Good review! I just leave the sleeve permanently attached and have had no problems with it at all; it has always kept the rain out, however heavy and persistent it has been. The Laser Competition also handles condensation very effectively. I'm 5' 10" and have always found it to have plenty of space. For it's weight the groundsheet is hard wearing and waterproof - I had a river flowing under it during a downpour on the GR20 but I and my kit stayed 100% dry inside. All round it is a hard tent to beat and gets virtually everything right - cost, weight, space, waterproofness, durability/quality and general usability. I think it's limitation is very high winds however this can be countered by rigging double guy lines at each end to add extra strength.
Yeh it's a great tent , easy to set up , much tougher than it looks , lightweight. I think the laser is like the man utd of tents for one person , the tent to beat . It seems un trendy for some reason to own a laser but got mine on ebay and camped in some orrible weather in it 🙂
Great review. Agree its a fairer weather tent, mine was fine with about 12 hours of rain. I got a 2 version of this and the room was much better for my cycle touring panniers and is 1.25kg which might be helpful to anyone thinking of buying one.
25 years ago I bought a TN Voyager...it has been awesome on a number of micro adventures. Relatively heavy by today’s standards at 2kg but fast to erect, good space and laughs at all sorts of weather. At the end of a long, minging day, it is just like ‘getting home’.
Don't knock the old style pegs until you've tried them out on a french campsite. I've still got some 25 year old aluminium rod pegs like that and they have outlasted most of my newer hilleberg, msr, and other pegs, which bend and break sooner or later on hard french sites. Also, hilleberg don't seam seal their flysheets and pole sleeves either, but they don't leak anyway due to the stitching used.
good honest review. I have the older laser comp 1 & overall I get on well with it but it can be a very frustrating little tent with its pros & cons. fiddly to erect with the inner end poles & the pole cover (sometimes I leave it attached).but I love the happy yellow inner & its lightweight & durable construction (never let me down in all conditions as yet) good tip with the peg shall carry one in future. atb.
I've had my Laser Comp for 14 years and absolutely love it, I've always used the titanium tiny pegs and they're good for getting in between the stones, although I have been on my hands and knees in the morning trying to find the odd missing peg, I got the Compact 1 last week and like you was really surprised to see huge heavy pegs. Kind of goes against the whole idea of keeping things lightweight. The only thing I can think of is that the pegs are designed this way to meet the harshness of the winter ground.
I dumped the sleeve within a week of buying the competition 1 and seamed sealed it with a silicone sealer did the job tho needed to modify it to take side guys. When on a longer walk I use one of Henry Shire's version of it which has quite a bit more room and easier to live with.
Would that be the moment dw ? I have both and I use the laser more for stealth camping and moment dw for camping , if only they did the moment in camo ! , both great tents :)
@@russellthomas4930 yep a moment dw. The competition for sneaky camps of just a few nights. Incidentally I changed the guy cords at the ends, using a separate longer guy for a more direct pull on the ridge line rather than one peg pulling the triangle arrangement.
Thanks Abbie for the review, well done. At the moment I'm looking for a new ulw tent for my next tour in the Austrian alps in the summer, and you helped me a lot with my decision. 👌🏼 Greetings from Germany. Basti ✌🏽
Nice review, I had the two person version of this tent, I liked the lightweight, like the groundsheet, pack size. Disliked, the pole sleeve, very fiddly, agree with your point about attaching the door to the inner with a toggle, fidgety, I also found the tent quite cramped inside, I no longer have the tent. I've had another two tents since. Maybe the perfect tent doesn't exist .. enjoyed your review 👍👍👍
Believe it or not, you got the upgrade when it comes to the pegs! I got the toothpicks and swopped them out first thing because they seemed pretty pointless to be honest. Otherwise loving my slightly older version of the tent!
Abbie, sorry if I have missed it but have you had any response from the company in regard to your review and the shortcomings that you highlighted with this tent? Sean
You should of sent it back when those tie off points broke. Terra Nova have a lifetime guarantee if you register the tent with them. It is indeed a quirky tent with oddities and like yourself I would chance using it in rough weather but I have enjoyed using it and maybe it’s the quirks that have endeared me to it. 🙂
The Hilleberg tent pegs look identical to MSR Mini groundhogs, apart from the colour. A great peg with pull chord loop attached to ease removal from the ground. Like the colour of the Hilleberg as easily visible.
