Vango Sierra 500 (Deep Blue, 5-Person)

Tunnel Family Tent

From: Vango

The Vango Sierra 500 tent is a tunnel-style family tent built for up to 5 people. It has a 1.95m high entrance hall with room to stand and move about, plus an integrated awning with a sewn-in groundsheet. The outer tent measures 455 x 325 x 195cm and packs down to just 30cm x 80cm.

Ventilation comes from several mesh doors and panels, including one behind the sleeping cabin. This keeps air moving and reduces condensation on warm nights. The fabric carries a 4000mm hydrostatic head rating, so it holds up well against sustained rain.

Fibreglass Powerflex poles are pre-angled to boost interior space. A TBS-II strap system adds strength in windy conditions. At 17.1kg, it's manageable for two people to carry and pitch together.

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Product Features

Waterproofing - The outer tent uses Sentinel ColourLok ECO polyester with a 4000mm hydrostatic head rating. This means the fabric can withstand heavy, sustained rainfall without leaking. For UK camping, where showers can last for hours, this level of waterproofing keeps the inside dry and comfortable throughout a trip. Ventilation - Multiple mesh doors and panels run through the tent, including an extra mesh panel behind the sleeping cabins. This setup allows continuous airflow even when the tent is zipped up. Good airflow stops condensation building up inside, which is a common problem in enclosed family tents overnight. Wind stability - The TBS-II strap system works alongside pre-angled Powerflex fibreglass poles to anchor the tent structure firmly. This combination spreads wind load across the frame rather than letting it concentrate on one point. It matters most on exposed campsites where gusts can otherwise strain seams and poles.

Standing height entrance - The porch area reaches 1.95m tall, so most adults can stand upright without stooping. This makes daily tasks like changing clothes or cooking on a camp stove far easier. It also gives the tent a more open, liveable feel compared to low-profile tunnel tents. Darkened sleeping cabin - The queen size sleeping cabin uses darkening fabric to block out early morning light. This helps campers sleep longer, particularly useful during British summer months when daylight starts early. Families with children often find this feature reduces early wake-ups on site. Compact pack size - Dynamic Weave 100 fabric keeps the packed tent to just 30cm diameter by 80cm length at 17.1kg total weight. This makes it easier to fit into a car boot alongside other camping gear and more manageable to carry from car park to pitch.

FAQs

How many people can sleep in the Vango Sierra 500 tent?

The tent is designed for up to 5 people. It has one sleeping cabin measuring 210cm x 300cm x 180cm (L x W x H), which gives enough floor space for a family or group of that size, plus the separate entrance hall area for gear and daily activities.

Is the Sierra 500 fully waterproof?

Yes. The outer tent has a hydrostatic head rating of 4000mm, which is a strong rating for a family tent. The floor is made from 100% polyethylene and the outer uses Sentinel ColourLok ECO polyester. Together these materials keep water out during prolonged rainfall.

What is included when I buy this tent?

The package includes the tent itself, a carry bag, guy ropes, pegs, a stuff sack and an XL carry bag. A power cable input is also built into the tent for connecting electric hook-up if the campsite provides it.

How much does the tent weigh and how does it pack down?

The Sierra 500 weighs 17.1kg. Packed dimensions are 30cm in diameter by 80cm in length. This is fairly compact for a 5-person tunnel tent, thanks to the Dynamic Weave 100 fabric used in construction.

What poles does the tent use and are they easy to pitch?

It uses fibreglass Powerflex poles that are pre-angled to create a larger interior space. Being a free standing tunnel design, the tent doesn't need to be pegged out immediately to hold its shape, which makes initial pitching more straightforward for two people.

Does the tent have good ventilation to stop condensation?

Yes. It has several mesh doors and panels positioned around the tent, plus an additional mesh panel behind the sleeping cabin. This allows air to circulate through the tent even in warmer weather, reducing the build-up of condensation overnight.

How tall is the entrance area? Can adults stand up inside?

The entrance hall reaches 1.95m in height, so most adults can stand fully upright in this area. This makes it far more practical for cooking, storing gear, or simply moving around compared to tents with lower porch heights.

Is this tent suitable for windy or exposed campsites?

The tent includes a TBS-II strap system designed to improve stability in strong wind. Combined with the pre-angled pole structure, this helps the tent maintain its shape and resist wind pressure better than tents without this bracing system.

Vango Sierra 500 (Deep Blue, 5-Person) Specs

Spec	Detail
Brand	Vango
Model	Sierra 500
Manufacturer part number	TEVSIERRA000001
Colour	Deep Blue
Tent type	Tunnel tent
Occupancy	5 person
Season rating	3 season
Number of rooms	1
Installation type	Free standing
Closure type	Zipper
Outer tent dimensions (L x W x H)	455 x 325 x 195 cm
Sleeping cabin dimensions (L x W x H)	210 x 300 x 180 cm
Floor area	14.79 sq m
Vestibule/porch area	6.13 sq m
Maximum internal height	1.95 m
Packed dimensions	30 cm diameter x 80 cm length
Weight	17.1 kg
Outer tent material	100% polyester (Sentinel ColourLok ECO)
Pole material	Fibreglass (Powerflex)
Floor material	100% polyethylene
Rainfly material	Polyester
Hydrostatic head	4000 mm
Waterproof	Yes
Ventilation	Mesh doors and panels including rear cabin panel
Windows	Lockable Diamond Clear windows
Wind stability system	TBS-II strap system
Storage features	Organiser, SkyTrack II hangings
Power feature	Power cable input
Included accessories	Carry bag, XL carry bag, guy ropes, pegs, stuff sack
Assembly required	Yes, instructions provided
Recommended use	Camping, hiking