Outdoor Revolution and Vango are two of the most trusted names in inflatable family tents, and both produce excellent air tent ranges. But they take different approaches to design, fabric, and value — and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. Here's a straight comparison to help you decide.
The Contenders
For a fair comparison, we're looking at the most popular like-for-like models from each brand:
- Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0S — 7-person, 3-bedroom, £1,399 — view product
- Vango Sherwood Air 600XL — 6-person, 3-bedroom, £1,269 — view product
- Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5.0S — 5-person, 2-bedroom, £899 — view product
- Vango Savannah Air 600XL — 6-person, £899 — view product
Waterproofing
This is where the two brands diverge most clearly. The Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0S and 5.0S use TENSILE PRO Ripstop Eco fabric with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head — one of the highest ratings in the family tent market. The Vango Sherwood Air 600XL uses Sentinel Excel fabric at 5,000mm HH, which is excellent for UK conditions. The Vango Savannah Air 600XL uses Sentinel Protect fabric — waterproof, UV-stabilised, and fire-retardant — making it a solid all-rounder at its price point.
For coastal and South West camping where conditions can be demanding, the Airedale's 6,000mm rating gives a meaningful edge on exposed sites.
Air Frame System
Both brands use their own proprietary air beam technology. Outdoor Revolution's Oxygen Air Frame features Dynamic Speed Valves and an Intelligent Frame Relief Valve that automatically prevents over-inflation — a useful safeguard on warm days when air pressure rises. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee on the air frame.
Vango's AirBeam® system is well established and reliable. The Savannah Air 600XL inflates from a single pump point in around 5 minutes — one of the fastest pitching times in the range. The Sherwood uses AirSpeed® valves and the TBS®II Tension Band System for added stability in wind.
Bedroom Space and Layout
The Airedale 7.0S offers three darkened Mid-Nite bedrooms with a 2/3/2 zipped divider system, sleeping seven. The Vango Sherwood Air 600XL has King Size Midnight bedrooms with a 70cm sleeping area per person. The Vango Savannah Air 600XL provides a large living area with separate sleeping pods — a practical layout for families who want a clear division between living and sleeping space.
Pack Size and Weight
The Airedale 7.0S weighs 45.5kg with a pack size of 86 x 66 x 56cm. The Vango Sherwood Air 600XL is similar at 45.6kg and 82 x 48 x 53cm. The Savannah Air 600XL is a lighter, more compact option — well suited to families who want a straightforward pitch without the bulk of a flagship tent.
Price and Value
The Vango Savannah Air 600XL at £899 sits at the same price as the Airedale 5.0S and offers six-person capacity — strong value for families who camp regularly but don't need the highest HH rating. The Vango Sherwood at £1,269 is a more direct competitor to the Airedale 7.0S at £1,399, with the Airedale commanding a small premium for its higher waterproof rating and lifetime air frame guarantee.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Outdoor Revolution Airedale if you camp regularly, prioritise maximum weatherproofing, or camp on exposed coastal sites. The 6,000mm HH rating and lifetime air frame guarantee make it the more confident long-term investment.
Choose the Vango Sherwood if you want premium Vango quality at a slightly lower price, with King Size bedrooms and a 5,000mm HH rating that handles most UK conditions with ease.
Choose the Vango Savannah Air 600XL if you want a fast-pitching, no-fuss six-person tent at a competitive price. It's an excellent entry point into air tent camping and pitches in around 5 minutes from a single pump point.
Shop Both Ranges at Newquay Camping Shop
We stock the full Outdoor Revolution Airedale and Vango air tent ranges online and in our Cornwall showroom. Not sure which is right for you? Our team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Outdoor Revolution better than Vango?
Both are reputable brands with strong track records. Outdoor Revolution's Airedale range has a higher waterproof rating (6,000mm HH) and a lifetime air frame guarantee. Vango offers competitive pricing and a well-established AirBeam® system with a range of models to suit different budgets. The best choice depends on how often you camp and the conditions you're likely to face.
What is the difference between the Vango Savannah and Sherwood?
The Sherwood is Vango's premium Excel collection tent, using 5,000mm HH Sentinel Excel fabric, King Size Midnight bedrooms, and a SkyTrack® II hanging system. The Savannah uses Sentinel Protect fabric and pitches in around 5 minutes from a single pump point — a faster, simpler setup that suits families who want ease of use at a lower price.
Do Outdoor Revolution Airedale tents come with a footprint?
Yes — all current Airedale models at Newquay Camping Shop include a free footprint groundsheet as standard. The Vango Savannah Air 600XL package also includes a matching footprint.
Which air tent is best for Cornwall and South West camping?
For exposed coastal sites in Cornwall and the South West, a higher HH rating is advisable. The Outdoor Revolution Airedale range (6,000mm HH) and Vango Sherwood (5,000mm HH) are both well suited to the conditions. The Vango Savannah is a great option for sheltered sites or families new to air tent camping.
