Terra Nova Laser

FrankB
Reviewed: 27 June 2006

BARE MINIMUM FOR MAXIMUM

Very good design. Maximises space and functionality for the amount of materials used - keeping weight to a minimum. Two people can sit up/cook, and there's just enough space for two sleeping bags had-to-foot.

rattles noisily even in low winds. feels quite delicate.

Used overnight for mountain marathon. Bit tight for two, but manageable. We stored gear around flysheet and there was enough space for cooking, sitting up. If you want to save grams (e.g. if you're running), this tent represents an excellent compromise.

dave roberts
Reviewed: 13 June 2005

LIGHTEST PRACTICAL OPTION IN THE BRITISH CLIMATE.

Light (obviously), and very roomy for one. Couldn't imagine two in here unless they were *very* intimate (if they werent to start with, they certainly would be after a night in here).
The porch is roomy, though not very wide.
The entire side of the tent opens, which is nice to sit in the bag and stare at the outside world.
It's also cheaper than an Akto (the only other tent i considered)
Did i mention it's light?

Ok, there's no proper pitching instructions. I'm going to need some trial and error to get it pitched well.
Uncertain of how well it will perform year-round. But that's unfair as i bought it for summer 2-3 dayers.
Porch is wide, but depth isn't great. could be awkaward to cook in there? I'll have to wait for some rain to test that out!

The packed tent is a bit baggy and loose, not the tight, easy to pack bundle i expected. Still, this makes it easier to get in the sack and it fits ok in a tall pack.

Oh yes, and those darn pegs.

It's the lightest 2 skin tent out there (ok, the laserlite is lighter still, but smaller), so it's going to have some weaknesses. If you want the lightest 2 skin tent, this tent can't be beaten.

Graeme Kerr
Reviewed: 27 February 2005

ITS LIGHT BUT NOT REALLY 2 PERSON?

Superbly well made, very light and surprisingly roomy/stable for solo use...

... but would be impossibly cramped for two if carrying any sort of gear. Also, as with Fraser's comments - the supplied pegs are pretty but impractical. And, although it pitches quickly when put up with inner and fly connected, if you seperate them (eg to dry) try to avoid putting it up in a midge storm!

An excellent tent. A small quibble is that the weight saving over -say- a much stronger Voyager isn't huge when carrying everything else on a multi-day trip. If you were doing a quick overnight traverse, though ...

Fraser Campbell
Reviewed: 09 June 2004

The lightest 2 person tent going!

Loadsa room, I use this tent by myself when hiking but have had 2 in it and it isn't cramped at all. Lots of room to keep your kit and cook in the porch.
One side pocket for close to hand stuff. Twin door, so you can open in preference to wind direction.
Very little condensation.
Really warm when its cold outside.

A bit flappy in high winds, but the main pole is very sturdy.
Could do with a few more guyropes,but this would be difficult for them because they would need to be added to flysheet.
The pegs they provide (although funky) are ridiculous at keeping guyropes in.
No torch hanging strap!!

I have used this tent in gale force (40mph winds in a blizzard) although very shakey and flappy (what an understatement)it wasnt damaged.
the tent is fantastic when backpacking and wild camping just use a sheltered spot.It has been built so well (what would you expect from Terra Nova) and they are happy to help with any problems.
If you get one of these, buy yourself some normal pegs. Although flappy in winds its still a great tent.