The Laser Competition 1 has become the classic, one person backpacking tent and has received multiple industry 'Best In Test' awards. The forerunner to the Laser Competition 1 (the Laser Lite) was first launched in 2004 and was the first 1kg tent in the market. It sparked a trend for lightweight tent development and the Laser design became the de-facto standard for lightweight tents.
Updated for 2017 with new end pole design for easier pitching and ventilating.
The tent is designed for travellers and backpackers looking for tried and tested weight saving kit with a good balance of low weight and durability. It is suitable for medium duration backpacking trips and mountain marathons and is rated for 3 season use, so spring to autumn weather conditions. Its low profile shape and design make it ideal for wild camping as well as campsite use. Although it is a 1 person tent for overnight stays it can be used to sleep 2.
The inner and flysheet come attached, so the tent pitches quickly and easily ‘as one’. This style of tent is best suited to ground conditions where pegging out is possible. The low profile design creates a stable structure and Dyneema reflective guylines, which are three times as strong as standard guyrope, add extra support.
A DAC NFL alloy pole is used for the main pole with additional alloy poles at each end of the tent. There are handy reflective tapes around the pole sleeve to help its location and ease of pitching. The inner door is half mesh which is midge proof and there are mesh panels at each end of the inner and flysheet (with waterproof cover) to ensure good ventilation.
The Laser Competition 1 tent uses Terra Nova Watershed flysheet and groundsheet fabrics. As the silicone coated flysheet fabric cannot be seam sealed in a conventional way, the tent has been cleverly designed to prevent water penetration into the inner. The end flysheet seams have been positioned so they are not directly over the inner and a removable waterproof pole cover is supplied with the tent to fully waterproof the main seam. This also protects the zip and adds stability in poor weather. The groundsheet however is seam sealed for waterproof protection.
The Laser Competition 1 is compatible with the Terra Nova FASTPACK system. This is a method of using a Footprint instead of the inner tent if conditions permit and is designed to trim even more weight and bulk from your rucksack. Footprints, which are available separately, cover the area under the inner and porch of the tent, they are designed to prolong the life of the tent and help keep it clean. For FASTPACK tents a Footprint must be used if the inner tent is not to provide the tension and anchor points required by the poles.