I bought a North Face Statos in the spring of 1998 and was very pleased with it. It gave us an incredible amount of room. However, we took it on a six week tour through ten national parks during the summer of 2000 and it did not hold up well. When subjected to constant rain, five days, in Washington the tent leaked in the corners and near the front door where the wind lines attach. The tent was seam sealed. We also bent a pole in forty mile an hour winds. We returned it to North Face who replaced it but the 2000 model is 12% smaller then the 1998 model.

Customer Service

North Face agreed to credit any store the retail price of the Stratos if we did not want the 1998 model due to the size difference. They are very willing to work with you and are easy to work with. I loved our tent and wish they hadn't changed the size. I think it was a mistake.

Similar Products Used:

None

Both me and my father love this tent, we have taken it on many trips through the northern cascades including several ascents of Mt. Baker. The stratos is by far, one of the best mountaineering tents on the market. With plenty of room for three, we have bestowed the "The Glacier-Side Hilton" upon it. The only downside to choosing this tent is it's weight. At almost eleven pounds, one might need to drop some weight from there pack. Other than that this tent has proved to be more than sufficiant, whether your backpacking through the redwoods, or climbing Denali.

Customer Service

Both North Face and REI have gone above and beyond in what they make and sell. out of all I have seen both are the most customer conscious companys I have ever had the pleasure doing business with.

I have owned this tent for a little over a year now and share some of the same complements & critisisms mentioned above. Bought from REI. Was expensive, is heavy, in wind gusts @ Mt. Baker climber's camp was noisy(even using all tie down material), requires periodic adjustment in high winds, and the second vestibule isn't as handy as it initially seemed. On positive side, is comfortable and roomy. Fits 8 on bad weather days(with out damage) while waiting out storms{we nicknamed it the "Himalayian Hilton"}. I have set it up about Doz times by myself. This is a little ackward but can be done( piece of cake with 2 people ). I have to admit, I cuss at the weight up the hills. Regular visqueen has worked well for the ground cover, lasts 5-6 times on scree before needing replacement. I would recommend this tent to others if they are willing to pack it in, you'll be glad you did when you see the circus going on in other smaller tents around camp.

Customer Service

REI had to replace bent pole, right out of the bag. Local manager was a little reluctant to just swap out and wanted to order a replacement from North Face. I was not happy and said so. Ended up walking out with new pole after a little discussion.

Similar Products Used:

Nebula(old version)

I do not own this tent, but I borrowed it from a friend for a camping trip. This is a great tent, easy to set up and nothing seemed wrong with it when I used it. The only drawback on it is the price, as with all The North Face stuff, it is very expensive. For quality I give it 5, but for value I give it 3, cause its just too much $$$

Similar Products Used:

None

This has been a great tent no matter what the situation. Very durable, easy to set up, and looks great too. Be sure to purchase some sort of footprint to insure that the bottom do not rip.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is my first new tent in 8 years and I have to say it is the most I could have asked for given the price, which at REI.com in January 2000, it is selling for $236.95. Compared to the retail of $425, I could not have bought at a better time. The tent is rock solid and roomier than any tent I have tried out in the stores. It is constructed with a quality that any maker should emulate. It is also very easy to put up and while it is heavy, at nearly 10 pounds, it is durable and would hold up to almost any weather the 48 states could dish out. I don't work for any store or tent maker, I use my gear for backpacking and regional camping. This tent, the Stratos is the best you can get. For the weekender or the expeditioneer, this four season tent is the one to check out. I liked dome tents before but this modified geodesic sold me.

Customer Service

REI online was incredible. They delivered this tent in three business days. Their phone operators were extremely friendly when I called to confirm the order. E-commerce is wonderful when it works like it did with REI.

This is a solid tent. I've used it snow camping at temps down to +5 with stong winds and have had no problems. Setting the tent up by yourself can be a bit of a pain, but once it's up it stays up.

Similar Products Used:

Moss, REI and Sierra Designs