Been training for the Pyrenean Haute Route and hope to start in July. Been training with heavy pack and now I am looking to go ultra-lightweight, reviewing and weighing all my current gear down to the last gram.
I have a Terra Nova Laser and it comes in at 1500g. Researching the new Photon, or the Laser Competition I wondered if anyone had used them in an environment like the High Pyrenees, for prolonged periods, over prolonged multi-day treks? They look a bit feeble to me but I suppose I could add extra guy ropes. Would it get me through? I haven't seen or handled either of these tents (which is very very awkward and unhelpful when you are serious about gear and buying)..
The HRP is approx 50-60 days and the Pyrenees can throw up storms. I stand to gain approx 500 grams, and believe me, in combination with other items I want to check out, it adds up!
Thanks for any advice... see other threads on my gear plans..
I've not used my Competition in the Pyrenees yet but I reckon I'd be happy to. Going back a couple of years I know Peewiglet did a two-week trip over there with hers.
By all accounts (e.g. ptc*, Steve Perry, to name two) the Competition can handle more than you might suspect looking at it. and in my experience the Pyrenees tends to throw up thunderstorms and heavy rain rather than the really strong winds we get in the UK mountains. With a bit of sensible choive of pitch I wouldn't be worried.
I'd definitely stick with the Competition rather than the Photon though.
Like Matt says, Steve Perry used the Comp for a winter round of the Munros, so it can definitely be used for prolonged use in Real Hills (TM). With the Photon they've cut more corners to save more weight, perhaps at the point where reliability over time will start to be more of an issue... You may wish to substitute alternative pegs in any case.
I'd take the Comp just because it will last a bit longer, more from storage and handling that by weather. But the feedback from extended Photon use would be very interesting
have just been out with my Laser comp in the beacons last night and as others have said the outward appearance belays the toughness of the tent in stiff winds
Not sure what changes have occured from older versions but the one I have has titanium pegs and a click lock door fastener and when erected gives a lovelty taut fly sheet and feels reasonably solid
have to admit I was really impressed with mine and having bought it on a whim wanted to test it out to see if it was going to be a useful bit of kit
I've been using my Red TN Laser Competition tent for 2 years now, in all types of weather. It is true that, if pitched correctly, it is a lot stronger than it looks.
I've replaced the supplied carbon pegs with titanium ones.
It took a battering on a wild camp about 15 months ago, and although i tried to pitch into the wind, the 60mph+ winds were coming from all sides! It stayed up, but my colleagues laser didn't! The only damage is that my single pole is now curved
