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Updated with improved ventilation and breathability, the North Face Tadpole 23BX features a unique silhouette with a stellar reputation and user-friendly attributes and design make it a two-person tent ideal for three-season exploration.
DAC Press-Fit poles provide a high strength-to-weight ratio and are easy to slide through tight pole sleeves. The design includes an insert tube with a thinner wall than the main tube giving added strength to the sleeve joint. This design helps eliminate excess weight and is balanced by a small strengthening tube at the joining position.
Lightweight, easy-to-use clip pitch system help simplify taught pitching.
Comprehensive color-coded pitch system includes poles, canopy and fly helps make pitching easy.
Fully taped bathtub floor and full-zip doors.
Convenient overhead pockets stow headlamps and fragile items
Full mesh canopy for comfort and ventilation.
Mesh canopy and D-shaped door promote high and low air circulation, fostering excellent climate control in various conditions.
Abundant gear loops.
Fly-only pitching.
Capacity: 2 adults + gear.
Floor area: 26 ft² (2.4 m²).
Vestibule area: 9.1 ft² (0.85 m²).
Number of poles: 3 (diameter: 9.0mm).
Stuffed size: 23 x 6 (58cm x 15cm).
Weight: -Trail weight: 4 lbs 10 oz (2.1 kg). -Total weight: 5 lbs 7 oz (2.37 kg).
Materials: -Canopy: 70D 190T nylon ripstop. -Floor: 70D 190T nylon taffeta with 5000 mm PU coating. -Fly: 75D 190T polyester ripstop with 1500 mm PU coating.
A unique silhouette with a stellar reputation, The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent is a 2-person with user-friendly features and design making it ideal for three-season exploration. Updated this spring with improved ventilation and breathability, the Tadpole's roomy front vestibule provides ample space to stash your gear, and interior pockets provide additional storage. Mesh canopy and large D-shaped door promote high and low air circulation, fostering excellent climate control in various conditions. Fully taped bathtub floor keep you dry despite rainy conditions.
If you're into lightweight backpacking, The North FaceTadpole 23 tent's classic 3-pole design provides a stable, lightweight shelter for 2 hikers.
Equally at home in the soggy Pacific Northwest or the arid deserts of the South, The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent outfits you and a companion for your outdoor adventures. This lightweight tent won’t weigh down your pack on long treks, and the three-pole clip-in pitch system makes setting up camp a breeze. The fully taped bathtub floor and the PU coated rain fly ensure that a sudden rainstorm doesn’t leave you and your bags sopping wet, and the large vestibule hides your boots and other gear from the downpour. When the weather’s so hot and stifling that you’re sticking to your sleeping bag, pull back the fly and expose the full-mesh canopy. Stash your headlamp and glasses in the overhead pockets, and hang your essentials on the multiple gear loops.
A unique silhouette with a stellar reputation, this two-person tent’s user-friendly features and design make it ideal for three-season exploration. Updated for the spring with improved ventilation and breathability.
| Area: 27 ft2 (2.5 m2) Capacity: 2 Color-coded flysheet attachments Compatible with The North Face® #1 Gear Loft Compression stuff included DAC Featherlite NSL aluminum poles using reverse-combi technology D-shaped door Fabric: [Canopy] 40 denier, 240T nylon ripstop Floor: 70 denier, 210T nylon taffeta coated with 5000 mm PU Fly: 33 denier, 244T nylon with silicone and 1500 mm PU Fly-only pitching Freestanding, front-entry, two-person backpacking tent for three-season use. Fusion pitch combines pole sleeves and clips High-low air circulation through mesh panels and doors Internal pockets and hang loops Multiple guy-points Poles: [Number] 3; [Diameter] 8.84 mm Reflective guyline loops and zipper cording Silicone flysheet Stuffed Size: 23 in. x 7 in. (58 cm x 18 cm) Taped nylon taffeta true bucket floor Freestanding design with front vestibule Vestibule Area: [Front] 7 ft2 (0.7 m2) |
A venerable classic, The North Face® 2-person Tadpole 23 tent is as light and user-friendly as ever but with improved ventilation.
The Tadpole 23 tent from The North Face(r) is lightweight with a user-friendly design. A full mesh canopy provides comfort and ventilation when the weather gets steamy, and the abundant gear loops are perfect for storing equipment.
