If you’ve already looked at one or two tents over the years, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the likes of Vango – and the Vango Banshee tent is just one of their best-loved setups for wild camping and more. But what is it that makes the Vango Banshee 200 such a great pick as a wild camping tent, and for rougher camping trips?
First of all, let’s be clear – this is a great tent. It’s probably best known for the fact that it is very low priced, and that you can easily compact it into a handy tent bag to carry around. This popular pick is an ultralight tent as well as being fantastic value – but that doesn’t mean it’s going to start drifting off in windy weather!
Keep reading and we’ll show you why this Vango tent is one of the best for sheer durability, value, and ease of camping in general.
Note: There are actually two types of Vango Banshee 200 out there – there’s also the Vango Banshee Pro 200, which is an upgrade to this already popular tent. This model gives you an additional boost to pole quality as well as another entrance. For the purpose of this review, we’re looking at the Vango Banshee 200 on its own.
- Colour: Khaki
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Trail Weight: 2.2kg
- Waterproof polyester groundsheet
- One door
- Fully taped seams
Perfect for:
One person on a hike or two people who don’t mind being cosy – the full dimensions don’t make for a massive tent, but that certainly doesn’t make it a bad option!
Quick overview
This one to two person tent is best known for being a camping staple if you’re likely to go adventuring on your own! Boasting Vango’s famous tension band system (TBSIII), it’s very easy to get set up with if you have some experience with tents – and you won’t necessarily need a second person to help.
The main factor people will notice about the Vango Banshee 200 is that it’s a fairly small tent. That said, for a single traveller, there should be enough room in the porch for you to sit up. Head touching is likely stood up if you are over 5’8 – however, that makes it all the more great value for campers below that height!
This is a lighter tent than most, though some may find it is only easy to carry over short trips. 2.2kg is still enough heft!
However, as with all Vango wild camping tents, you can expect excellent strength and resistance against windy conditions. While this may be one of the ‘cheap ones’ in the Vango line, it’s still amazingly resistant – the performance in high winds is admirable, and in heavy rain, you can expect plenty of runoff. Perfect for wild camping trips, then, when you need to keep your inner tent as foliage free as possible!
That said, there are tougher tents from Vango available, so if you are expecting your wild camp to be super torrential, it’s likely best to choose a more durable option.
There’s also a porch area to the Vango Banshee 200 tent, making it ideal if you want to store a few things outside of the main inner.
If you’re a keen hiker looking for a reliable, compact tent, you’re in the right place. We’re diving into the Vango Banshee 200, a tent that’s become a favourite among adventurers for its balance of durability, weight, and ease of setup. Whether you’re tackling rugged trails or setting up camp in remote locations, the Banshee 200 promises to be your trusty shelter.
In this review, we’ll explore what makes the Vango Banshee 200 a must-have for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. From its weather-resistant features to its user-friendly design, we’ve got all the details to help you decide if it’s the perfect tent for your next adventure. So, let’s get started and see if the Banshee 200 lives up to its reputation.
Features of the Vango Banshee 200
When exploring the great outdoors, the choice of tent can make or break your adventure. That’s where the Vango Banshee 200 shines. It’s designed with a perfect balance between comfort, durability, and ease of use, making it a favourite among hikers and campers alike. Let’s dive into the features that set this tent apart.
Firstly, the Vango Banshee 200 is a 2-person tent, striking an excellent balance between living space and weight. It tips the scales at just 2.4 kg, making it an ideal companion for those long treks where every gram matters. With its compact pack size, it easily fits into or attaches to most backpacks, further simplifying your packing struggles.
Durability is another cornerstone of the Vango Banshee 200’s design. Crafted from 70D 6000mm HH Polyester, it’s built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Whether you’re facing relentless rain or gusty winds, the Banshee 200 stands solid, thanks to its tunnelform structure and TBS® II Tension Band System, which adds an extra layer of stability in adverse conditions.
