for dyneema cord and replaced the guy lines. It's a great tent and have enjoyed thru hike with it, looking forward to many more nights out there. Thanks again for vlogging. Stay safe out there, ATB... 👍
Keen to hear what the width at the head/foot is for the UL2. Thanks.
That’s a great review. I’ve still not used mine but intend to use it for most of my camping this year. Regarding the venting for the porch I’m pretty sure there’s an eyelet at the bottom on the door and using a trekking pole you can prop the door open like you can in the Vango cairngorm tent.
Thanks, I never spotted the eyelet, shame I've given it back to my bruv ;-)
@@AndrewParkOutdoors I often hike with at least one hiking pole. I’ll share my Helium UL adventures and if there is an eyelet I’ll try a video of using it.
Thanks for the video. I bought this and used it on a 14 day spring wild camping trip in the Scottish islands. I loved it. Very waterproof. Coped well with moderate winds (25mph). I'm not sure it would cope with 40mph+ winds. But other than that it's great. Plenty of room for living and cooking. I found it warm. Easy to pitch. Lightweight. Good price. I did get some condensation but that's to be expected.
I thinks it's a great all rounder at a good price, sounds like a great trip. Atb A
Very good tent. Many well spent nights in the tent, including last week in the Highlands. Very reliable, but two grown-ups in it I wouldn't do, would be too cramped, but for one man with a 60L hiking bag it's perfect. I am tall 6'2, and have had no issues. Very easy to pitch, and lightweight,
Yes I think it's a good all rounder at a good price.
I have the Cairngorm 100 which is very similar. With the tent pitched correctly with regards to the wind, it’s impressively solid. I added a couple of peg points on the flysheet between the main pole and the end poles which has dealt with the somewhat slack flysheet in those areas.
I think the size is very well judged and the shape makes excellent use of the space. I’m 6ft and although when I’m sat up inside I have to slightly duck down, it’s not a problem. I’d say if you’re 6’4 or above then this might be annoying.. however the length of the inside (lying down) will be plenty up to about 6’6 or so, which cannot be said of some other designs.
The main thing is that it has a very low overall profile which makes it excellent in the wind considering the space afforded inside.
I have the UL2 version as I travel with a dog and wanted a roomy tent. I think you get a lot of tent for your money with this and I love its light weight and small pack size. I leave the end poles in permanently and just wrap the tent around them when I'm putting it back in its bag. It is a great tent for bad weather, nice and stable in wind. Thanks for the review, there aren't many up to date on this tent.
Thanks for watching, good tip !
Happy New year, Andrew. Strikingly similar tent to the Wild Country Zephyros 1. In fact it was a toss up for me between that and the F10 Helium. Bought the former purely because I got it cheaper. Both great tents but definitely a bit claustrophobic if you're over 6 ft.
Happy new year, thank god I'm small, most tents seem pretty tight to me which means I get the pick of the bunch :-)
After watching this, I don't get it why people are saying that this tent is claustrophobic, and go for 2 person version. I see plenty enough space in there for my bike-packing bags. The only benefit I see of going with 2 person version in my opinion is having the second entrance on the other side, so that way I would have a nice view from inside the tent. Consider 2 person version, maybe if someone have a lot of gear, and is much taller than me, then probably that makes sense.
The one man version I have has been great, enough room for me and my kit
Thanks Andrew, picked up the UL2 version of this tent early last year on sale, but to my shame haven't even used it yet. Hope to remedy that this year!
Keen to hear what the width at the head/foot is for the UL2. Thanks.
Good tents Vango, I always forget about them... Interesting tent when considering its lightweight and cost....
I’m 6’4” and have no problem with the size.
Hi Andrew. Thanks for the review. I’m thinking in getting the Helium 2. I have one question though: what about condensation? Have you used it under heavy rain?
From memory yes, usual condensation on the fly in still conditions but no issues in the inner. If you're thinking Helium 2 have you considered the Nexus UL2? I'd think it's better all round.