No description provided.
| # Fly/Vestibule Poles: | 0 |
|---|---|
| # Main Poles: | 3 |
| Average minimum weight: | 4 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Average packaged weight: | 5 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Average weight - metric: | 2.47 kilograms |
| Canopy Fabric: | 75D 190T nylon ripstop |
| Clip / Sleeve: | Clip |
| Design type: | Freestanding tent |
| Door Style: | Full-zip doors |
| Doors: | 1 |
| Floor Coating: | 5000mm PU |
| Floor Fabric: | 70D 190T nylon taffeta |
| Floor Space: | 26sq ft (2.4sq m) |
| Floor area: | 26 square feet |
| Floor dimensions: | 85.5 x 50.5 inches |
| Floor dimensions - metric: | 225 x 128 centimeters |
| Fly / footprint pitch weight: | 3 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Freestanding: | Yes |
| Manufacturer Warranty: | Lifetime |
| Material: | [Fly] 75D 190T polyester ripstop w/ 1500mm PU coating; [Floor] 70D 190T nylon taffeta w/ 5000mm PU coating; [Canopy] 70D 190T nylon ripstop |
| Max. Weight: | 5 lb. 7 oz. |
| Min. Weight: | 4 lb. 10 oz. |
| Number of Poles: | 3 Poles |
| Packed Size: | 23 x 6in (58 x 15cm) |
| Packed Weight: | 5 lbs |
| Peak height: | 40.5 inches |
| Peak height - metric: | 103 centimeters |
| Pole Diameter mm: | 9 mm |
| Pole Frame: | Clips |
| Pole Material: | DAC Press-Fit™ aluminum |
| Pole diameter: | 9.0 millimeters |
| Poles: | 3 |
| Primary Use: | Backpacking |
| Rainfly Coating: | 1500mm PU |
| Rainfly Fabric: | 75D 190T polyester ripstop |
| Recommended Use: | Camping, trekking |
| Season: | 3-season |
| Seasons: | 3 |
| Sleeping Capacity: | 2 Person |
| Sleeps: | 2 |
| Tent Type: | Dome |
| Total Square Feet: | 26 sq. ft |
| Ventilation: | Mesh walls |
| Vestibule Space: | 9.1sq ft (.85sq m) |
| Vestibule Square Feet: | 9.1 sq. ft |
| Vestibule area: | 9.1 square feet |
| Weight: | 4lb 10oz (2.1kg) |
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View other products from The North Face classified in Hiking & Camping > Shelters & Tents. View all products from The North Face.
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Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.
 | The North Face Tadpole 23 Footprint | $36.95 |
 | The North Face Tadpole 23 Boxed Version | $199.00 |
These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:
 | The North Face Big Fat Frog 24 Tent Hiking & Camping > Shelters & Tents | $258.95 - $259.00 |
 | Brunton Glorb XB Hiking & Camping > Lights & Headlamps | $32.95 - $55.20 |
 | The North Face Roadrunner 33 Hiking & Camping > Shelters & Tents | $258.95 - $271.20 |
This product is available in the following colors:
Click any color to show the product in that color
 | Yam Orange |
Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.
| Color | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Person | N/A | |
| Yam Orange | 199.00199.00 | 198.95198.952 More... |
| Niagra Gray | 249.00 | |
FogDog Sports offers this product at $198.99, but does not provide any color/size information.
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) offers this product at $199.00, but does not provide any color/size information.
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Great tent for the money | |
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| The tent is fantastic for the money! I can set the thing up including the fly in less than 5 minutes. I'm in AZ so I very much enjoy the full mesh canopy, but the tent is toasty with the fly up on those cold nights! The poles are super light, and easy to assemble, and the snag-less design makes one person setup a breeze. Lots of pockets inside for easy storage. Fast and snag free zippers. I very much like the fact that all walls of the tent are taut when set up, and the fly and strap design allow it to be buttoned down tight for a incredibly sturdy shelter given its weight. All-in-all I love this tent! That said, this tent is not perfect. I do have a couple VERY SMALL complaints. One is that the the fly itself is not taut without staking down the sides. This has only been a problem in extremely rocky areas where I could not get the stakes all the way in the ground. If there is nothing to tie the sides of the fly to it hangs on to the tent and causes some condensation issues. The other, which is not so much a complaint but rather a sacrifice in the name of comfort and air flow: Condensation tends to collect on the inside of the fly and when shaken drips through the mesh rather heavily. This has only really been a problem on cold, wet, and windy nights. Also, as others mentioned can be a bit cramped, the shape makes it awkward getting your gear in the tent or the vestibule. However this a worthy trade-off in my opinion, for a sturdiness and lite weight. None of these complaints should deter you from buying this if you are in need of a excellent backpacking tent. I have gone through a LOT of tents in my day. And I did a ton of research before I settled on the Tadpole 23. There are lighter (and more expensive) tents out there, and I certainly wouldn't buy this as an expedition tent, but as a 3-season backpacking tent it doesn't get any better than this at this price point. This tent is very nearly perfect. | |
| ZenDragon at REI on 09/28/2009 | |
Great buy | |
| Rating: | |
