VauDe Mark 2

Mike Buckley 2
Reviewed: 27 September 2009

UNRELIABLE POLES - SADLY

So simple to pitch, great design concept. Excellent value for money. Customer service from Vaude is excellent.

Unreliable poles on the latest one I bought. Not really a 3 man tent but very spacious for 1 and roomy for 2.

The standard version is too short if you're over 6' so buy the "Long" version - which is what I had.

The first MkII I had was bought in late 1990's and served very well indeed. Totally bombproof, stable and reliable. It broke a pole once - and that was my own fault. I seldom used the corner guys except in really strong wind, it was so stable.

I replaced it with a 2008 model which, while still displaying the same overall shape and concept, is really a very different tent.

I found it extremely draughty thanks to all the mesh panels it now has, and far less stable in a blow than the old one in that it had to be fully guyed in all conditions, and even then seemed far less rigid.

In the year I had it, it suffered 3 pole breakages - in fairness, Vaude customer service is excellent and the poles were repaired and then the entire set was replaced. I had 3 trips spoiled though.

It then collapsed in a bottom end F6. I got rid of it, and replaced it with an Atreus which seems rather better.

I wrote a full review on UKSKGB at http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/almanac_reviews_images/review_mkII.htm

Unicycleboy
Reviewed: 13 August 2008

PRETTY GOOD

Fast Pitching, Very waterproof, Good sized porches

A bit small for 3, Groundsheet, Poles

The pole at the top snapped after a week of use in approximately 30mph winds, however this was fixed for free and quickly by Vaude - but therefore I don't trust the tent when backpacking in strong winds. however after getting the pole fixed I have had no times so far, though have not had it up in anything about 20mph winds.
It is rather tight for 3 (6ft men) however would be fine for 3 smaller people. Very comfortable for 2 though.
It pitches very quickly even when doing it on my own,
Altogether a good tent and seems very stong (as long as my pole was a one off)

hugh tattersall
Reviewed: 16 August 2007

GREAT TENT

Pitching, very roomy for two, two full porches

I really can't think of any, we had a dribble last time out, but soon sorted, must have had it for nearly ten years.

Great tent, We won ours in a tent pitching competition!

Peter Dew
Reviewed: 15 April 2007

BRILLANT TENT

Easy to pitch, solid as a rock, loads of room.

A little on the heavy side

I bought and used the Mark 2 for a sea kayaking trip to Alaska. We had constant rain for the first 5 days and never once did I have a problem with leakage or condensation. Two good sized porches gave easy entrance/exit and room to store gear for two people. It's simple to set up and is bomb proof in strong winds. The inner has loads of room for two for extended trips, however, I'm not sure I would want to make it a threesome for more than a night. Other than being a little on the heavy side it's a great tent and worth considering.

david stephenson 2
Reviewed: 20 April 2006

UNRELIABLE POLES

easy and quick to pitch, waterproof,very comfortable and easy to live with for two persons

poles:
bought May 03; pole snapped July 03 whilst drying in garage after only 7 nights of relatively gentle use; section replaced very quickly and free of charge by Vaude UK; April 06, after only 6 more nights of gentle use, another pole section split whilst being erected; dispair - how can I rely on it again even if I get another pole replacement?

Disappointing that such a wonderfully designed tent cannot be relied upon. Catalogue lists 'pole doctor repair tubes' but these were not supplied with the tent; I had to order them separately and was pleased that I had - they are absolutely essential items to carry at all times!