The Vango Apollo 500 Five Man Tent is a highly regarded camping shelter that has stood the test of time. With recent modifications, this dark fabric structure represents the latest version of the tent. It boasts an extended dome design, featuring a spacious inner floored area under the dome and a large front space supported by an additional pole. This front extension serves as a versatile vestibule or porch, resembling a cozy front room, albeit without protection from crawling insects. It’s important to note that the tent is not freestanding and requires proper staking for stability.
Key features & benefits
- Extended dome tent: The Vango Apollo 500 is designed in an extended dome shape, providing ample headroom and interior space for comfortable camping.
- Huge waterproof rating: This tent has a high waterproof rating, ensuring that you stay dry even during heavy rainfall.
- Floored vestibule/porch: The tent features a vestibule or porch area with a floor, offering extra storage space for gear and a sheltered entryway.
- Fiberglass poles: The tent utilizes durable fiberglass poles, providing sturdy support and stability to withstand various weather conditions.
- 2 Doors: With two doors, the tent offers convenient access points for easy entry and exit, as well as improved ventilation options.
- Solid windows: The tent includes solid windows that offer privacy while allowing natural light to enter the interior space.
What this is about
Extended Dome Tent:
The Vango Apollo 500 Five Man Tent is designed as an extended dome tent, providing ample space for comfortable camping. The dome structure offers increased headroom and a sense of openness within the tent. This design not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also allows for better air circulation, promoting a more comfortable camping experience.
Spacious Floored Vestibule/Porch:
One of the standout features of the Vango Apollo 500 is its spacious floored vestibule or porch area. This front extension serves as a versatile space, whether it’s used as a sheltered area to store camping gear or as an additional living space. The linked-in floor in the porch area provides a clean and dry surface for various activities, such as cooking or relaxing. It’s important to note that while the floor adds convenience, it doesn’t offer protection against crawling insects.
Two Large Doors:
The tent is equipped with two large doors, strategically positioned for easy access and improved convenience. These doors allow campers to enter and exit the tent without disturbing others, especially if the tent is being shared by multiple occupants. The double-door design also facilitates excellent ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the tent, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Solid Windows:
The Vango Apollo 500 features solid windows on its front porch area. These windows not only maximize natural light but also enhance visibility, allowing campers to enjoy scenic views from within the tent. Additionally, the windows come with inner shatters that can be rolled aside and secured with toggles to ensure privacy and reduce glare. This thoughtful feature provides campers with control over lighting conditions inside the tent, enhancing their overall camping experience.
Materials:
The Vango Apollo 500 Five-Man Tent is constructed using high-quality materials that ensure durability, protection, and comfort for campers. Let’s take a closer look at the materials used in the tent’s construction:
Fiberglass Poles:
The tent features three shock-corded fiberglass poles that provide structural integrity and support. These poles are lightweight, making them easy to handle and set up. The pin-and-ring attachment system allows for secure and hassle-free assembly. One notable advantage of the Vango Apollo 500 is that the poles are added from the outside, enabling a dry setup. This means that even if it’s raining, the inner tent remains protected from moisture. However, it’s important to note that fiberglass poles are not as durable as some other materials and may require careful handling to avoid damage.
Fabric:
The shell of the Vango Apollo 500 is made from a durable 70D polyester material known as Protex. This fabric is not only robust but also boasts a remarkable waterproof rating of 3000 mm. This means that it can withstand heavy rain showers and keep the interior of the tent dry. The inner tent is made from a breathable polyester material that allows for proper airflow, reducing condensation and maintaining a comfortable environment inside. Additionally, the inner door features mesh areas that further enhance ventilation while keeping insects at bay.
Floors:
The tent has two types of flooring. The porch area features a linked-in floor that can be rolled towards the inner tent when not needed, providing campers with the flexibility to use the space as desired. This feature helps protect the porch area’s floor from damage, especially when cooking or using furniture. The inner tent has a fully sewn-in and sealed floor made of polyethylene. This design ensures that the tent’s interior remains dry and free from ground moisture.
Safety Standards:
Vango prioritizes safety in the construction of their tents. The Vango Apollo 500 meets European EN5912 safety standards and uses fire-retardant fabrics. These measures provide peace of mind to campers, knowing that the tent has been tested and exceeds safety requirements.
