Normally I wouldn’t review a piece of kit this quickly; the tent is barely a month old. But this is a new piece of kit that is causing a lot of excitement and I have just finished using it for 14 nights, backpacking across Scotland. As usual Scotland’s weather helped put the tent through its paces.
Superlight Solar vestibule in action in Scotland
For the last five or six years, my backpacking, two person, tent of choice was the Hilleberg Nallo. This is a fine tent and, indeed, regularly wins the best two person tent endorsement from both Trail and TGO magazines. But a few weeks before setting off for Scotland the door zip of the Nallo failed completely. There not being enough time to guarantee repair and return we decided to try the Superlight Solar 2.2, after reading a complementary review by Chris Townsend in TGO.
I should say, upfront, that the Superlight Solar is a superb piece of kit.
I’ve always been somewhat bewildered by the old-style Solar 2. It was an interesting tent but the door arrangement was such that one person often had to clamber over another to get out of the door which was simply – well – not cool.
The new Superlight Solar 2.2 is made of the same lightweight materials as the Laser Competition. As a result the tent comes in at about the 2 kilogram mark, but the tent has now gained a second vestibule. Now that each ‘resident’ of the tent now has their own entrance, and storage space, this tent has been transformed.
Vestibules
In practice the two vestibules work wonderfully. We were both able to organise our vestibule space to our own systems (which is something of a bonus when backpacking for days on end). Indeed, my own space was as cavernous as the vestibule in my Akto, in fact it was a pure joy to simply adopt my Akto arrangement in a two person tent. One of the vestibules is slightly bigger than the other but both are more than adequate. Add the vestibule space together and there is significantly more useable space here than in the Nallo.
Inner Tent
Our biggest shock when the Superlight arrived was the inner tent. This seemed significantly narrower than that of the Nallo. But in use the inner was more than comfortable enough. A bonus was that all of the inner tent was useable. When conditions are cold, and condensation is rife, the Nallo can present some problems. The inner and the outer fly are often close together and if you accidentally sleep against the side water can come through. The bottom cone section of the Nallo is particularly prone to this problem, meaning that it can often only be used for storing gear and stuff sacks.
Over the two weeks the Superlight Solar inner tent proved to be both spacious and comfortable; there were no water seepage problems. The inner is long, making it more than suitable for someone well over six feet tall.
Pitching Inner First
Pitching the inner first was also new to us. In honesty there are advantages to both this system and the other in which the inner and outer go up as one.
On a number of occasions we pitched the inner in torrential rain. While we were faffing about – and before we got really slick at putting the tent up – the inner remained dry and comfortable inside. There really was no problem in pitching inner first.
The system does have a real advantage when taking down the tent. The inner and outer can be easily stored in separate stuff sacks, keeping the inner dry. We continued to use the single sack that the tent came in and, even so, saw some benefit. Once the inner is stuffed away it is easy to shake down the outer and even in rain this seemed to shed quite a bit of rain. A sodden two person tent is dramatically heavier than its dry equivalent. Even so, a Superlite Solar – stored when wet – seemed lighter than the Nallo (after shaking down the fly). And having the two skins separate to each other meant that it was easier to dry out the fly during a day stop. If I’d have really been clever I’d have stored the wet fly in the mesh pocket on the front of my pack; no doubt it would have shed more water as I moved.
Stability
This year’s Challenge was pretty windy, indeed the wind speeds when we were in and around Braemar were pretty dramatic. I always pitched the tent with the inner length-ways into the wind; this helps keep both vestibule entrances out of the wind. But the Superlight Solar can take winds from every angle. Once up the tent takes on a kind of irregular hexagonal shape, which is very good for shedding wind.
In bad weather the tent was comfortable, stable and dry.
The Best Two Person Backpacking Tent Available?
There are certainly lighter two person tents available. The Big Agnes Seedhouse II is certainly lighter, but it’s vestibule is very small and cooking inside of it is pretty risky. When backpacking in Scotland like climates for days on end, the ability to cook inside of the porch is pretty important. The ME Ultralight is lighter but nowhere near as stable.
