Gear

Hi all,

         Got the opportunity to buy a north face particle 13 tent for £84.99 new with tags, is this a good bargain? I know it normally retails at £120+ but I was wondering if anyone could help point out some strengths or weaknesses, or even if possible a better solo tent, max budget is about £150.

Thanks,

-John-

Great deal, buy it!  I would if I was still in the UKand I have an Akto.

OK

The tent is not the lightest or the largest but here are a few things I like about it -

It is a semi geo design of sorts and pretty strong when pitched well.  It is not so reliant on guy points as say an Akto.  It has a small porch, just big enough to afford shelter for cooking when the weather is not so good but you will probably have to keep the fly door open. 

The inner tent is mainly mesh so is light and airy for UK summer nights but maybe a tad drafty when the wind gets up - excellent ventilation. 

The quality of the tent is very good.

The porch is too small for my personal taste and the poles can be a bit stiff to get into the tensioning holes but a little practice and it is easy to pitch.  I would prefer less mesh for the UK cooler months but this is a minor thing.  The shape of the inner tent is like a coffin and may mean your sleeping may will not fit. 

A great tent at full retail price - bargain at that price.