Gear Review
The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent: 2-Person 3-Season
Great buy
By Kerry
Ranked #642 - 3-Season Tents
July 1, 2009
My parents gave me the Tadpole 23 as a graduation present about five years ago. I've used it for many backpacking trips over the years and it's still holding strong.
The three-pole frame is functional and allows for a quick, easy set-up. The rain fly offers adequate vestibule space. It fits two people comfortably and is a great size for a single person. Overall, it's pretty lightweight and small, making it fairly easy to find a flat spot for set-up.
The only downside I've found is the edges getting wet around the bottom when it rains. I don't think it's something you can really avoid, but I found that adding rope loops to the fly make staking it down a lot easier. Not only does it allow the fly to be pulled further from the sides of the tent, but it allows you to use rocks or logs to hold down the fly if necessary. This is a great help when you're on river rocks or solid ground when you might not be able to stake the fly down securely.
View Details: The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent: 2-Person 3-Season
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [fly] polyester taffeta (75D, 190T), PU coating (1500mm), DWR coating; [floor] nylon taffeta (70D, 190T), PU coating (5000mm), DWR coating; [canopy] no-see-um mesh (40D)
- Freestanding:
- yes
- Doors:
- 1
- Number of Vestibules:
- 1
- Poles:
- 3
- Pole Material:
- DAC Pressfit
- Pole Attachment:
- clip and sleeve
- Floor Space:
- 26 sq ft
- Floor Dimensions:
- [length] 85 in; [head width] 45 in; [foot width] 35 in
- Interior Height:
- 40.5 in
- Vestibule Space:
- 9 sq ft
- Packed Size:
- 23 x 6 in
- Seams:
- [floor & fly] fully taped
- Ventilation:
- mesh walls
- Fast-pitch Option:
- yes, footprint not included
- Trail Weight:
- 4 lb 10 oz
- Recommended Use:
- camping, trekking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: April 12, 2011 By: gamaemry 305
I had a silicone fly and it delaminated.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
You found the answer to the one weakness of the design in those years. That would have been before the silicone fly too, which made it lighter and better. Why they've gone away from the silicone fly this year I do not know!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes