The North Face Roadrunner 3

Review Date
July 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Therapist ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $260.00 at REI

Summary:
I really hadn't been into camping much, then my parents got me a gift certificate for REI so I figured I'd get a starter item and what better than a tent. Anyway I got my first chance to use it last weekend on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. For a 3 person tent it pakcs up real small 6x198, and is really light considering its capacity and feature pack. The mesh top is great probably the best feature, being able to look out in the morning and see the canopy of the forest is a real treat.

Customer Service:
Never had to use.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 9, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: DUstanko ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $239.00 at MGear.com

Summary:
Great spring and summer tent. The mesh is awesome for star-gazing. The fly provides great shelter in rain. I did seam seal just to be sure. The tent in general sets up quick. The fly sets up easier with practice but its tough to get the fly apart when breaking down. All in all this is a great tent for the money if you can find it discounted online or on Ebay. I also like the Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3. The star gazing is not quite as luxurious as the NF but you get the option of partially receding the fly to get the luxury of star gazing but rainfly protection on those "iffy" nights if one is not sure if it will rain or not.

Customer Service:
Never used.

Similar Products Used:
North Face Mountain 25; Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3.

Review Date
July 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Rixir(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Canada

Summary:
Very nice color and style. Alot of room for 2 or 3 and 2 similar vestibule to put your gear. Very easy to pitch and fast too.

Handle wind very well because of the rounded design.

Have 2 door which can be left open at the top for ventilation even in pouring rain.

There seem to be a little flat spot on top of the tent ( the triangle on top ) that would collect a bit of water before the water slide down, but water won't get throught the fabric.

All in all, this is one of the best 3 season/backpacking tent for 2 or 3 person.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
June 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jeff(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New York

Price Paid:  $300.00 at TNF

Summary:
I've only used this tent a couple of times, and haven't had it in the rain yet. I was initially concerned about the two pole structure (a third pole is added only to support the fly), but it seems quite solid.

It packs down smaller than some north face tents I've owned, and it comes with all of TNF standard featues that you come to expect (and take for granted). Lots of pockets and glow in the dark zipper pulls, etc.

Both vestibules are the same size, and they seem smaller than some other models. Plenty of space for two people and their gear, though.

All in all, a tent which I'm very pleased with. Light, spacious and high quality.

Customer Service:
Excellent -

Had a problem with a Cumulus tent last year. Rain came through one of the floor seams (they told me it may be a design flaw). Anyway, they immediately issued a store credit (the Cumulus is no longer offered by TNF)

Similar Products Used:
TNF Cumulus