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Terra Nova Solar Photon 2

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
photo: Terra Nova Solar Photon 2 three-season tent

This is a great tent for people who require reliable protection from the elements and are willing to trade interior space for weight. It's been amazing in all weather conditions we've put it in. Don't be fooled by the amazingly light fabric; the seams are well sewn and the fabric is tougher than it feels. On hot buggy nights, the tent (without fly) provides skeeter protection while still allowing a silhouetted view of the sky.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Prevents condensation build up very well
  • Easy to set up
  • Decent vestibule

Cons

  • Requires good staking of the fly
  • Needs two more stake positions on the tent body
  • Very cramped even for two slender people
  • Provided stakes are completely useless

This tent performs well in Pacific Northwest weather: we've used it on snow and in steady 30 knot winds on Mt Adams, heavy rain/hail/snow in the high Sierras, misty beach camping on the West Coast Trail, and hot buggy weather in the Mojave. In each circumstance, the tent performed like a pro and we were dry and warm

It's extremely light (2 lbs), and sets up quickly.

On the negative side: it's very small, especially in the foot area. Fine for a couple who likes to be close, but my adult daughter complained that the fabric was on her face all night until she snuggled up to me in desperation to avoid the tent wall. This could be alleviated in a redesign by adding about 2" of width and providing stake positions on the side tent walls.

Overall, I am really pleased with this tent. I greatly appreciate going ultralight, but I'll never do so at the risk of safety, especially in the Pacific Northwest where it is common to get hammered if you want to camp year round.  This tent allows me to be fully confident in my safety margins while still going really, really light.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $475 USD

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $416.46-$489.95
Reviewers Paid: $475.00
Product Details from Terra Nova »