About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the tent, which I purchased with my own money in 2019.

My take

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent 2P is a great, little backpacking tent for a super reasonable price. My favorite aspects about it are that it’s lightweight, very easy to set up, and has two doors. It is ideal for thru-hikers who want a little more rainy day or gear space on a 3–4 day backpacking trip.

About the tent I own

• Product Model: 2019 North Face Stormbreak
• Size: 2 person

About me

• Height: 5’ 3”
• Weight: 120 lbs
• Experience 30+ years of backpacking

Test conditions

• When I bought the tent 2019
• Days tested 100+
• Number of occupants: 2
• Total pack weight: 5lbs
• Used for: Backpacking and car camping
• Where I’ve used it Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Wyoming, and Nebraska
• Seasons I’ve used it in spring, summer, and fall

How it performs

What I was looking for

We spend a lot of time in the mountains; my husband is a teacher and I stayed home with the kids, so our summers were filled with camping for weeks. I wanted a lightweight, inexpensive tent that can tolerate tons of wind and rain. In the past, many tents I had purchased for our family leaked and broke their poles within a few summers, or the fly would rip early on due to wind. I completely stick with North Face tents now; I have four of them. However, I've tested other tents too, and a few Marmots are great tents. I’m hoping to try Big Agnes tents if given the opportunity. I live in Steamboat, CO, and everything here is Big Agnes.

Why I chose this gear

The price was right for me; I didn’t want to spend $500+ dollars on a tent. For a $160 purchase like this, if it lasts me five summers with very few issues, I’d say that’s a great buy.

Two vestibules/doors were appealing to me as well. My husband and I want to be able to get in and out of the tent without bothering each other.

What I love about it

• Ease of setup It takes about 10 minutes or less to set up.
• Breakdown speed Easy to take down and pack. I have an Osprey Talon 40 backpack, and I put the poles in the outside pockets. The rain fly and tent can be compressed (not in the manufacturer stuff sack). It only takes me about five minutes in total breakdown, guide line and all.
• Weight When two people split the gear it is very lightweight.
• Performance in rain This tent does exceptionally well in the rain. Mostly there are no leaks unless there is condensation or the tent is in a bad location. But still, water rarely enters the tent. Some belongings can fit inside with us, but packs typically stay with rain covers in the vestibule.
• Performance in wind This tent performs very well in the wind, but using guide wire is best.
• Performance in snow I have not tried it in the snow
• Performance in heat Two doors allow for tons of ventilation, which is further increased when the fly is removed.
• Performance in desert areas with no trees The design of the mesh screen and two doors results in a very breathable tent in these situations.
• Performance in wooded areas with lots of trees Water and moisture bead up, they do not soak in. If sprayed with durable water repellent (DWR) after a year or two it will continue beading up.
• Special features: Two small vestibules with lots of interior pockets.
• Stability Excellent basic design. I enjoy this aspect more than the previous North Face tents I’ve owned, which were heavier.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Durability: So far there has only been one tiny hole in the floor, created by our dog. However, I was easily able to patch it.
• Performance when camping with a partner or group: It’s not exactly overly roomy, but it’s able to sleep my husband and I comfortably inside.

Favorite moment with this gear

We backpacked to Tom Mountain along Herman Creek in Oregon. It was like a fantasy: an extremely quiet trail full of moss, creeks, beautiful, huge pines, and an incredible view of Mt. Hood. We were able to set up this tent in the smallest of areas along the trail, even with roots and rocks. It performed very well for us.

Value for the money vs. other options

Amazing value! This tent also went to the French Alps and withstood a huge wind storm. There are not many other two-person tents that have vestibules, weigh around five pounds, and are able to be set up fast and tolerate wind and rain like this one.

Final verdict

An excellent tent: easy in and out, and I can’t believe it is so inexpensive.