I find the foam pieces makes the tent a bit more roomy, but turned to dust on mine and TNF won't keep any warranty on anything outside North America (I asked them), so just went to a foam shop and they kindly cut me 3 new sets for pennies. The windows on mine went white and then turned to dust too. I couldn't get anything from TNF, so went to a sailing boat shop and bought 1 meter of sail window plastic, that can withstand storm and serious cold plus uv protection. I just cut to suit and sewed them in and seam sealed them too. 100 tight. I find the extra staking options on the 2016 model smart and will add that to mine. The outer fly on the old one (fully yellow version, tight before the yellow/white one), is stronger as it's got silicone on both inside and outside and won't peel over time. The newer version only use silicone on the outside, and pu on the inside. It makes it easier to start using, as there is no longer any need to seam seal the inside of the outer fly, when new. One can do it anyway. I retreat my VE 25 every season with two fresh brushed on layers of silicone/uv protection and after all these years, it is still strong and can take a serious beating. The middle snow skirt does not exist on mine, and bring a bit more ventilation. It is more narrow on that exact spot, though. The poles on VE 25's have changed a bit. The old American made ones are slightly thinner but very strong. Then the first version of the Taiwan made DAC bent a bit here and there, but that was corrected. I have a set of extra DAC poles for mine, so I can double pole it if need be. That only works for the 4 main poles, not the front entrance pole, as there is not enough room to do that. Also, then tent is already pre-made for that option with extra eyelets at the correct positions. Only thing is, TNF won't sell you anything. Dad company these days. Stakes altered as well. Mine came with bright aluminium V shaped TNF stakes and now they are painted black, slightly longer and by DAC. I eventually bought two sets of TNF stakes (gold colored) with self illuminating pull cords to them, as there weren't enough stakes from TNF in the first place, if one wants to stake it dully. Same thing today. I have a bunch of prepared paint sticks (big light ones) ready when there's snow. I always use a VE 25 ground sheet. I made a small tyvek sheet for the front apsis and that helps bring down condensation in exactly that spot, a lot. No condensation to speak of elsewhere, no matter the weather. I fold the tyvek away when cooking and roll it out again afterwards. Works well, is super light and easy to do. I think the ventilation sticks in the roof top are smarter on the new version, than on mine, as there are two small ones on mine, each side, and they don't open as well. So that's an improvement. I think the pockets for the doors are very smart, as sometimes when in snow, one can drag snow on to the doors, if not careful. I use a guyline inside and a small TNF gear loft and a rechargable head lamp. I find the VE 25 is also great because I can sleep any direction I want and still have enough space. 3 is okay plus gear, two persons is very roomy. Really great tent if you carry it, or split it. Yes, it's heavy when compared to a measly 1P ultra light Summer tent, but they break down very quickly if used in tough conditions. I like mine a lot. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
HI Simon, my tent arrived and after work I jumped on my bike to bicycle to the campside. I set it up in the rain, threw all my stuff in and by then it was already dark. So the fly was a bit harder to get it right. When I woke up I gazed arround: the yellow and blue in the innertent is amazing. So much pockets everywhere and a lot, a lot of space. I love it! Thanks again :). In the Netherlands where I live we don't have heavy snowstorms, so I think I will use the 4 stormpockets as little pockets for the innertent, great suggestion.
Awesome tent! I've the older version with the sponge spacing donuts. Have been in all sorts of s##t storms in it and its shrugged it all off with ease. Only down side, being an alpine tent is the inner up first. My main real bad weather tent is now my Hilleberg Tarra which is a tank, but my good ole VE-25 is only slightly behind it and is still a real bomber!!! Thanks for sharing brother. Kindest regards Dean Wales, UK.
I think the inner door has only half of it covered in mesh because this way you dont feel the breeze on your face while you lay down. You can keep it opened for ventilation, but it is much warmer at the bottom of the tent this way. You can feel the difference - when you stand up (on your knees for example) you feel more cold than when you lay flat - with the mesh opened.