I have the 2 man version which i've had for 2 years. The reason for the inner and outer corners are not pre-tired is so you can just put up the outer only in the summer. I'm 6'2" and have no problem in the tent. Only thing missing is no inner pockets on the 2 man tent. PS you shouldn't cook inside a tent.
You shouldnt, but needs must sometimes ;-)
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Yes, I think most of us (all of us?) cook in the porch - at least in the UK! Just be mindful of what you are doing and it is fine :)
Nice tent. Think I would have to go with the two person model.
Iv only just realised you can add additional guy lines to webbing bands on the central hoop sleve.
Just added 2 guys to these and its made it super bomb proof if it gets windy.
Great review. I bought one of these during lockdown and I’m looking forward to using it.
Good choice!
i was offered the 2 man version for 250 new. but i held back because i already have a good tent (coleman avion x2) but its missing the back porch pole. Been trying to find a place that has a spare! :(
This is an excellent tent. Double door is great it venta dew and condensation so fast. For 1.35kg its grand
Great review, thanks for taking the time.
I'm a big fan of Vango - you get a lot, for not a lot of money
I've got a Nevis 100, which is good too. I wish they'd reintroduce the Blade100, that was a cracker (the 200 is excellent,
but bigger than I need most of the time)
Haven't opted for the 'posh' Helium range yet, but I wouldn't rule one out
Thanks for watching . I have to say I like Vango stuff, does what it says on the tim and good value for money, the F10 range is well worth a look, mostly it's just weight savings for the cash.
I have had my UL1 for 2 years now and it has seen a fair bit of use in different conditions. I also bought the footprint which is handy.
The only problems I have had are a hole in the inner at the zip. I think I caught the seam in the zip. Easily repaired with the supplied patch and a bit of sewing. It is also flappy in high winds but the TBS system works. Just noisy for sleeping.
Pluses,? I'm 6 foot and can sit in it, just. It packs down really small. I can fit an exped downmat and my 60 litre pack in it.
I notice condensation on the fly and sometimes get the footbox of my sleeping bag pressing up against it but not anything drastic. I remove the end Poles each time and I swapped the pegs out. The inner pegging doesn't bother me and the door holds in place in the loop if you roll it from the furthest point so most of the material is trapped at the loop. I don't find it claustrophobic and for its weight it beats tents at double the price.
I saw some saying the prices were up near 500 quid. Mine was just over 200.
It is my wee lightweight brother to my real Force 10mk3.
Good to hear from someone who's really used it, still going strong for my brother too!
Did you peg the loops of the inner and the fly separately or together? I just pitched mine up for the first time and it was a bit of a faff
@@gaboadeje Together. I pull out the inner first and then the fly.
Brilliant review, well thought out. Best review on here!
Thanks Jamie, much appreciated. A
The only question I have is why can't they make one for people 6'4 😔
I’m 6’4” and have no problem with the size. But I agree the vestibule is small.
@@RZVPeter can you sit up in it without your head pushing the roof? I couldn't when I tried one in a shop.
I’ll have to set it up and try, if it was an issue I think I would have noticed.. I’ll report back.
Granted it is a small tent but this suits me for climbing mountains as it is very light.
@@RZVPeter agree its a great tent 👍
You should try the UL2. Bags of space for one, but if travelling with someone else it would be a tad tight.
Great review. 👍 i really like the tact uv used it in winter b4 reviewing. I see u share my practice of a makeshift groundsheet protector which can be left behind if not supr light. Very appealing tent because its about half the cost of competitors.
Yes great value little workhorse Andrew . Thanks for watching. A
Very concise and well presented, thanks for your time and effort!
Glad it was helpful!
A fair review Andrew. I have a virtually new UL2 to sell. Is it OK to add a link to your video on ebay?
Sure Steve, fire away. A
Great video and excellent review.
Very informative and looks like a cracking tent.
ATB Dan. 👍👍👍👍
Thank you Dan
Daft question from a UL2 owner. What's the official width of the inner
Thanks for another fantastic video! Can I ask how tall you are?
Hi Alex, thanks. I'm five foot eight .
