Info
The Vango Icarus 500's combination of space, flexibility and simplicity have made it popular amongst those looking for a weekend tent for family camping or festival visits; and it even won a highly commended medal at the 2010 Camping Magazine awards.
Pitching is a breeze - the Powerflex fibreglass poles slide through the heavy duty pole sleeves and are easily secured with a ring and pin system, allowing you to erect and collapse the tent 'as-one' and keep the inner tent dry. In windy conditions the Vango Tension Band System can be used to make the Icarus more sturdy and stable against gusts or knocks.
The outer is waterproof Protex 3000 polyester with taped seams to prevent leaks, and the fully sewn-in groundsheet is the best solution available for keeping out draughts and creepy crawlies.
The enormous front porch is great for storing gear, furniture, bikes etc, and the 'Crystal Clear' windows give great visibility and let in lots of light.
The side mesh door on the Vango Icarus 500 allows for insect-free ventilation, and the parallel-zip front door can be extended out as a canopy using awning poles (not included).
Front and rear venting and a breathable inner keep you comfortable inside, and 'comfort colours' (darker over the bedroom) mean there's no rush to get out of the tent on those bright mornings.
The whole Vango Icarus 500 packs easily into a handled carry-bag for simple transportation, and takes up minimal space when not in use.
Vango Icarus 500 Interactive Panorama
Reviews
Vango Icarus 500, 04 February 2012
By Mick (Oakworth (Yorkshire))
I bought this tent as a Bigger option to our Omega 350 for longer stays away with more space to 'live' in. The first thing of note was the fully sewn in ground sheet, an excellent improvement on the Omega. The plus side being this tent could be used without the inner in good weather creating far more space, and keeping out draughts. It's also good for keeping our dogs in while sleeping.
The tent is as easy to pitch as its Smaller cousin and two of us had it up for the first time in 20/25 minutes with no drama. Taking it down however was another matter due to the poles coming apart far too easily.
We used it for two nights up in the Yorkshire Dales at the end of January. Although we had no rain, we did have a good layer of frost / snow on the tent in the morning which came through when brushing it off. Therefore it will be of interest to see if rain gets through or it has "weathered"
Again, as in other posts, I wouldn't like to use this tent as a five man-er. There was only two of us with two Spaniels and it was ideal. (that is why I bought it) Any more than three people for more than a couple of days could be hard work, especially in poor weather. Although it has ample room for five if just used for getting your heads down for a night or two and storing kit.
Downsides:
The poles are shocking. We managed to break two out of three the only time we've erected it! Benefit of doubt must be given to the fact it was below zero at the time so may have been brittle. Though I think the're badly made. Also the front door is badly thought out and not needed. It would only work well if used along with the add on extension.
All said and done, a good tent with a few slight faults that could be easily rectified. would recommend.
By R.C. (Wolverhampton)
We are in our seventies and have not camped for years. As a lot of our younger friends own tents, we decided to join them for a weekend in the Cotswolds at August Bank holiday. At first we were delighted when we put up our brand new Icarus 500 complete with canopy without too much trouble. However, after a spell of quite heavy rain on the first evening we discovered the tent had leaked through the roof and several areas of the bedding has got wet.
This did not completely spoil the weekend but we were disappointed with the tent. I returned the tent to Customer Services and they immediately gave me a choice. A refund or a replacement. I had the replacement and am now waiting with fingers crossed until the next time we go camping.
great buy, 20 September 2011
By corny (cornwall)
if your thinking of buying this tent then don't hesitate we just used ours in france and had to days of force 6-8 gales and it survived unscathed wouldn't say its a five man there were just two of us and we found it fine for two loads of well thought out little pockets, zips etc all in all for less than £140 we was extremely empressed!
