The Tadpole 23 is a compact, 3.5 season, 2-man tent. The 2-man capacity rating might be a little overstated. "2 Very Close Friends" would probably be more appropriate. This is a sturdy, free-standing tent with a silicone-impregnated fly with additional polyurethane coating and main seams factory sealed. Color-coded poles facilitate easy set up.
Specifications
Capacity - 2
Style - Rectangular dome
Use - 3.5 Season
Color - Fly: Blue Swell, Canopy: Blue Swell, Floor: Nickel Grey
Weight - 4 lbs. 4 oz.
Dimensions - 7 ft. 3 in. x 4 ft. 3 in.
Area (sq. ft.) - 27 tent + 8 vestibule
Interior Peak Height - 3 ft. 4 in.
Pack Size - 22 in. x 6 in.
No. of Poles - 3
Pole Size - 8.84mm
Pole Material - Dac FeatherLite 7001 aluminum
No. of Doors - 1
No. of Windows - 1
Gear Loft - Optional
Floor Material - 70D, 210T nylon taffeta w/ 5,000 mm coating
Canopy Material - 40D 240T nylon ripstop
Fly Material - 33D, 244T nylon/silicon DWR w/ 1,500 mm coating
Netting - 40D, polyester No-See-Um netting
Small, but will work for two people; great for one person. This tent packs very small, is sturdy and will stand up to high winds. Good vestibule space for gear.
I recently purchased this tent as a replacement for one I had had for about 7 years. Its first trial came when I took it with me on a climb in Guatemala. The tent was super easy to set up, the color coding helps a lot, and had lots of room for one person. The vestibule also served as a great place to stow the pack. While we were sleeping, we got hit with a nasty thunderstorm. The Tadpole kept me and my gear warm and dry throughout the storm, unlike the rest of the team. The only challenge I had with this product was changing in the morning. If you like to stand and stretch, this is not the tent for you. The Tadpole is a great product for the price.
Mister White -
Nov 23, 2008 12:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Good 3-season tent
Very good 3-season tent. A bite heavy, but very spacious, when you use it as a 1-person tent, ultra light when u use it with 2. Very small packing size, capable off withstanding high winds, easy and fast tom pitch.
I tested it in temperatures below zero but without snow cover and it worked great, air does not condense inside the tent and it keeps the inside dry and very warm! And for 2 it is really a light tent. Excellent.
However, what comes with its lightness is relatively poor quality. My tent does not have any wholes or rips yet but on every camping trip I fear it will break. The floor is thinner than a summer jacket sheel so footprint is a must but even the footprint is thin compared to sturdy floors from other brands I am used to. I have to admit I prefer tents that feel a bit more sturdy.
After 2 years of light use the tent fly became extremely sticky and the seam tape started to peel. The fly is sticky on the inside part due to coating deterioration. Other users accuse this problem also. Additionally, most of the velcro straps on the fly ripped up.
Good parts: quite light, small footprint on the ground.
rayray - May 30, 2007 8:45 pm - Voted 5/5
Great backpacking tent!