Hi, I'm planning an 8 month bike trip through S America, was going to take a Tadpole 23 tent but Patagonia is plagued with very strong winds - wondered if anyone had experience of this tent in the wind, or whether I'd be better off paying the weight/pack size penalty and taking a Terra Nova Voyager.
cheers!
M

I have no experience of the tadpole but I have a voyager which I have used all year round for 5 years or so. I thought that they were both pretty much the same in design (semi-geodesic) so I wouldnt have thougth they would be much different in high winds. I would personally go for a fully geodesic design if you are expecting strong winds (again heavier though).

My mate has a TNF Roadrunner, and I believe that to be weaker than the Tadpole. I've seen his Roadrunner stand up to the worst weather I've ever seen in North Wales. Stupidly strong winds (which lifted me off my feet!), rain, sleet.

Some of my clients have used Tadpoles in some very bad wether in New Zealand to no ill effects. However, its a very small tent and the inner tent does tend to get blown down on to your face in strong winds. OK in dry weather but the fabric does flap more when wet and sprays you with water on the inside...not good.
All in all its still a fantastic tent, but you get what you pay for i.e. light weight at the cost of some comfort and stability.