Hi Abbie. I had a look at your review out of curiosity. I've had my laser 1 for a few years now and I agree entirely with your observations. I just wanted to say thanks for the tip regarding using a peg to hold open the door. Such a simple thing but works brilliantly. Put it in to practice when filming my latest 'clarkys adventures' RU-vid Video, which will be going up in a week or so, and I always give a mention to any ideas I take from other people, but whilst filming I couldn't remember your name so left that tip out. Sorry. Keep up the good work. Alan
Hi Abbie, My Terra Nova Ultra Quasar tent came with 1mm Titanium Shepherds crooks, my Vango Banshee Pro came with the tent pegs you got, I think you got Vango pegs with a Terra Nova tent. I't doesn't really matter, One peg does not rule the world. You really need a range of pegs to deal with different situations. The Shepherds crooks are super light weight and are ideal for low stress jobs like pegging out the ground sheet. I use Titanium v-pegs or Titanium Nails to peg out high stress points like the fly sheet and guy lines. I learned the hard way when my tent was destroyed by high winds because the standard Shepherds crooks where ripped from the soggy ground, when we got out of the tent there were no pegs still working and the tent became a kite, last seen flying over a 100' cliff. You live and learn :-) So would you pay £450 for a three season tent that leaks? My Vango Banshee Pro II weighs more at about 2KG but it is wider, longer and water proof, more importantly it cost £70 on E-Bay Later, Iain.
Very thorough and interesting review Abbie. Regards the issue with the seams it looks like it’s made of something similar to Sil nylon, like my (less than half the price) Hexpeak V4A. The fabric is light, compact and tough, but has a disadvantage in that the seam sealing tape you usually see on the inside of tent seams doesn’t stick to it reliably. It appears that they’ve tried to get around that on this tent by covering the seams with secondary layers. On the Hexpeak it’s sold as requiring seam sealing by the customer. It’s a bit of a meticulous and time consuming business so probably impractical for them to do at the factory, but you could probably do it successfully to that top seam and ditch the extra cover. You might even save a couple of grams overall. Be warned though. It takes some time and care to do a good job. Best wait for a nice day at the start of next summer. This video is the one I used as a guide when I did my Hexpeak - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nCX8UBhDGqE.html I’d love to see you review some less expensive stuff that mere mortals like us can afford. There’s an interesting tent called the Lanshan 1 which is supported by a single trekking pole. Weighs in at barely more than a kilo and costs about £125. I’d love to see you review that!
Really helpful review, thanks. I don't understand why so many tents out there seem like prototypes that haven't yet had their niggles fixed. It's especially frustrating when the £300++ tents suffer from fundamental flaws that make them awkward to use. There are loads of reasonable 1 man tents out there for well under £200, but once you're paying twice that, you should be getting a seriously well-designed and well-made piece of kit.
@@juliawagner3580 Manufacturers like Vango, Wild Country and OEX all have offerings under £200, but when it comes to choosing a particular model, that really comes down to personal preference (e.g. vestibule size, internal height, number of doors etc). I'd recommend going into a few tent shops where the tents are on display so you can look around them and sit inside them, if possible, then start getting a feel for what you like/dislike about them all. It's much like buying a house - there is ALWAYS going to be a compromise somewhere (normally weight or cost!).
Try a Vango F10 UL 1 or 2. The UL1 is 1.1kg very similar design. Retail Lis price £220 but available on Amazon at £170. I got mine new for £140 on Ebay. Great alternative. It also erects fly and inner together, fly only or inner only. It has better pegs too. The porch on the Vango doesn't look as generous as the Terra Nova. Thanks for the honest review Abbie.
