Unknown North Face tent--Thanks, guys!

Last week i bought a tent at St. Vinnie's that is a North Face teepee type tent. I paid $3.25 and really love it even though it is almost 8 lbs. I have never seen the likes of it, even when i was a Boy Scout in the 70's. Please help me identify it :

http://www.freewebs.com/bigfootpictures/unknownorthfacetent.htm

Thanks, Guys !

Bigfoot

Brumfield wrote:
Now that is too cool! I've used TNF gear for years, but have never seen that one. It appears to have an actual smoke flap, or you could even hook up a stove pipe there with a piece of aluminum flashing to protect the material. That is a real keeper! You are now entering the world of tepee living... Brum

Here's something to look at.. http://www.tipi.com/

Do you have more photos from other angles? Does the tent have a fly? Best guess is a model called the Grasshopper.

Actualy, the tent has mesh vents at the top. I suppose i could remove it to add a stove.

I took about 20 pics...on the right side of the site you can scroll through them.

A little clarification:

The tent has a cut off tag on the top . Two words were there but they were cut in half. The top word "QU......."
The bottom word "Na...."

On my web site you will find a scroll bar to scroll through all the pictures i took and you can enlarge them for a close up view.

The tent has one mesh vent at the top, two mesh vents in the rear and a huge open hole like high end snow tents in the front door. Hope this helps.

Hmmm... thanks for posting the extra images. I'll be watching this post pretty closely. You've gotten my curiosity aroused. The two floor vents are interesting. Brum

The extra photos helped. I no longer think the tent is the grasshopper. I'll have to pullo out some catalogs and see what I find. Nice looking rig.

Bigfoot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Nice tent. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I am pretty sure its a special production tent made for an expedition. TNF was into producing expedition stuff that never hit the market. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />The tube door is a give away. You said it had floor vents? Those would be "cook" and "potty" holes.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I've seen one of those tents in the late 1970s in Yosemite Valley--although the one I saw had a fly. The color scheme is what TNF used in the 1970s (some of you might remember the classic TNF A-Frame expedition tent--I think it was called either the St. Elias or the Glacier).

Jim,
You missunderstood me...the tent has a vent at the top, and two in the rear...not floor vents. That would be nice, though........

I think Jim was referring to what I called "floor vents". In your photo there are two floor-level side wall openings that exit to the outside. They appear to be air venting, or maybe designed as some sort of waste disposal ???

What ever they are, when you get tired of the tent, I want first bid on buying it from you. I have a mesa here that has that tent's name written all over it. It looks like it would root itself to the ground if you watered it. Brum

Brum,
The vents all have a green mesh covering sewn into them...no pass-through. All the vents are closeable with cinch cords.

BF

Might be a "Dandelion", which was that shape, although I don't remember the vents at the foot. Send North Face an email, maybe they'll know.

I belive Sierra Designs made the glacier. I forgot to pull out my catalogs last night.

"Grasshopper" ? 'Dandelion?".....i think you guys are trying to emasculate my new tent! Why couldn't it be called "the Killer Squid--Mach 5" or something cool and manly? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BF

I think the full name was actually the Whoop-A$$ Grasshopper, but my memory is terrible at these sorts of details.

Awesome - would make a great tarp tent design. Is anyone making a walking pole cross-over structure like that in tarp tents? That must be what's coming next! The tent must be from the 70s.

I say Bigfoot/Matt should ship it to Henry Shires for his persusal...you just never know what Henry comes up with, and he might even return the favor with a 2lb version <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Great idea, Eugene ! I think the design would make an awesome Tarptent! We could use our trekking poles to support the structure! Let's all write Henery and ask him to make one.

BF

My oldest TNF catalog is from 1978 and this tent is not in that catalog. The tent is definately not the Grasshopper which is in the 1978 catalog.

Thanks for checking , Alan. I appreciate it.

BF

Hey, that is my idea 2 posts above!

