User Review: The North Face Tadpole 23

The North Face Tadpole 23
Above: The current Tadpole 23, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed February 24, 2007 by Stuart Cooper

Rating:
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Easy, except in a 40mph wind
Weight: 2kgs
Price Paid: £190

I've just returned from a two-day hike across Dartmoor. The weather was absolutely terrible as it rained continually for the whole time. Normally I would take a Vango Hurricane as I know it is bomb proof from use in all conditions but I wanted to go lighter so I purchased the Tadpole 23 for the trip. On setting up in high winds my confidence was sapped due to how flimsy the tent felt.

I felt a sleepless night coming on. After pitching I sat inside it just watching in horror as the rain and wind hammered against the outside expecting any minute to see water dripping through and all my kit soaked but nothing.

This is one ballsy little tent and bear in mind this is a 3-season not 4, but I would now use it in any conditions as I spent two nights in relentless rain and 40mph winds in the middle of the Moor and I was bone dry the whole time.

I would not say it is a two-man, more a one-man with kit and a comfy night's sleep, two cramped, good cooking area, enough headroom for me. I sat up fine. I'm 5ft 10". Guy lines I found a bit of a pain as you pull in what you think is the direction to tension it and it loosens. Takes a bit of getting used to.
Excellent poles, easy to pitch, colour coded fly to inner. Need another two pegs to peg out fly properly.

Overall I can't really find anything negative to say as this is a cracking bit of kit that I would highly recommend for year round use in the UK.