Vango has announced a partnership with VisitScotland to celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design 2016. The tie-up comes in Vango’s 50th year and recognises the brand’s Scottish heritage and investment in design, research and innovation,
Vango, which is a household name in high quality tents and outdoor equipment, traces its roots to the Glasgow suburb Govan.
Did you know that Vango is an anagram of Govan?
Vango Idris awning for campervans.
Brand for outdoors fans
Vango’s ground-breaking innovations include Force Ten MTN, AirBeam technology and TBS – Tension Band Systems. They are trusted around the world by trekking, expedition, mountaineering, wild camping, family camping and caravanning fans. They are closely associated with the Scouts, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
During 2016, the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design, Vango has launched a new range of family AirBeam tents – the Exclusive collection – and a new AirAway driveaway awning – Idris – incorporating Vango’s latest AirBeam technology.
Both are finished in striking Scottish heritage colours, with a streamlined design packed with features.
Vabgo Airbeam Edoras.
Special place in Scottish history
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, is delighted to team up with Vango. He says: said “From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is shining a spotlight on this country’s greatest assets and icons, as well as our hidden gems.
“We are delighted to be teaming up with Vango, a Scottish company with a proud history of innovation, to promote camping in Scotland and encourage even more people to enjoy a holiday in our great outdoors.”
Derek Scott, of Vango, believes it is a very special year for Vango. He says: “There are very few brands within Scotland that can match Vango’s achievements and 50-year heritage.
“I take great pride in knowing that Vango still has a fond place in the hearts of many thousands of people across the UK and beyond. On a daily basis, we receive fantastic feedback from consumers who are out there using our products. This is what drives us on.”
Vango’s Idris awning.
Vango through the decades
1966 – Vango is created thanks to an anagram of its birthplace, Govan. Founder, Alastair Moodie, set up the Vango brand from his windowless cupboard, under a flight of stairs.
1967 – Vango launch their first Force Ten tent with an integrated flysheet and “A’” pole, to make it easier to get in and out of, whilst maximising stability of the tent.
1968 – Vango continue their launch of new products including the Scots Guard tent, Canada sleeping bags, Coolibah cool boxes and Micro-Therm nylon fabric.
1973 – Vango is sold to Black’s & Edgington.
1984 – Following a hostile takeover of Black’s & Edgington by Hawley Leisure, the Moodie family buy Vango back.
1984 – Vango continues its innovations, including the Quattro mummy-shaped sleeping bag, a first for the UK market.
1987/88 – Vango’s most successful product launch to date is the Hurricane tent, which was designed in collaboration with New Zealand traveller and designer Aarn Tate.
1992 – Sandy Moodie takes over as chairman of Mitchells & Vango.
1993 – The Tension Band System (TBS) is developed in co-operation with Aarn.
1995 – After being at the helm for 30 years, Alastair Moodie retires.
1995 – Vango develop and implement the Bi-Radial® adjustable rucksack system.
1996 – Following a major change in strategy, Vango expands its range of tents to appeal to the family market, along with the launch of Pro-Tex, a breathable and waterproof fabric to keep tents cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
1997 – Vango take sleeping bag innovation another step forward with the development and launch of the Omega construction.
2007 – An advanced sleeping bag construction, Thermic Loft System (TLS), follows in this year.
2008 – Vango add flat pole sleeves to tents to allow for a more streamlined shape and easy pitching.
2011 – After 12 years in development, Vango launch AirBeam, the first inflatable technology for tents.
2012 – Vango launch the first ever tent into space, reaching 103,000 feet and millions of consumers via a viral marketing campaign.
2013 – Vango diversify in 2013 with the introduction of Vango AirAway – a range of drive-away awnings for campervan and motorhome owners.
2014 – Vango AirAwnings are launched for caravan owners.
2015 – Vango launch the AirSpeed, with a new valve to improve pitching, and to update the AirBeam system.
2016 – Vango, which is owned by AMG Group and still based in Scotland, celebrates their 50th anniversary.
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