Review: Vango Classic Instant 300 Tent
Camping is meant to be an escape from the daily grind, not an exercise in mastering origami. Thankfully, the Vango Classic Instant 300 3-person tent is here to spare us all the headache of traditional tent setup. With its quick-pitch mechanism and solid design, it’s a strong contender for the ultimate hassle-free camping experience. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Let’s dive into the good, the great, and the slightly-not-so-great.
Setup: For Those Who Like Life Simple
The Vango Classic Instant 300 does exactly what it says on the tin. The "instant" bit isn't just marketing fluff; it genuinely lives up to its name. You can set it up in about 60 seconds flat, which, for those of us who’ve spent hours cursing over poles and pegs in a rain-lashed field, is a welcome relief.
Once you’ve removed it from the carry-bag, locate the two red pull loops, one each side of the tent, and using a bit of force, pull each of these loops outwards, or towards yourself until they ‘pop’ into position.
From here, all you need to do is peg it out. If its going to be a warm night and you fancy a bit of star gazing you can simply leave it as it is. If not, fling the flysheet over the inner, line it up, and using a few toggles attach it to the inner and peg it down to the ground.
If its a bit on the windy side there are two strut poles, which are placed inside the inner at a diagonal angle, one at each end, and designed to give the tent added stability. I found them a bit too fiddly so never bothered with them.
Comfort and Space: Ideal for a Small Crew
The tent comfortably fits three adults, but it’s also a dream for couples who like a bit of extra room to spread out, or for two adults and a small child. The headroom is generous, standing at about 1.6m at its peak, which is ample for most to kneel or crouch without feeling too cramped. You won’t be doing yoga inside, but for general camping tasks, it’s more than adequate. On each side of the interior there are two mesh pockets for storing smaller camping and personal items such as a phone, keys and toiletries. You also get one hanging loop on the tent roof.
Oh, and the sewn in groundsheet extends out at both ends of the tent and are covered by the flysheet.
Weather Performance: Tough Enough for British Conditions
Let’s face it, our weather here in the UK can go from sunny BBQ weather to torrential downpour in the blink of an eye, and the Vango Classic Instant 300 handles this British unpredictability quite well. It’s fully waterproof, with a hydrostatic head of 3000mm, which means you can camp with confidence, even if the heavens open.
That said, because you don’t get a lot of clearance between the flysheet and inner - a lack of any kind of pole structure keeping the two apart, sometimes, in heavy rain, you might get drips hitting the inner as the flysheet can sag.
Overall the tent's robust materials and construction also mean it holds up to a decent amount of wind, and although I wouldn’t plan a winter expedition to the Scottish Highlands, for general weekend trips in the UK, it has you covered - literally.
Drawbacks: Not All Roses
No product is perfect, and the Vango Classic Instant 300 is no exception. First off, it’s on the heavier side, weighing in at around 7kg. If you're driving to your campsite, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re carrying it to a more remote pitch, it could become a bit of a burden. This is compounded by the fact that when packed away it can be a bit cumbersome as it measures around a foot in diameter and approx 5ft long - something to bear in mind, especially if you have a small car or travelling on public transport.
That said, it does have a huge sling style carry handle that makes carrying easier.
Verdict: A Solid All-Rounder for Casual Campers
Overall, the Vango Classic Instant 300 is a fantastic option for those seeking a no-fuss tent that’s quick to set up and reliable in most weather conditions. It’s not without its flaws, but for the price, convenience, and ease of use, it’s hard to beat. Whether you're heading out for a weekend festival or a spontaneous countryside escape, this tent will have you covered with minimal effort and maximum fun. It’s up and pegged down in just a few minutes and tall enough for me to be able to get dressed in comfort without struggling. Granted it may not be a cold weather tent, but a decent mat and sleeping bag covers that.
Website - https://www.vango.co.uk/classic-instant-300
Price - £180
