The Vango Exedra 200 is a new addition to Vango's Trek Pro series, designed to cater to the needs of hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight yet spacious two-person tent. Weighing in at approximately 2.39 kg and packing down to 45 x 15 cm, on paper it strikes a commendable balance between portability and comfort so we were excited to test it out.
Design & First Impressions
At first glance, the Vango Exedra 200 looks well-made; there is a nice feel to the material and I like the green colour they’ve gone with. It’s a dome-style tent with a two-pole system complemented by a brow pole, which I like as it helps simplify the pitching process and helps enhance internal volume without adding unnecessary weight. It pitches inner-first, which can be less than ideal in wet weather (and something to bear in mind if wild camping in Scotland) but does allow for increased versatility in warmer conditions. Vango market the tent as quick-pitching, claiming it can be done in just 5-minutes. I timed myself on my first attempt and finished in what I feel is a very respectable 6 minutes and 34 seconds so I’m confident with practice that 5 minutes would be achievable.
A couple of design features that I liked about the Exedra were the bathtub ground sheet, which has 6,000mm HH waterproof rating and extends 10cm up the inner to help keep you dry. There are also entries on each side, which makes life a lot easier especially if you are planning to share the tent with someone else.
Weight and Portability
Vango has positioned the Exedra 200 as a lightweight tent for backpacking, and with a packed weight of 2.39kg it is on the lighter side of the spectrum for a double-skin two-person tent. There are much lighter options available, however, it does offer significantly more space, more stability, and is more waterproof than many ultralight alternatives. It packs down to a pretty compact 45 x 15 cm, which I found manageable myself, fitting neatly into my 65L backpack without taking up excessive room. And if you’re planning to go as a pair then you can always split the load between you.
Pitching Process
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or relative newbie I think pitching the Exedra 200 is pretty straightforward, with Vango colour-coding the poles to simplify the process. The hubbed design also means fewer loose parts, reducing the likelihood of making any mistakes.
- Lay out the inner tent and peg it down securely.
- Assemble the poles, inserting them into the respective sleeves.
- Clip the inner to the poles using quick-attach hooks.
- Drape the flysheet over and secure it with guylines and additional pegs.
While inner-first pitching can be a drawback in persistent rain, I tested it under light drizzle, and I was able to get it pitched without soaking the interior.
Space and Comfort
The double-door, double-porch design is one of the best features of the Exedra 200. Each occupant gets their own entrance, reducing disturbance anytime you need to come in or go out.
Ventilation and Condensation
Ventilation is a critical factor in tent performance, particularly in humid conditions and the Exedra 200 has two large ventilation points, plus part-mesh inner doors, which encourage airflow. During a chilly, damp night, condensation buildup was minimal, a testament to its well-designed airflow system. Even in colder conditions, the breathable materials prevented excessive internal moisture.
Weather Resistance
Rain Protection
With a 3,000mm hydrostatic head (HH) flysheet and 6,000mm HH groundsheet, the Exedra 200 provides robust waterproofing. I experienced a full night of heavy rain in Scotland, and not a single drop entered the inner tent. The fully taped seams and rain stop doors provided extra security against leaks.
Wind Resistance
Scotland’s highlands can be unforgiving, with gusts reaching 40-50 mph (thankfully I didn’t get caught in Storm Éowyn!). The tent remained stable throughout, with the aerodynamic dome shape effectively shedding wind. Well-placed guylines and strong alloy poles helped maintain structural integrity.
Cold-Weather Performance
While not designed as a winter tent, the Exedra 200 managed well in temperatures close to freezing. The inner tent fabric retained some warmth, making it a viable option for three-season use, provided you have an appropriate sleeping bag.
Storage and Practicality
One of my favourite aspects of the Vango Exedra was its storage capacity. The double-porch design is ideal for gear separation allowing you to use one side for cooking and the other for boots and backpacks. The internal storage pockets are a nice touch too, keeping essentials within easy reach.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Lightweight and compact for a two-person tent
✅ Durable materials and eco-friendly flysheet
✅ Highly waterproof with fully-taped seams
✅ Double-door, double-porch design
✅ Good ventilation, reducing condensation
✅ Strong wind resistance with stable pole design
❌ Inner-first pitching can be an issue in very wet conditions
❌ Slightly heavier than some ultralight alternatives
❌ 100cm height may feel low for taller campers sitting up
Model Comparison:
Tent |
Weight |
HH Rating |
Price |
| Vango Exedra 200 | 2.39kg | 3,000mm / 6,000mm | £180 |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 | 1.60kg | 1,200mm / 3,000mm | £400-550 |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | 1.47kg | 1,200mm / 1,200mm | £350-500 |
As you can see, the Exedra stacks up well especially for its price, offering superior waterproofing and durability compared to lighter, more expensive lightweight tents. I think on balance the slightly heavier weight is justified by its robust weather resistance (which is a must for me being based in Scotland) and more attractive price.
Final Verdict: Is the Exedra 200 Worth It?
After taking the Vango Exedra 200 wild camping and reflecting on how it performed I think Vango have absolutely nailed it with this. A reliable, well-rounded, and decent backpacking tent ideal for 1 or 2 people. It excelled in wet and windy conditions, making it a solid choice for UK and European treks and I look forward to using it again come summer. While it may not be the lightest option around, the price point and features make it well worth considering.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