Terra Nova Equipment Laser Competition 1

[freestanding ultralight]

Here’s a rare find: a two-person tent at this price and weight that still delivers freestanding, double-wall performance. It’s a bit small—no surprise—but the ounce-saving dimensions (best for sleeping, not lounging) worked just fine for our long-distance-hiking testers, who used the Imogene during a 400-mile Appalachian Trail trek through Maine and New Hampshire. The shelter held firm in roaring rainstorms that forced hikers in lesser tents to flee for the lean-to, and the weight-saving, 10-denier fabrics (20-denier for the floor) survived the journey intact.

The Imogene packs down small—the size of a 1-liter bottle—and setup is speedy, using one hubbed pole. There’s just one door (at the head end), which requires careful exits to avoid disturbing a companion. The 39-inch peak height allows even 6’4” campers to sit upright. But the length and width proved “cramped for two big guys,” reports one tester, who calls the 30 square feet “just big enough for sleeping.” And we wished for better ventilation in humid conditions, when condensation collected. $300; 2 lbs. 7 oz.; golite.com

Previous holder of the Guinness World Record for the lightest tent in the world, the Laser Competition 1 is still one of the lightest tents available in the market.
With a minimum weight of just 1lb 14oz the Laser Competition 1 has been a firm favourite for Adventure Races, Mountain Marathons and Ultra Light Backpacking. When used with the complementary waterproof hood the Laser Competition 1 is guaranteed waterproof and has withstood extremely rough weather, including Scottish winters.
Exceptional comfort for 1 person yet there is space for 2 (if you’re good friends). The Laser Competition 1 pitches flysheet first and the inner can be left connected, so it is exceptionally quick to erect. The transverse porch creates more usable space than a longitudinal porch and provides excellent shelter from the wind as well as a large entrance.
Features:
2g Titanium skewers.
Extra ventilation on the door and at the ends of the tent
4 extra guy points to improve stability in poor weather
Split carbon rods to reduce pack lenght to 16 inches