Tents

[BIGBOW]

Just ordered a North Face Roadrunner 23 tent after hearing good things. This will be my first North Face tent and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on North Face tents in general. My main mission is to stay dry!! I've had some problems in the past and was told North Face sets the bar for other companies. Thanks.

 

[theartoflee]

I had a north face tent a while ago and was less then thrilled with it. I purchased a Bibler tent and found it appealing that it was a single wall tent. I also liked that it only has two poles. It is also breathable the only con is that it is on the small side. Its bomb proof but a bit pricey however with that said its built to last.

 

[The_Sib]

Just ordered a North Face Roadrunner 23 tent after hearing good things. This will be my first North Face tent and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on North Face tents in general. My main mission is to stay dry!! I've had some problems in the past and was told North Face sets the bar for other companies. Thanks.

I have one... a VE24 which has been thru some nasty rain and snow.
They're great - OK it's about 20 years old... and
The company would not still be in business if they made shoddy stuff.

 

[ML]

I have a VE 24 also that I bought back in 1977... used the crap out of it, still use it today...can't go wrong, it's bombproof!:thumb:

 

[frogge]

Hey,
In my opinion where and how a tent is pitched has alot more to do with how water tight it is as compared with brand. For the ultimate in waterproof get a Hennessy Hammock. Pithching the hammock off the ground eliminates all the problems of preventing water from running into the tent. Used one in Quetico where it rained four of six nights and never got wet. Toodles,Frogge.

 

[eddavidson9]

Frogge, I'll second that. Hammocks are the best...though I've only used them in fair weather. And for comfort (for me at least) they beat the hell out of a thin pad on the ground or a lean-to floor.

As far as North-Face...I can't bang on them too much because I've never owned anything they make...but my understanding is that they used to set the bar. Seems they're more focused on style...and high prices...than substance these days (at least in clothing)...but that's just my unfounded opinion. For my buck Id just as soon go with MSR or EMS or even Eureka, among others. I'm sure the tent is solid though. Im just a bigoted brand-ist.

 

[MACFLY]

Frogge, I'll second that. Hammocks are the best...though I've only used them in fair weather. And for comfort (for me at least) they beat the hell out of a thin pad on the ground or a lean-to floor.

As far as North-Face...I can't bang on them too much because I've never owned anything they make...but my understanding is that they used to set the bar. Seems they're more focused on style...and high prices...than substance these days (at least in clothing)...but that's just my unfounded opinion. For my buck Id just as soon go with MSR or EMS or even Eureka, among others. I'm sure the tent is solid though. Im just a bigoted brand-ist.

For my money nothing beats staying in a LODGE...Very waterproof..hot and cold water...flushable toilets and depending on the location..room service if you desire. In addition no pitching or breaking camp..no concerns about water getting in...no worries about weather interrupting the all important REM sleep stage and no waking up feeling like someone kicked you in the nuts.

I spent 11 years in the military and if I dont sleep on the cold hard ground ever again that will suit me just fine.

 

[eddavidson9]

I spent 11 years in the military and if I dont sleep on the cold hard ground ever again that will suit me just fine.

I suppose you've earned your right to some comfort...but for those of us who havent actually had to endure them, those challenges are part of the fun...sometimes. or maybe we're just stupid.

 

[theartoflee]

I spent 11 years in the military and if I dont sleep on the cold hard ground ever again that will suit me just fine.

That is too funny MACFLY I think its great that you served our country and the only reason I said its too funy is when I was younger and would ask my Great Uncle why he joined the Navy he always told me it was because he didnt want to sleep on the ground in a ditch he dug.

Sounds like you earned those creature comforts!

 

[MACFLY]

That is too funny MACFLY I think its great that you served our country and the only reason I said its too funy is when I was younger and would ask my Great Uncle why he joined the Navy he always told me it was because he didnt want to sleep on the ground in a ditch he dug.

Sounds like you earned those creature comforts!

Your uncle was a wise man...I remember vividly some nights we didnt even put our shelter halfs up. We would just drop our packs and sleep right on the ground. Basically too tired to do anythng else.

Back in September 1991 I was home on exteneded leave and my brothers decided it was time for a male bonding adventure up in the Adirondacks. Now my oldest brother was an avid rock climber and flyfisherman but my other brothers had not really been fishing all that much and they certainly hadnt camped in a long time. My brothernlaw also decided to come along. They were adamant that we camp out while my oldest brother and I suggested we stay in the bunkhouse that he used when he rock climbing. after being called every conceivable name in the book we relented although we did camp on the same property that the bunkhouse was located (you can see where I am going with this already).

