I'm looking at getting a TN laser comp for a 3 (possibly 6) month backpacking trip, but im not sure wether the tent will be big enough for my needs. Im not incredibly tall (5'11"  ), but ive got a 65L rucksack. id be really interested to find how other users of this tent (and any of the lasers for that matter) find it for size, or If anyone knows what shops near leeds have one of these pitched.

the best price ive seen for it is £180, is there anywhere that has it for cheaper?

Kieran

Hi Kieran. I've had a Laserlite for a few years and it's a great tent. I'm 5'10" and find i have plenty of room. I use a 50L frameless sack (ULA Conduit) that uses a Gossamer Gear Torso pad as it's back panel, so the sack becomes part of my sleeping system. There isn't a huge amount of space inside so a conventional 65L sack might take up too much room inside and might have to be stored in the porch. Not a big issue, i wouldn't think. The longest i've used it for is 2 weeks so i don't know how it would be for a 3/6 month trek.

I've got the Laser and my mate's got the Competition (but he's not a big fella) and i find the Laser as spacious. I'm about the same height as you and the tent is long enough.

The porch is massive (despite some magazines in the past complaining it was too small - guess who that was?) and you can easily fit a rucksack and boots, plus supplies in there. I've had a couple of stacker boxes in there on some weekends with food/beer/etc in.

I can usually fit my sac and boots inside.

 I'll put up a link below to some more pics of the inside.

Laser and Competition (to the rear).

laser gallery for more pics from the above series.

Worry not, I am six foot and am happy to proclaim the Laserlite/comp/photon the king of tents.

I know of two people who have just completed the GR20 sharing a Laserlite tent.  Cosy but they managed.

I'm well pleased with mine (but I'm only 5' 6" ) however I don't think I've ever sussed those vents ....lol

.

Well, I'm 5'11", and chuffed with my Laser Comp. Plenty space inside for you and gear, and rucksack (65l Berghaus) in the porch, with plenty room to cook... £180 is good, I got mine from Taunton Leisure for £185 - don't think you'd find it much cheaper to be honest.

Outside Corrour Bothy.... 

Terra nova laser on offer @ w.gear-zone.co.uk. £172.99

Also lighter models @ w.upandrunning.co.uk.

Good hunting.....

Some great advice and photo's of the tent, but what's the best way to pitch it into the wind/gale?

I have a Coleman Viper (Terra Nova Minor copy) and found that it is pretty stable with either hoop end into the wind. Though the foot end is preferable.

Cheers, Calum

Although the Viper and the Laser family have one hoop, the hoop on the Laser type tents goes across the tent instead of along it like the Viper. With a Viper you would try and pitch with the pool in the same line as the wind, however with a Laser type tent I think most people streamline it so the pole is actually against the wind as the shape of the tent takes the wind. I know there both single pole but as far as pitching in the wind there slightyl different in that way. Kind of the same way in which an Akto would be put with its end to the wind yet a Solar would be side on, if you know what I mean?

P.S. Still believe that the Coleman Viper is by a mile the best value tent on planet earth escpecially as it can be bought for about £40!