Great idea, Micale!!!!!!!! Thanks !!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BF

I made a tent like that for a client in the 70s. It was not as tall, had a tunnel entrance, and had no poles at all, it depended on a single suspension cord at the peak that you would have to hang from a horizontal cord between 2 trees. You could also pitch it under an overhanging log or the like. It was made of Goretex. The idea was that it was a bivi sac at the worst, and when possible, you could hang it. Walking poles would be a nice addition. I would like to see tunnels entrances make a come back - they are great in the snow and can't wear out.

Anybody have any ideas regarding the specific use of the netting covered floor vents? I'm not a big snow camper, so maybe some of you Penguin types can answer that. Brum

I think on this tent, at least, that it creates a chimney effect that draws cool, fresh air in the bottom vents and moist air out the upper one. I slept in it last night and had ZERO condensation...even all closed up and 29 degrees F, with 2 people and a big dog in it.

BF

Good, the tent just went way up in value in my eyes! I'm not allowed to Whoop-A$$ anymore, since I became a Christian. But, it would be nice to live in something that brings back (see multiple choices below) memories.

(choose your preferred type of memories in order to not be offended:)
(1) good
(2) bad
(3) not so good
(4) not so bad
(5) being a bubba

Brum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I remember that tent... I'm pretty sure it was a standard production tent from around circa 1973-ish.

My NF VE24 I got in 1979 is still going strong, as is a circa 1986 "Bullfrog"... both US made.

How the mighty have fallen...

Agreed. I had one for a couple of years until it was stolen. It was my first commercial tent, moving up from military surplus and poncho tarps. Very nice to live in, a bit on the heavy side, but I was young and foolish then. Darn if I can remember its model name <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi - low ventilation. Works very well to circulate air and help to control condensation. Eureka uses the concept on several of their four season tents.

It has something to do with hot air rising. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Me too! It was my first multi-person tent and I got it at wholesale from TNF because it has a cigarette burn on it. I've no clue as to the name, but I've still got the tipi poles that go with it. Circa 1970's and I could not afford a TNF dome tent.
Chris

Me too! I bought one of these tents in 1975 at wholesale from TNF. It had a small cigarette hole in it from the factory which they had patched nicely.

I had a one man TNF mountain tent and this was the first two man tent I ever had. Good times, spent lots of nights in that tent through all kinds of weather. It had the two big teepee poles and some small aluminum tube struts on the bottom to keep the bottom vents open. It looked cool but I don't remember it as breathing very well. I did love the snow entrance though.

I'm clueless as to the name. Why don't you make up a cool one an let us all know what you decide. To get us started, how about "Wind Wander Teepee".
Chris

I'm posting but nothing seems to happen to it/ http://www.backpacking.net/forums/images/icons/frown.gif

Anyho, I bought one of these tents in 1975 from a TNF dealer in North Carolina. I got it wholesale as it had a small cigarette hole from the factory, which they nicely repaired for me.

The tent had the two tee pee poles plus several small aluminum rods that held up the lower vents. This brings back great memories, as I spent lots of nights in that tent in all kinds of weather.

I still have the tee pee poles and I use them with tarps now. The tent died in the 90's and the last time out was with just the fly sheet up at Mt. Mitchell in '92 or '93 during summer solstice.

BTW I've still got all the pieces to my Svea123 stove but it too died after a long and useful life.

I have no clue as to the name so why don't we make up cool names and then vote on them. To get us started I'll call mine "Wind Wander"
Chris

You have a 123 that died? I've not heard of that happening before. You should be able to get it up and running again with minimal parts replacement. What is broken?

Still no reply from The North Face...been 2 weeks.

Why don't you email Bruce Johnson at Oregonphotos.com? He has a page about the history of gear:

http://www.oregonphotos.com/Backpacking-Revolution1.html

On this page, near the bottom, there's a photo that has the corner of a North Face Dandelion tent visible...maybe you can tell from that if that's what you have.

http://www.oregonphotos.com/Geodesic-tent1.html

Thanks, Billk. It sure looks like it. I tried to e-mail him, but it did not work. I will keep trying.

