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Building upon Terra Nova's most popular tent with its multi-award-winning hoop design, this Compact version still provides a stable shelter with an easy set-up, with the added bonus of a smaller pack size.
Terra Nova says
The Laser Compact 1 is designed for backpackers, travellers and cyclists looking for tried and tested kit. When the Laser design was released in 2004 it sparked a remarkable trend for lightweight tent development and the Laser design became the de-facto standard for lightweight tents. With a good balance of durability and very low weight, this tent is suitable for medium-duration backpacking trips, perfect for spring to autumn weather conditions.
Our Verdict
The Laser Compact uses the transverse hoop design, which is a classic, much-copied design that Terra Nova used very early on, and they've developed this type of tent further than many imitators. The updated 2023 Laser Compact has shaved off only 28g on the last incarnation, but it has improved the breathability and made the inner of the then PFC-free; check the dimensions carefully, as Terra Nova tents can feel small. If you plan on using one for any length of time, such as week-long trips, perhaps consider sizing up to the Laser Compact 2, which is a nicer place to bed down, especially if you are confined due to bad weather
A simple, effective design with single entrance help keep weight down. The low profile of the tent, guy lines and low-cut fly make it an excellent tent for battling the wind and rain.
The 'Compact' tents are exactly the same as the 'Competition' version but have shorter pole sections that allow the pack size to be much smaller—ideal for the pack-size-conscious traveller, whether that's back- or bike-packing.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Now with factory silicone sealed main seam.
- Updated for 2023 with a PFC-free breathable inner tent
- The compact pack size of only 30cm allows for optimal positioning within your backpack.
- We’ve included a handy webbing loop at the bottom of the flysheet door to accommodate a trekking pole, enabling you to create a useful canopy.
- With 20 denier flysheet fabric, the flysheet and inner come attached, so the tent can be pitched quickly and easily as one.
- Best suited to ground conditions where pegging out is a possibility, the low-profile design ensures a stable structure along.
- Included are Dyneema reflective guylines that are three times stronger than standard guyropes, adding extra support.
- Two vents, one at each end of the tent to help with ventilation.
- FastPack option – use with the flysheet and groundsheet protector for an even lighter shelter.
- Supplied with Terra Firma Mini Pegs.
Specifications
UOG Specs:
- Flysheet & inner weighs: 763g
- Poleset weighs: 129g
- Total weight for comparison: 892g (excludes pegs and bags)
- x10 pegs supplied weigh: 9g (per peg)
Terra Nova Specs:
- Sleeps: 1
- Season Rating Spec: 3 season backpacking
- Free standing?: No (tent requires guy lines to be pitched)
- Pitch Time (estimate): 5 mins
- Number of Porches: 1
- Number of Doors: 1
- Packed Size: 30 x13cm
Material & Construction
- Flysheet: Watershed Si2 R/S 3000mm
- Floor: Waterbloc R/S 7000m
- Main Pole: 8.7mm DAC NF
- End Pole: 7mm TN Reflex Alloy
- Pegs: Terra Firma Mini 9g
- Guylines: 4 x Dyneema Reflective
- Inner Door: Half Mesh