Alan Cooper agreed , I went from the two person TN compact to the Vango helium UL2, found it much easier to pitch and more user friendly, oh and a fraction of the price lol
@@johnodwyer5146 Hi John, I have only used in in cold and freezing weather. Most of the time it has been windy too, so condensation inside was not a problem. When it froze on the outside there was little sign of anything freezing on the inside. It has vents at both ends at foot level, there is quite a lot of mesh on the door too.
@@johnodwyer5146 I've had the UL 2 for 3 years now, it's a good tent and I've not found fault with it all, it's put up with some pretty horrible weather, it's easy to pitch (although takes a bit of practice to get it to pitch perfectly) and I've not experienced any condensation issues with it. I got it to do my Mountain Leader with, with the intention of upgrading to something like a TN in the future, but I can't actually find a tent which is actually better enough than the F10 that would make it worth swapping.
Great review Abbie. I use the vango Banchee 300 (although wish I brought the 200). Some times there is to much focus on weight and durability is the sacrifice. 😊😊 peace and love
If you have to leave the door half open for condensation on a 2 wall tent it's a bad design. you can get a single wall tent and leave door open and not get any condensation. Love your reviews, the Alps look amazing !
Hi Abbie. Great review. TMB! Can't believe its 16yrs since I hiked it. I used a Hilleberg Akto in those days, and it shrugged off some WICKED storms. When the TN Laser Competition came out, I bought one as it was quite a bit lighter than the Akto. Congrats to TN for the innovation, but five TN Laser Comps including the TN Photon later I'm back with Hilleberg again (Enan this time, plus I use a 700g MLD Duomid which is highly storm resistant and very spacious). Unfortunately I had endless problems with the Terra Novas, they all let me down and they weren't niggles, they were significant failures. I've been through five TN poles that *seriously* bent/snapped, and the TN replacement poles are quite expensive. The zips on both the inner and outer failed, and worst of all the Photon was utterly obliterated in a storm (I should note that I always pitch in the most sheltered areas precisely because I've had all these problems previously). I *really* wanted to support TN which is why I stuck with them, but not anymore I'm sorry to say. I just feel that while they're great in theory/on paper, for me they're not suitable for the real-life applications of long distance hikes. For example, the ridiculously thin 1g & 2g pegs (wires?), are not fit for purpose in my experience. I was told by the sniggering salesman "You can't complain about the tent pegs coming out" (Yes, he actually said that!!!!). Really? So if he bought a new car and the wheels kept falling off, wouldn't he question its usability as a product? I've had no issues whatsoever with my Hilleberg Enan or MLD Duomid.. They're easy to use, idiot-proof, dependable, expensive yes, but that's an investment as actually they're cheaper long term because they haven't failed (plus Hillebergs all have a lifetime warranty). I wish TN would get back to focusing more on producing tents for the long distance hiker in the field, rather than trying to be the lightest (the MLD Duomid is actually lighter yet more spacious). I honestly wish Terra Nova every success, but I feel that IMHO their brave innovations are slightly on the wrong tack? PS. I have some Hilleberg flysheet fabric swatches - Kerlon 1000, 1200 and 1800 and try as I might, I can't tear them, not even the lightest K1000 (Enan is K1000 fabric). The TN's fabric however? ... : (
I would not write off the pegs so quickly, they are very tough and worked well for me, not bending even hammering them into the ground (basically stones) in Iceland. Don't appear to be heavier than the Hilleberg pegs. The tent itself has survived wind and weather even without the pole sleeve. My previous Laser Competition eventually died due to the zip on the inner tent failing letting the creepy crawlies in.
Great review. I noticed your aside about the Sawyer mini. The filter is great, no complaints there, the bag on the other hand is awful. Mine split on me after half a dozen uses (coincidentally on the TMB). When I got back to the UK I switched the bag out for a Cnoc Vecto which is a million times better.
I agree, they tend to split where the bag connects to connector, I tried a Ebanyu (EVERNEW) water bag 2L but that failed in the same way, I'm still looking for a solution.
