Are you planning your next bike touring or bikepacking adventure and in need of a reliable tent? Terra Nova could be worth considering. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at a few of the smaller Terra Nova tents that could be suitable for bike touring and bikepacking. First, a little about Terra Nova.

Terra Nova is a British outdoor equipment manufacturer that specialises in producing high-quality tents and other camping gear. The company was founded in 1993 by a group of experienced outdoor enthusiasts who were dissatisfied with the quality and design of the camping equipment that was available at the time. Terra Nova's tents are known for their innovative design, exceptional quality, and high performance. The company uses the latest materials and manufacturing techniques to create lightweight, durable, and waterproof tents that can withstand the toughest outdoor conditions.

One of the key features of Terra Nova tents is their use of advanced fabrics, such as silicone-coated nylon and Cuben Fiber, which are lightweight yet incredibly strong and durable. The company also uses innovative designs, such as its patented Tension Band System (TBS), which helps to improve stability and wind resistance in their tents.

Terra Nova offers a range of different tents to suit a variety of outdoor activities and conditions, from lightweight backpacking tents to large family camping tents. They also produce a range of other camping equipment, including sleeping bags, backpacks, and outdoor clothing.

All of this technology, innovative design, and high quality does come with a higher price tag.  I myself have been using a Terra Nova sleeping bag and tents for the past 8 years and in my experience they do stand the test of time and have served me well for a variety of trips cycling and family camping.  I'm not paid to say that by the way!

Let's see what Terra Nova has to offer Bicycle Travellers. 

Terra Nova Laser Pulse 1 Tent

If you're looking for a lightweight and high-performance tent for your next Bicycle Touring or Bikepacking trip, the Terra Nova Laser Pulse 1 Tent is an excellent choice. This tent is designed to be ultra-lightweight and incredibly easy to set up, making it perfect for solo bicycle adventures.

The Laser Pulse 1 Tent is constructed using Terra Nova's high-quality silicone-coated nylon, which is incredibly durable and waterproof and is designed to keep you dry even in the toughest conditions. The tent is also equipped with the Tension Band System (TBS), which helps to improve stability and wind resistance, so you can stay safe and secure in strong winds.

One of the best things about the Laser Pulse 1 Tent is how easy it is to set up. The tent features a simple, single-pole design, which means you can have your shelter up and ready in just a few minutes. Plus, the tent is incredibly lightweight, so it won't weigh you down while riding or bulk out your bags or panniers - it packs down nice and compact.

Despite its lightweight design, the Laser Pulse 1 Tent is kind of spacious, with adequate room for one person and their gear. The tent features a large porch area, which is perfect for storing your bags, cooking equipment, or smelly clothes!  Most people should have ample room for sleeping and storing their gear.

Overall, the Terra Nova Laser Pulse 1 Tent is an excellent choice for Bicycle Travellers who are looking for a high-quality, lightweight, and easy-to-use tent. Whether you're planning a solo adventure or a minimalist trip, this tent will provide great shelter and keep you comfortable.

Specifications:

• Weight: 840 grams
• Packed size: 30cm x 12cm
• Sleeps: 1 person
• Dimensions: 220cm x 85cm x 70cm

Pros:

• Ultralight and compact
• Waterproof materials
• Breathable mesh inner tent

Cons:

• Limited space and headroom - you need to travel light!

Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 Tent

If you prioritise speed, efficiency, and lightweight gear, the Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 Tent is a top-of-the-line option. This award-winning tent is known for its sleek design, ease of setup, and excellent performance in challenging outdoor conditions.

The Laser Competition 1 is one of the lightest tents on the market. Despite its minimalist design, it still provides enough space for a single occupant, with a reasonably sized sleeping area and a single-hoop design also allows for excellent ventilation, ensuring you stay comfortable and cool during hot summer nights. The only downside is the lack of space to store your gear - there is a small vestibule for your bags, however, you need to be well organised and ideally travel light! 

