The Vango Iris 500 tent is designed with comfort and protection in mind, this tent is perfect for your camping adventures. In this review, we’ll explore its features, construction, and suitability for various conditions.
Key features & benefits
- 3 rooms.
- Dark rest design.
- Huge waterproof rating.
- PVC windows.
- Fiberglass poles.
- Tunnel type.
- Cable port.
Tent Type and Structure
The Vango Iris 500 is a fully enclosed tunnel-type tent, offering superior protection from the elements. With its solid PVC windows and absence of mesh, this tent ensures optimal privacy and enhanced durability. However, it’s important to note that the tent is not freestanding, requiring proper staking for secure setup. Let’s explore the room layout and capacity of this remarkable tent.
The Iris 500 features a three-room structure, providing ample space for a comfortable camping experience. It includes two sleeping units, accommodating two people and three people respectively. The sleeping area is like a tent within a tent, complete with its own bathtub floor, offering added protection against moisture. The third room is a generously sized living room, spanning approximately 8 square meters. This spacious living area provides a pleasant gathering space for relaxation and socializing.
While the declared capacity may seem tight, it’s worth mentioning that the bedrooms can comfortably accommodate fewer people. The divider between the sleeping units is a simple toggled curtain that can be easily removed. By doing so, you can create a sleeping zone for up to four people, offering more space and comfort. On the other hand, the expansive living room can accommodate an additional five people if needed. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sleeping arrangements according to your specific needs.
The sleeping area of the Iris 500 boasts a lights-out design, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed sleep environment. This innovative feature reduces glare, allowing you to sleep longer in the morning without the intrusion of sunlight. Similar to other manufacturers’ blackout or dark rest designs, the lights-out feature in the Iris 500 creates an optimal atmosphere for rest and rejuvenation.
Comparison to the Iris 600 XL
It’s worth noting that the Iris 500 is part of the Iris series, which includes another tent model: the Iris 600 XL. The XL designation signifies that the Iris 600 XL is a larger version of the tent, offering even more space and capacity compared to the Iris 500.
As the Iris 500 has been on the market for several years, it’s important to mention that different versions of the tent may be available. For instance, the green variant found in the EU market features mesh on both entry doors, providing increased ventilation and insect protection.
Suitable Users and Conditions
The Vango Iris 500 tent is designed to cater to a wide range of camping enthusiasts, providing a comfortable and protective shelter in various conditions. Let’s explore the target users and the ideal conditions for this remarkable tent.
Size and Capacity
With its declared capacity to accommodate up to five people, the Iris 500 offers ample space for a small group or family. The total area provided by the three rooms is approximately 14 square meters (150 ft²), ensuring that occupants have sufficient room to move around and store their gear comfortably. Despite its generous size, the Iris 500 can still be considered relatively compact when compared to other tents within the Vango brand.
Compact Design
Although the Vango Iris 500 tent provides around 14 square meters of space, it is considered compact compared to larger models within the Vango brand. For instance, the Iris 600 XL offers 21 square meters, and the Marna 600 XL boasts a sprawling 25 m². In comparison, the Iris 500 strikes a balance between providing ample room and maintaining a more manageable size, making it a great choice for campers seeking both comfort and portability.
Seasonal Suitability
The Iris 500 is classified as a 3-season tent, well-suited for spring, summer, and fall camping adventures. Its impressive waterproof rating and solid windows provide reliable protection from rain and moisture. However, it’s important to note that the tent’s poles and construction are not designed to withstand heavy snow accumulation. Therefore, it is not recommended for winter camping in snowy conditions. Additionally, due to its height of 76.8 inches (195 cm), the tent may not be the most ideal choice in extremely windy situations. Nevertheless, the tent is equipped with numerous guylines and stakes to enhance stability and withstand moderate wind conditions.
Climate Considerations
The fully enclosed design of the Iris 500, with its absence of mesh, makes it best suited for cooler climates. While this design offers enhanced protection from the elements, it may result in limited ventilation. The tent features only two vents, located strategically to allow for airflow. However, campers planning to use the Iris 500 in hot and humid environments may prefer tents with mesh ceilings or more extensive ventilation options.
Weight and Transportation
Weighing approximately 33.7 lbs (15.3 kg), the Iris 500 is not the lightest tent available. However, when considering its size and features, this weight is within the normal range for tents of this type. The tent’s packed size reduces to 28.7 x 13.4 inches (73 x 34 x 34 cm), making it reasonably compact for transportation and storage. It is important to note that due to its weight and size, the Iris 500 is best suited for camping trips where car transportation is available, as it may be impractical to carry it over long distances.
Features and Construction Details
Poles:
The Vango Iris 500 tent stands tall and strong, thanks to its three resilient PowerFlex poles. These shock-corded fiberglass poles create a sturdy and stable structure that can withstand nature’s challenges with ease. Setting up the tent is a breeze, as the PowerFlex poles effortlessly come together to form the foundation of your temporary home.
With their graceful curvature, these poles not only provide stability but also offer generous headroom. Say goodbye to cramped spaces and hello to freedom of movement within the spacious living and sleeping areas. Whether facing gusty winds or uneven terrain, you can have confidence in the PowerFlex poles that keep your shelter steadfast.
Fabric:
When it comes to the fabric used in the construction of the Vango Iris 500, durability and protection are at the forefront. Crafted with precision, the tent features Protex 70D polyester fabric that can brave the elements with confidence. This robust material not only withstands the rigors of outdoor adventures but also ensures your shelter remains resilient against nature’s challenges.
The Protex fabric is designed to deliver exceptional waterproof performance, offering peace of mind during rainy conditions. With a remarkable waterproof rating, it keeps you dry and comfortable inside the tent, allowing you to enjoy your camping experience without worry. Additionally, all seams are meticulously taped to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.
The fully sewn-in bathtub floor, constructed from high-quality polyethylene, adds another level of durability to the Iris 500. It not only prevents water from seeping in but also protects against rough terrain. Rest easy knowing that the tent’s interior remains dry and secure, even when faced with wet ground or unexpected spills.
Doors and Windows:
The tent is equipped with solid PVC windows that provide not only exceptional durability but also a clear view of the surrounding landscape. These windows are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance and protection. With the solid PVC construction, you can enjoy panoramic views of nature’s beauty while remaining shielded from wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.
When it comes to entryways, the Iris 500 offers a combination of single and double-layered doors. One of the doors features a double-layer structure, incorporating a mesh panel for improved ventilation. This allows you to enjoy a refreshing breeze while keeping insects out of your living space. The mesh panel also provides an additional layer of privacy, allowing you to open the door without compromising on personal space.
Moreover, the double-layered doors and solid PVC windows can be fully sealed, providing enhanced protection during inclement weather conditions. This ensures that you remain dry and comfortable inside the tent, even when faced with heavy rain or strong winds. The combination of durable materials and thoughtful design choices guarantees a secure and cozy camping experience.
Ventilation:
The tent offers two strategically placed vents to maintain a well-ventilated interior. One vent is located underneath the large PVC window in the living room, allowing fresh air to circulate and preventing any stuffiness. This clever placement ensures a constant flow of air, keeping the living area comfortable and inviting.
Additionally, a high vent is positioned behind the sleeping zones, facilitating efficient air exchange within the tent. This helps regulate the temperature and reduces condensation, ensuring a pleasant sleeping environment. The presence of a mesh on the inner tent perfectly complements this back vent, allowing for optimal ventilation and preventing unwanted insects from entering the sleeping area.
The Vango Iris 500 tent also provides further ventilation options through its doors. The main front door features a mesh panel that allows for increased airflow when the weather is clear. This expansive opening can be left with the mesh alone, allowing fresh air to permeate the living space while keeping insects at bay.
The inner doors of the sleeping rooms also incorporate mesh sections in their upper areas. This design not only adds to the overall airflow within the tent but also provides a touch of privacy by restricting visibility from the outside.
Additional Features
Ample Storage Space:
Inside the tent, you’ll find an abundance of storage options. The sleeping area boasts multiple pockets located on both side walls, offering convenient storage for your personal items. These pockets span from the ceiling to the floor, ensuring that you have ample space to keep your essentials organized and within easy reach. Additionally, there is a large storage section on the wall between the two inner doors, providing even more storage capacity for your gear and belongings.
Convenient Cable Management:
The tent features a zipped cable entry point and touch fastener tidies, allowing you to neatly manage electrical cords. This thoughtful design ensures that your cables are securely organized and tucked away, minimizing tripping hazards and maintaining a clean and clutter-free living space.
Lantern Hanging Points:
To create a cozy and well-illuminated environment, the Vango Iris 500 tent includes dedicated lantern hanging points. These points enable you to easily suspend your lantern, providing a convenient source of light during nighttime activities and creating a warm ambiance within the tent.
Vango TBS II Tension Band System:
The Vango Iris 500 is equipped with the patented Vango TBS II Tension Band System, a feature found in all tents of this type from Vango. This innovative system consists of bands attached to the side walls that can be fixed at the apex, creating a triangular tensioner. By utilizing this system, you can significantly enhance the tent’s stability and resilience, especially in the face of strong side winds. When not in use, the tension bands can be easily detached and stored in their special pockets on the walls, ensuring quick accessibility for future use.
High Visibility Guylines:
For added stability and visibility, the tent comes with preattached high visibility guylines. These guylines not only provide extra support during windy conditions but also enhance safety by reducing the risk of accidental trips and ensuring that your tent is easily visible, even in low light conditions.
Specifications
- Capacity: 5 people.
- Weight: 33.7 lb (15.3 kg).
- Dimensions: 183 x 132 in (465 x 335 cm).
- Total area: 150 ft² (14 m²).
- Area per person: 30 ft² (2.8 m²).
- Peak height: 76.8 in (195 cm).
- Packed size: 28.7 x 13.4 in (73 x 34 x 34 cm).
Vango Iris 500 vs Competitors
The Vango Iris 500 sets itself apart from competitors with its solid PVC windows, enhanced stability, and convenient storage options. While the Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent offers spacious accommodations and weather resistance, and the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent boasts durability and versatility, the Iris 500 stands out with its unique features. Consider your camping requirements to determine which tent best suits your needs.
Pros
- Durable and reliable construction
- Spacious and well-organized design
- Solid PVC windows for protection and views
- Enhanced stability with Vango TBS II system
- Convenient storage pockets
Cons
- Relatively heavy for backpacking
- Limited ventilation
- Sleeping areas may feel tight for capacity
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Vango Iris 500 tent provides reliable comfort and protection, with its durable construction, spacious design, and thoughtful features. Choose the Iris 500 for a memorable and enjoyable camping experience.