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks, I'm 5'6 and your reviews have been really helpful for narrowing down tent choices. I'm torn between the Lanshan 1 Pro and the 3F UL 1 person (with the narrow foot end).
Do you have any thoughts between the two?
The lanshan seems to have more space around the feet, but the other 3f tent seems to have a nicer shaped vestibule. Would love to hear how you've found condensation between the two?
I need a 1 person tent do the Overland Track in Tasmania, where it can snow even in the middle of summer. Saw it in my local hiking shop, googled and found your video. Thanks
Thanks for that, I hope it helped. Happy camping. A
Good review, and agree with your comments
Cheers Steve.
Hi Andrew. Is the accompanying groundsheet essential and any recommendations for a sleeping bag to go with the tent? Thanks! 👍
Hi Ben, the ground sheet is not as thin as some I've seen but I tend to use a foil blanket out of habit. Sleeping bags is a very personal thing with a huge choice, I've been using the same Mountain Hardware Hyper lamina for 3 season and Macpac Sanctuary 4 season for years to be honest, both great brands.
Probably better off going for UL2 only a small increase in weight. Nice tent though.
If you're going up mountains sometimes you want the smallest footprint so you can pitch in otherwise impossible places.
Have you used the extra loops on top of the tent to add additional guylines? I didn't notice them until I pitched it up ahaha
mmm, never noticed ?!
how does this compare to the vango f1o nexus i like both and im at odds which one to get
Nexus every time unless it's purely about the weight for you. A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors thanks
I don't suppose you know the width of the inner at the head/foot ends. Ie the thinnest part? Gives me an idea of how wide a mat it may take.
Sorry Jeff, I don't have access to it to tell you now unfortunately.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors No worries, thanks.
Very helpful! You have a new subscriber.
Hi Andrew, just wondering if you've had any experience with the F10 Hydrogen? At double the cost I'm struggling to find enough info to justify the investment & am particularly concerned the air poles won't last more than a couple of years. Would be really grateful for any thoughts you have on the Hydrogen. Otherwise it's a toss up between the Helium & the lunar solo... neither of which seem like a bad choice for predominantly west coast Scotland. Thanks
I haven't seen one tbh though I was thinking about trying the Alpkit Aeronaut as a cheap alternative ?
@@AndrewParkOutdoors thanks, just checked out the Aeronaut online & it's definitely a contender. So now there's also the aeronaut, & the soloist in the mix! 😂🙈😂 Doesn't look like there's been any stock of the helium since Jan so that's one less to consider...
if weight is not an issue, is wild country helm 1 compact is a better tent for a bad weather?
I'd say so due to the extra poling 🤔
hi, did you have any more issues with condensation? Seen a 2man version of this secondhand for around £170 so tempted to get it.
You're fine with an inner tent but in still damp snow I'd see the same in any tent I reckon, it's nice and warm tho. A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors cheers, just went with that second hand one, looking forward to testing out, probably up conic hill 😊
Andrew can I ask what is the width of head and foot inner , not the middle.
Hi John, unfortunately I don't have it to check but it does sit pretty close to your head and feet so my brother who has it says it does feel a bit 'in your face' to be honest, takes his normal mummy style xtherm mat ok
I had a very old old force 10 years ago. Currently have an Vango banshee. Apart from it being slightly over a kg lighter is it worth changing?
I'll be honest, never tried the Banshee so there may not be much in it.
How did you find the ventilation in hot still conditions, enough or not. I'm looking at the UL2 to help with this issue.
Hi Julian, I only borrowed it for this test from my brother. We both swap out for lighter airier options in summer ( I reckon this would be a little hot though it's not a bad weight to carry even in summer ).
How does it perform in wind? Is there a wind spec. about the average wind speed resistance and the max (gust) wind resistance? (Tents below 100 km/h wind resistance are "no go" for Alpine area... and I guess same for Scotland highlands).
