I just read the review of the Vango Ultralite 100 Tent by @OUTDOORSmagic
The article describes the tent as "The Ultralite 100 is Vango's affordable, lightweight, single-skin one-person tent aimed at ultra-lightweight backpackers on a bit of a budget.".
It is a great article and I thought an excellent review, but I do a large portion of my camping with Duke of Edinburgh groups (almost solely with the Durham/Newton Aycliffe group), and I think I must have a slightly different perspective on 'budget'. But what really caught my eye, was the similarities between the Vando Ultralite 100 and the Pro Action Hike Lite from Argos.
The Vango weighs in at a impressive 1.1kg and is a single shell. It is also made of the popular rip-stop material and uses Vango's TBS (tension band system) to make sure that this puppy is going to stay up.
The Pro Action weighs in at a [still impressive] 2kg and has a separate inner/outer. It doesn't boast the same advanced material make up, but then it doesn't carry Vango's price tag either.
The Vango will set you back a fairly reasonable £140GBP (RRP) whereas Argos will only require £17.99GBP (on sale) for their version.
The Pro Action does come with an awning/porch (albeit a small one), something the Vango is lacking. Popular (according to Argos' customer review system) opinion seems to be the only thing not to love about the Pro Action is the color; though I have to say, I actually like the bright orange (you can't please everyone it seems).
Their aesthetic similarities are obvious, as are the functional designs. I do love both tents, and have had a long love affair with Vango equipment, but I use a Pro Action at the moment (yes, I actually go out at this time of year), and the price wins it over for me. I appreciate people will have different needs, and if money isn't an issue, I may well think differently; but for who isn't money an issue these days, eh?
I don't think it's fair to say that you're "just paying for a name", Vango undoubtedly has an angle on quality and construction, from the 7001-T6 alloy poles to the Protex 3000 fabric, the Argos offering may feel, in contrast, like a trash bag held up by some twigs (if you look close enough); but for the back packer/camper keen to save some pennies, I think the Pro Action Hike Lite deserves a close look too.
It seems we have two tents here separated largely by price. Weight and pole construction are the two main points that pulled me toward the Vango whereas the price and functionality was on the Pro Action's side.
