Terra Nova Equipment Laser Photon 1

[big and tall]

NEMO Moto 1P

Like most tall campers, our 6’7” tester often sleeps with his feet scrunched against mesh—but he discovered rare comfort in the 109-inch-long Moto. “I could extend my arms behind my head and still not touch either end,” he rejoices. Add XXL dimensions in every other direction—46 inches wide at the head and 27 at the foot, and a 37-inch peak height—and there’s enough space to sprawl comfortably and still store gear inside. And now the really good news: You get all that extra space without extra weight.

That’s a result of several design choices: 1) a tradeoff—in extra-long mode, there’s no vestibule; 2) a weight-saving air beam (in lieu of a pole) provides the main structure; 3) it’s a single-wall; and 4) it’s not freestanding.

Testers deemed the latter three nonissues: Inflating the air beam takes just 30 seconds using the integrated foot pump, condensation never built up, and four stakes achieve a taut pitch—in the Rockies, the Moto prevailed in hammering 35-mph winds. And the former? If you want a vestibule, just roll the floor back to create a 10.5-square-foot one. Bummer: Opening the door during rain allows some drips inside. $330; 2 lbs. 14 oz.
Breaking new ground for lightweight tents Terra Nova have created the definitive racing tent for Mountain Marathons and Adventure Races.

The Laser Photon 1 pitches flysheet and inner together, 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:
1g Titanium skewer pegs
2011 updates:
Extra ventilation on door and at ends
Split carbon poles to reduces pack length to 14 inches
4 additional guy points on the ends of the tent
Can be pitched fly and Fastpack groundsheet for even lower weight