Price £200
Packed size 59 x 19cm
Materials Outer PU-coated polyester; Inner breathable Ripstop nylon; Groundsheet nylon; Poles aluminium alloy
Dimensions Outer 2.35 x 1.35m Inners 2.4 x 1.35m Height 1.15m

Sleeps 2
Weight 3.29kg
Pitching time 5 minutes
Style Ridge hybrid

Comment

Pitching this tent is simple. Lay it out and assemble the frame – four legs and ridge pole attached by metal blocks.

Lay the frame on the outer with the longer end towards the door. You will see that the blocks are angled and each end of the ridge should point upwards. This provides lift to the front and back of the outer.

Tension the frame by inserting  spikes into the pole ends. Pull the elastic cord that runs down the tent ridge and its walls, over the frame to attach the outer.

This sounds more complicated than it actually is and the whole tent can be erected in less than five minutes. The elastic cord is quick to locate and provides some elasticity when the walls are hit by high winds.

There is a zip opening at the rear. A cowl, held open by the ridgepole, protects this vent. The guylines are attached to the outer via a tape loop that encircles the poles for extra stability.

There are anti-splash mesh panels attached to the bottom of the outer. These provide lots of ventilation while protecting the inner from splash back.

The versatile front door is split into two side panels and a front panel – all can be opened dependent on wind direction. The door apex can be opened for air – the ridgepole holds a cowl in place over the zip.

The porch area is large enough for a couple of rucksacks, boots and cooking gear. Two mesh windows located in the door’s side panels, provide light. These are backed by curtain panels.

The inner’s mesh door and the backing privacy panel fold left into a pocket that can also be used for knick-knacks. A second pocket sits on the opposite wall and a clothesline runs the length of the roof.

Camping says Vaude seldom fails to impress with its flair for tent design and the original Hogan is a design classic. Vaude has managed to improve this little beauty. Just check out the mesh skirt on the flysheet.

As a slightly fanatical backpacker I find the weight on the heavy side, but my opinion should not put you off taking a look at one of the better lightweight tents on the market. My old model often sees the light of day when I want something small and quick to pitch while car camping. CG


CONTACT
Vaude
Tel 01665 510660
Web www.vaude.co.uk


This tent review was published in the October 2008 issue of Camping magazine. To order our latest issue please click here.

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