Vango Pennine 500

The Vango Pennine 500 is a dreadful tent. Do not go anywhere near it. I would never buy another Vango. Leaky seams, incorrect instructions for erecting and worst of all the poles broke when the wind blows, leading to tent collapsing!

This was a replacement tent, I had looked long and hard to find one that was as good as my last tent. I was very impressed with this tent. The bedrooms are HUGE. Head height at least 6.5ft, each bedroom definitely a large double. The front door opening while VERY useful when its hot -- can be slightly too large. We leave it open even when raining as we also use a gazebo - but do this at your peril, the front door is very wide. Its a light and airy tent. We used it in various weather conditions and not one drop of rain has came in the tent (used on four occasions now) 2 festivals, and 2 general camping expeditions.

I usually get a new tent every year. But I bought this one last year and I used it again this year. Unless something amazing comes up - I will probably use it again next year.

We like this vango! Its so easy to erect (the easiest tent I have ever erected and I have put up few over the years). Pitching outer poles first is brilliant, especially if it is raining - or if there is a bit of rain, as it feels pretty stable way before you have the pegs in the ground.

We have recommended this tent, and some friends only last week said that they were going to look out for one similar.

The instructions on the bag are confusing though, we thought there were pieces missing, when actually it was instructions for another tent!

Purchased a Vango Pennine 500 from Winfields Outdoor & used once - poles broke during winds occurring in May - this is supposed to be a 2 season tent and hence withstand weather at this time of year!

The instructions to erect the tent are within the case itself - they are not even for the model you will be supplied with! The instructions mention 4 poles - only 3 poles come with the tent, they mention colour coded poles - not supplied and also a "roof strengthening pole" - not supplied.

After the poles had shattered, I rang the retailer who advised me that due to the large number of returns for Vango products they could no longer offer an "instore" resolution for faulty goods and they had to be sent away for examination. This process can take up to 3 weeks I was told.

Upon ringing the customer service number for Vango, I was put through to an obstructive gentleman whom would not offer an exchange or refund for the faulty product supplied by his company. All I was offered was a repair service for the poles which could take a week or so, leaving me with no tent to use in the meantime and then he had the audacity to infer that he would be doing me a favour by not charging me!!!!!

Never mind the fact that I had been sold a "mismatch" of a tent that didn't have the correct carry bag/instructions/poles!

In desperation to try and salvage something from this disastrous purchase I telephoned the retailer again & they kindly offered to repair the poles free of charge in order that I may still go camping as planned - at least Winfield's had a good customer service policy even if the inferior manufacturer didn't.

I would not recommend this tent to others in its current form.