User Review: The North Face Tadpole 23

I've had this tent for about 5 years. In warm locations it is great. Check the weather report and you can leave the fly at home. Nice and breezy and you don't have to worry about snakes etc etc coming too close while you watch the stars.

I used it twice when it was below 0 Celsius. It wasn't snowing so I can't comment. When you pitch the fly make sure to pull it out a far from the tent as you can. Otherwise the water will build up around the floor and walls of the tent and you will get damp.

I've had to apply some water resistance spray to it (atsuko was the name). After a few years the factory waterproofing will come off. You notice it starting to peel off the fly sheet.

I'm 183cm and 90kg so I find it to be comfortable for 1. I can easily have my kit spread around the tent. For 2, it is a bit of squeeze but it's manageable. I'd rather have the squeeze than lug around a bigger tent. 

It's got plenty of pockets inside and things you can tie a light to. There is space on the outside under the fly which can protect your equipment. I try not to so I don't have to worry about spiders and such getting into my pack and boots.

Overall, I am very happy with this tent. It's quick to setup and packup. The weight is great, maybe almost ultralight when not using the fly. I know the quality is good after 5 years of use.

This is my first tent so I can only compare it to my friends' tents. Their tents are bigger than my backpack with all my camping equipment. If you buy one, take a bit of time to read about how to set it up properly and you won't be disappointed.

Cheers & Beers.