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

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

Coleman Novae X2

Sleeps: 2
Weight: 1.9kgs
Dimensions:  Internal 220x130cm (at its widest)
Pack size:  53x16x16cm
RRP:  £230

Review:  The Coleman Novae X2 is a lightweight two man tent with an interesting design that sees the flysheet hang from an external structure of poles, and then the inner hangs from the flysheet.  At 1.9kgs, this tent is lighter than most of its competitors and might suit two people on a backpacking trip.  However, the internal space in this tent is cosy - at its narrowest the tent is just 80cm - and the flysheet is only 2000mm HH, which means it is somewhat weaker than some of its competitors.  For us, we think there are potentially better options on the market - the Vango Banshee 200 is only 100grams heavier, about half the price and made of better materials than the Novae X2.   Plus, if you really want lightweight, the Force 10 Helium 200 is just 1.3kgs for about the same price - although you do lose a few more centimetres of width.

Best bits:  Lightweight, interesting design
Worst bits:  There are lighter and better options on the market for around the same price

RRP:  £230
Where to get it cheaper?:  Click here: £146