The North Face VE-25 Expedition Tent

2021-02-19T19:00:00

Amazing tent. Still my go to tent for Rainier and winter high peaks Adirondacks in minus 30-40F with heavy snow load. In High Peaks came in at night after 5 hr drive. Found a spot to pitch at midnight. Looked around, thought it might be a game trail (apparently was) snowed 24'+ so at 5:30 we felt this large buck falling on the tent. Could feel his hair and fortunately didn't kick crush us. The tent held! Poles bent somewhat but pushing with our feet got them pretty straight so we went back to sleep. At daylight we could see the snow made the tent look like a small mound to the buck. TNF replaced poles free. Had it up on Mt Rainer in the glacier above Muir at 12,000' in a huge wind storm maybe 70mph but above a horrific storm from Muir such that they were getting ready to send a rescue team after storm. We saw the tight clouds below but Didn't know how bad it was. Came down to Muir to the surprise of the ranger and said, "hey whats up?" Making a short review long ve25 held up perfectly 2days of hurricane winds. Noticed TNF dropped the round snow entrances which were great to dive in without bringing in snow. Net: just the best, never surpassed in nearly 40 years. Oh with fly tight the temp is +35 degrees so at -35 its a toasty zero.

Goofyfoot5

Originally posted at

2018-07-29T20:00:00

Vents marginally better than its predecessors due to the vents on the top, but still is not a tent you want to be cooped up in for three days waiting out a blizzard with two tent mates. The poorly stitched stuff sack failed after a couple uses, and North Face doesn't have replacements for it. Bombproof. Could shed snow a little better. If you are much over 6', this is not your tent. The VE-24/VE-25 has been around forever, and there's good reason it is the standard against which other bombproof 4-season tents are measured.

CF

Originally posted at

2017-11-20T19:00:00

I do multi-day rafting trips, and camping year round through the Rockies. I stay warm and mostly dry. Condensation can be a problem depending on weather. Overall great tent!

Rafter

Originally posted at

2017-10-27T20:00:00

This is hands down the best tent on the market. I use it for backpacking, its heavy, but if you share the load with a friend its ok. I have owned three tents and wish I had this one tears ago. There is nothing worse than going out in a tent that mushrooms in the wind condensate so bad that you may as well be sleeping outside. So, if you want to go out and have Worries then this is the tent you want to buy

trick

Originally posted at

2017-10-09T07:34:53

This tent is huge for a three person tent. I would say three person with ALL the gear or 4 person with the gear in the vestibules. Haven't used this in the snow yet, but there was no moisture inside the tent after two days of rain in the backyard.

Ben M.

2017-09-06T21:08:32

The tent is amazing - I have gone backpacking in WA by Mount Rainier in a blizzard with 60mph gusts - my buddy was scared and thought we were gonna blow of the cliff - easy budy - not with the north face VE 25 - I have also used the tent without vestibule in Zion National Park in 100 degree temps - I also used it at Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park WA - AGAIN the tent performed perfectly - on the coast in WA the dew at night and the condensation is worse than any rainstorm - basically the tent was underwater and I stayed dry with no drips or damp gear - I WAS SHOCKED - as the sun came out and the morning fog rolled out the vestibule was BONE DRY by 10am - I'm going to write North Face and just tell them to get real and stop naming there tents dumb names - North Face should change the name of this tent from VE 25 to BEST FREAKING TENT EVER bottom line super awsome great for all conditions

Stephen K.

2017-09-06T20:00:00

I had an older VE-24 for many years until the PU coating (water proof coating) started breaking down all throughout the tent (fly and flooring) becoming incredibly sticky. To NF credit they replaced the tent. However this new one is beginning to exhibit the same stickiness in the fly though the floor is perfect. What's up??? It's stored in a garage on the east side of San Francisco (micro climate) so it's not like it's high heat and humidity. Tent has only been used 2x (lighter tents used) and put away dry. I'm disappointed to see this tent start breaking down once again. Maybe a bad batch of PU coating, or they just don't remain stable past a couple of years. I've older tents who's waterproof coating is like brand new so not sure what's the cause of this early breakdown on the NF. Otherwise a bombproof tent. HOWEVER.... not a fan of the multi color scheme, though not as bad as the overly loud graphics placed throughout the tent screaming BRANDING! Please, we know it's a NF!

hmmmmm

Originally posted at

2017-05-29T20:00:00

Great tent built to last, but it can be a fight to get the poles into the pole loops when putting it together. Also if using the centre interior tent loop whilst hanging a metal light you can get condensation dripping on you, even with both fly vents open. This might be to do with the metal light etc, so I shall be monitoring this and change lights and position. I also needed more tent pegs.....so this needs addressing if your paying top dollar for this....it is minor but it should be considered.

