Things to know before you buy a tent
Tents are usually supplied by your DofE Leader and carried between your group. You’ll need to check they’re not broken and have all their parts well in advance.
DofE recommended tents come in different sizes and layouts, for groups of two to four people, and are suitable for sleeping either mixed groups or just boys or girls. There are different styles of tents available including tunnel, geodesic, and semi geodesic, so look around to understand the right tent for you and your expedition.
Whilst it might seem like prices vary for similar tents, what you’re paying for are things like double-stitching, tensioning, waterproofing and lighter materials – the things you can’t see.
The number of features and differences between tents can seem bewildering at first glance. Here’s a short glossary of terms.
- Tunnel tent: three similar height arched poles to create long and spacious tents. Great for lots of kit.
- Semi-geodesic: a three-pole tent where the crossing poles create structure and rigidity. Good for exposed areas.
- Geodesic: a four-pole interlocked tent. Very strong mountain tent for the most demanding of Gold expeditions. The extra pole and strength does add weight. Fully geodesic tents have five interlocking poles.
- Hydrostatic head: this is a standard measure of water resistance. It tells you how many mm of water can be applied before it gets through the material. DofE recommended tents have a 5,000mm HH. Read our blog to find out more about tent features.
All DofE recommended tents are lightweight, strong and very waterproof with a hydrostatic head (HH) of 5,000mm.
Vango Trek Tents Range
The Vango Trek Tents range focuses on functionality to ensure everything you need is on hand when you need it most. This range is lightweight and durable for wherever your multiday expeditions take you.
Vango Nevis/Cairngorm
- Available in 1, 2, and 3 person capacity.
- Lightweight with a compact tunnel tent design providing good head height inside.
- Features the TBS II Tension Band System which reinforces the tent’s structure to handle tough weather conditions.
Vango Scafell/Nova
- Available in 2 and 3 person capacity.
- Features the TBS II Tension Band System which reinforces the tent’s structure to handle tough weather conditions.
- Mesh covered vent at the rear end of the flysheet allows air to flow through and reduce condensation.
Vango Helvellyn
- Available in 2 and 3 person capacity.
- Semi-Geodesic structure is self supporting, providing excellent balance between weight and stability.
- Inner door vents ensure there is airflow throughout, keeping out the bugs; ideal for trips into the wild.
Vango Banshee
- Available in 2 and 3 person capacity.
- Features the TBS II Tension Band System which reinforces the tent’s structure to handle tough weather conditions.
- Flysheet and inner pitch together making this tent quick and easy to pitch and pack.
Vango Earth Trek Tents Range
Vango Apex Compact
- Available in 1, 2, and 3 person capacity.
- Features the TBS II Tension Band System which reinforces the tent’s structure to handle tough weather conditions.
- Flysheet made from recycled single use plastic.
Vango Apex Geo 
- Available in 2 and 3 person capacity.
- Flysheet made from recycled single use plastic.
- Stable semi-geodesic design.
Vango Halo
- Available in 3 person capacity.
- Semi-Geodesic structure is self supporting, providing excellent balance between weight and stability.
- Flysheet made from recycled single use plastic.
Vango Omega
- Available in 2 and 3 person capacity.
- Features the TBS II Tension Band System which reinforces the tent’s structure to handle tough weather conditions.
- Flysheet made from recycled single use plastic.
- You should dry the tent before packing it away during your expedition. If not, ensure the tent is dried completely after your expedition; this will stop the tent from getting mouldy and smelly for the next use.
- Unpack and check tents when they’re returned to the kit store. The easiest way to do this is to pitch them if you have the space.
- If a tent needs repairing or broken poles replaced, Vango Spares and Repairs can help. They repair and have parts for all brands of tents, not just Vango, and you can also save 20% with DofE code DOFE20XF.
Tent terminology poster
Understand what all the different bits of your tent are for with our handy jargon busting poster.