Off we go up to the Adirondacks to fish the ausable and rough it with my brothers. I was fully prepared with all my cold weather gear as I was headed to Fort Drum after my leave was over. We set up camp and stored wood for the fire and then did some fishing later in the afternoon. As the sun went down, we saw the temp go from mid-50s to the 40s to the 30s to the 20s and I would guess the temp at bed time was probably 18 degrees. Aside from me and the oldest it was clear that all was not kosher in deli land. It got a lot worse as we woke up to a nice cold rain in the morning. Breakfast consisted of cold runny eggs and half cooked bacon. My brother had suggested we eat at the small cafe next to the bunkhouse but other than myself there were no takers. Off we went to fish all day long with intermittent rain and overcast skies. The fishing was decent with iso nymphs but then towards the afternoon the brothers Mcidiots started to get very tired...surprise surprise..Soon the complaints came in rapid succession. Well my oldest brother convinced them that what we needed was a good meal. funny nobody protested. Well off to lake placid for a nice fillet and for me a glass of glenlivet straight...So now we are back at the campsite and my brothers are feeling good from the liquor. They decide to build a big campfire...Uh oh no wood...well the previous night the next group over kept yelling and singing to the wee hours even after polite requests to keep it down. So off I go in stealth mode using all of my skill honed during my stint in OCS...and back i come with enough wood (borrowed from our neighbors) to keep the mcidiots happy. The next morning I woke up and found my one brother and brothernlaw still outside and covered in ashes and frost. My one brother had part of his sneaker melted (too close to the still hot coals). After dragging them into the tents, providing advil and water and covering them up. My oldest brother and I took a leisurely stroll to the bunkhouse for an all out splendid breakfast and some hot coffee. To top it off, the owner came over during breakfast and asked my brother and I to catch a few trout from the pond as he wanted fresh trout for dinner. I kid you not my brother and I each landed a 6 pound plus trout from this poind in a matter minutes. HaHaHa

Since then the only time I havep pitched a tent outside the military was when I slept outside of a model home where they were selling a new development so we could our choice of lot and the lowest price...

So Gentleman my hats are off to those of you who rough it. Im sure I will have to take my daughter camping one day but I am hoping she didnt inherit the McIdiot Gene and opts for more comfortable quarters

 

[BIGBOW]

Thanks for that.. I think

 

[mang]

North Face was sold to Jansport a few years ago. I haven't bought a tent in a while but I'd be suspicious of quality. Check out Walrus if you've got the coin.

 

[DoubleHaul]

BIGBOW, When you go fishing with me this fall to the SR, Leave the freeking tent home!

DH

 

[A Polinger]

I have a North Face tent and it works great. Here are a few tips, I worked for an outdoor retail shop for 6 years. The north face rep told me that there single wall tents are not ment to last longer the 5 years. Your paying for the weight or lack of. I have had my tent for about 3 years and have spent about 100 nights in it, I am now looking to replace it with a tent by mountain hardwear I like there gear better.

One thing and I do this with all tents, set it up and go over the floor and fly seams with seam grip, just to give them some extra protection.

Any questions shoot me a pm.

AP

 

[azcat1]

I agree with AP (sorta). I too worked in an outdoor shop for many years and it is probably true that the reps recommend that you replace your tent after 5 years but there is probably something additional added to that statement like: if you use the tent every weekend or a certain amount because UV breaks down the nylon. There have been advances in coatings to repel some of this nylon abuse and the VE's always came with that I believe because they were originally made for high altitude climbing (thinner air, closer to the sun= more UV).
I didn't know that TNF was sold to Jansport. Around 15 years ago they were owned by a holding company that also included Sierra Designs and other outdoor products manufacturers. I'm sure that this is probably the same structure with Jansport if they are with them. Jansport makes crap. Mediocre products also come out of Kelty and a few manufacturers. Biblers are very good but generally are made for climbing. I have owned one. They are know owned by Black Diamond I believe. My current personal tent(s) are made by Mountain Hardware. They made excellent stuff as well as Marmot.
I think AP mentioned (or someone) that you need to seam seal your floors if you want a waterproof bottom.
BUT, basically all tents are fine if there is no wind or rain!
AZ