When I collected my package from my summer camp's mailroom I knew it was my new North Face Spectrum 23 tent but what I couldn't believe was how small the package was. It was about 14 or so inches long and no thicker in diameter than an economy kitchen roll with a weight less than a bag of Arabica coffee beans. When I unpacked it and laid it out I was even more amazed, it was just what I wanted; light quick to construct and small enough to fit into my pack. I used it to hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Maine from Mt Katahdin to Monson (100 Miles) and the Spectrum 23 did just the job. It was a joy to unpack and sleep in every night and kept me warm and snug! Be warned though however with a lightweight 1 skinned tent you loose a few luxuries like waking up nice and dry. The vent is a little small and the condensation can be a bit of a bummer in the morning but that was well worth it for less baggage! The Spectrum 23 is a great tent especially at the price I paid, $189.00 back in the day when you could get two bucks for your pound!
(Written by: intotheoutside)