Earlier this year we were looking for a table that we could use outside our tent, one that could be left out even if it rained. We bought a lovely bamboo topped table that we use inside our tent but I didn’t want to risk damaging the top by leaving it out in all weathers. In the end we chose an aluminium slatted top table and it was ok but it really wasn’t what we were looking for as it just wasn’t sturdy enough and every time we tried to move it we pulled the slats off!

The latest candidate as our ideal outdoor table is the new All Weather Table by Vango. It’s a fairly large, 115cm x 70cm, solid topped table that weighs in at a little over 7kg. It has four independently adjustable legs and these can be adjusted to any height making it ideal for use on uneven ground (No more need for folded up bits of cardboard, bits of wood, or flat stones to stop the table wobbling!). The legs are metal and the mechanism is simple and well made so this table is built to last. The top is a silver grey colour and has a stylised textured bark pattern. It’s very easy to wipe clean and so far nothing we’ve spilled on it has left even a hint of a mark.  

Having used the table every day for lots of different activities, the main plus points for me are:

• It is exactly what it says – all weather. This table has been out in sunshine, rain and wind so far and still looks like it just came out of the box.

• It is strong and well built and the top is durable and easy to clean.

• At its maximum height the table is great as a dining table. Its high enough to sit at comfortably (75cm top height with 71cm clearance underneath for legs/chairs)

• With the legs lowered it’s a good height coffee table which is ideal for use with our moon chairs.

• The adjustable legs make it a very solid table so you are far less likely to spill things. (Wine glasses stood up well even when the dog bumped into the table)

• It folds flat – 6cm so it’s easy to store it away. It slides easily down behind our sofa so we have it to hand when we want to use it in the garden.

• It’s incredibly versatile. I would never have imagined how many things I would use a lightweight folding table for even when not camping. As well as obviously using it for meals outdoors, we’ve also used it for extra counter space when using the BBQ in the garden, as a desk for using the laptop while sitting on the sofa, as a low dining table when eating a takeaway in front of the TV (I know! It was a lazy Friday night treat), and finally, with a cover over it, as a dog grooming table for my 25kg Welsh Springer Spaniel! (It can take a maximum load of 30kg)

 

As for negative points, I can’t really say it has any. I suppose if you have a car with a small boot then packing it might be an issue but if you have the room then this really is a great table.

As the All Weather Table is so versatile and well made I expect it to last us for years so it’s great value for money. This is definitely my ideal outdoor table.