Waterproofing is critical in any tent, and the Banshee 200 doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a 6000mm hydrostatic head rating, ensuring you stay dry even during heavy downpours. Additionally, the tent features a fully taped seam construction, blocking water ingress at all potential entry points.
Ventilation is thoughtfully catered to with strategically placed vents, minimizing the chance of condensation buildup inside the tent. The Dual-entry system not only offers easy access but also provides options for airflow, enhancing the overall comfort during warmer nights.
Set-up is a breeze with colour-coded poles and flysheet, meaning you can get your shelter ready in minutes, even if you’re a beginner. This quick and efficient setup process lets you focus more on your adventure and less on the intricacies of tent assembly.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-person |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Waterproof Rating | 70D 6000mm HH Polyester |
| Stability | TBS® II Tension Band System |
| Ventilation | Dual-entry with vents |
| Set-up | Colour-coded poles |
Durability and Weather Resistance
When evaluating the Vango Banshee 200, its durability and weather resistance are among the standout features that catch our attention. Crafted with 70D 6000mm HH Polyester, this tent is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, offering a robust shelter for adventurers braving the great outdoors. The high hydrostatic head rating indicates this tent’s exceptional ability to repel water, ensuring that we stay dry during rainy expeditions.
Further enhancing its weather resistance is the fully taped seam construction. This meticulous detail prevents water ingress, safeguarding us from the elements. Whether facing downpours or drizzles, the Banshee 200’s construction provides a reliable barrier against moisture.
But durability isn’t just about weathering storms. The Banshee 200’s resilience is also seen in its structural design. Utilizing lightweight but sturdy aluminium alloy poles colour-coded for ease of setup, the tent maintains a balance between robustness and portability. These poles are not only resistant to bending and breaking under pressure but also contribute to the tent’s overall lightweight profile, which is a mere 2.4 kg.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | 70D 6000mm HH Polyester |
| Seam Construction | Fully Taped |
| Poles | Aluminium Alloy |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
Ventilation is another critical aspect of the Vango Banshee 200 that ties directly into its weather resistance. Strategic vent placements ensure that airflow is maximized without compromising on shelter from the rain. This design choice helps to minimize condensation build-up inside the tent, a common issue that can dampen spirits and gear alike during wet conditions.
The Banshee 200 stands as a reliable companion for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and weather resistance in their gear. Its construction materials, structural integrity, and thoughtful design elements like ventilation and waterproofing work in harmony to provide a comfortable and secure habitat in the face of unpredictable weather. As we push forward on our adventures, it’s clear that the Banshee 200’s features are finely tuned to meet the demands of the wild, making every journey a little less daunting and a lot more enjoyable.
Lightweight and Easy to Carry
When we explore the great outdoors, the last thing we want is for our gear to slow us down. That’s where the Vango Banshee 200 shines as an exemplary lightweight shelter option. Weighing in at merely 2.4kg, this tent is a breeze to carry on long treks or when hopping between campsites. The compact nature of the Banshee 200 means it won’t occupy much space in your backpack, leaving ample room for other essential gear.
The design of the Vango Banshee 200 focuses on both lightness and durability. Its lightweight aluminium alloy poles are not only robust against the elements but also contribute significantly to reducing the overall weight of the tent. These poles are colour-coded, simplifying the setup process and saving precious time during assembly.
Moreover, its clever pack size of 47cm x 16cm ensures that it can be easily strapped to the outside of a pack or nestled within alongside other essentials. For adventurers who prioritise mobility and ease of transport, this tent offers an attractive solution.
In terms of convenience, the Vango Banshee 200 is equipped with two entrances, facilitating easier access and additional storage space for boots and equipment. This dual-access design enhances the tent’s utility, making it not only lightweight but also remarkably user-friendly for solo travellers or pairs.