What would you recommend, hilleberg akto or laser competition 1/2 for someone who do lots of hikes during the summer/spring/and very rainy Danish autumn? I've seen both of your Hilleberg akto video as well. I'm also considering a Terranova Helm 1 which is half the price. What I'm afraid of about the Akto is the condensation - as i'm a person who quickly sweat. Btw, do you have any idea about the Fjallraven Abisko lite 1 or Helsport Ringstid 1/2 which are also similar shapes of tents ?
great review Abbie, nice tent but for me I prefere the vango 12 and 3 person range of tents also the Eurohike rydel5oo is a nice tent both vango and euro hike are very lightweight and durable weather proofed tents, and vango do a range of expedition 1 2 and 3 person tents D of E approved in their range...for family tents zempire have a great range of very practical functional tents. but personaly I would go with one of the Vango range of tents because they are a great tent their tunnel tents are awesome..
I agree. Vango Nevis 100 is exactly same architecture plus TBS (tension band system) plus double in weight (which is a good thing, thicker quality materials) which makes it suitable for 4 seasons. And 5 times cheaper.
Not sure how this differs from the Laser Competition 1 but looks to be pretty much identical. I also got the heavy pegs when I bought mine. When looking on the website though, it was recommended that you sealed the seams which I then did with Silnet. That seemed to do the trick and I now only need ever use the extra cover over the middle in high winds.
Hi - good vid as per usual!!! A question if I may.. what is the difference between the Laser Competition 1 and the Compact 1 tent...? Thanks in advance!
Seems to me that all these more expensive tents are no better than cheapo budget tents, maybe a bit lighter but not as good as some of the cheapest tents I had as a kid. I looked at Hilleberg too I have quite a good budget ! saw all their stuff, small vestibule, low head height, bad vents, bad condensation, leaks, and some times seam problems al for over a thousand pound ! I have now avoided all those faults by buying a £200 tent, which is also storm proof and lighter.
Hi Abbie Love all your tent reviews. I am looking for the Holy Grail! In the end, what light weight, budget friendly, 3 season ( which could also cope with a U.K. winter ) one person tent would you recommend? Is saving up for a Hilleberg really the answer? Please reply. Regards Imran
Nice review! I've had an earlier iteration of this for over 10 years and I love it! I've had it all over the UK, W & E. Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, the USA and Canada and it's not failed me yet! It's not perfect but then what is? (I'm not for a start!) But yes, the pole-sleeve can be annoying! I've left mine permanently on now for years to avoid fiddling with it too much, although it does need adjusting sometimes. It certainly helps to have the extra guying-out points that are attached to the pole-sleeve on those extra-gnarly nights! I find it a bit cramped and it's OK for condensation, not great. These days I'm living in N America and prefer a lighter, bigger, single-wall shelter, so I'm still playing the condensation game! And I now bring that same shelter back to the UK when I visit. But I still love my Laser Comp - that yellow, morning glow makes me smile every time! Can't wait to see the TMB film(s?) You always bring such a great attitude and outlook, and I know the views will be epic 'cos I've done the TMB too (and I want to do it again one day)!
Won’t be buying thatAbbie. Looking to buy a tent now was going to consider Tera Nova. Unfortunately doesn’t look good enough for £450.00. FjallRaven around that price looks far better. Though a little heavier. Thanks for the review. 👍
Hi Abbie, great video and really helpful. I'm currently looking for a lightweight all season backpacking tent for use in the Mountains of the UK with the potential trip to the Alps also on the cards. Have you seen the All Season version of this tent and have you heard much about it to recommend it in any way? Thank you. Pete
Hi Abbie, I have two questions, 1- Do you think that the seam on the inside of the pole sleeve can be sealed with aftermarket tape? And if you were given the choice between the Laser Compact and Zephyros 1, which would you choose? Thanks Syd
Nice review but tired of looking up metric conversions, I'm off reviews that use metrics without the consideration of adding the conversion in the video. I can always find a good review without having to look up conversions. Just a suggestion.
Hey Abbie thanks for sharing. Personally, I like to wake up in the morning refreshed by an all night facial massage from my tent wall. It’s very invigorating and somehow it makes my coffee taste better. Kidding aside, this tent has a lot going for it. I hope they’ll make the necessary tweaks to make it a first class piece of gear. The small companies are pretty good about that. We have a lot of small gear makers in the US and I have gotten some very satisfactory stuff from them from packs to tents to sleeping bags. They really try to be in tune with what the hiking community want. Cheers from Arkansas where it’s very cold and windy at the moment.
