Why We Chose the North Face Eco Trail 2 Person Tent: headroom, sustainability, durability

This bright and bold 2-person shelter from The North Face has been designed with environmental considerations at its core. Crafted from totally recycled fabrics and sold at a moderately low price point, there’s a lot to admire about what has been achieved here. Not only is it good for your wallet and the planet, but it should also last you for many years, thanks to the durability of its fabrics and the quality of its components.

“The big selling point, as hinted by its name, are the strong environmental credentials.”

As always, when it comes to balancing robustness, price and portability, there’s an inevitable compromise. The robust fabrics used here equate to a relatively heavy 2-person shelter that’s not as portable as some. However, the Eco Trail is still an impressive product from one of the world’s most popular outdoor brands.

Who is the North Face Eco Trail 2 Person Tent for?

The Eco Trail is a good choice for environmentally conscious campers who want a well-thought-out shelter that’s durable enough to last for years. Compared to similar backpacking tents, it’s on the heavier side at 2.82 kg and it doesn’t pack down particularly small either, which makes it more suitable for basecamp than for lugging up hills. However, splitting the weight with a buddy is an option and the spacious vestibules and ample headroom are certainly a boon to any wild camp.

Its moderately low price point and sustainability appeal make it an attractive option to a wide range of consumers, including car campers and festival goers.

Fabrics

The big selling point, as hinted by its name, are the strong environmental credentials of the Eco Trail. The flysheet, canopy and floor fabric are crafted from 100% recycled polyester, a unique benefit for a shelter of this type. Each has a Hydrostatic Head rating of 1,500 mm, which is fine for keeping the rain at bay in normal spring and summer conditions.