Below is a quick overview of the tent’s key specifications:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.4kg |
| Pack Size | 47cm x 16cm |
| Material | 70D 6000mm HH Polyester |
| Poles | Lightweight Aluminium Alloy |
| Entrances | 2 |
Given these features, the Banshee 200 offers the perfect blend of weight efficiency and functionality. Its lightweight design doesn’t compromise on strength or convenience, making it an excellent choice for hikers and campers who demand the best of both worlds.
Setup and Packability
When it comes to setting up camp after a long day’s trek, we all appreciate a tent that’s as hassle-free as possible. The Vango Banshee 200 shines in this aspect. Its colour-coded Aluminium Alloy Poles not only contribute to its lightweight profile but also ensure that setup is straightforward and swift, even for the solo backpacker. We’ve found that with a little practice, the tent can be pitched in under seven minutes – a real bonus as the sun sets or when the weather turns.
Packability is another forte of the Banshee 200. Weighing in at just 2.4 Kg and boasting a compact pack size of 47 x 16cm, this tent is effortlessly portable, making it an ideal choice for hikers and cyclists who’re keen on minimising their load. What’s more, the tent includes a compression stuff sack, allowing for an even tighter pack. This means more space in your backpack for other essentials or perhaps just a lighter load to carry.
The tent’s design also incorporates two entrances, ensuring easy access and adding to its practicality. This dual-access design is particularly useful in shared use, allowing for movement in and out of the tent without disturbing a tentmate. Moreover, the extra porch space provided by each entrance maximises storage for gear, keeping the sleeping area uncluttered and more comfortable.
For those concerned about durability and weather resistance, the Banshee 200 doesn’t disappoint. Its 70D 6000mm HH Polyester fabric ensures it stands up well to rain and wind, providing a reliable shelter in unpredictable weather conditions. This, paired with its user-friendly design, makes the Banshee 200 a strong contender for anyone in need of a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-pitch tent.
In our experience, the Vango Banshee 200 strikes an impressive balance between portability and functionality, catering well to the needs of hikers, campers, and cyclists alike. Whether you’re venturing into the mountains for a solo trip or planning a weekend hike with a friend, this tent’s packability and ease of setup make it a practical choice without compromising on comfort or weather resistance.
Is the Vango Banshee 200 Worth the Investment?
When it comes to investing in the right gear for your outdoor adventures, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the cost. The Vango Banshee 200 tent is no exception. As outdoor experts, we’ve thoroughly tested and scrutinized this tent to provide you with an informed perspective on its value for money.
Key Features and Benefits
- Weight and Packability: At just 2.4 kg and with a compact pack size of 47 x 16cm, the Vango Banshee 200 is highly portable. This makes it an ideal companion for hikers and bikers who need to keep their gear lightweight and minimal.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: The tent’s 70D 6000mm HH Polyester fabric is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, offering you a reliable shelter. Its aluminium alloy poles not only contribute to the tent’s lightweight design but also ensure stability in windy conditions.
- Ease of Setup: With colour-coded poles, the setup process is straightforward, taking under seven minutes to pitch. This is especially beneficial when you’re racing against incoming weather or setting up camp as the light fades.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable, making it ideal for backpacking and cycling.
- Quick and easy setup saves time and hassle at the end of a long day.
- Durable materials and robust construction offer longevity and protection against the elements.
Cons:
- The two-person space can be snug, especially for those with lots of gear.
- Ventilation could be improved to decrease condensation on chilly nights.
| Feature | Vango Banshee 200 | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.4 kg | 2.0 kg | 3.0 kg |
| Pack Size |
Conclusion
We’ve taken a detailed look at the Vango Banshee 200 tent and it’s clear that it stands out for its robustness, weatherproof qualities, and user-friendly design. Weighing just 2.4 kg and with a highly compact pack size, it’s the perfect companion for those who love to explore without feeling weighed down. The dual entrances and additional porch space not only enhance convenience but also ensure you’ve got ample room for your gear. Despite its snug fit for two, the tent’s durability and ease of setup in under seven minutes are compelling reasons to consider it for your next adventure. Whether you’re facing unpredictable weather or looking for a lightweight, reliable shelter, the Banshee 200 ticks all the right boxes. It’s a testament to Vango’s commitment to quality and functionality, making it a worthy investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is the Vango Banshee 200 tent and is it easy to carry?
