Terra Nova Laser Competition 2

Sleeps: 2 (at a squeeze)
Weight:  1.25kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x105cm at the widest point
Pack size:  40x16x16cm
RRP:  £380

Review:  The Terra Nova Laser Competition 2 is the entry-level two-person tent from lightweight pioneers Terra Nova.  At just 1.25kgs, the Laser Competition 2 is one of the lightest two-berths on the market, but it's hard to get two full sized people into this tent easily.  It's even narrower than competitors such as the Force 10 Helium 200 or the cheaper Coleman Rigel X2, and to be honest it is hard to justify this tent over either of those, especially since the Helium 200 is cheaper at most retailers. However, Terra Nova are a small company based in Derbyshire, and those looking to support their local businesses won't have any compliants with any of their excellent quality tents.

Best bits:  Very light, small pack size
Worst bits:  Even narrower than other lightweight two-person tents
Alternatives:  The Force 10 Helium 200 or the cheaper Coleman Rigel X2

RRP:  £380
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £265

Vango Omega 450

 
Sleeps: 4
Weight: 6kg
Dimensions:  Internal 260x220cm, max height 145cm, external 280x235, max height 155cm
Pack size: 55x21x21cm
RRP:  £235

Review:  A bigger version of the Vango Omega 250 and 350, the Vango Omega 450 is an excellent choice for small groups looking for a hardy, lightweight tent with ample exterior storage space. At just 6kgs, this tent is seriously lightweight when shared between four people, so is ideal for cycle touring (due to the porch space to store the bikes).  260cm of internal width should be more than enough for four people, with a considerably bigger internal footprint than the Vango Icarus 400 or the Vango Orchy 400. As with the smaller models in the Omega range, the design looks very similar to the Vango Beta 450, and so you are really just paying a little extra for the better quality materials.  Read the full review of the smaller tent here for more information on the Omega range.

Best bits:  Lightweight, good external space, high quality materials
Worst bits:   Hard to find any faults with this excellent tent
Alternatives:   If you don't need the extra weatherproofing, then you can save a few pennies with the identical looking Vango Beta 450. For a similar design but with even more weather-proofing, step up to the Vango Equinox 450.

RRP:  £235
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £165

Coleman Avior X2

 
Sleeps: 2
Weight:  2.45kgs
Dimensions:  Internal 215x125cm
Pack Size:  40x15x15cm
RRP:  £120

Review:  The Coleman Avior X2 is a great quality tent, with nice touches like reflective patches to find your tent in the dark, and two doors to help getting in and out (the side door makes it so much easier than using the end door).   On the downside, the internal space is pretty cosy - it's really a 1.5 person tent rather than a true two-person, and there is very little external space for anything other than a pair of boots, so two big campers with bags will struggle to fit in.   The weather-resistance of this tent is really good for this price level - a 4000mm hydrostatic head for the flysheet, tunnel design and multiple guys means that it holds steady in pretty much any UK conditions. On the inner tent, the roof is a mesh design to allow better air circulation in hot weather.   The tent is a bit heavy for a one-person, but split between two it is very competitive.  However, the best thing about this great little tent is the price - at well under £100 in most stockists this is a very good option in the lightweight and cosy two-person all-weather tent market.

Best bits:  4000HH flysheet, clever design, great price
Worst bits:   Small interior for a two-person
Alternatives:  Shave off a bit of weight for a similar price with the Vango Banshee 200, or get more space by upgrading to the Coleman Avior X3 for a few more pounds.

RRP:  £120
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here - £70