I have been using the Vango Zenith 100 regularly for the past two years. It’s a good solo tent, easy to set up, quite light and sturdy. However, it definitely has that “fabric coffin” vibe that you get with many solo tents.
When Vango sent the Cairngorm 200 for review, it seemed like a good choice for something with a little more space.
The Cairngorm 200 is one of the latest tents in Vango’s “Trek” range. This is a two-person tent with the familiar single-pole design, with a small lifting pole at each end. The main design is the same as the Zenith 100. However, the space achieved is much greater, for a similar weight, thanks to innovative weight-saving measures.
This is a classic design that has seen variations from many different manufacturers over the years.
Essential specifications
- Berth: 2 people
- Weight: 1.85 kg
- Price: £150
Field notes
The Cairngorm 200 offers plenty of space for its weight. Its weight is good for a beginner’s solo tent, while still providing enough space to be luxurious for one person and their gear. In a pinch, he could see two good friends all night, although things would be cramped with equipment for two.
As you can see in the image above, two full-sized sleeping mats (like the regular NeoAir xTherm pictured above) can fit next to each other if arranged head to toe. It would be a bit cozy, but two people could easily stay overnight.
Porch space is okay. It will accommodate one person’s equipment without too much problem. For two, it will take some stacking. Although there are two doors in this tent, it is worth noting that only one has a porch.
The porch can be supported by a step post to allow for safer cooking and easier entry and exit in good weather. It’s a nice touch. I don’t use walking poles, but a suitable length pole does the same job.
Notice the band running diagonally toward the main pole. This is Vango’s exclusive TBS (Tension band system) which reduces the play of the tent in the face of strong winds. It’s pretty intuitive to use, just slide the plastic slider until there’s no more play. It’s a decent way to make the one-post tunnel design a little more sturdy facing to stronger winds.
The Yunan alloy poles are certainly lightweight, this is definitely an area where weight has been saved to achieve the high space with a weight of 2kg. The plastic clip is a welcome addition as it helps retain shape.
Linelok reflective runners are a mainstay of Vango tents these days. They’re easy to use when your tent needs a little tightening in the middle of a storm. I really like the reflective feature, it reduces nighttime trips by catching the light from your headlamp.
Where previous Vango tents had a plastic loop on the ceiling from the inside, the Cairngorm 200 has a fabric loop, saving even more weight. I use it to attach a battery powered tent light with an S-biner. I prefer a tent to accommodate one, as the soft light is easier to work with than the harsh, directional glare of a headlamp.
I have used this tent in lower camps and summit camps. The tent can withstand strong winds quite well, but it is always best to pitch tunnel tents in the most sheltered suitable location you can find.
I’ve never had any problems with condensation and the tent has shed a lot of heavy rain since I’ve been using it, with no leaks.
One of the camps was at a ground level campsite (The Climber’s Inn) in the middle of summer, if I was going to suffer from condensation this would have been the time.
The lack of overlapping poles means that the fabric will sometimes experience more wind pressure. For all-season, all-weather summit camps, something with a geodesic or semi-geodesic design would definitely be preferable.
Another area where geodetic alternatives outperform tunnel design is ease of placement. Tunnel tents like the Cairngorm 200 rely heavily on tension for their shape. You install the posts, secure the whole thing, but it doesn’t really take shape until it’s fully tightened.
On the other hand, geodesic alternatives (such as the Nemesis or the semi-geodesic Mirage) are self-contained once the posts are installed. This allows you to simply lift the tent and move it a few steps in either direction if you find the ground. doesn’t suit you, or change your mind about your location.
It’s worth remembering, however, that the Cairngorm 200 is considerably lighter than geodesic tents, so all this stability and ease of movement comes at a cost.
The Cairngorm 200 comes with Vango’s usual universal features such as the quick stuff sack, compression straps, tent repair kit and standard Vango alloy stakes.
As you can see, the tent is small. The photo above shows how it arrives from the factory. You’ll never find it this small again, but by rolling it carefully it folds up. Alternatively, the Quick Stuff Sack allows for frantic, careless stuffing and squeezing, my preferred approach when tossing it or the rain comes.
Conclusion
The Cairngorm 200 strikes a good balance between the competing factors of space, weight and price. It’s a comfortable solo tent or a cozy shelter for two if the going gets tough. It is well presented for its price. The lack of a second porch is a shame and, like all tunnel tents, I wouldn’t want to face a strong wind in it.
I would recommend the Cairngorm 200 as a good quality tent for someone starting out and wanting something decent, without going crazy and buying something super technical from the start. A solid offering from Vango.