Terra Nova Equipment Laser Ultra 1

[stable featherweight]

We don’t know why this three-pound tent is called the Kilo. No matter. Here’s the math that counts: one pound per person for a three-person shelter. And unlike some ultralights, which employ futzy trekking-pole setups or wispy fabrics, this three-season dome achieves its low weight by using innovative carbon-fiber poles with connectors that use short monofilament tethers rather than one long piece of elastic cord. Ergo, best-in-weight-class stability.

Pitching the Kilo takes two minutes, and even without guying, it withstood 30-mph gusts in the Sierra. Headroom is adequate, with a 40-inch peak height that lets campers play cards without crouching, but the 43-square-foot floor was a snug fit for three thru-hikers on the John Muir Trail.

Downsides: The 4.5-square-foot vestibule shelters little more than three pairs of boots. Condensation dampened testers’ bags with just two campers inside, and in rainy conditions, the fly sagged onto the mesh, further compromising airflow. (Update: Easton says Velcro attachment loops have been added to the inside of the fly to improve stability and reduce sag. We didn’t test the new version.) $499; 3 lbs.; eastonmountainproducts.comThe 1lb 1 oz Laser Ultra 1 takes the proven design of the Laser and uses new Ultra fabrics to produce the lightest tent in the world. This proves Terra Nova’s commitment to cutting edge design and keeps them well ahead of the pack.
Suited to experienced, professional users for adventure racing and ultra light backpacking. It is the same size and shape and features of the now classic Laser Photon.
Features:
Split carbon rods result in a tiny pack size: 14 x 3 inches
Extra venting on door and at each end
Can be used Fly and Fastpack groundsheet only to trim the weight even further.
1g titanium pegs