The Laser Competition 1 is built with Terra Nova's top-quality silicone-coated nylon, which makes it incredibly strong, durable, and waterproof. It features the brand's patented Tension Band System (TBS), which uses guylines and internal bracing to provide exceptional stability and wind resistance, even in the toughest weather conditions.

One of the best things about the Laser Competition 1 is how easy it is to set up. The tent features a single-pole design, which allows for a quick and efficient setup in under five minutes. This makes it perfect for solo adventurers or anyone looking to shave time off their packing and setup routine.

Overall, the Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 Tent is a top-performing and lightweight option for anyone seeking a high-quality shelter for their outdoor adventures. Whether you're an ultralight Bikepacker or pack-the-kitchen sink-style Bicycle Tourer, this tent has everything you need to stay comfortable and protected during your next cycling adventure.

Specifications:

• Weight: 970 grams
• Packed size: 30cm x 12cm
• Sleeps: 1 person
• Dimensions: 220cm x 90cm x 95cm

Pros:

• Ultralight and compact
• Waterproof materials
• Larger size for more space and headroom

Cons:

• Limited space for gear - again, you need to travel as light as possible!

Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 Tent

If you're looking for a spacious and durable tent that can comfortably accommodate two people and their gear, or one person to spread out and enjoy extra space, then the Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 Tent is an excellent option. This high-performance tent is designed to provide exceptional protection and comfort in a range of outdoor environments - it is perfect for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking with people who are happy to share a tent.

The Southern Cross 2 is built using Terra Nova's premium-grade Watershed fabric, which is exceptionally strong and waterproof, ensuring you stay dry even in heavy rain or snow. The tent's two-pole design provides excellent stability and wind resistance, while the patented Tension Band System (TBS) helps to prevent any unwanted movement or sway.

The tent's spacious interior measures 230 cm x 125 cm (90.5 in x 49.2 in), with a generous porch area that offers plenty of storage space for gear, cooking equipment, or smelly shoes! The tent's front and rear doors also allow for easy entry and exit, and the mesh ventilation system ensures you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Despite its size and durability, the Southern Cross 2 is surprisingly lightweight -  this makes it an excellent option for cyclists who needs a tent that can handle tough conditions without adding extra weight to their bike setup.

Overall, the Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 Tent is a reliable and high-performance option for anyone seeking a spacious and durable shelter for their outdoor adventures. With its premium materials, excellent design, and ample space, this tent is sure to provide you with the comfort and protection you need to make the most of your time in the great outdoors.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1800 grams
• Packed size: 45cm x 15cm
• Sleeps: 2 people
• Dimensions: 275cm x 95cm x 95cm

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Two doors for easy access
• Durable materials

Cons:

• Not freestanding
• May require additional setup time

In my opinion, any of these tents would be great for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking.  If you are going solo and want to keep your setup lightweight, the Laser Competition 1-man tent is a great choice.  I myself own this and can honestly say it is brilliant.  It is so easy to put up in all conditions, doesn't add much weight to my bicycle (about 900 grams), packs down nicely, and stands up strong in rubbish weather.  My only constructive feedback/advice is to be careful with the pegs - they bend easily on hard or rocky ground.  The other thing is to be careful where you place the tent - with this tent being expensive, I do get a little concerned about damaging the fabric underneath, which although is clearly very strong, feels very thin. An additional ground sheet could be used to provide extra protection.

Do consider Terra Nova when you look at buying a new tent.  They are certainly worth comparing to the other top brands, and the extra money will give you a tent that lasts.

Terra Nova is an excellent choice for cyclists due to its lightweight construction and durability. These tents are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventure and can be easily carried on a bicycle. They use high-quality materials such as ripstop nylon and aluminum poles, which offer excellent strength and weather resistance. 

The design of Terra Nova tents also provides cyclists with ample space, storage options, and ventilation. This makes them comfortable and practical for extended cycling trips.

Overall, Terra Nova tents are an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a lightweight, durable, and versatile camping solution.