User Review: The North Face Vario 33

The North Face Vario 33
Above: The current Vario 33, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 2, 2008 by SRE

Rating:
Design: three season, free standing except vestibule
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: great - exterior poles with simple clips
Weight: 5 pounds actual weight
Price Paid: $339

TNF says 3 person, but this is REALLY a 2 person tent with room for gear. At 5 pounds (measured weight) it's still light and surprisingly sturdy in the wind (if you guy it out properly). The cross-pole at the top forms 'eaves' so you can leave the tops of both doors open even in pouring rain - VERY COOL feature. With two side doors and vestibules, it's a hybrid between a single-walltent (on the ends) and a classic double-wall tent (most of the roof and both sides). The eaves cause the vestibule to have limited headroom, but there's room for a cannister stove if you're careful.

In hot weather, being able to completely roll back both sides while still having bug screens and shade from the eaves is fabulous. In blowing snow (or dust, as I just found out) the lack of a fabric cover for the screen portions can let spindrift in - a common problem with today's 3 season tents.

So far I've only used it on snow and in the desert, but with all the roof vents I can't imagine condensation will be any problem at all.