All in all we were both very impressed with the Superlight Solar 2.2. Split between two people the Solar breaks down to almost two loads of 1 kg each (tent and poles seperate). This meant that my own base-weight was on a par for last year’s solo Challenge, if not a little lighter.
I always thought that the Nallo was the best all round backpacking tent for two people. Both Kate and I are agreed that the Superlite Solar is better and that’s praise indeed!
The Superlight Solar 2.2 may well be the ideal, lightweight, two person, backpacking tent. I confidently expect to see a number of these on next year’s Challenge, such was the interest being shown in it on campsites.
Terra Nova have another big hit on their hands.
The ”hexagonal” shape of the Superlight Solar.
I was about to say that this tent design looks strikingly similar to a little Wild Country tent I bought around 8 years ago. Then I search for it’s name online and find Wild Country and Terra Nova are the same company, so this tent is probably the same one, just updated. Anyway, I agree with your review. Mine got hammered for years round Scotland and Snowdonia and it still looks as good as the day I bought it.
Assuming the pegs don’t fall to pieces
This tent come with decent titanium pegs, not those weird carbon thingies that everyone moans about with the Competition.
I’m interested in this tent, it looks close to perfect for a 2 man tent but its very pricey and terra nova are limiting who can sell it. Cheattents can’t get hold of it and ellisbrigham charge £320
does anyoe know where it can be bought cheaper
You’re right about that Paul. When I bought mine Ellis Brigham were there only people selling it. I think that this might still be the case.
It is a cracking tent though.
I’ve this tent, and it’s evry good product, light and roomy.
Glad you said that Claude. I had somebody complain to me about it the other day – the way in which a little rainwater can get trapped on the top of the tent. I couldn’t understand why this was a problem as you can just shove it off from inside the tent, keeping perfectly dry in the process!
Got this tent for £275 at cheaptents.com Suberb tent… cant really fault it, maybe a little narrow, but it keeps it warm inside and keeps the weight down. 10/10
The narrowness gets you at first but it really is not an issue as you get to know it. Great tent.
Hi members, Please tell me who is the cheapest seller? Why do Terra Nova say it’s exclusively theirs and Ellis Brigham’s? Has anyone tried Norwich Camping (they seem to be the cheapest)? http://www.norwich-camping.co.uk/product_details/Terra_Nova_Superlite_Solar_2.2_08_Model/6980.html
Ian – this post is quite a n old one now. When the tent was first sold it was, indeed, sold exclusively at EB. Now it is more widely available.
I tested this tent in wind 100 km/h and snow, is perfect, no problem .
It ‘s a great tent.
On-going useage of the tent sees me share Claude’s positive views of the tent.
If you have an old tent, any old tent, that you don’t need Terra Nova will take it as a 30% part exchange against any theirs.
I’ve just collected a Solar 2.2, £238 plus a three year old Coleman tent that cost £60 new and had been well used.
I am thinking about getting one of these tents but don’t know how essential it is to go for a footprint as well- I would like to minimise weight but not at the expense of getting wet. Can anyone advise?
No need for footprint, well not in my experience and I was using the tent again this weekend. The bathtub floor is completely waterproof.
I have one and it’s a great tent. I bought it on the strength of Andy’s review (nice one Andy!). Used it in the Peak District in wind and rain the weekend before last with no problems. Happy to say it got top marks from my wife too, who loves the extra storage space for her, er, ‘things’… I had been worried that the pitch wouldn’t be taut enough, but the tent sheds wind so well it’s not been a problem. I’m a convert to the separate fly concept too, for the reasons Andy outlines above. Ventilation is tip-top for those mornings when the sun hits the tent and it changes from shelter to oven in 10 min. Love this tent: it’s going to Norway and Skye with us this year, and I’ll let you know how we get on!
Hi All,
I’m going to Tanzania in Africa in about 3 weeks time and I’m thinking about getting this tent for my stay. I’ll be out there about 2 months. In your opinions, would this tent be ok for such a long stay?