I e-mailed Henry Shires over at Tarptent about sending him the tent to play with. Does anybody else think this design would make a great Tarptent as others have previously mentioned? Now is the time to speak up, people...this could be a new Tarptent with all our input ! Two trekking pole set-up ! Struts like a Contrail ! Three person capacity! Two pound weight ! Let's hear ya...........

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Eureka!
Henry contacted me today, i am sending the tent to him and he thinks it has "serious merit". I am sure he would love to hear everyones feedback. I gave him my ideas...great guy! Henry is one of the few designers who will listen.

Really, NOW IS THE TIME TO LET HIM HEAR WHAT YOU WANT IN A NEW TARPTENT ! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes matt i know, now on with the show! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I want to see sketches, mockups, you know, the inside scoop, investigative reporter thingy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ok, I'll settle for stick figures <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Where's Barry when I need a diagram like his solar still <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If he will build it, we will buy it. Maybe he can make a jungle version without the two snake <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />... err... vent holes at the bottom. I really can't figure why TNF stopped making that tent. Anybody have any ideas? Brum

In addition to this TNF tent, Sierra Designs also made a "pyramid" tent with I believe four poles, but maybe six. In a book about winter camping there's a photo of the SD tent collapsed by the snow.

The basic problem of a pyramid tent with fly is that you need a huge number of guylines and stakes, and even then, the fly does nothing to add structural integrity to the tent (unlike current dome tents where the fly is connected to the poles at the ground level). It's also difficult to get a lot of separation between the fly and inner canopy, especially up top.

Unlike a megamid, this TNF tent wouldn't be susceptible to wind blowing underneath the canopy and turning your shelter into a flying umbrella, but it still shares a problem with the mids in that wind high up at the point will knock the thing over.

But the main reason why I think this style of tent is no longer made is due to the fact that modern dome and tunnel tents are easier to set up, easier to incorporate double doors and vestibules, and more resistant to the forces of wind.

Having said all that, I would love to have one these tents for car camping.

The Sierra Designs tent was called the 3 Man. http://www.oregonphotos.com/SierraDesigns2.html

I was camped on Rainier once, around 8500', and along came a storm. Two domes were shredded in the storm while a mid stayed up throughout the storm. Quite amazing what flat line winds can do.

Alan, I remember this how Ga Ga I was over this tent back in the '70's <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> I really hope JASON LIVEY tells the folks at MSR to replicate this one in today's technologies <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

If Henry Shires built this tent it would be a runaway best seller for folks with kids IMO.

If you have one of these for sale or trade I still have 2 healthy kidneys <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

If I had one of these you could have it when you pull my cold, stiff corpse out of it.

If those MinnesotaH Winters keep coming it might be sooner than I think <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Can't tell, Eugene............only that it WILL NOT be named the "Dandelion" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

So if "someone" were to make a four season version, you actually think it will sell, then? What a novel idea, Eugene !

that's me, always with the 'novel' ideas <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> They're my reason for living....that and trying to make Paddy wonder if I'm kidding or not <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As long as it isn't "navel" ideas...unless you like citrus fruits <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Bigfoot,
Your tent is a domesticated version of a himalyan expedition tent designed for base camps on glaciers. They used to be 4 season, and they weighed a lot more and had real floors.
Jim

Thanks, Jim. It has been confirmed that it is a "Dandelion" from the early 70's. Would you buy a new version of this if "someone" updated it ?

