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User Review: The North Face Mountain 25

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March 17, 2009

Rating:
Design: four season expedition
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Make sure you set it up and are familiar with it before you set out.... one person setting up in a freezing rain storm can be trying. Once you know where all the poles go, setup is about 20 minutes.
Weight: 8 lbs 9 ozs
Price Paid: $500

I have just started backpacking/camping again in the last year after a long hiatus. I am not much for the "car camping," preferring to put everything into the pack and hike into backcountry sites at the National Parks, or into the backwoods of the interior. I still like some of the "creature comforts" like a foldable stool and table, butane lighter, a wind-up radio and MREs. I'll hike a 45-50 lb pack in and out for 1-2 day trip.

I have two 2-person tents (I find that a 2-person leaves lots of space for one); a three season for spring/summer/fall, and the Mountain 25 for the winter. I recently purchased the Mountain 25 a month ago, and so far have been in the backwoods in a snowstorm, and in a windy overnight squall of ice pellets, freezing rain, and snow, and the Mountain 25 held up beautifully. Just a shake in the morning to get the layer of ice and pellets off, and it's good to go. No leaks, no condensation.

I am very pleased with the purchase, and look forward to many years of use.