We test out the special 60th anniversary re-imagining of the classic Force Ten A-frame tentReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersAs a young boy in the 1970s, all my early camping experiences involved A-frame tents, firstly with my dads slightly moth-eaten, post-war cotton tent retrieved from the attic and pitched in the garden, and then later with the large, green canvas tents we used in the Scouts, with us boys packed in like sardines in rows down each side.About the time I was making my first tentative steps into the outdoors world, a certain chap called Christian Bonington was leading a bunch of his pals including the likes of Doug Scott and Dougal Haston on a grand adventure in the Himalaya to climb Mount Everest by its unclimbed South West Face. The tents they used for the approach trek and lower camps on the mountain were the distinctive orange Force Ten Classic A-frame tents made by Vango at their Glasgow factory. In fact, the Force Ten was a common sight on high altitude expeditions of the 1970s and into the 1980s, and the images of mountaineering heroes standing by their orange A-frame tents were burned into a thousand young (and old) minds.Force Ten Mark 5 tents were a mainstay of Himalayam expeditions in the 1970sFast forward to 2026, and Vango have introduced a range of products to celebrate the companys 60th anniversary, and one of the models in this limited-edition collection is a re-imagined version of the Force Ten Classic, using lighter materials and named the Classic UL2. Its looks and layout are very much in keeping with the tent it is inspired by, however in practice its a very different beast. Weighing in at only 2.5kg, it is a quarter of the weight of the tent of the Mark 5, and much smaller too the UL2 is, as the name suggests, designed for two people, whereas the Mark 5 was a 4-person tent. Vango did also produce Mark 4 (3-person) and Mark 3 (2-person) versions of the Classic, and the UL2s dimensions are more or less based on the Mark 3.But how does the classic A-frame design stand comparison to todays supposedly more sophisticated tent designs, and is the Classic UL2 just for those who want to relive their youth or wallow in nostalgia, or is it still a viable option? We find out these and other questions in the following review.Classic UL2 pitched below Goatfell on the Isle of ArranMaterials & designAside from the smaller size and footprint of the Classic UL2, its the materials that Vango have used that really set it apart from the Classics of the past. Not only have they opted for modern, synthetic fabrics for the UL2s flysheet and inner tent unlike the heavy canvas of the Mark 5 theyve actually used their all-new Protex 10.SRN fabric for the flysheet, an ultra-lightweight 10 denier silicone and PU reinforced ripstop nylon with a 3,000mm HH (waterproof) rating. This is 100% PFC free to reduce environmental impacts, and the bathtub-style groundsheet a 20 denier ripstop nylon groundsheet with 6,000mm hydrostatic head uses a 100% PFC free silicone and PU coating. To complete the tents weatherproofing, all flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped for a watertight seal.Roomy interior is a major advantage of the Classic UL2s designThe Classic UL2s poles are seriously chunky, however being made from carbon they are also incredibly light, certainly compared to the alloy poles used in the standard Classics. There are five pole sections two at each end and one across the top which are connected by an apex piece at the top of each A at each end, to form the classic A-frame from which the inner tent is attached to. Light but strong is a theme that runs through this tents design, and the use of high strength Dyneema core guylines, which are lighter and more durable than traditional guylines, and 16cm anodized alloy V pegs found exclusively on the F10 range, keep that ethos going. This all contributes to keeping the overall weight of the tent down, while maintaining strength and stability.PitchingPitching the Classic UL2 is straightforward, however for best results its important to be diligent in lining up guylines with seams to get a taut flysheet that repels wind and rain. After laying out the inner tent, you connect the poles together and place the free-standing structure over the footprint of the tent. Its obviously quicker/easier with two people (especially in windy conditions!), however we found that its certainly possible for one person to do it alone. The inner tent is suspended from the A-frame structure using a combination of loops and eyelets, before the flysheet goes over the top, connecting directly to the inner tent at both ends, and pegged out at middle and ends. Before pegging out though, its vital to remember to fix the toggles that connect the inner to the flysheet in the middle of each side, as this gives the inner tent structure holding the sides away from the occupants and is very awkward to do retrospectively.Carbon poles and apex connectors are far lighter than on previous ClassicsInner-first pitching tents have their pros and cons of course; in bad weather the inner can get wet in the time it takes you to get the flysheet on, however with the Classic UL2 this is an