Vango Hurricane 200 2011

Sleeps: 2
Weight: 4.2kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x140cm
Pack size: 46x18x18cm
RRP: £300

Read our guide to dome tents here!

Review:  The new Vango Hurricane 200 is a fabulous two-person tent that delivers on so many levels.  A fully geodesic design, 5000mm hydrostatic head flysheet, and Powerlite alloy poles mean that this tent can survive pretty much anything that Mother Nature can throw at it. They don't call it the Hurricane for nothing.  Inside is very roomy - 220cm is enough length for anyone, and the 140cm width is one of the widest light two-person tents on the market.  All these benefits show up in the weight, which at 4.2kg is starting to get into 'heavy' territory for one person to carry, but split between two people it is more than acceptable.  All in all, this is a great tent - but at a RRP of £300 it is expensive - but there is a way around this:  Shop around and you can knock a bit off the price, as we have done below!.

Best bits: Storm-force weather-protection, big interior for a two-person tent
Worst bits:  A bit heavy, trickier to erect than some tents
Alternatives:  Read our comparison of dome tents

RRP:  £300
Where to get it cheaper?:  £204 - Click here

Marmot Grid 2 Person

Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.7kg
Dimensions: Internal 230x120cm
Pack size:  56x19x19cm
RRP:  £300

Review:  The Marmot Grid is an excellent tent for camping in poor weather and exposed conditions.  The innovative three-pole design is similar to the geodesic design of high altitude expedition tents.  The materials are high quality, with a ripstop nylon flysheet of 5000mm hydrostatic head, lightweight poles and fully taped seams.  Of all the top-end two-person tents this has the best internal dimensions, with a cool 230cm of length suitable for even the tallest campers.  The weight is higher than some competitors in this price-range at 2.7kgs, so might need to be shared between two for backpacking trips, but 1.35kgs each is not going to hurt anyone.  The three pole design means that guys are unnecessary, but it does increase the time taken to erect the tent by a few moments, especially the first time you take it out.  All said, if you can afford it, this is a quality tent with plenty of room for two, which can take all that the elements can throw at it.

Best bits:  Excellent design, roomy inside, high quality tent
Worst bits:  A bit heavier than some backpacking two-person tents
Alternatives:  If you're not so tall, the Force 10 Helium 200 will fight the weather just as well, but is under half the weight.  For total weather resistence step up to this tent's spiritual big-brother, the Terra Nova Ultra Quasar.

RRP: £300
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £264

Terra Nova Laser Competition 1

Sleeps: 1
Weight:  930g
Dimensions:  220x93cm internal
Pack Size:  40x12x12cm
RRP: £320

Review:  Terra Nova are the premier brand of ultra-lightweight tents, and the Laser Competition 1 is the 'entry-level' one-person tent.  The big positive is the weight, at under 1kg for tent, poles and pegs, this is a seriously light tent.  The tent is primarily aimed at lightweight hiking and mountain marathons, but is too expensive for any other use.  At just 220cm in length, this tent can feel a little cramped for taller campers.  However, the big problem that this tent faces is that it falls between two stools - it is more expensive that some of the newer, more roomy, double-skinned tents that weigh around 1kg, but it is heavier than the best ultra-lightweight tents which can be had for just a few more pounds.  However, if you are not very tall and want a very good quality tent for lightweight hiking or competition, then the Laser Competition 1 will be a good choice if you can get it at the right price - we've scoured the net to knock nearly £100 off the RRP, at which point the tent becomes competitive.

Best bits: Lightweight, excellent quality as you'd expect from the Terra Nova brand
Worst bits: Costs a little more than comparable newer tents
Alternatives:  Add 220g and get the Force 10 Helium 100 which is also longer, or add a few quid and get the Terra Nova Laser Photon 1

RRP:  £320
Where to get it cheaper?: Click here: £224