more»User Review: The North Face Merlin 33
Rating: 
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 300GBP
Summary
Overpriced. Poor design. Terrible build quality.
Pros
- Spacious
- Low weight (unless it's sodden!)
Cons
- Build quality
- Strength
- Pitch time
- Waterproofing
I bought a Merlin 33 intending to use it as my primary home for 3 months. I was willing to pay the inflated price for a North Face tent because I thought it would be reflected in the build quality.
On the very first use the waterproofing on the flysheet broke down into a gooey mess. The first time it rained there might as well have not been a fly sheet at all. I got soaked, as did all of my kit. Fortunately I was still in a developed country so I bought a footprint (the ground sheet also leaked terribly) and a couple of cans of waterproofing spray. The footprint made it marginally better and the spray staved off the rain for a little while provided it wasn't too hard.
After a month of stubbornly refusing to give up on my expensive new tent I finally relented and bought a $40 tent from a hardware store. It might weigh a couple of pounds more but it's far, far superiour in every other way to the North Face tent.
Don't waste your money. Don't go anywhere near this tent. Having also been very disappointed by one of their backpacks I will never again buy a North Face product.
Where to Buy
The North Face Merlin 33 is not available from the stores we monitor.
You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these The North Face retailers:
 Backcountry.com |
 OMCgear |
 SunnySports |
 Campmor |
You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:
 Trailspace Classifieds |
 GearTrade |
US | Canada | UK | Aus |
 Amazon |
Retailers: Do you sell this product? List your site here.
The Merlin 33 has been discontinued.
previously retailed for:$209.21 - $319.00
The North Face Merlin 33 is not available from the stores we monitor.
Last seen June 9, 2007 at Backcountry.com.