extremely quick process so its not a deal-breaker by any means. The advantage of this set-up is that you can use just the inner tent in warm/dry weather; its also easier to manage the tent, without guylines and flysheet/inner getting muddled which can happen with pitch inner/outer together tents. Without the flysheet the tent will stand up on its own, but you really need to connect a couple of guylines and peg it out to give extra stability if theres any kind of wind.In useCompared to todays array of sophisticated tent designs, which utilise all manner of shapes and configurations to maximise internal space or strength, or minimise weight, the timeless shape of the Classic UL2 is refreshingly simple. Its very practical too; we were surprised by how spacious it felt, and even with two people and two medium sized dogs inside, we didnt feel cramped. Theres room for two full-sized sleeping mats, and the fact that headroom and the width is the same at both ends make it really usable, especially when getting dressed/undressed and just generally moving around inside.We didnt find the one entrance particularly limiting, and although the porch space isnt massive, the fact that the internal space is so good means we didnt need to leave much gear in the porch. In fact, you could easily stow your gear down the far end of the tent and use the porch exclusively for cooking.The inner tent is mostly solid fabric, however theres mesh vents at both ends, and Vango suggest that you can also adjust the height of the sides of the flysheet to allow more airflow on particularly warm nights. Conversely, you can peg the bottom of the flysheet lower to the ground to keep out cold drafts in windy weather, and the relatively high (10cm) sides of the bathtub groundsheet which is thicker and more waterproof than the fly also helps keep drafts out. Certainly we felt very comfortable overnight in temperatures hovering just above freezing and in pretty strong winds.Classic UL2 behind another Vango 60th anniversary piece, the Ultra 35 packVerdictThe big question we had before testing the Classic UL2 was whether its existence was a purely an exercise in nostalgia, or whether it could actually compete with modern tent designs. The conclusion we came to pretty quickly was that yes, it absolutely can compete with the latest designs, and is as valid a design today as when it was first conceived all those years ago. The A-frame design gives a stable structure comparable with semi-geodesic tents, and the space inside is extremely generous, a real boon when camping for multiple nights, or in wet weather conditions. The 2.35kg (trail weight) is very respectable for the protection it offers, and we could see it being used for everything from UK backpacking trips and overseas trekking trips, to one-night mountain sorties.And aside from the technical and practical attributes of the Classic UL2, we found it just a joy to use its simplicity and familiarity making it so hassle-free and just fun to be in, and the experience only enhanced by childhood memories of using A-frame tents and images from the legendary Himalayan expeditions in the 70s always in the back of our minds. Sure, its not cheap at 500, but with only 150 of these tents being made the users club for the Classic UL2 is going to be pretty exclusive, and were certain that every one of those users is going to be camping with a smile on their face!More info at: www.vango.co.ukSPECSPitching time: 15 minutesCapacity: 2-person tentTotal weight: 2.5kgTrail weight: 2.35kgPack size: 58 x 14cmWaterproof rating: 3000mm Hydrostatic HeadFEATURESA-Frame Design A truly classic tent shape that provides maximum strength and stability in varied conditionsPitches 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 weightProtex 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 sleepUltra 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 weatherHigh strength Dyneema core guylines are lighter and more durable than traditional guylinesHigh grip guyline adjusters securely hold tension in even the harshest conditions and can be easily adjusted with one hand16cm anodized alloy V pegs found exclusively on our F10 range provide secure anchoring in varied ground conditionsFully Taped Seams All flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped for a watertight sealPartial mesh inner door ensures maximum airflow whilst keeping out bugsMultiple Reflective Points On pegging points for visibility in low lightSingle porch provides covered storage space for your kitFast Pack tent bag with an oversized top opening design makes it easier to pack away. Drawcord and compression straps keep pack size to a minimumInternal Storage Pockets Provides convenient storage within the inner tent, keeping essentials close to handFully 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 avoidedFire Retardant Fabrics Meets European EN5912 safety standardThe following retailers stock the F10 Classic UL2 along with the other 60th anniversary limited-edition products:53 Degrees North (Ireland)Cotswold OutdoorsTisoAttwoollsNevisportNorwich Camping & LeisureOutback Jacks (Ireland)Outdoor ActionOutdoor WorldRivendell OutdoorTaunton LeisureUltralight Outdoor Gear