My parents gave me the Tadpole 23 as a graduation present about five years ago. I've used it for many backpacking trips over the years and it's still holding strong. | |
| Kerry at Backcountry.com on 07/01/2009 | |
Awesome Tent | |
| Rating: | |
| Dont be fooled by any comments saying that this is not a two man tent or it vents poorly. This tent is great and I use it all the time. It holds well in strong winds, rain, and even sleet. To solve the condensation issue, you have to pull the rain fly away from the tent. It is a two wall tent, so it doesn't have vents. The inner wall is almost entirely mesh. Pulling the fly out, allowing air to get in is not only the solution, but how you should be stteing the tent up in the first place. Second off, yes, it is cozy, but 90% of lightweight tents will be. There is plenty of floorspace for two people, as long as your gear is in the vestibule. I have taken this on a 9 day trek, and plan on going on a 14 day trek with it this summer. | |
| ATCsXe at REI on 04/23/2009 | |
A strong, light, functional tent | |
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| I like things well made, simple, utilitarian, and worth the money. The North Face tadpole 23 is all of those. In good weather you get maximum ventilation without the rainfly. No bugs. In wind and rain, you get total protection with the rainfly on, sufficient ventilation and vestibule storage (for a lightweight tent). It is quick to pitch and taken down, making it a great choice when you arrive late to a trailhead and want to sleep in the tent to get an early start on a hike (2008 Two Pan camp - Eagle Cap Wilderness). I own The North Face "Mountain 24"; "Cirrus"; and now the "Tadpole 23". For three seasons backpacking the Tadpole 23 is my clear favorite for all the attibutes discussed. I have used it in excellent weather, high winds, and hard rain storms - - all with positive results. | |
| OldManTravels at REI on 03/23/2009 | |
Great backpacking tent! | |
| Rating: | |
| This tent is a great choice for those of you who like a light tent that is also rock solid in the weather! I don't understand the people who say that the tent doesn't fit two people it fits me (6'2) and my girlfriend (5'7) with room to spare! The vestibule is huge also, this thing fit a day pack and a 65 liter pack on one side with plenty of room to get in and out with no problem! Over all I think the people who are complaining about being cramped and uncomfortable are car campers who are used to big roomy tents and that fine, but this tent isn't designed for car camping, its a backpacking tent through and through! | |
| Kincerm at REI on 05/27/2009 | |
Have a 04 and is sick | |
| Rating: | |
Have had this tent since 04. It is a great tent! I agree with tony about it being a tight two person tent. So you better like that person alot, cause your going to have a lot of face time in this tent. For the weight and size this is a great solo tent. Hike in the unitas and southern utah alot. and this tent has never done me wrong. ahve had to replace a couple poles. But that was cause of 70 Plus gust of wind on the white rim trail in canyonlands. Saw a tent fly away that night. Mine just bent to the ground. NFT was super cool on replacing the poles. Bottom line its a great tent | |
| chris griffin at Backcountry.com on 03/13/2009 | |
Good, to an extend | |
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I have had my tadpole for about a year now. It is extremely light weight and great for backpacking. Very easy to set the tent up. The size isn't too bad- there was an incoming storm so my group fit 3 people in this tent. But its still small for 2 people. It was so-so when it was raining- maybe i didnt have the fly on correctly. I payed under $100 for everything for my tadpole(got tent fabric at REI sale, then bought poles and footprint direct from TNF). If i had to pay $200, i wouldnt buy it. Go with a comparable marmot or mountain hardware tent- TNF isnt the best quality anymore. Be sure to get the footprint. | |
| andycj7 at Backcountry.com on 06/01/2009 | |
Solid | |
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My wife and I used this during our trek through France last summer. It is an excellent pack tent that compresses really well. The tent is small but that is the intent. A minimal tent that gets the job done. If you like spending time in your tent, consider something bigger. It you are traveling light and just need a nice dry place to sleep, this is it. | |
| TriDave at Backcountry.com on 05/07/2009 | |
Great Tent! | |
| Rating: | |
| I have used this tent in the Grand Canyon for years with great success. It's easy to set up, solid in high winds, has a nice vestibule and is relatively light. The single door design does require your tent mate to use caution to not step on your head when exiting with the fly on, and space inside is a little cramped. The full mesh design is great for summer camping, but during high winds dirt and sand can blow under the fly and inside the tent. A future tadpole with solid fabric higher up the sides and on the door would be a nice improvement. All in all a solid tent. | |
| Canyonhiker at REI on 05/05/2009 | |
"Great scout tent" | |
| Rating: | |