CanadianScot

Originally posted at

2017-02-24T19:00:00

Last year after much research I bought what I thought would be a sturdy stand up tent (good brand) but it collapsed in the wind and the aluminum poles broke. I had to sacrifice the height for strength in the wind, and chose your "bullet-proof" VE -25. Also I wanted a tent like my old North Face (30 years of use) which had zippable windows and doors. This got such good reviews and though I haven't used it yet, (set it up at home) I am sure it is deserving of the reviews...BUT, being a visual person I was very disappointed in having to look up from inside and see big North Face logos on each side of the "ceiling". I see they are on the photos, but I didn't imagine from the pictures how intrusive they would be to me. Is there any way you put them on the lower sides of the tent where they aren't the first thing you see when you lie down or wake up to? Otherwise I really look forward to another 30 years of a North Face tent.

desert r.

Originally posted at

2017-02-24T19:00:00

Good but expensive

Chickendick18

Originally posted at

2017-01-22T19:00:00

I bought my VE-24 in 1984 because it was the best winter tent on the market at the time. It probably still is. It cost a lot -- about a month's rent in 1984 dollars -- but it has stood the test of time. The old VE-24 also provided a secure, dry shelter in all kinds of conditions. The only real problem I had with the tent was that the urethane waterproofing began to flake off the floor about 15 years ago. This was probably from storing the tent in a baking hot North Carolina attic for several years. Along with the delam, the tent started to smell like wet dog. I was able to scrub the old urethane off with a kitchen sponge-scrubby and some soap and water. Once it had thoroughly dried, I replaced the urethane with multiple coats of Nikwax. The tent smells fine now and it is waterproof once more. I'm glad to see that North Face makers a successor, the VE-25. I hope it is as good as the original. Maybe one day, when my VE-24 wears out, I'll get the VE-25. But after 33 years of use, I don't think I'll have to do that anytime soon.

Spud

Originally posted at

2016-12-12T19:00:00

Truly functions as a 4 season tent. Great ventilation but heavy for a 3 person tent, though it is what is expected from a 4 season tent.

Cheko

Originally posted at

2016-11-06T19:00:00

i bought this tent because I wanted a multi-use and multi-season tent. One that can withstand winter-snow camping, and this tent fits the bill. It is heavy for one person to backpack, but easy to split between 2 people. It is very comfortable and feels secure in heavy windy cold weather. I anticipate many years of "not gentle" use out of this tent. I can't wait to push the limits this winter, hoping for "big snow" and getting cozy and comfortable in this tent.

Turbo

Originally posted at

2016-07-15T20:00:00

I bought the then VE24 "Windy Pass" version circa 1984. Have used it extensively over the years since. It's never failed me in years of backpacking, climbing and in recent years motorcycle touring. I actually bought the full rent VE25 some years ago after hearing that North Face was in financial trouble. I worried I might not be able to replace my trusty VE24. But the company stayed strong and aside from setting it up in my living room, the 25 has stayed in reserve. You can't kill these tents. One Gripe. NF quit selling the tent pole bag with the multi attachment loops. My duck taped original survives!

Jibber

Originally posted at

2016-06-26T20:00:00

This is an expedition tent. It's heavy. It'll stand up in absurd winds experienced above treeline. I've used it in the Cascades, Whites, Denali, Andes, Patagonia. I once had a pole bend when it snowed 3' in Yosemite but it was my fault (or my partner's) for not getting out and shoveling off a foot of snow around 3am. TNF sent me a new pole--guaranteed for life. I'm shocked anyone would buy this for car camping given it's $$$$. When I go summer camping below treeline I don't use this; it's too warm and unnecessarily heavy. One exception to that rule is if you anticipate 50+ mph winds, then use this and stake out every guy.

JB

Originally posted at

2016-06-24T20:00:00

This tent has been in use for 3-4 years in the worst of conditions the New England White Mountains has to offer by a 65 year old Vietnam Marine Veteran. He settles for nothing less than excellence. He camps year round every weekend any weather. The VE-25 is the go to tent for his winter camping. North face stands behind their product 110%. Sending a vintage 70's two man tent in for repair led to the purchase of the VE-25 , hats off to North Face for their drive for customer satisfaction.

Go F.

Originally posted at

2016-03-06T19:00:00

Purchased my VE-24 in 1977 lived and travelled extensively living in the Sinai Desert on the Gulf of Aqaba for several months surviving sandstorms. Coming home to the Pacific Northwest and through the Cascade Mountains. I have always enjoyed the bright yellow canopy of the tent and believe it buoyed the spirits of all while tent bound during inclement weather. I hope the white is unto the same strength and value of my original purchase. But still believe the yellow had positive effects.