Thanks in advance!
Yep I do Chris. The extra vestibule space should really prove itself over that time scale. And if it is for use by just one person it will be very luxurious. The more I use it the more I really appreciate the vestibule space.
Cool, thanks Andy. It is just me in the tent, so luxurious it will be
The tent is maybe a lil over the top for this trip, but at least I’ll have it for the future 
I’ll let you know how I get on. All the best,
Chris
Ok, now I’m lusting after a tent. This outdoor obsession is going too far….
Hi,
Like most people posting here, this tent seems to be the perfect lightweight 2 man tent, however I’d be grateful if you tell me if both doors on the inner tent are fitted with mosquito nets, or is it just the main door? It’s not clear from any photo or review I’ve seen of the tent or indeed Terra Nova’s website.
Ian, both doors are fitted with fine mesh insect nets. I’m not sure its the perfect lightweight tent but it’s near as damn it. It needed something good to beat the Akto!
Matt – outdoor obsessions grow and grow …
… be warned
Andy, I too got this tent as a result of your ravings. It is fantastic! I have previously owned a Saunders satellite and a big Vango four season geodysic thingy. This tent has the best of both those worlds. It packs small and is lightweight and yet has room inside to sit upright to play cards, dress etc AND has two huge vestibules/porches! The crossed poles and large number of guy points add stability and it is easy to pitch by one. It is, in my view, and I have done my research, the best all round 1 and 1/2 backpacking tent design money can buy.
Rowly,
I think you’re right. I hesitate to say this is the very best backpacking, two person, tent – but I’m sure that it is. Very stable, comfortable and very practical with the two vestibules.
Hurray!! Bought it as a second from Terra Nova. Busy year planned, so wait out for report. Missus is spitting – that’s now 3 tents between 2 people. ‘Spose I could sell her on ebay….
Matt
Hmm, we have three tents and two tarps in our houselhold!
Three questions, Andy, if I may:
— are the vestibule large enough to cook inside even with the door zipped up?
— can the inner be detached from the outer from the inside and pushed back like in Hilleberg tents?
— how would you rate the SL Quasar as a (solo) winter tent compared to, say, a Unna?
Thanks!
Hi all,
I’m looking for a tent emmediatly for some summer cycle touring (France, maybe the Lake District) and I’m wondering if the Solar has enough space in the main vestibule to tuck the best part if my bike under (lying flat on the ground) to keep it from the elements and potential thieves – is the main vestibul big enough do you think?
(If not, I am thinking about the Voyager as I have some bizare prefernce for lying with my head towards the door of a tent rather than side on!! Does anyone else find this??)
Walter,
The vestibules are easily large enough to cook in – indeed I cook using a small meths stoves on some occasions.
You can pull back the inner.
Not sure about the Quasar but I’ve used the SuperSolar in winter without any problems
You could leave your bike in one vestibule. There’s more space in this tent than in the Voyager.
Hello,
Read and re read this report a number of times. Guess what? I sold my Hilleberg Akto and my Vaude Taurus Ultralight.
I now have only one tent. It is this Terra Nova Superlight Solar 2.2. Its fantastic! Thanks for the original report. Only one complaint and I have written to Terra Nova with no satisfactory result-the titanium pegs are absolute rubbish. They are going to scrap metal recycling bin!
John.
I borrowed a friends Solar 2 last year for a week in scotland and loved it. Now I’m off to scotland again and want my own! The 2.2 looks great but I have two questions. First, what exactly is wrong with the pegs? And second, how do I go about getting the 30% part exchange?
The pegs are titanium and very very light! But very very thin and bend!
30% via Terra Nova website. Best to call them for the link. However go to Taunton Leisure or Brighams etc and the tents cheaper and you get to keep or sell the older tent. Have fun with the 2.2-its great.
John.
