I've shared my mate's Spirit 200+ in some pretty ugly weather and was more than happy with its performance (but I must add that this was Spring/Autumn bad weather not full on Winter, although I have no reason to think that it would underperform in that season). Good vestibule space for cooking/kit/wet gear which was a godsend after getting soaked to the bone. Being a tunnel it did need to be pitched well to give confidence in high winds.

 As for tunnel v. geodesic, set aside half a day and seach this or any hiking forum and you'll most likely find it to be very high amongst the most commonly asked questions. You'll probably find the opinions to be split about 50/50.

My problem with tent selection is that I always over specify; when being realistic about the conditions that you will be camping in commonly opens up a whole load of choice, keeps some cash in your pocket and some weight off your back. So be honest about the spec' of the tent that you actually need.

 Although commonly more expensive than Vango, Lightwave and Hilleberg also do tents with larger porch areas so give them a look too.

Vango Spirit 200+ is a bargain at Ultimate at the mo. Great tent for the money.

Herb

Great tent, I used one for years and had it out in stormy weather, poles do bend but the tents keeps it shape in very strong winds and the poles never broke on me, best way to pitch is with the huge porch into the wind, let it take the battering while you sleep in the sleeping end. Cavernous for its weight and at the price above its a great value!

Herbert

that is a good price for a lot of tent!

If I wanted a tent with a huge vestible I would be very tempted but I already have too many tents as it is!  

Tunnel tents are great but if you are thinking about winter in Scotland think about what would happen if you got a heavy snow fall on your tent.

I once woke up in the alps end of May and said " Stu, is the roof of this tent normally so low down"  And that was a semi geo 3 season tent. It did well to be honest . Slightly bent pole but otherwise it sprung back once we dug it out.

We thought our winter tent would be too hot for the time of year but  If theres a chance of snow we will be in a full geodesic from now on.

Glad we did not take our tunnel tent.  However If your not planning to camp when theres a risk of snow then tunnels are nice roomy light weight tents.

 Wind is another issue. It can be unpredictable.

The other thing to consider is that you may change the type of camping that you planned once you get into it.

If you are thinking of camping in Scotland in winter then as Jules says you'll be wanting Geodesic. I use a Vango Equinox for winter whihc is a strong tunnel tent but would never go Scotland without a backup geodesic tent in the boot of the car. Field & Trek are currently doing some fully and semi geodesic tents at a great prices like the Stormlite Stormlite Geo 200 fully geodesic for just £119 reduced from over £200! and the trusty old Wild Country Trisar for just £119. You could also look on Ebay for tents like the original versions of the Terra Nova Voyager which go quite cheap and can be used for car acmping and backpacking. The tunnels will give you a lot more room however but you do take a slight risk using them in winter or high winds. Its sad that there isn't an affordable inbetween at the moment!

Also the Force <a href="http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/SALE/Equipment/Tents/19712/Force_Ten_Baltoro_2.html]Ten Baltoro at just £199 is very strong tent for the price!

Good question SD

Gale force is a mean speed of around 40 mph or so - I would be quite happy in a Vango tunnel tent in that wind.

The trouble is when you get into geodesic - you loose space.

As Jamie says the equinox is tried and trusted and takes quite a battering, it is also huge in terms of porch space.

Have a cast around on ebay see whats around.

If you are intending to use it on your own, I would go for the 200 without the massive porch or even the 100. I've got a 200 without the extended porch and the weight is a little over the stated spec but am really happy with it, I would also recomend making your own foot print by going down your  Homebase or somewhere and buying a lighweight tarp for a tenna, dont buy really the thick ones as will weigh a tonn, pitch the outer tent on its own in the garden and cut the tarp to size including the porch if you like, keep it six inches or so from the outer and be careful not to slip and cut the tent if using a stanley knife. You could use good kitchen scissors I suppose.  My home made footprint weighs 270g and is suprisingly tough for the thickness folds up really small.

I guess if you inly intend to use with two people then the + model is worth it.

Sam

The home made footprint sounds great! 

Just let me recover from the 1/2 bottle of Taylor's before I start slashing at anything (other than porcelain).

I'm in a similar position in that I'm also looking for a tent to use in the hills over winter.

Personally I think the Tornado 200 looks considerably sturdier than the Spirit, but it does weigh quite a bit more (3.5kg instead of 2.6kg). Another thing in the Tornado's favour is that it's currently on sale at Field and Trek for only £120!

Another one I've been looking at is the Aztec Esquina, but it's had some mixed reviews and different websites vary on the season rating of it. Some say 3 season, others say full on mountain tent... very confusing!