It's a bit flappy but so small and with its Tension band system it will hold in high winds. Its no assault or geodesic mountain tent tho :-)
In my opinion the banshee is the exact same
am really interested in this tent. I am training for my M.L. so need a good 3/4 season tent for mountains and high winds but also want it lightweight for long hikes. I can't afford a hilleberg akto. Could this be an alternative? I heard the helium 1 is also a robust option. Any thoughts, sir?
Rgds
Imran
Yes it's one for your shortlist Imran, if you need something stronger all year round for a bit of extra weight check out the Robens Starlight 1, just posting a video on it shortly.
Thank you. Look forward to your video. In the end, if you could only have ONE light-weight but robust tent for the whole year, what would your favourite be? :)
I'd say my BD HiLight is the most versatile.
do you know where I can get a replacement clip for the inner guy rope
Hi John, try AMG products direct at Greenock? A
where do you get your tvek from i cant seem to source what i want
I got mine from an eBay seller long time ago. Still got tons of scrap lying about. A
How does the large gap from the fly to the ground handle with spin drift from rain or snow?
A wee snow wall round it is a good solution in winter to seal it off
@@AndrewParkOutdoors good idea, I saw on one of hilleberg's photos they had a tent with basically a wall of snow made from bricks of snow to help with wind.
Good thing about snow, you can build little walls or a hole to lower the height of your stove
Hi Andrew, how small can this pack lengthwise? Assuming the poles are the main constraint, the Vango website says 30cm, anther says 43cm, which is a vast difference. Can you measure the poles please?
Hi Dave, I don't have the tent to hand but pretty sure the poles were over a ruler length so 40 ish sounds more like it. A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks
The new 2021 model is 30cm whereas the old model was 43cm.
really fancying one of these for this year to move up from my banshee, but damn are they hard to find. also thank you for the review, there is also very little info on the net about these
Hope it helped, yes they seem to be hard to find new at moment.
Why dont all manufacturers use these tent bags?
They're the easiest to use.
Great review Andrew😁👏🏻..I have the two man version of the Helium😁..You pointed out all the stuff annoys me about it😁👍..I found it quite awkward on the first pitch after that I found it fine to pitch..For me it’s the weight and the size of the pack especially for summit camps..Defo the tent I use for them..Enjoyed the review mate.
Cheers
Robert
I like F10 stuff, it's kind of mid ground but great workhorse kit. Happy camping mate. A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Cheers bud u2 😁👍
599 quid on Amazon?
Aye, I wouldn't be paying that for it ! ;-)
I have the 1 man version of this. I almost got the terra nova compact 1 instead, but this saved me lots of cash. I haven't had it out in any kind of wind yet and I'm concerned it is far too flappy? I have seen other reviews online suggesting it is, have you found this to be an issue? I only ask because I have a 300 mile hike coming up and I am expecting some windy conditions..
I think it is a bit. It's only a single pole each end so they do tend to be, double or triangle pole ends tend to do better.
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks for your advice, know of any tents which have this feature?
At the value end I'd take a look at the Robens Starlight and Zastrugi Vaquita?
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Wow, I'm liking the look of the STARLIGHT 1, know of a similar tent but slight lighter? Maybe
i had a vango blade 1 and it was the worst tent i ever had ! i will never buy a vango tent again !
More fool you😂 if they were good enough for the armed forces they are good enough for the likes of you, however, I have to agree the Blade was not one of their best! ATB
Just bought this tent well the ul 2 (arrived today) 😃🏕based on the advice of a fellow camper and a few reviews including yours. 2021 version so am wondering if they have listened to your advice 👍 I get out every 2 weeks without fail so won’t be too long before I give it a try 🏕 thanks 🙏
Enjoy!
Keen to hear what the width at the head/foot is for the UL2 (and UL1 if someone has that). Also if it compresses down further than than the 30x14cm advertised. Looks like a great option for hiking/bikepacking in New Zealand conditions and a decent 70D floor.
What are the differences on the 2021 model?
@@alancoulter7726 I didn’t own the old version but it’s a lovely tent for 1 man and his dog 👍🏕
Great review. I bought one of these during lockdown and I’m looking forward to using it.
Great wee tent