Reviews You Can Rely On

The North Face Triarch 2 Review

A good choice for those seeking a sturdy tent for mixed conditions
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The North Face Triarch 2 Review
Credit: The North Face
Price:  $379 List
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Manufacturer:   The North Face
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 2, 2019
63
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Weight - 25% 5.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Set-up - 10% 6.0
  • Durability - 10% 7.0
  • Packed Size - 10% 3.0

Our Verdict

Although the floor space of the The North Face Triarch 2 doesn't stand out from the other tents we tested, it makes the most of what it offers. With a generous peak height and a nuanced pole structure, this tent feels roomy. It weighs in at 3 lbs. 12 oz. for a trail-ready configuration, but at a packed size of 7" x 22", we'd like something smaller for actual backcountry travel. It's a comfortable, weather-resistant choice for casual backpacking and car-camping, but other tents in the review stood out as leaders for longer-duration backcountry trips where space is at a premium.
REASONS TO BUY
Weather-beating
Easy-access doors
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow interior width
Bulkier

Our Analysis and Test Results

Good comfort, weather resistance, and durability bolster the score of this tent.

Performance Comparison


the north face triarch 2 - the triarch 2, set up with fly.
The Triarch 2, set up with fly.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

Comfort


A door and corresponding vestibule on each side of the tent offer convenient access and gear storage for two people. It has a roomy feeling when setting up and settling inside. Access in and out of the tent is comfortable — aided by the two triangular doors which extend to the brow pole.

the north face triarch 2 - the interior pockets were roomy and offered considerable storage in...
The interior pockets were roomy and offered considerable storage in the Triarch 2.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

Each side features a 7-square-foot vestibule which offered space to cook in and then later shelter packs and boots from rainy weather.

the north face triarch 2 - the views offered from the triarch 2 allow for stargazing.
The views offered from the Triarch 2 allow for stargazing.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin Media.

All-mesh walls mean airflow is excellent, banishing condensation and encouraging air movement. The fly even features ventilation ports and allows enough space between the inner tent and fly walls for breathability.

the north face triarch 2 - we liked the increased height of the sidewall at the head of the...
We liked the increased height of the sidewall at the head of the Triarch 2.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

Ease of Set Up


The Triarch 2 did not excel in ease of set-up. Two different testers, both with outdoor industry tech experience, had to reach for the directions while setting up the tent for the first time.

the north face triarch 2 - the triarch 2 without its fly.
The Triarch 2 without its fly.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin Media.

Weather Resistance


The complex-looking pole geometry in The North Face Triarch 2, while somewhat of a pain to set up, means stability — even during a springtime windstorm. We loved the fact that despite rainy conditions, we and our gear stayed bone-dry, and the included footprint helped insulate and keep things dry from a muddy camping spot. The pole geometry (poles supporting all four corners and the ceiling) increased stability in windy conditions, and we felt confident leaving this tent pitched on a windy day.

Thanks to the heavy-duty-feeling fly and excellent ventilation, we felt like the Triarch 2 holds up well in bad weather. We wish the fly would come down lower to the ground, but the bathtub walls on the inner tent are high enough to prevent splashback. The 15D nylon ripstop fly with a PU coating and silicone finish held up well to drizzly spring days. At the end of the day, we trust the Triarch 2 when the weather turns.

Durability


This tent's fly features a 15D nylon ripstop with both a PU and silicone coating, and we feel confident it would hold up well to repeated use in the field. The 75D nylon taffeta floor felt sturdy and ready for action, and we appreciated the added protection of the PU coating.

Weight & Packed Size


The tent weighs 3 lbs. 12 oz. for a trail-ready configuration, including a gear loft, footprint, and poles. It's a very competitive weight in comparison to the other tents we reviewed, many of which landed in the 4-lb.-something category.

the north face triarch 2 - packed size of the triarch 2.
Packed size of the Triarch 2.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

However, the Triarch feels slightly bulky for its weight, packing down to 7" x 22". As light as this tent is, we'd like to see a smaller packed size for extended backcountry travel. It's not limiting, but we feel perhaps the heavier nylon fabrics inhibited the packed size slightly.

the north face triarch 2 - interior of the triarch 2.
Interior of the Triarch 2.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

Value


We reviewed other tents in the same price range that we felt held more value to the backcountry traveler. If interior space is not at a premium and you're seeking an attractive tent that can stand up to varied weather conditions, the Triarch is worth looking at.

Conclusion


The North Face's Triarch 2's freestanding architecture features vaulted arches at the head and foot box as well as vertical sidewalls for plenty of moving space, helping maximize a smaller interior space. An ample selection of tabs and a large gear loft inside maximize storage space. Large, triangle-spaced double doors offer easy access, and each door features vestibule space for convenient gear storage. Inside. It's a solid, weather-beating choice for backpackers in mixed conditions.

the north face triarch 2 - the triarch 2 set up sans-fly.
The Triarch 2 set up sans-fly.
Credit: Jess McGlothlin

Ben Applebaum-Bauch