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We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!
Terra Nova says:
An evolution of the iconic Terra Nova Southern Cross, the 2026 Southern Cross 1 has been engineered to be more sustainable than ever with our TriPlex™ flysheet fabric. Designed for backpackers who want the ultimate customisable shelter that is performance driven. Weighing just 1.96kg at maximum and 1.76kg at minimum it offers a strong, free-standing structure with an upgraded dual door for extra access. New features like Hypalon flysheet hang points, a lantern hook in the porch, flexi porch feature for adjustability, pole hub re-design alongside more tech driven improvements.
The ideal tent for backpackers and adventurers who are looking for the ultimate balance of strength, weight-saving, and adaptability. The New to 2026 Terra Nova Southern Cross 1 is the latest evolution of our iconic mountain shelter, featuring a strong free-standing design that delivers exceptional performance in demanding conditions while remaining impressively lightweight.
With a maximum weight of just 1.96kg and a minimum weight of 1.76kg, it’s light enough for long-distance treks whilst offering significantly improved internal comfort. The updated design features an inner tent that is 28% larger, creating more usable space for sleeping, organising gear, and waiting out bad weather.
Constructed with TriPlex™ triple ripstop, PFC-free, recycled and solution dyed flysheet fabric, the Southern Cross 2 has been engineered to be more sustainable than ever while maintaining the durability and weather protection required for exposed environments. Combined with an upgraded pole hub design, 9mm OD centre pole, and reinforced guying system, the structure delivers outstanding stability in strong winds and unpredictable mountain conditions.
Our Verdict
We're working out what we think about Terra Nova's 2026 Southern Cross 1 Tent, we'll add our comments here in due course.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Stronger at the Core - The centre pole has gone up to 9mm OD a deliberate upgrade that delivers meaningfully more rigidity under load. The pole hub has been redesigned for a more precise, secure fit, and colour-coded pole feet make setup faster and foolproof, even in poor light or worse weather.
- Anchored Down - The guy system has been rebuilt from the ground up. Doubled side guys spread the load more evenly across the flysheet. The Reinforced Guying System go further, attaching directly to the tent structure rather than the fabric, so in serious conditions the stress goes somewhere that can take it. Hypalon hang points complete the system, resisting stretch and degradation where standard fabric loops eventually give.
- Enhanced Ventilation - 36 distinct door and vent configurations, from fully sealed against driving rain to wide open on a warm evening. The FlexiPorch adds adaptability at the entrance, while the enlarged end vents with double-position opening give you real airflow control without trading away weather protection to get it.
- The Thoughtful Bits - A full-length drying line. A lantern hook above the inner. Elasticated corners that stay taut. Zip pullers you can actually grab with gloves on. Reflective eyelet tape so you stop tripping over your own guys after dark. And a footprint that clips directly into the tent, no more loose ends on setup.
- Bigger, Better - The SC1 is 28% bigger inside. The SC2 is 26% bigger inside. You'll notice the difference the moment you get in, more floor space, proper headroom, and larger inner vents with double-position opening to keep the air moving.
- Good for the Planet - PFC-free fabrics throughout, solution-dyed yarns that fix colour during fibre production rather than in water-heavy dye baths, recycled materials where we can, and eco anodising on the poles, a lower-impact process that cuts chemical waste without compromising finish or durability. Better for the places you're heading.
- Free-standing design – reliable pitching on varied terrain with improved structural strength
- TriPlex™ flysheet fabric – lightweight triple ripstop PFC-free, recycled and solution dyed construction for durability and sustainability
- Updated with a total of two flysheet doors – improved access and ventilation from either side of the tent
- Extensive door and vent configurations – adaptable airflow and weather protection
- Larger flysheet end vents – enhanced ventilation and condensation management
- Hypalon flysheet hang points – increased durability at key stress areas
- Updated and strengthened guyline system – added stability for exposed conditions
- FlexiPorch feature – adjustable porch space for extra, gear storage
- Lantern hook in both porchs – practical lighting solution for camp use
- Clip-in footprint compatibility – easier setup and improved ground protection
- Re-designed pole hub with 9mm OD centre pole – increased strength and stability
- Inner tent 28% larger – improved comfort and liveable space
- Elasticated inner corners – maintains a taut, secure pitch and reduces stress on the fabric
- Eco anodised poles and reflective eyelet tape markers – improved sustainability and visibility in low light
- Colour-coded pole feet for quick, intuitive pitching even in poor conditions
- Internal drying line for hanging clothing and gear
Specifications
Weights and Dimensions -
- Flysheet & Inner weighs: 1249g
- Poles weigh: 492g
- Total weight: 1741g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x 15 weigh: 185g
- Packed: 42L×18W×18Hcm
- Living Space: 220L×120W×92Hcm
- Pitched: 220L×175W×92Hcm
Details -
- Sleeps: 1
- Season: 4 Season
- Doors: 2
- Porches: 1
Material & Construction
- Flysheet Material: Triplex™ Silicone/Polyurethane Recycled PFC-Free Solution-Dyed
- Flysheet Hydrostatic Head: 3000mm HH
- Inner Material: 15D Nylon R/S Recycled C0 WR / SD Mesh
- Groundsheet Material: 70D Nylon Plain Recycled PU C0 WR
- Pole Material: 8.64mm Terra Nova Reflex, 9mm Terra Nova Reflex
- Guylines Material: Dyneema Reflective
