Vango vs. Outwell – Which Is Better?
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Vango and Outwell are two leading names in the camping gear world. They also usually end up being the final two companies left to decide between. So you might be asking, between Vango and Outwell, which company is better?
Outwell is considered better since it has a wider range of products to choose from and sells items for camping. However, Vango is a cheaper option. Whichever brand you choose, they are both excellent choices, and you can’t really go wrong with either when searching for camping equipment.
It can be overwhelming picking camping gear. There are so many options and features for tents, sleeping bags, and accessories that it might be difficult to know where to start. That’s why any help narrowing down your options can be considered a blessing.
Vango and Outwell are two brands that are particularly difficult to decide between. These two companies have their differences, but they have enough similarities that it can be confusing to determine which one is better for you.
From price and material to the type of campers each company is trying to aim their products at, there are a lot of factors to be considered when you are narrowing down your choice between these two brands specifically.
In fact, it might be harder to decide between Vango and Outwell than it is to decide between any two other outdoor equipment companies on the market today.
If you’re struggling to make a decision, don’t worry! By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to be able to decide if you should spend your money on Vango or Outwell camping gear.
In the rest of this article, I will discuss who the companies are, what they do, what they make, and the main differences between the two brands.
Who Are Vango?
Like many outdoor brands that have proven themselves to be worth their price tag, Vango has built a loyal following through their own merit and their company partnerships. The company has partnered with climbers for Mount Everest expeditions, giving them the coveted title of being a favorite for “Seven Summits” adventures.
Vango is a Scottish-based camping gear company that has become a leader in the sector since it was founded in the 1960s. They’ve become popular not just in the UK but also worldwide due to their high-quality yet relatively affordable tents.
Vango has also continued to be a staple in the camping world due to their push towards practicing sustainability and ethical business.
They offer a warranty on all their products, so you can send your Vango tent back to the company to be repaired.
Not only do they offer this service to cut down on overconsumption, but they also reuse parts from damaged products; so when you buy from Vango, you’re also supporting a more sustainable production line that consists of using recycled goods.
However, that’s not the only way that Vango strives to be an ethical company. They also partner with charities, particularly those that promote being active and exploring the great outdoors.
None of this means that Vango has fallen behind the times, however. They’ve continuously developed their products to be able to suit all camping conditions and needs.
For Vango, their production goal is simple: to create a sustainable brand that has something for any sort of camper might be looking for.
What Do Vango Make?
Vango makes a plethora of camping and sleeping gear. Their equipment is considered some of the best in the market, and their products include backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and awnings.
There are too many of them to possibly talk about them all in one article. However, to help you get an idea of what Vango has to offer, here are a few of the most favored Vango products to get you started.
- Camping Equipment: Tents
Vango makes some of the largest tents on the market. Their tents are designed to sleep six people in the insulated bedroom chamber comfortably. They’re also waterproof and inflatable, so you don’t have to argue with assembly equipment to get your tent pitched.
- Sleeping: Sleeping Bags
Vango’s seeping bags are insulted to keep campers warm, so they can be used not just with a tent but also on their own if you prefer sleeping under the stars. They are also lightweight and can be compressed into a small pack. However, it’s worth noting that, while these sleeping bags are insulated, they’re not meant for frigid temperatures.
- Car Accessories: Awnings
Since Vango aims to never become stagnant, they strive for innovation. That’s where their awning lines come in. These awnings are designed to be inflatable for easy pitching and act as a sort of extension for your camper or van, so you have more space protected from the elements to enjoy yourself.
- Hiking Gear: Backpacks
The vango backpack line has some of the most versatile backpacks you can find, which is why they’re a favorite product for many people. Not only are they spacious enough to store items for a quick hike, but they’re also durable and flexible without being too bulky. These backpacks are suited to both everyday use and a trip out to the wilderness.
Who Are Outwell?
Outwell is a camping equipment producer founded in the mid-1980s in Denmark. Although it’s a newer company compared to other brands on the market, it’s still managed to become one of the most well-known companies for tents and gear.
Outwell products are made with the now-famous Scandinavian design. While there’s something for every type of camper available from the company, they particularly focus on comfort and style.
In fact, the company prides itself on producing gear perfect for “glamping,” or luxury camping.
This means the company aims to improve their designs continuously.
Their latest innovation is their material. Their trademark fabric is claimed to be 4x stronger than the fabric used by their regular competition. That means that when you purchase from Outwell, you’re buying from a company that puts the quality of their products and their customers’ comfort above everything else.
They’ve even won awards and been featured in camping magazines, making them an authority figure in the camping market. This has placed them in direct competition with the leading names of camping gear and equipment.
While it’s true that Outwell products aren’t cheap, their reputation speaks for itself. The company has a loyal base of customers that aren’t shy about saying how worth-it the price of Outwell products is.
What Do Outwell Do?
Outwell makes a number of items to suit all your camping needs, no matter what sort of camping trip you like going on. Some of the products they sell include tents, awnings, mattresses, camping refrigerators, and outdoor furniture.