Ventilation:
The Vango Apollo 500 Five-Man Tent is designed to provide excellent ventilation, ensuring a fresh and comfortable environment inside the tent. Here are the key aspects of its ventilation system:
Deep Inner Door:
The inner door of the tent is positioned deep within the porch area. This configuration allows for effective regulation of air circulation. Campers can adjust the opening of the inner door to control the amount of airflow inside the tent, promoting proper ventilation.
Vents:
To enhance airflow further, the Vango Apollo 500 features vents located on both the front and rear sides of the tent. These vents allow for increased air exchange, preventing condensation buildup and ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
Additional Features:
- Lantern hanging points are strategically positioned in the living and bedroom areas, providing convenient illumination options.
- Inner pockets on the walls of the tent offer practical storage solutions for organizing essential items, keeping the living space tidy and clutter-free.
- The tent comes with a fast-pack tent bag featuring an oversized opening. This makes it easy to pack and store the tent after use. The compression straps help secure the tent, minimizing its packed size for convenient transportation.
- Reflective webbing is integrated into the design of the tent, making it easily visible in low-light conditions. This feature enhances safety and ensures that campers can locate their tent easily, even during nighttime.
Who is it for
Regarding the capacity:
The Vango Apollo 500 Five-Man Tent is officially designed to accommodate five people. It offers an inner floored area of 61 ft² (5.67 m²) along with an additional 50 ft² (4.6 m²) of space in the vestibule area. With a total protected area per person of 22.2 ft² (2.05 m²), the tent initially appears to provide a generous amount of space for each occupant. However, it’s important to note that the floor plan reveals limited width per person, making it challenging to comfortably fit five sleeping pads. In reality, the tent is better suited for up to four people who can enjoy a more spacious and comfortable camping experience.
Regarding climate, seasons, and protection:
The Vango Apollo 500 is a suitable choice for three-season camping. It is well-ventilated to ensure adequate airflow, preventing condensation buildup. The tent features a remarkable waterproof rating of 3000 mm, ensuring that campers remain dry even during heavy rainfall. While it provides reliable protection against typical weather conditions, the manufacturer recommends avoiding use in extreme weather or during severe storms. This responsible approach ensures the safety and comfort of campers.
Regarding the weight:
The weight of the Vango Apollo 500 Five Man Tent is 19.64 lb (8.91 kg), making it relatively heavy compared to other camping tents on the market. Its weight is primarily attributed to the durable materials used in its construction. Due to its weight, the tent is more suitable for camping trips where access to the campsite is easily available by car. It may not be the ideal choice for backpacking or situations where portability is a priority.
Regarding the price:
It’s worth noting that the Vango Apollo 500 Five-Man Tent is priced at the higher end of the market. While it offers excellent features and functionality, there are more affordable options available. However, the tent’s durability, spacious vestibule, solid windows, and exceptional waterproof rating justify its higher price point. Campers who prioritize quality and performance will find the investment in this tent worthwhile.
Specifications:
- Official capacity: 5 people
- Weight: 19.64 lb (8.91 kg)
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.5 ft (390 x 290 cm)
- Inner floor area: 61 ft² (5.67 m²)
- Vestibule area: 50 ft² (4.6 m²)
- Total protected area: 111 ft² (10.27 m²)
- Total protected area per person: 22.2 ft² (2.05 m²)
- Packed size: 27.56 x 9.84 x 7.87 in (70 x 23 x 20 cm)
Pros
- Floored vestibule for added space and versatility
- Solid windows maximize light and visibility
- Impressive waterproof rating for enhanced protection
- Large vestibule area for storage and living space
Cons
- Relatively heavy compared to other tents
- Bulky when packed, requiring ample storage space
- Fiberglass poles may not be as durable as other materials
- The inner area may be slightly small for accommodating five people
Conclusion:
The Vango Apollo 500 Five Man Tent is a highly recommended choice for campers seeking a reliable and spacious shelter. With its extended dome design, floored vestibule, solid windows, and impressive waterproof rating, it offers exceptional functionality and protection. While the tent’s weight and bulkiness may pose challenges for backpacking, its durability and performance make it an excellent option for car-accessible campsites. Although the tent is officially marketed as a five-person capacity, it is better suited for up to four individuals to ensure maximum comfort.
