Tents have a variety of shapes which are useful for different styles of camping. Some are used for weekends exposed to the elements, others are for use on campsites & festivals among friends and family. We have developed a handy guide to help you pick the ideal tent construction for your needs. 

Dome Tents

A classic tent design, the dome design is great for beginners into the world of camping.

The dome design uses one crossover node which is used to ensure the stability of the tent. The dome tent has a single high point in the centre of the tent to maximise user head room. This design is ideal for first time campers, children and festival goers, though is not recommended for those camping in wild country conditions where strong winds will be challenging.

Ideal for – campsites, festivals, back garden camping

Examples of dome tents – Cragmor, Tay 200, Alpha 300 CLR

Family Tunnel Tents 

A common tent structure at Vango, the family tunnel tent is a superb option for additional room on the campsite.

The family tunnel maximises the user head height in the tent whilst also increasing the overall space inside. Tunnel tents are notorious for not being able to withstand high winds, we at Vango have introduced our patented Tension Band System (TBS) which helps to ensure the stability of the tunnel design in high winds. Family tunnels are the perfect option for users who want to experience the great outdoors, whilst still retaining some home comforts.

Ideal for – campsites, festivals, weekend camping

Examples of the tunnel tents –Beta 450XL, Castlewood 400, Harris 350

Trekking Tunnel Tents

A common tent structure at Vango, the trekking tunnel is a superb option for youth groups and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Lightweight tunnels give a great balance for the lightweight hiking enthusiast, quick and simple to pitch, the trekking tunnel provides excellent space whilst maintaining a lightweight sturdy structure thanks to it's Tension Band System (TBS). An ideal partner for youth groups when wild camping, this tent design can tackle a fair amount of what the British weather can throw at it, just be sure to pitch on a flat piece of ground.

Ideal for – wild country camping, campsites

Examples of trekking tunnel tents –Apex Compact 200, F10 Helium UL 2, F10 Helium UL Air

Semi-Geodesic Tents

A technical design of tent, semi-geodesic tents are superb for wild country enthusiasts to ensure additional stability when the weather is rough.

Giving a balance between lightweight design and structure security – the semi-geodesic tent is a versatile design for the technical camper. Itis ideal to ensure stability in high winds. The semi-geodesic construction uses a minimum of 3 crossover nodes which ensures a free standing structure. This allows the tent to be picked up and moved to a new location without having to re-pitch. The Semi geodesic design is ideal for lightweight trekkers who require a stable shelter and where the ground may not always be flat and even.

Ideal for – pitching on uneven surfaces, wild country camping

Examples of semi-geodesic tents – Helvellyn 200, Cosmos 300, Apex Geo 200

Fully Geodesic

The design for hardcore trekking enthusiasts.

The fully geodesic design is the perfect partner for the unpredictable and sometimes harsh British weather, high level enthusiasts and extreme campers swear by this design of tent. Utilising a minimum of 5 crossover points. The geodesic design ensures its stability in the harshest weather conditions. Able to cope with high winds and snow loads with ease. The fully geodesic structure provides an incredibly stable shelter to spend the night in.

Ideal for – wild country camping, high level terrain

Examples of fully geodesic tents –F10 MTN 2