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Rain or shine, stay comfortable in the backcountry.

Equally at home in the soggy Pacific Northwest or the arid desert southwest, The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent outfits you and a companion for your outdoor adventures. This lightweight tent won’t weigh down your pack on long treks, and the three-pole clip and sleeve pitch system makes setting up camp a breeze. When the weather's so hot and stifling that you’re sticking to your sleeping bag, pull back the fly and expose the full-mesh canopy.

  • Fly and floor fabric features a PU coating and fully taped seams to protect you and your gear from wet weather
  • Bathtub floor design keeps seams off the ground to help eliminate seepage
  • Three DAC Pressfit poles provide structure and stability without weighing down your pack
  • Poles made with DAC's Green Anodizing process, which eliminates the chemical polishing stage, reduces the need for hazardous chemicals, and recycles water throughout the rinsing process
  • Unique but effective tapered rectangular tent design stands up to wind and harsh weather
  • D-Shaped door placed at the head of the tent enables easy entry exit with disturbing a sleeping partner
  • Large front vestibule (9sq ft) lets you keep wet bags and boots outside of your living space
  • 26sq ft floor area provides enough space to fit two adults comfortably, and its cross pole creates a 40.5in ceiling height for sitting up when you get stir-crazy in a storm
  • Entire tent weighs less than five pounds for easy hauling in the backcountry, especially when you split the weight between a partner
  • Fully mesh canopy and large door enable superior ventilation during muggy mornings, desert trips, and to cut down on condensation during wet, cold nights
  • Color-coded poles and clip attachments help you pitch the tent fast, so you can get under cover quickly
  • Fast-pitch compatible; just carry the poles, fly, and footprint to save weight (footprint sold separately)
  • Once packed into its included sack, the entire tent package is only 6in x 23in for easy lashing to a pack or fitting inside a dry bag
  • Interior ceiling pockets and gear loops hold your headlamps, map, or other small accessories close at hand
  • Steel stakes are ultra durable
  • Compatible with triangle gear loft (sold separately)

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The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent: 2-Person 3-Season

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Aaron Hershberger

Member since 

The first time I used this temp was during a torrential downpour while visiting Mammoth Caves National Park. Without any footprint, I figured my night would be at best a little damp. By morning time I realized there was not a drop of water inside. Great little two man tent. It would be a tight fit for two, but at least if someone has to get up they wont be crawling over the other to get out. The vestibule size is very roomy. Happy with the product.

Stay Dry
5 5

Golder

Member since 

My Tadpole 23 is about 10 years old. There is a reason the design of this tent has barely changed during that time (the internal wall on mine is not fully mesh). I have taken this tent backpacking, back country canoeing, car camping, you name it. It is an incredibly durable and sturdy tent, and 10 years later it barely shows wear and still sheds rain like it was new.

This tent is a bit big and heavy if you're backpacking solo, but is plenty efficient if using it for two. Its not exactly roomy for two but it gets the job done and the vestibule is big enough for two packs in a downpour. The design is good because it gives you room where you want it above your head, not above your crotch like many 2 person backpackers.

The beauty of this tent design is how solid it is when pitched freestanding (no stakes). Many backpacking tents will shake wildly in a serious windstorm but you will feel safe and secure in the Tadpole 23 in all conditions. The structure is so good you can pick up the whole tent and shake it with the door side down to "sweep" out the floor, and you won't feel like you might break a pole doing it. You will not be disappointed with this tent.

5 5

Steve Carlsen

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

Awesome tent, perfect for one, or very cozy for two consenting adults. I was lucky to find this at a discount, but even at full price its worth it. treat it right and footprint it you wont be disappointed.

5 5

shank

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I have used it several times. It is a great 3-season tent. Easy and quick to put together. I also spent a night in non-stop rain and the tent kept me dry. A few things to think about:
1. The tent might be too small for a very tall person.
2. No footprint - which is usually needed.

4 5

Ryan Malone

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I just got back from my first run with this tent on a trip to Mt Feathertop here in Australia. This is a good tent with basic features suited to most non complex situations.

I did find that the tent is a little short however. I am around 6 ft 2 in tall, and found that when I was in my sleeping bag, i was pushing my hear against the door, and my feet against the end of the tent. Not a massive issue, however as the tent has limited airflow, condensation can result in the foot of your sleeping bag to get a little wet.

For condensation however, I did find that by leaving the vestibule door open slightly, this created enough airflow to stop most of the condensation.

The tent is also not 100% suitable for bad weather. The set up is not exactly simple, and due to the mesh inner, this means that a set up in the rain means you will definitely get a wet interior.

All in all, a good tent, one that I will use time and time again, however, only when the forecast is nice.

Great Tent!
Tadpoles

Korey

Member since 
Posted on

My buddy and I's tadpoles in the woods of Florida.