The Vango Banshee 200 tent weighs just 2.4 kg, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. Its compact pack size of 47 x 16cm, along with a compression stuff sack, enhances its portability, ideal for hikers and campers.
Can the Vango Banshee 200 tent withstand unpredictable weather?
Yes, the Vango Banshee 200 tent is made from 70D 6000mm HH Polyester fabric, providing excellent durability and weather resistance. It is a reliable shelter for campers facing unpredictable weather conditions.
How quickly can the Vango Banshee 200 tent be set up?
The tent can be pitched in under seven minutes. The colour-coded aluminium alloy poles simplify the setup process, making it straightforward and swift, convenient for those seeking quick shelter.
Does the Vango Banshee 200 have enough space for gear storage?
With two entrances providing extra porch space, the Vango Banshee 200 tent offers ample storage for gear. This design allows for easy access and maximizes the available area for storing equipment without crowding the sleeping space.
What are the main benefits of the Vango Banshee 200 tent?
The main benefits of the Vango Banshee 200 tent include its lightweight and portable design, durability, weather resistance, and ease of setup. These features make it an attractive option for campers and hikers prioritizing convenience and reliability.
Are there any downsides to the Vango Banshee 200 tent?
While the Vango Banshee 200 tent boasts many advantages, it has a snug two-person space which might be tight for some users, and there is a noted need for improved ventilation to ensure comfort during use.
What we love...
It’s easy to manage and put together
Vango has an unfair reputation to some extent when it comes to pitch complexity. Some people struggle with the tension band system at first – the guy ropes / guy lines and tent pegs can be a little confusing at entry level – but in time, you will likely find the Vango Banshee 200 to be a highly reliable tent from night to night, and that the setup isn’t actually as bad as many make it out to be.
In fact, this light weight tent is built to be easy to setup for one person alone – meaning that from your walking pole attachment eyelet to your compression straps, we don’t see it taking you more than 10 to 15 minutes to set up once you’re used to it.
It’s extremely light
The Vango Banshee 200 is 2.2kg in total weight, which while still a little hefty for some people, actually makes for a very light weight tent. The pack size is impressively compact, making it all the more baffling how all those poles and other gear fit in so well! However, beyond the small pack size, you’ll find it half the weight of some of the most popular solo tents out there.
Therefore, if you know your own strength, you may find this a recommended tent to carry around with on your own. We’d highly recommend it for trips around the Peak District and Lake District if national park wild camping is on your radar.
It’s ideal for solo camps
Solo camping can be a lot of fun. The Vango Banshee 200 happens to have a comfortable sleeping area for a single camper, and while it’s built and sold as a two person tent, it’s really not the case. It’d be a very snug fit!
However, that makes the Vango Banshee 200 ideal for one. Through bad weather, rain, strong winds and more, you should have more than enough protection for your solo trip.
What we don't love...
It’s by no means a two person tent
If you are buying the Vango Banshee 200 on the basis that it’s for two people, you may find that you are disappointed. While it’s entirely possible to house two people in this tent, it’s not going to be comfortable.
From door to the rear wall, the Vango Banshee 200 is going to be ideal for one person – if you’re new to the wild camp adventure, this is likely to be a tent worth investing in, too. Just don’t expect tons of space!
Is it worth buying the Vango Banshee 200?
We think it’s certainly worth buying the Vango Banshee 200 if you’re looking to start wild camping alone, and you want something that’s going to do its best against the elements. It’s easy to pack up in a bag and just hike with – which is all the more reason why it is such a popular tent!
For such a low priced tent, Vango Banshee 200 more than surprises – and impresses – so take it from us, if you want to save money on durable wild camping, you’re onto a winner.