Bigfoot
I always liked those tents. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I thought they were an idea that should have been domesticated. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />They were around for a long time as expedition tents. The basic pyramid design has a flaw <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> and thats that they collapse under snow load and can't handle wind. This design is more like a Tee Pee and is far more sound. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> My wife would love it because she could stand up in to dress.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Its like certain other pieces of my 25 year old gear that simply cannot be replaced for love or money and nothing made currently comes close. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> If I wasn't satisfied with my collection of tents, I'd buy one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />However I mostly use my 16 ounce siltent, or my Bibler El Dorado, or my Sierra Designs Flashmagic. The single walled flash magic with a trail weight of 51 ounces with stakes weighed the same as my 1988 Kelty White Cloud 5500 inch spectra backpack - 51 ouinces. There has always been good specialised gear around. I can go UL camping with my OLD gear - nothing new required. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Jim - nice tent - you were lucky <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

O.K, guys, here's the latest :
Henry said he will be checking the post and seeing "what sticks out". He will be improving the snow shedding abilities,"Tarptentizing" it and will be responding to ideas for improvements. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

For all you guys following this thread:

On March 19, Henry contacted me and said he would be building a "mock-up" of a "Tarptentized" Dandelion. I have seen some of his early designs and they ROCK! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So when do we see a photo? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />I may actually consider adding another tent to my collection. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Ask henry if he can put a stove boot in it.

Jim,
I would suggest e-mailing Henry and asking him. The more questions and interest, the better chance he will produce this version. You will be very pleased when you see what we have come up with, though.Give him a want list, also <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Phat,
I already asked for a snow door....that would be like getting my cake and eating it, too!

Roof ventilation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> One of the major problems with the pyramid concept is rising warm damp air condensing on the ceiling. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> One of the things I love about my Bibler is the roof vents. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Also I wouldn't buy a tent without a sealed floor for complete bug proofness. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Oh and pole weight/stiffness. It would be a good idea for 2 weights of poles - one for above the tree line and one for below.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Jim,
The tent will be what you are looking for...trust me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It will be, if Henry incorporates some of my ideas as well as some from this site, quite cutting edge with very unique features. Short of blowing the whistle (which i WILL NOT do ), i can say that you are very close ...... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I will say that as soon as production starts, Henry has said he will release photos to us. As of 3/22/08, he was just starting to build a "mock-up". As i have said before, the more e-mails he gets, the better chance we will get it sooner!

BF

For all those interested:

Henry Shires will be formally introducing his newest Tarptent, at the PCT opening on April 26. Simultaniously, i will be "spilling the beans" here on TLB forums. This new tent is a direct result of everyones' input on this thread over the last several months. To everyone who contributed input by e-mailing me with ideas,suggestions, likes and dislikes: THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We could not have done it without you. I hope you will be as pleased as i was to see this new tent. I promise you, you will not believe the weight savings, space to weight ratio, low price or even the color! It is like nothing else. Keep in mind that the actual trail weight will include stakes, stuff sacks, lines, tent, the whole enchilada! The new Tarptent will make the Gossamer Gear "One" look over weight <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Bigfoot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

To all those asking....yes, i will be posting specs AND pictures on 4/26/08.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Eight Lbs Ouch <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> thats a little to heavy for me big foot but thats just me. I use a regular tarp from a hardware store but yours looks comfy and cheap.

weight until Friday, my friend! That's when i get to spill the beans on the Sublite!

Well I too have made many suggestions to Mr. Shires, but I bet that he has ignored them once again.
For example, there is a great lack of diversity with colour choices, hence my suggestion for a floral finish. I even sent in a piece of my shower curtain as a sample. (incidentally that material is at least as rain proof as Epic)
Another suggestion was to build a frame so that a double bunk sleeping arrangement could be made. After all space at times is at a premium.
A good one was the idea of a double layer floor designed in such a way that once you slide the mat and sleeping bag in you seal it around your neck and suck the air out (think of the vacuum sealed 'space savers") . This of course would keep you warm and avoid some condensation on the fly. I called that the Subtight ("Even smaller than the Hubba " was going to be my advertising slogan) . Looks like Henry has somehow borrowed that name if nothing else.
Franco

Bunks and floral patterns?!? I might even be able to convince my girlfriend to come if I could get a hold of one of those!

