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An old-school classic meets modern ultralight materials
Vango says:
The force Ten Classic UL2 is an instantly recognisable shape. The true classic A-frame tent design has been reimagined in an all new, ultralight format, pushing the boundaries of tent design.
Packed full of all of our top tech and built for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts. Our newest Protex 10D ripstop nylon flysheet is 100% PFC free to reduce the environmental impact without sacrificing on performance or weight saving.
Fully carbon poles offer the strongest and most stable structure and keep pack weight down and maximising internal living space. Celebrating 60 years of heritage and innovation with Vango and Force Ten.
Our Verdict
The F10 Classic UL 2 is a direct descendant of the original Force Ten, retaining the unmistakable A-frame structure while updating the build with lightweight ripstop fabrics and full carbon poles. The fly uses a very light 10 denier fabric with a 3000mm hydrostatic head, paired with a tougher 20 denier bathtub groundsheet rated to 6000mm. At a total weight of 2106g excluding pegs and bags, it sits firmly in the lightweight category for a two-person shelter while still feeling purpose-built for serious weather.
Pitching solo took me a little longer than with many modern tents that rely on highly intuitive hubbed pole systems, but this was the most fun I've had pitching a tent in a long time. I would 100% recommend a few practice pitches before heading into the hills.
Assembly starts by building the poles, which is straightforward, although the two A-frames are held in place only by gravity. This can be slightly frustrating when repositioning the tent, as one or both poles can slip out. With familiarity, this will become far easier. The inner is then pegged and clipped to the poles before the fly is added. Once fully tensioned and pegged out, the structure feels exceptionally stable and confidence-inspiring in poor weather.
Internally, there is good usable space for two wide sleeping mats, with extra room at the head end for smaller items. Storage pockets keep essentials organised, and the single vestibule is large enough for cooking( in a pinch) and basic gear storage. The mesh inner promotes airflow and helps manage condensation in typical UK conditions.
It is refreshing to see Vango produce a tent like this. The Classic UL 2 stands apart from most modern designs by staying true to the traditional A-frame mountain-shelter concept. Only 150 have been made, which gives it the feel of a considered, limited project rather than a mainstream release. It would not be my first choice for long-distance trails such as the Coast to Coast or the Pennine Way, but it is exactly the sort of tent I would enjoy taking into the Scottish hills for shorter trips. The design carries a strong sense of camping history and already feels like a modern classic.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- A-Frame Design - A truly classic tent shape that provides maximum strength and stability in varied conditions
- Pitches inner first for rapid setup and takedown. Can also be pitched inner only in warmer conditions.
- Carbon Poles - Extremely high strength carbon fibre poles provide maximum rigidity and stability in varied conditions whilst reducing overall weight
- Protex 10.SRN - An ultra lightweight 10 denier silicone and PU reinforced ripstop nylon flysheet fabric with 3,000mm HH rating to protect against the elements. 100% PFC free to reduce environmental impacts.
- Inner tent made from durable, lightweight ripstop nylon and breathable mesh to increase ventilation and reduce condensation for a comfortable nights sleep
- Ultra lightweight 20 denier ripstop nylon groundsheet with 6,000mm hydrostatic head to protect from the elements. A 100% PFC free silicone and PU coating reduces environmental impact.
- Bathtub groundsheet that extends 10cm up the inner tent to keep you dry in harsh weather
- High strength Dyneema core guylines are lighter and more durable than traditional guylines
- High grip guyline adjusters securely hold tension in even the harshest conditions and can be easily adjusted with one hand
- 16cm anodized alloy V pegs found exclusively on our F10 range provide secure anchoring in varied ground conditions
- Fully Taped Seams - All flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped for a watertight seal
- Partial mesh inner door ensures maximum airflow whilst keeping out bugs
- Multiple Reflective Points - On pegging points for visibility in low light
- Single porch provides covered storage space for your kit
- Fast Pack tent bag with an oversized top opening design makes it easier to pack away. Drawcord and compression straps keep pack size to a minimum
- Internal Storage Pockets - Provides convenient storage within the inner tent, keeping essentials close to hand
- Fully Rain Tested - Weather tested to standard EN ISO 5912 for peace of mind. This tent is suitable for use in wet and windy weather. Cautionary level storms and extreme weather should be avoided
- Fire Retardant Fabrics - Meets European EN5912 safety standard
Specifications
- Flysheet weighs: 488g
- Inner weighs: 558g
- Poles weigh: 1060g
- Total weight: 2106g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x 16 weigh: 184g
- Pack size: 58.0 x ⌀14.0cm
- Hydrostatic Head: 3000mm HH
Material & Construction
- Flysheet: Protex 10.SRN Reinforced Nylon, 3,000 HH
- Groundsheet: 20D Ripstop Nylon, 6,000 HH