Hi
After reading all the positive comments on this site and doing other research into potentially the best lightweight tent circa 2KG I bought my Solar 2.2 in July this year. Impresed with the two door layout and particularly for one person, loads of room to move, store, cook etc. This last weekend I used it for two nights the tent was up all day on Sat in pouring rain and when I returned there were two enormous puddles of water on top of the tent, such was the weight that the tent was slowly collapsing and was down to half its height. I am surprised and not impressed at all, if this had happened during the night I could have woken up in a bit of a fix with the tent collapsing around me. I reckon the top of the tent is too large and too flat, after a real soaking the nylon becomes only a little floppy which then bellies and allows water build up. Yes you can push it off if you know about it but that is not what I expect from a 300 quid tent!. I did think of shortening the restricting band to bring the hoops closer together to resolve. Anybody else had this experience and any solutions out there?.
In heavy rain you can certainly get a puddle, but nothing that dramatic. The only time I had anything like that happen was when I’d put the tent up and not clipped some of the clips in place.
I’d have a chat to Terra Nova if I was you. Your tent should definitely not work like that.
Hi Andy
Following an email exchange with Terra Nova who are quite helpful. They advise that Superlight fabrics will take less weight and in heavy downpours can pool quite quickly, one solution is to have adjustable tension straps fitted to the inner supports of the top of the flysheet, they have offered to do this modification for me FOC. This is what I expected and is something I can carry out myself as its quite simple really, overall I am impressed with the tent in many ways, as long as the pooling is resolved. Fingers crossed it works. Will keep you posted.
Cheers Dave W
Keep me in touch Dave. I know that the two poles are different lengths – put the smaller one on slanting ground and there is more of a problem. But I’ve had my tent in terrible storms and have only had a small pool on the top – which is simply dealt with by shoving it from the bottom!
In the Pyrenees the tent stood up to tons of rain and two very dramatic storms without a problem.
For all those who would like a closer look at this tent, I have uploaded many pictures here
http://www.pbase.com/john28july/solar22
I hope they show all aspects of the tent!
John.
Updated. Terra Nova Solar Superlight 2.2.
CONDENSATION!
http://www.pbase.com/john28july/forestofdean
John,
Open the top of the inner tent doors slightly. All tents suffer from some condensation. The Solar is no worse than any other I have owned.
I had both midge nets uncovered with both doors wound down until I could see out! It had so much condensation that I had to literally wring the flysheet before stowing away in my pannier. The wet was far in excess off what it has been in other tents.
John.
Hello All,
I am looking to buy a light weight tent and after reading some fabulous posts on this site, I am confused! I was hoping to buy a Northface Tadpole 23DL or a Voyager ultralight but ofcourse now there is the third option superlight solar 2.2. Any help / advise on choosing one would be highly appreciated.
Badri.
Well do not buy a Northface Tadpole 23DL as its not really the best for UK weather! Solar 2.2 if you can take the condensation in cold weather is great. The Terra Nova of course is a good tent but a little more involved to erect.
John.
I found Andy’s site when searching for the best buy for this tent. I am very interested in this tent and have a Laser Comp which is great but I need a little more room being a big 17 and a half stone size. I have now bought one from ‘The Outdoor Shop’ which is due to arrive tomorrow? I thought the reviews have been very useful and I have shown others I work with interested in buying one too. When seeking my best buy, I found most suppliers selling for around £285. I did look at T/N’s part ex offer but with post etc and needing to trade something in that was decent, I thought maybe not. We have a long standing account with Cotswolds and put thousands of pounds their way but they could only offer £288! The best deal was OD shop’s £249 plus £3.75 post. They are now out of stock but expected more in. I hope that the Solar’s pegs are better than the Laser which are absolutely bonk! I have written to T/N twice and finally received a reply last week, but they didn’t seem too bothered? I will be back when I have used my new tent at Easter.
Phil, good luck with the Solar. Mine has been used in all kinds of weather now – superb!
As for pegs, I’d just replace them with an assortment from backpackinglight.co,uk
Hi folks,
after some searching I still haven’t found a price better than ~£300 – can anyone please help me out?
Stefan
That sounds about right to me — sadly.