User Review: The North Face Merlin 33

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

Reviewed August 26, 2008 by ChrisS

Rating: rated 3 of 5 stars
Sleeps: 3

The layout and space under the vestibules are this tent's major strength. Two people can fit with plenty of room to spare; I imagine three would fit comfortably. You could probably squeeze four small people. Gear fits easily under the vestibules, and the double doors prevent waking up your tent mates for late-night bathroom breaks.

Unfortunately, the rainfly for this tent is defective. Mine broke down after the first use, developing a sticky/tacky feeling on the underside. When I sent it back to TNF, I was told that there was some defect in the way these rainflys were made, and that breakdown is likely to occur within a few years.

Fortunately this is covered by warranty and they will send you a new rainfly, but you will probably have to get multiple replacements over the lifetime of the tent. Also, be sure to insist that the customer service rep you talk with goes and consults with the "tent guy". Not all the reps know that it is TNF policy to replace these rainflys, and they may try to tell you this is normal wear and tear breakdown that is not covered.

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