| Both of my boys have this tent and use it for scouting. They can put the tent up by themselves. It is a 2-person tent; however, it is best used as a one-person tent because the space is small on one end. It does have a vestibule to store your gear with the rain fly on and plenty of pockets and loops inside for small things. Be sure to buy the footprint. You can use the footprint and the fly to reduce the weight. It is a great tent for the money. Good value. If you are over 6 feet, you may want to consider a longer tent. | |
| Pamela at Moosejaw on 09/26/2009 | |
I would recommend something else... | |
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| I lead trips every summer backpacking and canoeing for weeks at a time. On occasion I'll use my tent mid fall, mid spring canoeing. This tent packs down small and is very light. I've been in it in some great storms and I have always been dry during rain. The vestibule is enormous. One small issue that I have with it is the size- I am a tiny girl but when sharing the tent with people taller than 5'9" neither of us is comfortable. It is also too short for them. The big problem is the poles-- when I first received it a year and a half ago, the mid-pole split while I was sleeping in it. The connector tore- on a brand new tent pole. So I brought it back to REI thinking it was the one pole and they replaced the whole tent for free (I LOVE REI). After storing it properly all winter, I used it for the first time this summer and now the poles are once again broken. I am going to return it as soon as my laundry is done for a completely new brand of tent, because frankly in the back country I can't be waiting for my poles to snap again. I would not buy this tent for myself, and the quality of the North Face poles makes me hesistant to buy any other tent made by them. | |
| GillEmma at REI on 08/02/2009 | |
2009 more mesh but weaker floor and fly | |
| Rating: |  |
| The tent survived an Idaho wind gust of around 30km/h well but the aftermath of it is i have poles that are now slightly curved. During a late-afternoon to evening shower in Yellowstone I did not feel any drops of water fall on me but that may be to the benefit of my Marmot 15 degree sleeping bag. Otherwise, the tent did not leak. The next morning i saw water droplets condensed on the insides of the rain fly. Some of the condensed water did drip onto the inner mesh but the mesh absorbs the droplets to let it evaporate faster and prevent too large a drop from forming. I had cold feet that morning. Turns out the bottom of my sleeping bag was pushing against the mesh at the back of the tent which caused the mesh to touch the fly and water to condense on the insides of my sleeping bag. The tent is supplied with 8 stakes. This is enough for the vestibule and the 6 pole anchoring points. This number of stakes is however not enough for an additional 3 guylines(provided with the tent) needed to pull the fly away from the mesh completely at the lower 3 corners of the back of the tent. Without the guylines, the fly will touch the mesh no matter how taut the fly is. Condensation on the mesh is rife in those places. The tent survived a sub-zero overnight temperature freeze in Yellowstone. After a little research on TNF websites, for this latest incarnation of Tadpole 23 "BX" (yam-orange color) compared with the 'blue' version or EU version, TNF has, i) reduced the floor coating from 8000nm to 5000nm. ii) changed the rainfly from Nylon-silicon to coated-polyesther, iii) used full mesh for the canopy. Effects of i) and ii) would mean a weaker tent. Especially for ii), that means the "BX" version is more vulnerable to UV damage. Specifically meaning that under prolong UV exposure, the coating will peel which is considered wear n tear under TNF's lifetime(of product) warranty. For iii) its nice to be able to see the milky-way when camped in the open desert ruled by mosquitoes and grazing cattle. The wind would however blow through the tent almost unhindered. This tent is spacious for a soloist with gear or just 2 human bodies. I estimate the vestibule has just enough space for 2 large backpacks. At 5' 11"(1.81m), the tent feels like it barely fits me when i lie down in my sleeping bag. I attribute this feeling to the inward sloping walls which i must point out is systemic to all tents. In the case of the tadpole the walls have a steep inward slope. Weight wise, the tent is 5.5 lbs(2.5kg) including the foot print. When packed, the tent took up half the top-space of my 65l HS Sentinel backpack. There are lighter alternatives with better quality materials like the Mountain Hardware Spire but that would cost a lot more. Note that TNF homepage advertises the tent being supplied with "DAC featherlite SL" poles but REI sells it with "DAC Pressfit" | |
| tfruitz at REI on 06/06/2009 | |
an ok tent | |
| Rating: | |
| Ive camped with this tent a couple of times and the vestibule has a lot of space. it has great easy access pockets on both sides of the tent. it is also free standing. the only things that bothered me was that it collects condensation very easy because of no vents. also it says two man tent well its not its just a big one man tent. but other than that it is a pretty good tent and i look foward to see how it will do a philmont | |
| hikerman at REI on 04/02/2009 | |