5 5

Korey

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

My fiancé was kind enoughto buy me this tent for valentines day. The tent is great. Don't let other websites fool you or steer you wrong with low ratings because the "tent is small". Yes, this is a small, know that when you buy it. It's a great tent, there is a reason the tent has been around for over 18 years. They thought of everything with this tent, no snag zippers, reflectors on the stake down spots, pockets for the door and even loops on the inside of the tent to hang things from. You may read "issues" with condensation, 2 easy steps to stop this with the understanding that you are in a small tent in which your body heat will inevitably heat the tent up and cause a small amount of condensation. Step one, use the guy lines and steak the side of the rain fly (2 extra straps) down and away from the tent. This will stop it from pooling up near the bottom. Second, the top of the rain fly zipper can be undone a few inches and the rain over hang is large enough to stop anything from getting in, but allowing air to ventilate in and help disipitate the moisture. My tent held up in the rain and wind of the beaches. I even sleep with my dog in it. The vestibule is large enough for your gear and the tent is spacious. If camping with a dog I recommend a drop towel to help protect against nails. I just use a old bed sheet, it has proven tough enough for a dog to walk on without fear of nails puncturing the tent floor. This tent is great and I truly recommend it.

Great Tent
5 5

Austin Saari

Member since 

After a lot of research and much deciding I finally came to the conclusion to get this tent. I was going on a 30 mile backpacking trip in the Rockies of Colorado. The weight, cost, reviews, and brand name were what sold me in the beginning. After 3 days of constant colorado rain at about 12,000 ft. I can honestly say I slept great and remained 100% dry. I can't say the same for my camping partners in their tent I wont name. Many people are saying this tent is crowded for two people Me(6' 175lb) and my tent partner(5'11" 150lb) had more than enough room in this tent. However on the last night of the trip it stopped raining and my tent partner did not know the universal rule of 'No food in the tent." He left a cliff bar in the side pocket, a mouse had climbed up the mesh and chewed a 1.5" diamater hole in the tent. Needless to say waking up at 2:30am to a mouse crawling on my face made me a little, um furious. So dont leave any food in the side pocket!!

Two thing I would buy and replace right from the get-go is the tent spikes, not very good for the sometimes hard CO ground. BUY the footprint you will be happy!

I contacted BC about getting a mesh repair kit because I did not expect anyone to give me a new one for something that was 'my' fault. They located the mesh repair kit for me, and said they would completely replace the tent altogether....WOW backcountry HIGHLY impress with the costumer service - you earned yourself a long time costumer!!!

I need just the poles for this tent. Can...

Kathebike

Member since 
Posted on

I need just the poles for this tent. Can i get them rather than use the fiberglass replacement poles that everyone sells?

Guy Geva

Member since 
Responded on

Yes send e.mail to the store-
http://sales.liveperson.net/hc/s-9551721/cmd/kbresource/kb-1708065663824040049/view_question!PAGETYPE?VisitorProfile=BCS&sf=101133&documentid=239499&action=view

Hardangervidda, Norway

odd3238654

Member since 
Posted on

Had the Tadpole for 3 years now. In short: Pitched in 3 mins, kept me dry, durable in all weather and relatively low packing weight. Highly recommended for 1,5 persons.

3 5

chris

Member since 

This tent is great. Sets up quick and can stand up to some tough weather. The only complaint is that the walls come in at too steep of an angle. I am 5' 11" and my toes and head touch the sides when I lay down. Very annoying.

5 5

Craig Condon

Member since 

Took this tent out the day after i got it and it withstood two different thunder storms and hail. Non of my gear got wet even in the vestibule. Good size i am 6' 4" and i fit just right two people would be tight though.

5 5

Sterling Watson

Member since 

Bought this tent to replace my Mountain Hardwear Light wedge 2...so far, I like this better. While the MH light wedge may stand up better to snow, the tadpole is lighter and much cooler! This thing has no problem standing up to whatever the Colorado 3 seasons have to offer.

5 5

Peter Ward

Member since 

Super solid and comfortable. Took it up into the mountains a few weeks ago and held up to 25-30 mph winds and 4-5 inches of snow. Pretty light and easy to pack with a generous vestibule. Only bummer is that you have to buy footprint separately.

I am going backpacking in Costa Rica in a...

brian

Member since 
Posted on

I am going backpacking in Costa Rica in a couple weeks, and am considering bringing a tent, but I am just worried that it is going to take up too much space in my pack. I have a 5000 cu in backpack, but I will be gone for 3 months, and have a lot of stuff I want to fit in there! Does anyone have any ideas on if it would be worth it to bring a tent like this?

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Responded on

Unless you're sharing your trip (and the weight of the tent) with someone, go with a solo tent. Or, go full jungle-style and get a hammock!

Christian Poulin

Member since 
Responded on

Hey Brian...It depends what you want Ive been in Central America 4 months but I used youth hostel all the time... If you want to camp then all 2 person tent weighs the same now or very close.. Don't forget to go to PArque Nacional Corcovado and do the walk between the Park Ranger Station its a 30 km walk and do the one in the jungle, I regret so much not having done that one as I flew the cessna overlooking the hike I didn't do!!! Have a great trip!

where can i get this tent in other colors...

col5529821

Member since 
Posted on

where can i get this tent in other colors besides green?

Thomas Ogasawara

Member since 
Responded on

Green is this season's color, try buying one used off ebay or geartrade.com if you prefer the terra cotta color.

Matt Novak

Member since 
Responded on

Green is the only color of the Tadpole 23 Tent at this time. In Fall 2010, the Tadpole 23 Tent was a dark brown base and orange/grey rainfly.

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