The North Face Expedition 25

We have had this tent for three years and have used it extensively throughout the Eastern Sierras at the higher altitudes. With the rainfly on, this is an extremely warm and spacious tent for two people. My brother and I are 6'3" and 6'5" respectively and have never had reason to complain about the size.

In cold and windy conditions the tent is extremely stable and tight. Even at outside temperatures below freezing, it is imperative to have the tent doors partially open to prevent the condensation build up.

This summer, we added a third person and that does present a challenge if you're doing anything other than sleeping in the tent. With three people, it essential to alternate positions. Sitting and moving in the tent can be done, however, an extended stay in the tent with three people could get a little old.

We have set the tent up in a variety of spots, ranging from relatively shallow rock ledges (6'), snow, exposed mountain passes, and yes, even the desert. In each case the profile and easy of operation made some potentially miserable evenings quite comfortable.

In all but the most extreme cases, we do not put the rainfly on, and the tent provides us with excellent shelter and warmth. I have used the tent in the desert (Anza-Borrego) and find the tent works great if you leave both doors unzipped, relying exclusively on the mesh door for security from critters.

While I would prefer a lighter tent, for two people the comfort of this tent cannot be beaten. For three people I found it satisfactory and very workable. There are few tents on the market that work for big people as well as this one.

My one complaint are the foam pads use to hold the fly off the tent. They are unweildly to snap on when assembling the tent in cold and snowing condidtions. My solution was to attach snaps to the foam and the tent with Velcro. That eliminated the need to snap the foam on and speeds up assembly. I have made this suggestion to The North Face. We'll see if it merits their attention.

I have learned over time that there is no second guessing the elements here in Alaska. Although I am a budget conscious or shall I say thrifty person, when it comes to my outdoor gear I don't cut corners.

On a recent fishing trip to Kodiak Island I had the occasion to learn that my Expedition 25 would stand sustained winds of 45-50 mph and gusts up to 80 mph. During some of the strongest gusts the tent began to flatten but popped up before collapsing. During this time I attached the interior guy lines and the problem didn't repeat and the tent is fine.

I endure a storm every year over there but this was by far the worst wind ever. The tent always remains dry regardless of how hard or long it rains. Without the Expedition 25 none of my other gear would much matter. The tent provides a secure base for extended stays in the most challenging conditions. My tent is about six or seven years old and I am not sure this 3 person model is still made but if you can find one on the used market scoop it up.

Be advised, these are not light weight tents and they run around 12 lbs. so they are not a great trail tent. However for a basecamp tent they are rock solid. I use this tent when traveling by truck, motorcycle, or by riverboat.

I bought this tent in 1998 thru Campmor. It has been cross country many times and used in every season and every condition. From high elevation snow camping in Colorado, desert camping in Moab, swampy Arkansas summer camping, beach camping in California, and soggy camping trips in the PNW. Never a problem, never a failed zipper or snap, no rips. 

Best qualities of this tent included durability, ease of setup, ample dry storage,  cool circular doors, bombproof rain fly, especially if the guy lines are staked. High winds, snow loads, relentless rain, and baking summer heat haven't damaged this tent.

Plenty of room for 2 + dog. A third person is easily accommodated, but it takes away from the generous and spacious feel when it's just two campers. 

I took the tent up to 11,500' this past weekend with my nephew (he was born 10 years after I bought the tent) and the tent still felt tight, secure, and solid.

Best tent. Seriously.

Background

I've camped nearly 25 years with this tent, mostly backpacking, usually with a partner. We can divide up the poles, fly, ground cover, and tent to make the job easier.

Other tents I've used don't feel like that same quality of materials or craftsmanship as the Expedition 25, especially when tested by mother nature.

I have only used this tent in northern BC, Yukon, and Alaska. Because of this, I have only used it below freezing (mostly below zero) temps. I don't know how it will do in warmer climes.

Set up can be interesting with thick gloves on. Will sleep two with gear, would not try it with three and gear. Condensation is a serious problem, even sleeping with the two doors open (using mesh). If you are using it in snow, get snow stakes or snow anchors (the small stakes that come with it are useless in snow). Ev

en with these faults, this tent is a bombproof tent. This tent does not move in heavy wind, does not sag with heavy snow loads. Can be comfortable if you happen to be stuck for a couple of days sitting due to white out conditions (you'll have to dig your way out eventually, but the tent will hold up).

If you are looking for a good cold weather tent, this is it; if you are looking for a good four-season tent, look elsewhere.

The Expedition 25 is a 4-season, three-person tent. However, three people would be extremely tight in the winter. Also, there is a flaw in the shock cords that becomes apparent when the temp is below 20 degrees. The shock cords lose their elasticity. I must add that The North Face did correct the problem, by replacing them with a heavier cord. I just question why this was even a problem to begin with. If you're manufacturing a four-season tent, it should be tested in conditions that it's been constructed for.

Anyway, the overall performance of this tent is very good. However, from what I hear, it's not a summer tent at all. I've been to it retains heat, and should not be used in the warmer climes. Great deals can be had on this tent now. Check with Campmor.

This tent is the closest thing to the Holiday Inn, you will find for the price. It's wonderful for two, it's suitable for three, specialy if there's a couple.

Two doors make for easy in and out, and great ventilation, especialy in summer.

Although it's not feather weight, you will be glad you brought it along. Great for full size campers over 6'.

It is a full 4-season tent, although summer is probably not its strong point.

Six can sit inside, and still breathe, although it's not supposed to be the circus tent.

I've tested quite a few tents during the last several years. This is a solid, reliable, well designed winter home.

I have the Expedition 25 and love it although i don't know much about it. Can any of you help me , is this an older version of the ve25 , there is not a lot of info on this tent. They don't make it anymore.

I bought it from a guy that never used it still had tags and everything. He had too many tents and had knee surgery and said he was getting rid of all his stuff. Let me tell you this guy has a lot of gear. i just want some info on this tent, thanks so much.

Says it sleeps 3 but would be cozy. We are comfortable with two people and a large dog. Haven't had any of the cold-weather shock cord problems mentioned in another review and have also use in desert heat without problems. We leave the big fly off and it doesn't sweat at all. The vestibules are great for storing gear and the gear loft increases amount of storage space (less headroom). Would definitely buy another one. Very stable in wind and great in the rain.

Excellent tent for high winds or cold temps. Heavy and bulky for general backpacking, but it is great for winter camping/backpacking. My wife and I opt for our Sierra Designs Orion CD after March. If you camp in extreme conditions I would recommend the Expedition-25.

The Expedition 25 is an excellent tent. The tent performs exceptionally well in winds and is simple to set up. However, I think that it is a little small for three people.

Other than weight considerations, I would recommend this tent to anyone with winter camping hopes.