The North Face Spectrum 23

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Reviewed by 5 Trailspace users

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Description

The Spectrum 23 is a three-season tent made by The North Face. It has an average rating of 2.5 stars (out of 5), based on 5 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. The North Face Spectrum 23 Tent (Spring 2008) Add Spectrum 23 Footprint to Cart for FREE with Tent Purchase The Spectrum 23 Tent by the North Face is wind-tunnel-tested, ultralight, two-person tent for those on the move.Specifications: [Capacity] 2 [Weight] trail: 3 lbs 12 oz (1.70 kg) total: 4 lbs 3 oz (1.89 kg) [Poles] number: 3 diameter: 10.5 mm, 9.0 mm [Stuffed Size] 20in. x 6in. (50 cm x 16 cm) [Fabric] canopy: 33 denier, 244T nylon with silicone and 1500 mm PU floor: 50 denier, 270T nylon taffeta coated with 3000 mm PU [Area] 28 ft2 (2.6 m2) [Vestibule Area] 6 ft2 (0.6 m2)Features: DAC Featherlite NSL aluminum poles using reverse-combi technology Two Nano-Knuckle swivels Fusion pitch with ultralight MicroClip Fully seam-sealed canopy Fully taped ultralight floor Freestanding design with pull-out vestibule High-low venting with overhead vents and zip closure Ultralight 1in. pole sleeve D-shaped door Color-coded poles Reflective guyline and zipper cording Compression stuffsack included"

From Backcountry.com:
"Able to withstand sustained winds of 130mph, The North Face Spectrum 23 gives you a bomber, stable, lightweight two-person tent. This single-walled three-season tent's fully seam-sealed canopy and taped floor ensure you stay dry during any summer downpour. The Spectrum 23's top and bottom vents provide air circulation, so you can sleep soundly without breathing stale air. The North Face keeps setup simple with color-coded poles and continuous pole sleeves with clip construction. As part of The North Face's Flight Series, the 49oz. Spectrum 23 helps keep your pack light, giving you the protection of a traditional two-walled tent without the weight."

From Altrec Outdoors:
"Six pounds. No, that's not the weight of the Spectrum 23--it's the old the common weight guideline most of us used to use when we weighed the purchase of a durable backpacking/climbing tent that could withstand a gusty night on an exposed ridge or other open space above the tree line. The North Face Spectrum 23 tent crushes old-timer notions and raises the bar on the competition with a wind-tunnel-tested structural integrity that takes on sustained winds of 130 mph. And it has a total weight (not trail weight that's less) of 4 lbs. 3 oz. Another cool feature on the Spectrum 23 is The North Face's new Nano-Knuckle Swivel, two durable plastic swivels positioned on the top cross pole to improve venting on at the top of the 37-in. high ceiling. It improves the ceiling venting far better than other similar designs from The North Face. Unzip the perimeter vents down along the edges of the Spectrum 23 and you have some exceptional venting potential. Color-coded poles make it easy to set up this freestanding design and there's even a pull-out vestibule that keeps a couple of packs, boots and other small gear completely out of the rain."

From REI:
"The North Face Spectrum 23, a very stable, ultralight, single-wall tent for two, boasts excellent high/low venting and high wind-resistance. Enhanced single-wall tent design uses an aluminum Nano-knuckle on the top cross-pole to create a zippered overhead vent. Lower perimeter vent works in conjunction with this top vent to create cross-tent chimney-style ventilation while keeping elements out. In addition to great ventilation, the Nano-knuckles and overhead vent combine to optimize structural support. In wind-tunnel testing the Spectrum 23 withstood sustained winds of 130 mph! DAC reverse-combi pole system maximizes headroom and comfort by utilizing different diameter poles. Fusion Pitch combines continuous pole sleeves with Microclip construction, easing setup and improving ventilation without sacrificing strength. Silicone-treated nylon canopy is strong, resists UV breakdown and compresses down small for easy packing. Canopy is fully seam-sealed, and ultralight nylon taffeta floor is fully taped for the ultimate in weather protection. Features a convenient L-shaped door and color- coded poles for easy setup. Includes reflective guy line and zipper cording for better nighttime visibility. Includes compression stuff sack for easy packing. Average minimum weight specification is based on tent, rainfly and poles only."

User Reviews

Spectrum 23
Reviewed by inquilabi, Nov 28, 2007

"I used this tent a handful of times backpacking here in Northern California. I've only used the tent solo and about 80 percent of the time I've woken up to a wet tent. Only if there is a strong wind will there be no condensation. I could not imagine what it would be like to have two bodies in this tent!

I was so upset about the lack of breathability that I returned it to REI (their return policy is so awesome)."

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Spectrum 23
Reviewed by Michael Flood, Jul 28, 2007

"Well well, how disappointing a tent. The serious amount of condensation that formed in this tent in 5 hours was staggering. Outside temp was 3 degrees in the Wicklow Mountains with a steady westerly breeze and both vents were open, still it condensated."

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Spectrum 23
Reviewed by Michael R, Apr 09, 2007

"I took this tent out to Death Valley in January for a geology field course. I had no problems setting up this tent on my own, and managed to do quite quickly. The first night, winds were holding steady at about 45mph, and gusting to 90mph, and this tent was the only one in the group that handled it without any issues (it even kept most of the sand out!) I do agree with the other reviewers that the condensation formed on the inner wall of the tent is excessive, and can be quite shocking when you sit up and brush your head against cold water in the mornings (even in dry Death Valley, so I guess the water is from your breath)."

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Spectrum 23
Reviewed by Tim R., Nov 10, 2006

"I have the priviledge of working in the outdoor industry for 12 years. I don't think much of TNF but I got this tent for a GREAT price. It had been returned by a very unhappy customer, I now know why. I used the tent in the Northeast ONCE. It was a beautiful night, about 60deg f a strong breeze and I was alone in the tent."

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Spectrum 23
Reviewed by Andrew S, May 30, 2006

"This tent is a sauna. Not recomended for humid climates or hot summer nights. The floor will soak up water from moist ground, so the not-included footprint is a must (add weight). Two therm-a-rests will overlap at the bottom and no room for extra gear."

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