If you could somehow incorporate an air conditioner for the warmer months I know I could get her out. Henry are you listening? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Adam

Wow one of those deletions that ya can't explain cause it didn;t happen and I wasn't here
Nobody I know <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Francly [pun] <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I think a floral tent would be nice. It would be easier to identify from a mile away. In crowded European campgrounds it would be easier to find "Party at the floral tent tonight". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Why does everything have be so drab or the same color? I still have a bright red down jacket... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Dull Knife! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Adam,

My wife said she would come camping if I had a tent with an air freshioner. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The air conditioner might be do-able, but the extension cord would probably be a killer. (A generator might save some weight, though.) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Only about 31 hours to go..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Aaarrrggghh!!! The wait. I have been wondering what my next summer shelter might be. We will have to see, but then, my original Squall is still going strong and I don't replace stuff if it is still good.

Food
I have given up trying to understand women but that "tent with air freshener" could be a coded message for "if you sleep outside the tent"
Franco

I just hope it has been through some rigorous field testing.
-Barry

It's being tested now in the Sierras as i type. More to come...i will be posting a link to pictures on Midnight Saturday.

I think you might want to SERIOUSLY consider the new one for summer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well, I do have to offset some more of the weight of the 20 oz.Slinglight chair I bought last Spring.:) Will we be able to get one though? I have a concrete project to finish and a new roof on the woodshed to do this Spring too. Ah, the thrill of owning property.

Just to let everyone know, i will be introducing not one, but TWO NEW TARPTENTS! That's right, folks...TWO. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> One will be available in JUNE of this year. The other is still to be determined (but i would bet it's going to be soon). Hang in there, one day to go....

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BPL already let the cat out of the bag that Gossamer Gear will have a 10 oz floorless shelter based on THE ONE shelter.

Will the Sublite be big enough for someone 6'5" 245 lbs.

This is getting too funny with the sub-subs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I think maybe sleeping under a golfing umbrella would be just as good, and make the pole out of carbon fiber-what-not. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The Sublite is a fully floored shelter.I'd much rather pay less and have a floor for a few extra ounces. To each his own, though.....

I can't say, yet...stay tuned <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Henry Shires will be setting up and showing off BOTH of the new Tarptents at the Lake Morena PCT kickoff on Saturday. Just an FYI <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BF

Good point, to each his own. Where did that frog come from? At least I think it is a frog? My first night in my floorless Squall.

With me it was a mouse! Scary stuff, mice! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

One of these days the stakes will weigh more than the tent! Pretty soon they'll come out with the lightest tent of all, akin to "The Emperor's New Clothes"!

Of course, like everyone else here, I will be checking this forum tomorrow. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Is Bigfoot really Henry Shires?

Bert
NO <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
[deleted]
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Henry posts here from time to time, but no, he doesn't hide behind a screenname. He is also a longtime sponsor of the site, so Henry is someone whose support helps keep the site free.

I understood Bert's comment as having a bit of fun with BigFoot2 enthusiasm. The ones that know Henry are aware that he never gets that carried away with his own products...
But than again we know that BigFoot is just someone going around with a gorilla suit, or was that BigFoot1 ?

Here is a tantalizing detail of the new Sublites : they will have a double function door, useable for ingress as well as egress, so there...
Franco

I'm boggled! How can that be done??
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well? Where is it?

I have had a mouse in my Squall last summer while doing the Rae Lakes Loop at the junction of Woods Creek where folks camp. I couldn't catch it the first time, the second time was the last, but it chewed a small hole in my small fanny pack where I had a bar I discovered the next morning.

Keith you man of little faith.To fully embrace Lightweight you need to think of "multitasking" and that is part of the secret.
For example the new floor is designed in such a way that can be used for sitting as well as laying down. Can't say too much more otherwise I will be excommunicated.

Franco

Want to see it, huh?

Thanks for hanging in there. See the NEW TARPTENTS at the post "Tarptent Sublites--the wait is over!"

Bigfoot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />