Review of North Face Talus 23 Tents
The
North Face Talus 23, one of the premium tents by popular outdoor equipment
company The North Face, won Outside Magazine's "Killer Values" award, which
is bestowed upon high-quality gear that will give you the performance you
demand without crippling your wallet. This should give you an indication of
the quality of this product, a convertible, compact lightweight tent which
is suppose to be ideal for your everyday, every season backpacking needs.
You may want to give this tent
another look, however, before you pull out your credit card.
The
Talus 23 is a three season tent that can withstand 40-mph winds and a wet
two inch load of snow. It is a luxurious 1- person but comfortable 2- person
tent. It has a sturdy, durable and superior construction that is an
excellent choice for backpacking expeditions. The sides are dual doors to
fit packs and other gear, which also provides you with a two-point entry and
exit. It comes with seven-square-foot vestibules, one in front and one in
the rear. The floor's 30-square-foot layout fits two average adults with
generous horizontal headroom and a flared midriff for extra wiggle room.
Specifications
·
Size
Interior peak height: 3 ft. 7 in.
Floor
area: 30 sq. ft. (91" x 42")
Vestibule area: 7[front] + 7[rear] sq. ft.
Stuff
sack: 7" dia. and 25" length
·
Weight
Standard weight: 5 lbs.12oz. (tent body, flysheet and pole)
Packed weight: 6 lbs. 9oz.(total weight of all items)
DAC
7001-T6 aluminum poles are used in the assembly of the Talus 23, creating a
light and strong structure. The fusion pitch joins pole sleeves and clips
together for easy set-up and flexible ventilation.
A convenient color coded canopy and flysheet webbing also contributes
to the quick tent set-up. The
Talus 23 is also equipped with clipped poles and mesh panels above for
improved oscillation. It likewise comes with a fly-only pitching option that
lets you pitch just the rain fly over the footprint, for an
ultra-lightweight sleeping shelter or an emergency rain shelter.
This means you can get your shelter up in a rush or even use the fly
on its own for light-weight trips. It has extra gear storage on the sides
and above, small inner pockets for stashing small items, and loops on the
sides and above for hooking up items. There are attachments on the door in
case you want to roll it up, and it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
One
of the main drawbacks of the Talus 23 is that it is adequate for two persons
to fit in, but those two people should really know each other well, or they
certainly will, after using the tent.
There isn't enough room for storing your gear and no view inside, and
ventilation is somewhat restricted if you have the fly on. You can get wet
when there’s a downpour even if you use the fly or even with the footprint.
It has no zippered mesh on the doors, as well, and at almost 7 pounds, it is
rather heavy for its class.
Overall, the Talus 23 is fine if you’re camping alone, and don’t expect the
weather to be too inclement. You
are getting what you pay for, certainly.
If you’re looking for a more spacious tent, however, and one that can
handle both rain and wind, you would be better off shopping elsewhere.
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