If touring for two weeks and not being able to wash and dry clothing, then How many pairs of knickers must you take with you? Are these kept in a compression sack supplied by Terra Nova?
Hey Abbie, great video! You're always so good at presenting yourself to the camera. And you're always very informative and interesting 👍 one thing regarding your hatred towards the pole sleeve, could you use a silicone (pronounced silli-cun 😉) like Silnet and seam seal the tent yourself? That way they will be waterproof and you'll have nothing to worry about ☺️ cheers!
@@garethedwards5406 I’m literally out camping in it right now! 😂. Pretty good so far. Bit fiddly to set up but that’s probably me being a noob with it. Design does just seem like a more weather proof version of the standard one. Not had much rain but decent winds and it’s taking it like a champ! Stealing abbys tip about being a peg for the door though. The clip inside isn’t amazing. Oh not seen any condensation in it but it’s pretty mild and windy so dunno if that’s better conditions for condensation. 🤷♀️
I have the Terra Nova laser competition 1 and seam sealed it. It took maybe 90 mins and haven't had a drop of water come through since. I mixed the sealant with a little white spirit, it makes for a much neater job and soaks into the thread and stitching.
Have you ever walked the Pendle trail taking the height of such a gorgeous hill in, almost a mountain but its about 160 feet short. The area is steeped in history dramatised by the pendle witches, If visiting remember to call at Downham, such a gorgeous village at the base of Pendle. Close by is the bustling town of Clitheroe, again worth visiting. Another must is Malham in the Yorkshire dales, an area with eroded holes under the ground, one at least will fit St Paul's cathedral in. Others meander to some 600 feet below ground. Some can be explored but be careful which you choose.. Again it is surrounded by three mountains , one with such a unique shape. Read a book called ''Mist over pendle'' Fictional but there are so many truths relating to the area.
Awesome review been looking at getting a new tent soon, I didn't know you could wild camp on the tour du mont blanc? How did you manage to get away with that? As I would like to do it one day and not have to pay thousands of pounds for a guided tour.
I am trying to convince myself to this tent, but I think is overpriced a bit, and I rather have few more grams bikepacking, and have that peace of mind, waterproofing with bit more robust material, with ability to freestand, with more pegs as option for bad weather. Seems risky give of durability and weather protection for few grams less when cycling. Sure, couple hundreds grams here and there is more important when you walk with it on your back and up hill, but I doubt it will make huge impact adding ~500grams of quality only with tent to your bike long distance.
Awful cant believe things are coming away in your hand,jesus you would expect that from a carboot tent not a 450.00 .Why not design your perfect tent and then i can buy it.lol x thanks marc xxx
@@leigh6417 You can pay a little extra to have them do it for you. Remember they are a small cottage company and you have to put the tent up for 24 hours to seam seal...most people prefer to do it themselves.
@@WilderhopeAdventures thats a ridiculous statement when you pay £450 for a top end tent. 'If' any seams need sealing they really need to do be done before reaching the customer. I can't believe you would actually endorse this poor quality just because they are a 'small cottage company' . Following this review I will not be going anywhere near a Terra Nova tent.. atb
@@ss66er I was referring to Tarptent in regards to the cottage company, and their tents are closer to £250, so you can save money by seam sealing it yourself or pay to have them do it for you...all for less than the price of the tent in the video and still extremely high quality.
Terrible tent. So expensive too. Go with the Vango Banshee 200 at a fraction of the price. Heavier and bulkier but not enough to not take it. Plus you have some room to actually move inside.
Vango Banshee 200 Pro is far better, you get two doors, it means you can use the vestibule for gear storage and cooking in wet weather, while still being able to egress on the other side of the tent and on warm dry nights you can open up both flysheet doors to cool down. I'm 6'2" but me and my large dog fit in it. OK, not sure I would want another person in it as well, I would have to be very friendly with them if I did and they would have to be short. All for £70 on E-Bay, whats not to like. Iain