IoanSto, thanks for the comment I totally agree. I slept great not having the breeze on me all through the night and feeling nice and cool during the night. cheers.
Nice video. I noticed your ground tarp when laid out under the tent was laying outside the edges of the rainfly and tent. I know your reviewing the tent, but wondered if that is how you normally lay down your ground tarp? I noticed the inner doors of the older VE25 don't unzip quite as much as the 2016 version. The sponges on my tent don't seem to bother much(even though I'd never wash dishes with them, lol). I like the new clip on version of the 2016 where you clip the tent to the lower area of the tent poles. The older version has more space inside for three people as compared to the newer shape you describe. I like having the additional tent pockets inside my 2015 tent as compared to your 2016 model. You made me laugh a bit with the fabric snow stakes, but I asked all of my friends what mine were and no one knew what they were(including me at first) and I saw your script explaining what they were. I do like the new color and I read somewhere that the 2016 version is one pound lighter than the older version. The Seattle, WA outlet malls have the VE25(2015 version) for sale for $330 if anyone in the Northwest wants to get into a new tent at a good price. Thanks for your review.
I apologize, I see your tent was just set on top of the ground cloth for a quick review of the tent and not how you would set it up for actual camping.
Hi ray, I use my tarp always as a ground sheet only in the summer time for added protection at the bottom. As for space the perimeter measurement's are exactly the same but area space is decreased because of the concaved sections on either sides for condensation purposes. My family of 5 slept comfortably with even more space available, three 6foot guys can sleep no problem even with there equipment. Because of this particular tent being architecturally designed by mountaineers in extreme weather conditions they made some excellent changes in wind control, weight, doors, poles and material. All in all both tents are a master piece in the 3 person category, it's actually preference in how much your willing to spend. 330us is a great deal for the older version considering here in Canada there going for 599. What is your website? Thanks Ray cheers!
As a total beginner at putting a tent together, the fact that the camera was so far away, I haven’t got a clue of how to set up this tent. Next video maybe have a friend follow you with a close up of each step you’re doing?
Thank you that was a lot of help you saved me a lot of room for my hiking expeditions my plans for next year is kayak camping simple kayak to a spot in the woods and set up shop
Never have your footprint bigger than your tent, it should be 1 to 2 inches smaller then the tent, so when it rains the water doesn't run under the tent. looks like you had the vesatbule out to far, the snow flaps should touch the ground at the cress .
Beautiful tent very well constructed but at almost 700 bucks... No thanks . I will stick with my Naturehike Mongar 2 at 120 bucks.. Not much snow in Thailand.. and easy to carry at 1.8kg..
Wait for Black Friday. I just got the newer one for $425. Also, if I would spend that kind of bucks full price. I got the Hilleberg. Lighter, stronger faster to set up.
I find the foam pieces makes the tent a bit more roomy, but turned to dust on mine and TNF won't keep any warranty on anything outside North America (I asked them), so just went to a foam shop and they kindly cut me 3 new sets for pennies. The windows on mine went white and then turned to dust too. I couldn't get anything from TNF, so went to a sailing boat shop and bought 1 meter of sail window plastic, that can withstand storm and serious cold plus uv protection. I just cut to suit and sewed them in and seam sealed them too. 100 tight.
I find the extra staking options on the 2016 model smart and will add that to mine. The outer fly on the old one (fully yellow version, tight before the yellow/white one), is stronger as it's got silicone on both inside and outside and won't peel over time. The newer version only use silicone on the outside, and pu on the inside. It makes it easier to start using, as there is no longer any need to seam seal the inside of the outer fly, when new. One can do it anyway.
I retreat my VE 25 every season with two fresh brushed on layers of silicone/uv protection and after all these years, it is still strong and can take a serious beating.
The middle snow skirt does not exist on mine, and bring a bit more ventilation. It is more narrow on that exact spot, though.
