The North Face Mountain Marathon

+ I CAN ANSWER TOO! Dave asked : Where can I get setup instructions for the North Face Mountain Marathon 1-Person, 3-Season Tent?

John O says : I've used this tent a lot since I bought it in Iceland, for wild camping too, and really like it a lot. It is perfectly small and cozy and sturdy, with only the minor irritation of condensation dripping on me in the morning (a build up from my breath overnight) from the low ceiling. That is nothing to complain about. The floor, though, is super thin and often looks wet, even when no water is getting through. The instructions recommend something called 'the Northface footprint" when camping in wet locations (i.e., everywhere) but I couldn't understand why I should have to immediately go out and buy an accessory for such an expensive and seemingly high quality tent. It should work without this footprint thing they want me to buy. Well, after about 50 nights out with it, the floor finally failed and water started seeping through big time. Fortunately, I had some plastic bags with me, so I laid them out between the tent and the ground, and that solved the problem. Now when I take it somewhere, I also bring a big black garbage bag with that I have slit open like a sheet and put it underneath when I set up. But I really shouldn't have to do that with such a high tech contraption. Still, I have grown fond of this handy tent and will continue to use it and be thankful. One thing I could never figure out though, and maybe someone can explain it, is how to set it up and take it down with the fly sheet married to the tent. The instructions refer to this alternate method, but it doesn't make any sense, because once you remove the poles the fly sheet is no longer joined to the tent.

XSW says : Great tent used for cycle camping and sea kayaking

Phil, Spike and Tess says : I\'ve had this tent for two years and have used it in a variety of conditions,primarily wild camping and so far it hasn\'t let me down. I usually use it accompanied by my two terrier dogs Spike and Tess, and the three of us have a really snug and warm night. There is plenty of space for one, but if two people were to share you would need to be pretty friendly. If you want a tent that is light and up to most of what the British weather can throw at it thos is an excellent option.

Anon says : Im going to take that back about being too short. I used it this weekend down on the English south coast and found it a fine tent to sleep in. I take back what i said about the length. I wouldnt want to be much bigger though.

Anon says : Ive just picked up one of these tents. I dont know where you can get full instructions without asking a shop etc. but i find it very easy to put up. Just 2 poles which actualy fit at a slightly jaunty angle to the ground and at an angle to each other (ie not parallel). The trick is to then get a fair amount of tension between the from and rear peg so it stretches out the ground sheet. The fly can then be added over the top and attached to the same pegs and poles, or included while pitching the inner. I set this with just 2 pegs and though i wouldnt want to be in too fast a wind with it, it seemed very strong for the minimal gear used to keep it there.