Weiss

Originally posted at

2016-02-11T19:00:00

Just purchased a VE 25 tent from a TNF dealer & am concerned that while the new design (black/white canopy & black/gold fly) may be lighter in weight, the tent robustness may be compromised with the new design...rain fly now 40D, was 75D (may be more likely to leak, less heat retention, less wind break); clips in place of sleeves (create stress points); no more spacer to keep fly off of tent canopy (especially since it's thinner & when wet); & the doors no longer have a full screen. The Summit Series logo is also missing...does this mean the new design no longer meets the same performance tests - I'd like to see data comparing designs under field testing?? We have not used the tent yet, so I may be proven wrong...just my first impression.

Tina

Originally posted at

2015-11-01T19:00:00

So far, I have only used this tent once. I car camp in the starved rock state park in Illinois, USA. We had heavy rain and winds for several hours and the tent was dry and did its job perfectly. I can't wait to go camping again with this tent to other exciting places.

Need n.

Originally posted at

2015-09-17T20:00:00

Steens Mountain Oregon, extreme temp. works fantastic, doggie proof

Deestar

Originally posted at

2015-03-01T19:00:00

I love my new northface ve-25 four season tent. I owned a ve-25 that I bought in 1985 and it lasted for 30 years of really tough useage and I loved that tent but this new one is 100% better in every way! Every detail has been refined and improved and I expect it to perform even better!

onemanarmy

Originally posted at

2014-12-21T19:00:00

I've owned my VE-25 for two seasons now and love this tent. The only possible objection is that it's heavy, but since I almost always pull a sled in winter the extra four pounds compared to lesser tents isn't a concern. You get a lot of quality and security in that extra couple of pounds. Setup is easy once you have done it a few times. The guy line system is fantastic - easy, adjustable and stable. Once setup being inside this tent is a dream. There's storage everywhere, it ventilates well with vents completely accessible inside the tent. Reflective zipper pulls and an overall feeling of high quality seal the deal. I recently winter camped in strong winds, steady at 20+ mph with big gusts and slept like a baby all night. In winter it's easily 10 to 15 degrees warmer inside this tent than outside. I own several tents and am frequently looking at and researching others. I have other tents that are better for long summer hikes and for car camping, but if the weather is cold or sketchy this is the tent to use. I honestly don't think that there's a better tent out there.

Waffle

Originally posted at

2014-01-01T19:00:00

I've use the VE 25 tent for over 3 decades now. I've mountaineered in Alaska and Glacier; backcountry expeditions in West Yellowstone at -40 and camped in Big Bend at 100+. I've use this tent religiously it most all situations and yes I've gone thru 4 tents. My first VE did not have a vestibule and I used it nearly every weekend for over three years in the high peaks of the Adirondacks and White Mountains it was great until I just wore it out in about 8 years, I returned it to North Face and but alas it couldn't be repaired however they replaced it, and the new one served me for almost 10 years. I came across the VE 25 "Guide" version, I bought it because I was wearing out the VE so quickly and the "Guide" still serves me well today as a backup or spare tent of use by others. However I still had the VE 25 which devoloped a mold problem on it and the waterproofness started to fail, so after 10 years I again returned it to North Face, they informed me the mold damage wasn't covered under the warranty, however they sold me a new VE25 at a reasonable cost and to this day is my primary tent for three seasons. The VE25 tends to be too warm in the summer months, the ventilation is ok, but when you're at 90F+ it is hot. I resort to another NF tent for summer. But in winter especially in storms it's bombproof! I've been in blizzards, hurricanes and some great weather and I love this tent. When or shall I say IF my VEs wear out, I will replace them with a new VE.

TopT

Originally posted at

2013-08-26T20:00:00

Amazing tent - tons of space, great air flow, kept us completely dry in the middle of a crazy thunder and rain storm.

AI22

Originally posted at

2013-04-24T20:00:00

VE 25 performed well in serious winds, it's a bit heavy but this tents built like a tank.

Stupoo

Originally posted at

2009-08-13T20:00:00

I just received my TNF VE 25 yesterday....it's great[...]i couldn't be happier with it, it's huge, 4.5 m2, and it has a lot of loft space, also it looks great from a design point of view. i suggest to anyone who purchases this tent to get the corresponding TNF footprint because it facilitates the packing up process, by keeping the exterior of the floor dry, and it protects your inner from dampness and small sharp rocks that could damage the floor.i would suggest this tent to anyone who is looking for something that will last a very very long time....

ILYTNF