As stated recently, I have brought a Terra Nova Laser Competition tent forming the shelter for Project Peaks. After listing to a recent backpackinglight.co.uk podcast about rucksacks, I decided to review how to pack my rucksack. I had tried last week to get my stuff into a Deuter 32 Futera unsuccessfully. The podcast suggesting separating the various parts of the tent / shelter across different parts of the ‘sack.
Whilst reviewing the bits of the tent, I noticed one of the ends to a peg had come lose – remember I haven’t had one (tent) erection yet! Em. not good. Whilst looking on the net, I found the pragmatic solution would be to superglue the ends onto the carbon fibre peg poles. However, should I really be resorting to superglue on my new 240 quid (RRP) toy? I think not.
I know Terra Nova produce some Titanium pegs for a the same RRP as the carbon fibre pegs I have. Therefore I think a straight swap or replacement guaranteed carbon pegs would be in order. I don’t think tent pegs are the kind of things I can p**s around with as failure is more than a mere inconvenience.
I am eagerly awaiting Terra Nova’s customer services reply.
The famous tent peg top drop-off
If you check OM, or have a play with Google, you should find countless tales of this problem. It was one of the cons I faced last August when looking at TN v Atko, and it was certainly widely reported by then.
You would have thought it should have been resolved by now.
So want to guess who bought an Atko?
This is the tent we have just got to take to Corsica with us…..when we do the GR20 , best go check our pegs
Sally, as the later post suggests, I got mine replaced with the titanium pegs though I paid 6 quid difference. Apart from the pegs, the tent seems good though, quite stable in the fair winds I encounted in Wasdale and it packs small.
Hi!
As I’m thinking of buying a Terra Nova Laser Comp, I’d like to have your opinion on this tent. How is the overall quality? Zippers? Condensation? Have you got any experiences in rain, storm etc.? Please feel free to send me a mail – I would appreciate it. Thanks,
Sincerely,
Ole, Copenhagen
Ole,
Generally, I am happy with the tent. The weight (or lack of) is amazing, a and the tent seems fairly robust even in strong wind. However, care is needed with it due to its lightweight nature. Condensation seems to be handled ok in the couple of rainy nights I have spent in it. Provided you are careful, I would suggest going with it. However, please note my problems with the tent pegs. I would suggest checking and possibly replacing the pegs before using in anger, as the carbon fibre pegs are almost useless.
Paul.
Hi
Im new to tents and high tech camping equipment but i recently went on a camping hike around windermere and i was carrying at least my own body weight. the terra nova laser comp sounds like a great solution but i dont like the sound of comments about the carbon fiber pegs? could it just be a fluke that they were useless? or should i bring normal ones with me just in case?
Thanks,
Carl.
I personally think they are a daft idea and not a one off. I would suggest normal longer pegs, especially if there is a chance of stronger winds. If there is no chance of this, then some shorter pegs, like the titanium ones I brought are ok. The really do save weight, but I was worried on last weeks backpack. However they did hold in wet soil.
This summer in August the terra nova competition held up very well on the Hollow Stones plateau beneath Mickledore Ridge on Scafell.In 12 hours of heavy rain and a strong wind of about 30 mph.the only peg problem {titanium] was the windward peg on the opposite side to the tent entrance it managed to work its way loose but the tent still stood up to the elements.I have since changed to a set of standard aluminium pegs.We are only talking about a few grammes in weight.I still think its the bee’s knees when it comes to a small lightweight tent,i have only been camping since 1959 So what do i know!!!
I really like reading your article, I have also bookmarked your website for the future. Thanks!