The Vango Tryfan 200 is a 2-person tent that has been designed with backpackers in mind. Whether you’re wild camping in the Highlands, backpacking through exposed coastal routes, or preparing for an expedition in early spring, this 2-person tent promises stability, ventilation, and all-weather protection but is it any good? We put it to the test in a wild camp on the summit of Ben Vorlich to find out.
Related: Top 10 Tents for Wild Camping
Design and Build Quality
The Vango Tryfan 200 is marketed as a semi-geodesic tent, meaning it uses intersecting poles for stability while maintaining a lightweight profile. At a little over 3kg it’s heavier than I’d like for a solo wild camp (unless I didn’t have far to hike) but as there was two of us to share the load it was manageable. There is also a 3-person version, which weighs nearly 4kg.
The design of the Tryfan provides several advantages, including improved wind resistance and freestanding capability. The tent immediately stands out with its functional yet sleek aesthetic, in a smart blend of green tones that blend naturally with outdoor environments.
Material Quality
Vango uses its proprietary Protex 70D polyester fabric for the flysheet, which boasts a 3,000mm hydrostatic head. This level of waterproofing is sufficient to handle heavy rain, making the Tryfan 200 suitable for multi-season use. The inner tent is constructed from breathable polyester with multiple mesh ventilation panels, reducing condensation buildup in cooler weather while ensuring comfort in warmer conditions. The groundsheet is robust, made from 70D polyester with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head, offering excellent protection from damp or waterlogged ground.
Poles and Pegs
The tent comes with PowerLite alloy poles, which are nothing special but they strike a decent balance between strength and weight. They’re anodized for extra durability, and during pitching, they demonstrated a reassuring level of flexibility without feeling fragile under pressure. The pegs are lightweight and simple to use but may struggle in loose or rocky ground, so you might want to bring heavier-duty spares for tougher terrains.
Space and Comfort
For a two-person tent, the Tryfan 200 offers a generous amount of interior space. The inner tent dimensions measure 210cm in length, 120cm in width, and 95cm in height. While the headroom is not enough for standing, it was comfortable enough to sit-up in.
Sleeping Area
The sleeping area was snug but practical. It easily fit two standard sleeping mats (an Aotrom Thermo Sleeping Mat and a Trek Pro 3) with some space left for personal gear at the foot and sides. Solo campers would find the space more generous, making it ideal for those who prefer extra room on solo trips (though you need to balance that against the added weight). The tent’s semi-geodesic design ensures excellent stability, so the walls don’t sag inward, which adds to the perception of space.
Vestibules and Storage
One of the standout features of the Tryfan 200 is its dual vestibules. Each side of the tent has its own entrance and storage area, which was great. It meant we were both able to store our packs outside the tent making the interior more comfortable. Having two doors was a definite plus and not sure I’d go back to a single door model by choice. It was just so much more convenient as there was no need to clamber over one another to get in or out.
The porch areas aren’t massive, but having one on each side meant they were plenty big enough for our needs. Capable of storing our 65L backpacks, boots, walking poles, Trangia, and a bag for our rubbish (leave no trace!).
Inside the tent, there are four mesh pockets (one each side of the doors) and a couple of very small hanging loops, which we used for hanging a lantern.
Ventilation and Condensation Management
Ventilation is one of the main selling points of the Tryfan 200. The tent features multiple mesh panels on the inner, as well as large ventilation points on the flysheet that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. During our camp we experienced no condensation build-up. I definitely think this would be a great tent for the summer (it can be pitched inner only in warmer climates) and keen to take it out again when it’s even warmer – will update this review if I do.
Through the night the temperature at sea-level dropped to 3°C so it's likely we are freezing at more than 3,000ft and not sure this would be my go-to choice for colder expeditions.
Ease of Setup
We found the tent very straightforward to put up. I’d taken a look at the instructions and checked the bag/poles before we left but this was our first pitch and we had it up in about 10 minutes. There are 4 colour coded poles; 2 longer blue poles and 2 shorter orange poles making it pretty intuitive to assemble. The inner-first design means you’ll need to pitch the inner tent before attaching the flysheet. Yet another reason I’d be weary of using this in anything but fair conditions.
Unlike tunnel tents that rely heavily on guy lines for stability, the freestanding nature of the Tryfan 200 allows it to hold its shape independently once the poles are in place. This makes pitching on uneven or rocky terrain much easier.
Weather Resistance
Rain Performance
We’ve had a rare spell of warm, dry, and sunny weather in Glasgow so I can’t attest to its performance in the rain first-hand. However, it is made with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head ground sheet and the flysheet is waterproof to 3,000mm hydrostatic head, which is the same spec as their Nevis 300 that I have used in heavy rain without issue. Another plus for the Tryfan is the bathtub groundsheet, which just gives you an added level of protection if and when the ground becomes waterlogged.
Wind Performance
The semi-geodesic design makes this tent incredibly stable so I felt confident using the Tryfan for a summit camp where we’d be exposed. It was pretty mild but the wind picked up after sunset and the Tryfan 200 remained secure throughout the night with no noticeable bending or flapping. The robust pole structure and multiple guy lines contribute to its wind resistance, making it a solid choice for exposed campsites.
Seasonal Adaptability
While the Tryfan 200 is not explicitly marketed as a four-season tent, it could be a solid choice for 2-3 season use and could handle very mild winter conditions. However, I think with the increased ventilation this tent is better suited for use over summer and for a true winter expeditions, I’d opt for a tent with heavier-duty materials and higher thermal efficiency.
Weight and Packability
Weighing in at 3.3kg, the Tryfan 200 is not ultralight but is still reasonable for its category, especially considering its stability and weather protection. It was manageable split between two of us and packs down to a size of 50cm x 19cm, which I was able to fit into a Vango Wrath 60:70 backpack without any trouble. For longer hikes or solo expeditions I would opt for something smaller and more lightweight. However, the durability, features, and comfort make this an ideal choice for two people.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Durable materials and excellent weatherproofing.
✅ Stable semi-geodesic design suitable for windy conditions.
✅ Dual entrances and vestibules for convenience and storage.
✅ Effective ventilation for reducing condensation.
✅ Freestanding structure makes it versatile for different terrains.
✅ Easy to pitch with intuitive pole sleeves.
❌ Inner-first pitching can be inconvenient in heavy rain.
❌ Slightly heavier than some competing two-person trekking tents.
Final verdict: Is the Vango Tryfan 200 worth it?
The Vango Tryfan 200 delivers an impressive combination of stability, weather resistance, and user-friendly features at an impressive price point. While it might not satisfy those seeking an ultralight tent, I can't fault its performance for general wild camping especially over the fairer months. From its dual-entrance design to its robust structure, the Tryfan 200 offers a dependable and comfortable camping experience for adventurers looking for quality, versatility, and durability.
If you’re after a well-rounded, capable tent for tackling a range of conditions then I can't recommend the Vango Tryfan 200 highly enough and I look forward to testing it out again this summer!
Final Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