The poles on VE 25's have changed a bit. The old American made ones are slightly thinner but very strong. Then the first version of the Taiwan made DAC bent a bit here and there, but that was corrected. I have a set of extra DAC poles for mine, so I can double pole it if need be. That only works for the 4 main poles, not the front entrance pole, as there is not enough room to do that. Also, then tent is already pre-made for that option with extra eyelets at the correct positions. Only thing is, TNF won't sell you anything. Dad company these days. Stakes altered as well. Mine came with bright aluminium V shaped TNF stakes and now they are painted black, slightly longer and by DAC. I eventually bought two sets of TNF stakes (gold colored) with self illuminating pull cords to them, as there weren't enough stakes from TNF in the first place, if one wants to stake it dully. Same thing today. I have a bunch of prepared paint sticks (big light ones) ready when there's snow. I always use a VE 25 ground sheet. I made a small tyvek sheet for the front apsis and that helps bring down condensation in exactly that spot, a lot. No condensation to speak of elsewhere, no matter the weather. I fold the tyvek away when cooking and roll it out again afterwards. Works well, is super light and easy to do.
I think the ventilation sticks in the roof top are smarter on the new version, than on mine, as there are two small ones on mine, each side, and they don't open as well. So that's an improvement.
I think the pockets for the doors are very smart, as sometimes when in snow, one can drag snow on to the doors, if not careful.
I use a guyline inside and a small TNF gear loft and a rechargable head lamp. I find the VE 25 is also great because I can sleep any direction I want and still have enough space. 3 is okay plus gear, two persons is very roomy.
Really great tent if you carry it, or split it. Yes, it's heavy when compared to a measly 1P ultra light Summer tent, but they break down very quickly if used in tough conditions. I like mine a lot.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers.
Just ordered this tent because of all your reviews. Thanks!
Lilian Strous
Amazing tent you won't be disappointed. So many features im still finding.
HI Simon, my tent arrived and after work I jumped on my bike to bicycle to the campside. I set it up in the rain, threw all my stuff in and by then it was already dark. So the fly was a bit harder to get it right. When I woke up I gazed arround: the yellow and blue in the innertent is amazing. So much pockets everywhere and a lot, a lot of space. I love it! Thanks again :). In the Netherlands where I live we don't have heavy snowstorms, so I think I will use the 4 stormpockets as little pockets for the innertent, great suggestion.
Lilian Strous
That's awesome Lillian have fun with it, I would luv to see a video from your perspective.
Awesome tent! I've the older version with the sponge spacing donuts. Have been in all sorts of s##t storms in it and its shrugged it all off with ease. Only down side, being an alpine tent is the inner up first.
My main real bad weather tent is now my Hilleberg Tarra which is a tank, but my good ole VE-25 is only slightly behind it and is still a real bomber!!!
Thanks for sharing brother.
Kindest regards
Dean
Wales, UK.
Dean Cooling I’m trying to decide between the VE 25 and the Tarra. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve Shelby
Kentucky, USA
Just got mine, first use this weekend in the rain...can’t wait. I did get the stuff sack you recommended so it can fit into my backpack easier
This video has been the most helpful, good job. 👍🏼
David herrera,
That's awesome thanks bud!
I have the mountain 25/ little brother to this one. And love it.
I think the inner door has only half of it covered in mesh because this way you dont feel the breeze on your face while you lay down. You can keep it opened for ventilation, but it is much warmer at the bottom of the tent this way. You can feel the difference - when you stand up (on your knees for example) you feel more cold than when you lay flat - with the mesh opened.
IoanSto, thanks for the comment I totally agree. I slept great not having the breeze on me all through the night and feeling nice and cool during the night.
cheers.
Nice video. I noticed your ground tarp when laid out under the tent was laying outside the edges of the rainfly and tent. I know your reviewing the tent, but wondered if that is how you normally lay down your ground tarp? I noticed the inner doors of the older VE25 don't unzip quite as much as the 2016 version. The sponges on my tent don't seem to bother much(even though I'd never wash dishes with them, lol). I like the new clip on version of the 2016 where you clip the tent to the lower area of the tent poles. The older version has more space inside for three people as compared to the newer shape you describe. I like having the additional tent pockets inside my 2015 tent as compared to your 2016 model. You made me laugh a bit with the fabric snow stakes, but I asked all of my friends what mine were and no one knew what they were(including me at first) and I saw your script explaining what they were. I do like the new color and I read somewhere that the 2016 version is one pound lighter than the older version. The Seattle, WA outlet malls have the VE25(2015 version) for sale for $330 if anyone in the Northwest wants to get into a new tent at a good price. Thanks for your review.
