I've used this tent hundreds of times. I took it to Alaska, numerous festivals, all around the country and Puerto Rico. The only problem I've had happened when the fly-pole got a little crack. They almost took my tent stakes in P.R. at airport security, I talked them out of it though. No holes, tears, but, a bit damp any time it rains. Up in about a minute.

Customer Service

Great. Repairing the pole will apparently cost $15.

Bought this tent based on a number of factors, the name, and the weight. Like every other soggy reviewer, found out the hard way about the thread holes in the fly. Floor dimensions were a bit misleading, they say 7'5". Maybe right at the bottom of the floor, but because of the taper of the wall, it is alot shorter a foot off the ground. I'm 6'4" and have to sleep on an angle to avoid pressing on both ends. Two is tight to begin with, so forget about putting a pair of 6+ footers in. On the up side, it goes together fast and simple, good ventilation, light weight, good zippers, and once you get the fly seams corrected, excellent in heavy rain and wind. I just expected more from The North Face.....

Customer Service

Would have returned the tent, but some special sale condition applied, so only eligible for exchange.

I want to warn potiential users of this seemingly decent tent to very wary of going out into wet conditions of any kind without seam sealing the rainfly on this tent! The North Face sewed through the seam tape in four spots and light to moderate rains found water wicking through the thread and dripping through the rainfly right into the corners of the living space. It was a miserable night and I was getting good use out of a Packtowel, trying to keep pools of water under control! I was glad my partner wasn't there with me that night, because I placed myself in the center, as far as possible from the corners in order to keep out of the water. If I had known the seam tape had been violated, I would've been working on it prior to this trip, but I thought: 'Hey this is a North Face Tent, I'm sure it's ready to go". This is not the case. In fact, when I returned the tent, I discovered that every Kestrel in the bin had the same problem! The Canyonland appeared to have similar sewn-through seam tape.

Customer Service

Customer Service was hesitant to return my money, but did it anyway, because it's The North Face's policy.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Vortex 2, Kelty Domolite 2, Walrus Terramoto 2

I have used this tent in the Canadian Rockies for two years. It is easy to set up, well ventilated, stable in snow and wind, dry in rain. The side doors let a little rain into the tent when you enter in a downpour, but if you push your gear out of the way and do a little mop-up, there is no problem. A palace for solo backpacking, a bit cramped for two.

Customer Service

North Face is usually good. I've had no reason to complain to them about this tent.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Tadpole, MEC Tarn 2.

I have used this tent in the Canadian Rockies for two years. It is easy to set up, well ventilated, stable in snow and wind, dry in rain. The side doors let a little rain into the tent when you enter in a downpour, but if you push your gear out of the way and do a little mop-up, there is no problem. A palace for solo backpacking, a bit cramped for two.

Customer Service

North Face is usually good. I've had no reason to complain to them about this tent.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Tadpole, MEC Tarn 2.

used this tent for less than a year and the clear windows had cracks all through them , thats the only complaint i have , easy to set up,rainproof ,until window problem, very sturdy tent ,fits one great with lots of extra room two would be tight.waiting to see what north face does about the windows.

Customer Service

nothing yet

Similar Products Used:

orion ast

None

None

I was upgrading from my old Eureka Euro-Timberlite and decided upon a Kestral.It was more money than I wished to pay but it seemed the tent for me.On my second night out it started to drizzle and the Kestral started leaking.I had seam gripped the tent before my trip and I could not believe it was leaking like it was.In fairness to North Face I may have got a bad tent but was very dissapointed anyway.

Customer Service

The store where the tent was purchased is sending it back to the North Face and I am waiting to see what happens

Similar Products Used:

Moss Outland Eureka Euro-Timberlite

Great quality, light weight for the grade of fabric used, a good value at $200 (if you can find that price). I've used this tent in the rain with no problems, other than anything touching the fly in the vestibule will get wet. Ventilation in the right places (low and high) for hot weather. Has a small footprint for those tight spaces. The fly can be used with the ground sheet (sold seperately) without the tent body for an ultra light shelter; or sun shade. I'm satisfied so far, but I would have liked larger volume vestibules, and a better solution to the fly door/tent door problem.

Similar Products Used:

Quest Preying Mantis
Sierra Designs Meteor Light

Mechanically, this tent is sound. It is strong considering its 'lack' of poles. All zippers and hardware worked perfectly.
Functionally, not as good. This tent is a bit small. I could never get mine to come close to the dimensions give by TNF. Very little space between the tent and the fly making for a very warm tent. It could use more mesh for summer use or more space for winter...
And the vestibules, what are they for? They are so small they won't even hold a pair of boots..
I returned mine and got a Meteor Light.

Similar Products Used:

TNF, Sierra.

Used Kestrel tent for 14 days backpacking in CA high sierras. Set up easy. Little bit heavy for two person tent. Construction appeared good. Design of fly and large vestibules appear awkward.