However, to give you an idea of the products Outwell’s customers love most, we’ll list a few of their best-selling items.
- Camping: Tents
Many of Outwell’s tents have two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep up to four campers, making this a favorite option for many families. They’re inflatable, making them easy to pitch, which is a must for both new and seasoned campers. These tents are still breathable and waterproof, and they’re compact and easy to carry when not assembled.
- Car Accessories: Awnings
Awnings are quickly becoming a mainstay in the camping market, and Outwell has made sure to stay ahead of the curve. These awnings act as an add-on living space for camper or van camping. They aren’t just useful for camping trips but any other outdoor days, including festivals, barbecues, or day trips out in the wilderness.
- Sleeping: Sleeping Pads
The Outwell sleeping pads are all inflatable mattresses that are made of durable material, so they won’t pop when used on the ground. They are made of PVC and velour, so not only have these products become a favorite because they offer more support than a typical sleeping bag, but they’re also softer than some other camping air mattresses on the market.
- Camping Accessories: Coolers
The Outwell coolers aren’t your typical cooler; they can be plugged in to act as an actual camping refrigerator for luxury camping. With an F-rating, they aren’t the most energy-efficient coolers. However, they do come equipped with an energy-saving mode and do allow for convenience on the go.
- Furniture: Chairs
Outwell also sells a variety of outdoor furniture that is perfect for any outside event. Their camping chairs are a perfect example of this. They’re easy to assemble but don’t sacrifice comfort. You’ll still get the padding and support you’ll need to be able to fully relax in your chair without any body aches.
What Is the Difference Between Vango & Outwell?
Vango and Outwell are very similar brands, particularly when it comes to the types of products they sell. However, there are some key differences between these two brands, which could make the difference when it comes to deciding which one to purchase from.
The main difference between Vango and Outwell is the price. Ultimately, while the brands are similar, they also have different focuses regarding their business practices and promotions.
For one, their prices are quite different. While neither company’s products could be considered “cheap,” there is a large difference in the price you’ll pay for Vango products versus Outwell products. In general, Outwell’s most popular items are much more expensive than Vango’s.
Both companies offer high-quality items, which might make one wonder if Outwell’s more-expensive cost is really worth it. However, there are some features that Outwell includes in their items that Vango lacks that, for some people, make the higher price worth it.
The starkest differences you’ll find between these two companies’ products are in their tents and awnings, so we’ll be focusing on those main differences.
For example, when comparing similar tents, Outwell’s designs tend to offer a little extra space. This space difference won’t be feet or meters of difference. However, when it comes to being in a tent, even a few extra inches or centimeters can be the difference between feeling cramped and having the little bit of extra room you need to be comfortable.
The way you assemble Vango and Outwell products can also differ. Although both companies offer inflatable and pole assembly tents, Vango tents can sometimes need more hands-on assembly, which can be inconvenient for campers.
On the other hand, Outwell’s air-tents are completely inflatable with minimal need for more practical assembly.
The material each company uses is also different. Outwell uses a trademark fabric that is designed to be thicker and stronger while still breathable, while Vango uses more standard materials.
Both brands’ materials are high-quality, but Outwell’s thicker fabrics might make it more appropriate for a wider variety of camping conditions.
The way the companies operate also differs. Vango puts more public focus on their sustainability and partnerships, a business model that revolves heavily around using recycled products and fixing damaged goods to cut down on waste.
Outwell, on the other hand, doesn’t promote this same practice. They offer a limited warranty for their products. However, they don’t promote a fixed or refurbished product option.
Outwell also focuses more on promoting their awards and their innovations. On the other hand, Vango spends more public focus on partnering with initiatives to get people outdoors and exploring the world.
Which Is Better?
It’s hard to say which company is better between Outwell and Vango because both are very similar and high-quality. No matter which brand you purchase from, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed.
In fact, to some people there might still be little difference between these two companies. Reading this article might have solidified that fact for people who were torn between these two brands because of their similarities.
However, depending on your and your family’s camping preferences, one may still be better than the other.
Outwell may be the better choice for you if you want a more luxurious camping experience and you want more comfort and hands-off assembly. Outwell also offers more accessories to bring convenience and comfort to a camping trip, such as their camping coolers and other similar gear.
They both have loyal customer bases and are highly rated. Both brands have also become leaders in their shared field of supplying camping gear. They carry similar products and are likely to have everything you need for most camping trips, especially if you’re just starting to build your camping gear collection.
However, Vango is better for campers who enjoy a slightly more traditional camping experience with more hands-on work. Vango is also a better brand if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option as they are the less expensive brand of the two. Though you’ll still be making a large investment in Vango’s gear, this company’s products do cost less compared to Outwell.
On the other hand, Outwell has better products for general outdoor events. They carry products that could be used for festivals, picnics, or just days at the park. This versatility might make them a better brand or make their items worth the cost to you because you know you’ll get your money’s worth out of everything you buy from them.