Vango versus Khyam

[John R]

Having just joined the forum, can I say hello before I get to the point. I have done quite a lot of camping in my 51 years, from backpacking to staying in enormous family tents. I help with a youth club and the camping weekends are always good fun. Just by coincidence, I too have a motorbike, a Triumph Sprint 1050. My friends and I have just returned from a trip to Scotland and this has given rise to my question. I am currently planning a trip on the bike to Southern Italy. This is not going to be before Easter next year. The tent I use at the moment is a Eurohike Stowe, which is just too heavy to take to Italy, so I have decided on either of two tents, the Vango Omega 350 or the Khyam biker. The vango uses alloy poles that are easily replaced, the Khyam the rapidex flexi dome system. Now I have used Khyam tents for years and they are superb, but mine is one of the very substantial Ridgi Dome type. If I get stranded in deepest Europe with a broken pole on the Khyam Biker, how easy are they to replace? I would prefer the Khyam if I am honest, but I think the Vango may be the practical option. Your advice will be appreciated. PS Why did I get the Stowe?........

[Boris]

Welcome John

Have you considered the Coleman Phad tents? I have the X3 (3 man) and I can't really fault it for motorbike use. The pack size is short enough to fit in a pannier and the porch is big enough to store wet kit (but not a ST). I've reveiwed mine on this thread Coleman Phad X3 Backpacking Tent

I think Jenna still has a couple X2 tents for sale. See Coleman Phad X2 tents

It should be said that Jen has been having a lot of hassle with Coleman's UK arm and has pretty much given up on them. I think it's fair to say the problem is not in the kit which is top notch. It's the support and after sales by the UK distributor that is the problem.

[John R]

Thanks for your reply. I will have a look at the Coleman stuff. I take your point about after sales service. Thats the reason I posted the thread. I appreciate the Khyam will stand up to everything I can throw at it, but accidents do happen. Love the giraffe by the way....

[Jenna]

Quite a few companies have come on over the last few years and now with the bulk of all tents made coming from just 4 factory's the differences are subtle to say the least.

I have backed Coleman all my life but for us using the gear on a more commercial level they just fall way short of pretty well every other manufacture on back up (and dare I say customer service too!)...

As for Khyam and Vango, well Khyam are changing the range as we speak, it was hinted a few technical changes and the usual new season colours. Khyam's pole system has always put me off their tents as its both bulky and heavy, the risk of failure has also been at the back of my mind too and thats been the decider not to buy. Spare poles are not that dear so you could if you wanted carry a spare... but then again, more money, more weigh and more space!... lastly Khyam tents do have a bit of kudos that many of similar cost don***8217;t.

Vango tents just seem to plod on, there never the bride but always the bridesmaid! Plus sides with vango are three fold... price, weight and pack size add that to the security of easy to find poles I would say the Omega for biking and peace of mind is probably a safer option.

Have you looked at Gelert as the 2009/10 range is a step up from the past.

Last comment, I spoke recently with a company that has been using Khyams on the dakar and other events and they really rated them, ***8230;.simple to put up, fast to take down, all the bits connected etc etc.... however he also mentioned they carry a spare complete tent or two on the trucks as they don***8217;t trust that pole system!

Coleman wise we have 2 new phad X2***8217;s that I***8217;m happy to get shot of***8230; £108 inc vat and delivery each if you want to go that route.

[John R]

Hi Jenna thanks for the advice. All things considered I will give the Khyam a miss, but before I get the Vango I will have a look at the Gelert range. Boris put me on to your tents but the two man is a tad too small for my planned trip to Italy. I dont know if you can advise me further. I am looking to buy a dual fuel stove. I have a propane MSR that I like but I was looking at the Coleman range. What are your thoughts please?

[Jimh]

Hi all:

I can't wait to be a part of the community here. I hope to become an active member in the days to come.

Thank you,

Jim

[DaveS]

Hi Jim and John... welcome to the site.
I've just returned from a few days camping in a Khyam Biker.
It's lasted me very well over the years. The lad has also taken it away and not broken any poles.

So I just can't see how you could break a pole, but I do remember someone posted a link somewhere on the site that sold replacement poles. No help if you're stuck abroad, but if you were that worried you could take a spare with you.

[John R]

Hi DaveS amd thanks for your assistance. I really appreciate you and everyone else on the forum helping. I have bought a Coleman stove after Jennas input, and a Gelert inferno stove. The Gelert is a similar design to my MSR, but as I will be using both stoves at a youth club, it will be less of a problem if the Gelert gets damaged rather than the MDR. I am open to persuasion but so far I have discounted the Gelert tents and the two tents in the running are the Khyam biker and the Vango Omega 350. Again the tents will have to endure our excitable 11 to 18 year olds! Where do these youngsters get their energy? Thanks once again, John

[DaveS]

Ahh sorry I didn't register that the kids would be using (as in putting up) the tents, in that case having a 15 and 18 year old I know what you're up against.

So they do need to be very careful with the quick erection knuckle joints. They need to be bent back carefully to open and lock. Too much and they probably would snap.
So if they are doing it I would take spares!! Or not go for this design!

[John R]

Hi Dave, thanks for your input. I didnt make the connection with the youth club clear so sorry for the ambiguity, my fault. Primarily the tent will be for my own use but we try and introduce the youngsters to as many different types of equipment as possible, so they will get to use it. I am beginning to think the best way is to get both! Thanks once again, John