Review of Vaude Taurus II Tents
For the experienced camper, it is common knowledge to
choose tents a size or two bigger than their rating for maximum comfort. For
the uninitiated that just so happen to purchase the Vaude Taurus II, they
get exactly what they bargained for - a tent for two people. Engineered by
the reputable Vaude mountain sports corporatin, the Taurus II is a great
three season tent for couples or buddies on a hiking trip.
Half the time, when tents are advertized to hold two
people, it can get claustrophobic for the two people that use it. The Taurus
II, however, upholds its promise of being able to shelter two six foot
campers, and even three in emergency situations. Holding three people,
though, is really not recommended as that would be a very tight squeeze. The
way it is designed to maximize space, also contributes to the tent’s
lightweight nature. It is high at the front of the tent, allowing two people
to sit and chat comfortably near the entrance. On the other end, the inner
material tapers down. More fabric would be needed for the ceiling to be high
on both ends, making the tent weigh more. At only over 5 pounds, the
sacrifice is worth it. It’s really not much of a sacrifice though, since it
is spacious enough as is. For the lightweight hiker, this combination is
highly recommended. Another thing that helps out with the space is the
vestibule. Gear you don’t want inside can just be put against this sturdy
sheet in front of the tent.
Having only two poles, it is relatively easy to pitch
the whole tent. Normally with the Taurus, it only takes a few minutes, with
a few adjustments here and there; it takes longer if weather conditions are
rougher. This is not such a big deal though, as the PU coated polyester
flysheet is great against rain and strong winds. After your pitching bout,
take comfort inside the weathertight shelter. At 3000 HH or hydrostatic
head, it will take an amazing amount of rain for water to seep through the
coating. Even the thin groundsheet offers great protection against the wet.
This, however, could be easily punctured, so it is wise to purchase the
optional floor protector. This makes sleeping much more comfortable anyway.
It is also possible to erect the flysheet or the inner
by itself, making sleeping in hot weather a little more bearable. This is a
plus, because when used together, it can get steamy inside the Taurus. So on
the one hand, heat can become a problem, but on the other, being able to
split the parts of the tent makes it easier to carry between two people.
So the Taurus II has its share of issues. Material
breathability and a thin ground sheet aren’t really deal breakers though,
and most tents take a bit of adjusting while pitching. For only around $200,
the Germans have proven that their engineering excellence not only lies in
automobiles, but in outdoor gear as well.
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