Terra Nova Unisex's Laser Compact 2 Lightweight Tent, Green, 2 Person

Product Information

Terra Nova Superlight Series tents are designed to create extremely lightweight products, balanced with strength and durability. This is achieved using both 7 and 10 denier nylon 6.6 ripstop flysheet fabrics, with a maximum tear strength of 6kg. Weight: 1780g | Pitching: as a unit | Flysheet: PFC-free 30D nylon ripstop, hydrostatic head 3000mm | Inner: PFC-free 30D ripstop nylon | Groundsheet: 70D nylon PU, hydrostatic head 10000mm | Poles: Terra Nova Reflex | Pegs: 14 x 18cm alloy Y | Porches: 1, max depth 40cm | Inner Dimensions: 92 x 110 x 92cm Unlike most of the tents reviewed the new Terra Nova Laser Compact AS is designed for year-round use – the AS stands for All Season. That means it’s built with heavy-duty materials including a groundsheet with a very high hydrostatic head and is designed to repel wind and snow. It also has extra headroom and living space over the other Laser models for comfort in cold weather. The penalty for this is extra weight. It’s also expensive.

The flysheet is 10D and PU and silicone coated nylon, with a large cutout at the head of the tent which keeps the overall weight down while increasing ventilation as well. The bathtub groundsheet reaches up high enough to protect the exposed section that this section creates. The single forked pole design makes for an easy pitch, while Nemo’s own ‘Flybar’ extends headroom space by giving two additional attachment points for the inner thus widening the width of the roof. This simple freestanding design can either be pitched inner only, or with a lightweight flysheet. It’s been 15 years since the first MSR Hubba Hubba tent was launched and this ‘next generation’ (NX) version is a good progression. It’s not radically different, but they’ve switched the materials, bringing in new fabrics and pole technologies that are lighter yet still durable. In fact, this model is 270g lighter than that 2004 original. Tent Height. Do you need to be able to sit, or possibly crouch inside the tent? How tall are you and how will your height affect your experience of using a particular tent?

Fly pitched first / freestanding design / 40D ripstop 3,000 mm flysheet / single porch / single door / ground ventilation at sides / increased headroom from revised pole construction. I'm feeling enthused by the idea of some more camping. Possibly a mix of short bike trips and overnight hikes, nothing really extreme. Now we're in September I suspect prices are lower than in April. To help keep condensation at a minimum, there are also vents at both ends of the inner and flysheet Snugpak hasn’t been so generous with the amount of internal space. At 220cm x 120cm, it’s not as spacious as the Grampian 2. Two people can lie side by side, although there’s minimal room for any gear you want to bring inside. All is not lost: the vestibule provides a decent sized storage space.

Three-season / two-person / inner pitched first / height: 104cm, length 213cm / two porches / 10 pegs provided / two DAC Pressfit Aluminium Poles / fly: 68D 190T Poly Taffeta 3000mm PU / floor: 68D 190T Poly Taffeta 3000MM PU / 70% 15D Taffeta: 30% 15D No-See-Um mesh. As you can see in the picture, this doesn’t feature the internal or external pole sleeves you normally see on tents, but instead has a system that involves a bungee cord and little hooks. It’s actually very, very simple to master and makes for some very speedy pitching and an overall very stable structure. With its transverse hoop design, utilising one main alloy pole in the centre and two tiny poles at each end, the Competition 1 still feels relatively spacious for one person. Most people will be able to just about sit up without their head touching the inner’s roof, while the two mini poles ensure improved structure and room at the foot and head ends. All-season version of the iconic Laser model with extra headroom and living space for comfort in cold weather use

Like the Snugpak Lonospere, the Vango Helium UL1 can’t match the high-end, premium features of some of the tents in this list; nor is it as competitive as the likes of Snugpak on price. But this means it fits neatly on its own, in the middle, providing a mid-range option with an excellent balance between weight and price. In fact, it’s pretty good value considering how light this is, measuring just 1200g. It features a Protex 3000mm waterproof flysheet, 70 denier nylon fabric ground sheet and useful vents which allow air flow to combat condensation. Handily the hooped main pole has a high arch on it, meaning you can comfortably sit up inside. Using our most durable flysheet fabrics and made in the UK, this series gives peace of mind to those who may experience severe weather when travelling to the most remote parts of the world. The downside to buying online is that you can’t actually get hold of the product to try it out first. Fast forward a week and I am trudging up Beacon Batch on the Mendips to test the tent properly before using it ‘for real’ in the mountains. It was late, very dark, a strong cold easterly wind, with heavy rain forecast. Perfect! The ease and speed of the pitch was impressive, even in windy conditions. It has an excellent weight to space ratio and it is sturdy and roomy.