Cycling UK Forum

I'm after a bit of luxury and storage for my Trans Am, I leave next Sunday so I'm running a bit late with the tent purchase

Has anyone got any first hand experience of the following tents.

I've crawled around a few of the smaller one man tents at Taunton Leisure and the head height and lack of storage is just a none starter. I'd rather lug an extra kg and enjoy my camping!!

Terra Nova Superlight Solar 2.2 - (Sat in this one and liked the side entrance \ vestibules, generally good reviews!)
http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/174/100380/terra-nova-superlite-solar-2-2-tent-green-43s2sl-g

Terra Nova Laser Space 2 Tent - (this seems really novel - not sure how it would stand up to strong winds)
http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/174/100500/terra-nova-laser-space-2-tent-green-43ls2

Maybe a Hilleberg Nallo 2, but that's really pushing the budget.....

Your thoughts ????

Stu

Go for the Hilleberg Nallo talk to Alpenstock they may do you a good deal. http://www.alpenstock.co.uk./home.htm

Or look at the Big Agnes range, I was impressed with them when I saw them at an exhibition. Ultralight Outdoor are doing some go prices on them http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

I've got the laser space 2.

It is the perfect tent for me, the bicycle goes inside easily, plenty of room, no need to crouch in it (which give me cramp when in smaller tents)

the customer service is good.

Took it to Scotland last year for two months, it was really battered by high winds and coped excellently. Just make sure you remove on the small poles if the wind is putting a lot of pressure on them (ie wind is blowing and it bends in the middle)

the only downside to it is that it takes 15 minutes to put up.

I have just bought one (Terra Nova Solar 2.2 Superlight) and so far have only done a shakedown test over easter in Jersey; a bit wet and windy but hardly Dartmoor or Patagonia.

Lots of space inside and out, loads more than my previous MSR Hubba.

Bought the footprint as well.

My only concern is how long it might take to put up and take down. There are lots of pegs and guy lines and two crossover poles. I am terrible for slow starts in the morning (when on Holiday) and I feel this is not going to speed my departure times any. I may be wrong as I have not had any practice really.

It is very light, well made, very roomy inside and out and has two "doors" and it's green. That is the sum of my knowledge of it at this stage I am afraid.

Good luck on your trip

Picture:

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edit: did not include the type of tent

......and, just remembered another thing:

The pegs that came with the Superlight are very dainty lightweight Titanium, ideal for putting your tent up on the lawn, but do not look as though they will take any bashing. I bought an extra set of MSR aluminium square section pegs, they weigh next to nothing but can be bashed.

I think that is everything, again good luck.

Mattie wrote:I have just bought one (Terra Nova Solar 2.2 Superlight)...

My only concern is how long it might take to put up and take down. There are lots of pegs and guy lines and two crossover poles.

Same for the Nallo 2 - Two poles + lots of pegs / guys, but may be a bit quicker as you can pitch inner/outer together.

Stu, you'll have plenty of time to master it...

Just bought an X2. It seems fine, with loads of room for one, but slightly wishing I'd bought this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Avior-X ... pd_cp_sg_2 . Read the reviews one guy did a trans am with one and he reports on it here http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews ... Descending . Both tents have a massive 4000mm head and a great reputation for keeping you dry. And, they are not daft money

Al

I have the Terra Nova Laser, 2man not the 1man Comp. Single hoop, very fast/easy to pitch, spacious, lightweight. The newer design has an extra door for extra storage.

I really like my Solar 2.2, the almost flat roof gives loads more headroom than comparable tents, it also causes the only major downside as condensation from the outer that drips onto the inner doesn't always run off. People have also reported water pooling on the roof of the outer, I can see how this could happen though it hasn't been a problem for me (yet) It takes a bit of trial and error to minimise condensation, which isn't as good as some and better than others. The two wide doors, the almost vertical ends and the space in the two porches are what sold it to me, after a couple of years and around 40 nights I have no regrets.
But - if I was doing an American tour, I'd buy an American tent. There are significant differences in design to suite the typically different weather conditions. I'd be looking at the Big Agnes range that Bikepacker links too, ot MSR or have a look at the REI offerings ;
http://www.rei.com/

If you're going to the States I think you may as well but over there and save a few quid.

sbseven wrote:Same for the Nallo 2 - Two poles + lots of pegs / guys, but may be a bit quicker as you can pitch inner/outer together.

There are few tents quicker/easier to put up than a Hilleberg Nallo. Peg it down at one end, shove the poles in, tension them, pull the tent at the other end and put the pegs in at that end. Then do the guys. With practice, you can get it down to about 4 minutes on good ground. They are also designed to be erected single-handed in strong winds.

I think 9 pegs is close to the minimum number for a tent that is not free-standing - one in each corner, one each for 4 guys, only one extra. The only difficulty with it is that you do need the corner pegs to go in at the right place, which can be tricky when the ground is rocky. Then it can take longer because you are searching for a set of pegging locations in the right conformation. But I have erected one on completely hard ground by tying it to rocks.

sbseven wrote:

Mattie wrote:I have just bought one (Terra Nova Solar 2.2 Superlight)...

My only concern is how long it might take to put up and take down. There are lots of pegs and guy lines and two crossover poles.

Same for the Nallo 2 - Two poles + lots of pegs / guys, but may be a bit quicker as you can pitch inner/outer together.

Stu, you'll have plenty of time to master it...

The Staika or Allak is a better tent IMO - no shake-down in high winds. I've got the Staika, spacious, her indoors had plans It's a bit heavy, but my Mtb rig can take it

What you could have done was wait until you cross the water - tents are 20 to 30 per cent cheaper in the US as you know - and you get freebies thrown in too with a good deal. I got a top quality thermarest and stuff sacks

PH wrote:I really like my Solar 2.2,

If you're going to the States I think you may as well but over there and save a few quid.

The Exped Orion is a super tent too - a lot of tent at 360 quid. Not available in the States any more though......

Drum roll please............

After much procrastination I bought my tent!

Thanks to everyone for there input, my final two choices ended up coming from either end of the spectrum. I almost bought a Coleman Avoir x3 based on some great write ups across the net, including 3 lads who did the Trans Am using the x2 version. Thanks to al_yrpal for that pointer to what looks like a great budget tent, shame about the colour!!!

But after much more cogitation I decided to join Mattie and PH and I went for the Terra Nova Superlite Solar 2.2 and ground sheet protector. Apart from a few reports of water pooling on the roof the tent gets great reviews across the net.

http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/190/100380/terra-nova-superlite-solar-2-2-tent-green-43s2sl-g

I just spent probably double what I was initially going to spend on a tent, but as it will be my home for the coming months (apart from occasional B&Bs \ Motels) it's probably a good move.

If you want to find out how I get on with it follow my blog below.

Now I believe I need to seal the seams..... for that money you would have thought they'd do it for you!!! Anyone got any tips on how to do this.... off for a google.

Cheers

Stu