The ideal tent for backpackers and adventurers who are looking for the ultimate balance of strength, weight-saving, and adaptability. The New to 2026 Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 is the latest evolution of our iconic mountain shelter, featuring a strong free-standing design that delivers exceptional performance in demanding conditions while remaining impressively lightweight.
With a maximum weight of just 2.56kg and a minimum weight of 2.36kg, it’s light enough for long-distance treks whilst offering significantly improved internal comfort. The updated design features an inner tent that is 26% larger, creating more usable space for sleeping, organising gear, and waiting out bad weather.
Constructed with TriPlex™ triple ripstop, PFC-free, recycled and solution dyed flysheet fabric, the Southern Cross 2 has been engineered to be more sustainable than ever while maintaining the durability and weather protection required for exposed environments. Combined with an upgraded pole hub design, 9mm OD centre pole, and reinforced guying system, the structure delivers outstanding stability in strong winds and unpredictable mountain conditions.
Features:
- Free-standing design – reliable pitching on varied terrain with improved structural strength
- TriPlex™ flysheet fabric – lightweight triple ripstop PFC-free, recycled and solution dyed construction for durability and sustainability
- Updated with a total of three flysheet doors – improved access and ventilation from either side of the tent
- Extensive door and vent configurations – adaptable airflow and weather protection
- Larger flysheet end vents – enhanced ventilation and condensation management
- Hypalon flysheet hang points – increased durability at key stress areas
- Updated and strengthened guyline system – added stability for exposed conditions
- FlexiPorch feature – adjustable porch space for extra, gear storage
- Lantern hook in both porchs – practical lighting solution for camp use
- Clip-in footprint compatibility – easier setup and improved ground protection
- Re-designed pole hub with 9mm OD centre pole – increased strength and stability
- Inner tent 26% larger – improved comfort and liveable space
- Elasticated inner corners – maintains a taut, secure pitch and reduces stress on the fabric
- Eco anodised poles and reflective eyelet tape markers – improved sustainability and visibility in low light
- Colour-coded pole feet for quick, intuitive pitching even in poor conditions
- Internal drying line for hanging clothing and gear
Specifications:- Sleeps: 2
- Packed Weight: 2560gms
- Minimum Weight: 2360gms
- Doors: 3
- Porches: 1
- Packed Size: 46x20cm
- Season: 4 Season
- Flysheet:Triplex ™ / Si Recycled Solution Dyed PFC Free (3000mm HH)
- Inner: 15D Nylon R/S Recycled C0 WR / SD Mesh
- Groundsheet:70D Nylon Plain Recycled PU C0 WR (10000mm HH)
- Poles: 8.64mm Terra Nova Reflex, 9mm Terra Nova Reflex
- Pegs:14 x Terra Firma Pegs (13g)
- Guyropes: 4x Dyneema Reflective
Buyers Guide To Choosing a Tent
We think that any time spent in a tent is time well spent. A quiet camp away from the hassle of modern life can be medicine for the soul, but with so many different designs available, making sure you buy the right one can quickly give you a tent's nervous headache!
Shelter is important. If you are a solo camper who loves going out in dry, calm weather, maybe a tarp (a single piece of waterproof fabric) is all you need. Perhaps you are travelling through a hot region, where a mosquito net is the only protection you need from the elements. Or maybe a Bivvy Bag is the best option for the lightest weight weather protection.
The odds are, though, a tent will give you the space and weather protection you need. Ultra-light models, in particular, can be really compact. Check the dimensions, as being unable to sit up properly while waiting out a storm is no fun at all. If weight and size are important considerations for backpacking/bike-packing etc, then be sure to check packed dimensions too.
Tents fall into four key shapes: Ridge tents are traditional, classic-shaped, easy to pitch and sturdy. Dome tents are spacious and easy to pitch, usually with two poles crossing at the apex. They often have two doors and sometimes two vestibules, so you don’t have to climb over your tent buddy in the night. Tunnel tents provide a high space-to-weight ratio and are very easy to pitch. Geodesic tents have two or more poles with five or more crossings, making them the strongest kind of tent design, ideal for wild weather or expeditions.
3-season tents are ideal for most typical outdoor adventures. Most can handle heavy rain and a light dusting of snow, but they are not designed to withstand extended periods of bad weather. A 4-season tent is designed to keep you safe from severe weather, including snow and high winds. 5-season tents are designed for expedition use, made to the highest specifications for extreme weather.
The hydrostatic head measurement of the groundsheet and fly sheet will give you an idea of how much water the fabrics will keep out under laboratory conditions, but the overall construction and how the seams are sealed are also critical factors in how your tent will perform outdoors in bad weather.
Poles provide the structural support for your tent, and there is a huge amount of science involved in creating them. Fibre Glass poles are the cheapest but nowhere near as strong as aluminium or carbon poles.
We stock over 30 different types of tent pegs. Yes really. These range from 2g titanium ultra light beauties to steel nails that can literally be hammered (we sell one especially for the job) into those special kinds of groundsheet wrecking gravel/concrete pitches beloved on continental campsites. There are triangular ones, swizzly ones, V/Y/T shaped ones, stakes for camping in snow, shovels for camping on sand – no matter what sort of terrain you will be pitching on, we will absolutely have the peg for that!
Airing your tent each morning of use, wiping excess mud off the groundsheet, allowing it to dry before packing up and storing sharp pegs as the last item in the top of the bag when you are putting it away are all simple ways to make your tent last longer.
Outdoor Gear Chat Podcast
Take a listen to our Outdoor Gear Chat podcast Episode 19, all about tents, where Cathy and Wayne talk tents, poles, flysheets and pegs, pegs, pegs...