I apologize, I see your tent was just set on top of the ground cloth for a quick review of the tent and not how you would set it up for actual camping.
Hi ray,
I use my tarp always as a ground sheet only in the summer time for added protection at the bottom. As for space the perimeter measurement's are exactly the same but area space is decreased because of the concaved sections on either sides for condensation purposes. My family of 5 slept comfortably with even more space available, three 6foot guys can sleep no problem even with there equipment. Because of this particular tent being architecturally designed by mountaineers in extreme weather conditions they made some excellent changes in wind control, weight, doors, poles and material. All in all both tents are a master piece in the 3 person category, it's actually preference in how much your willing to spend. 330us is a great deal for the older version considering here in Canada there going for 599.
What is your website?
Thanks Ray cheers!
Thanks for the video, what size compression sack Is that? Thanks, Ray UK
Raymond Brown
Hi, it's a large sea to summit which is a 20L.
As a total beginner at putting a tent together, the fact that the camera was so far away, I haven’t got a clue of how to set up this tent. Next video maybe have a friend follow you with a close up of each step you’re doing?
This was my first time, next time I'll do a better one.
campingsimon you obviously know what you’re doing, you could probably post a lot of good videos.
Do you think the tent without the rainfly is adequately ventilated for use in 112f degrees weather in California desert?
Isn’t it hot in that tent at that time of year?
Checkout my review of the Chinese clone of the N.F. mountain 25 .A Mobi Garden 2 plus.. 4 season . Expedition/ Alpine tent... 133USD.
Hi from Chile. What size is the Dry Compression Sack?
10L
What liter pack do you have on and we’re you able to fit the whole tent in it I have a north face cobra 60L pack will that tent fit in it
I have a 10L stuff sack that's pretty much all you need, the poles I put in my backpack
Thank you that was a lot of help you saved me a lot of room for my hiking expeditions my plans for next year is kayak camping simple kayak to a spot in the woods and set up shop
@@simeonshanebushcraft Hi! Great informative video, thanks for posting! Is that 10L before compression or 30L compressed to 10L? Thanks!
@@japanelopements it's a 10L stuff sac.
do you plan on testing it a little? possibly winter, or more extreme locations?
Tim James .
Hey tim, for sure I'm planning some hikes in January and February and I'll be bringing it with me.
ruclips.net/video/rsDfiwHbf1g/видео.html
Hi, Nice Video! I just bought the same tent and i would like to know which size its your dry bag to pack it? small or medium? thanks!
Same Question. Can you tell me what size is recomended for ve25?
Never have your footprint bigger than your tent, it should be 1 to 2 inches smaller then the tent, so when it rains the water doesn't run under the tent. looks like you had the vesatbule out to far, the snow flaps should touch the ground at the cress .
How many litres is your Sea to Summit eVent sac you used? Thanks!
10L
This tent u show is for 1 or 2 persons?
Cecilia Coch
2person or 1 adult 3 kids
is that DJ CAM?
Beautiful tent very well constructed but at almost 700 bucks... No thanks . I will stick with my Naturehike Mongar 2 at 120 bucks.. Not much snow in Thailand.. and easy to carry at 1.8kg..
Wait for Black Friday. I just got the newer one for $425. Also, if I would spend that kind of bucks full price. I got the Hilleberg. Lighter, stronger faster to set up.
im' glad the sponges are gone. :)
Me too, this tents a 100% better.
The Ve24/25 has been a stock expedition tent for many many years. Some would say Legendary. :)
What size is the sack
Jorge Acevedo
The sack is a 10L