Terra Nova Voyager Superlite – any good?

Just wondered if anyone has one, and what they’re like/how they perform, especially in terms of space for two adults, stability and waterproofness? And did you seal the seams, because they don’t come sealed. I’m after a lightweight tent that’s reasonably stable for 3 season mtb touring, and I reckon I’m better or off splitting Superlite with a mate rather than buying a Laser Comp and carrying it myself. Any thoughts? Ta v much.

I bought one last winter and absolutely love it. Used it around 15 times and there is usually two of us in there and never had too much of a problems getting all the kit in.

There are some really useful features and it a great design. I have spent a couple on night in Laser Comp and they are great until the weather turns for the worse. From memory the weight penalty was about 700gms which it well worth it when your tent doesn’t collapse on you in a storm!

Thanks SJ – useful to know. Have you had any issues with water getting in? I know they’re not factory seam sealed, and some folk seal them as soon as they buy the tent. I don’t want shell out a ton of cash for a tent that isn’t properly waterproof. Thanks again.

Seems (pun, sorry!) to be common that the seams aren’t sealed. Dunno why that is, maybe due to costs or space – I have heard the tent needs to be left up for 24 hrs or longer to let the sealant dry.

Been looking for a tent myself recently, but a 1 man. Tarptent appear to be very highly rated, possibly more spacious, better in foul weather, and better handling of condensation. This is the one you’d want for 2 man – http://www.tarptent.com/scarp2.html – have to import from the states though.

thinking about a superlight voyager myself… as i have a few wild camping trips in the planning stages for this year..

anyone got any pictures of theirs in use?

can two people sit up inside?

There used to be a notion that heat-taping damaged the nylon in the longterm. Macpac never used to seal theirs either IIRC.

No one else got a Superlite they can tell me about?

Never had a problem with it letting the rain! Used it for three days in the Gower this summer and it chucked it down the whole time but never let water in.

I am 5′ 10″ and my Mrs is the same and we can get us both in there, both sleeping on 3/4 Thermarest. Used it early Dec where we where both in big down sleeping bags and both carrying 45ltr bags and it wasn’t too cramped. Porch is big enough to store your boots and setup the stove for making a brew when the weather is miserable.

I got mine from Taunton Leisure as they had the best deal on at the time, not sure if that is still the case.

Here are the only two photo’s I have of the tent. One from the Gower and the other in my front room to test how big it was!

If anyone who wants one live in or around Bristol you are more than welcome to pop round and take a look

Cheers SJ – nice offer, but I’m up north. Still, good to know yours has been fine. Looks slightly smallish inside for a 2-man, but I guess that’s the price you pay for featherweight. I’ll probably bag one this week. Ta for your help.

Have got the regular version rather than the superlight. Can only echo what other folks have said really – really great little tent. I have bought the groundsheet protector as the groundsheet does seem very thin – may be even thinner/lighter on the superlight, so if you’re going to be pitching on anything a bit rough, it could be worthwhile.

BTW – 30% off if you trade in your old tent:

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Information/Tent_Trade_In.html

🙂

Thanks for the photos Jamie!

they are just the images ive been searching the net for for the past month! especially the 2nd with someone inside..!

i shall be clicking the buy button at some point in the future! 😀

Hey,

I’m also after the same tent, after much research I’ve decided to go for the Terra Nova Superlite Voyager… However can’t decide where to buy it from as every different website I go on its a different prices and can range from like £270 – 300/400, not sure if this is becuase their are different year makes or not as they never mention what year it is. Noticed theres 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011 ones!

Anyone recommend a certain web?

Thanks

Voyager superlight review

I think the taped seams thing is to do with silicone elastomer coatings. You can’t adhere tape to these, so the fabrics which have this on the inside can’t be taped and you need to periodically seam seal them with sealant. I have a 10 year (ish) old Ultra Voyager which has a version of their watershed fabric which has PU inside and silicone elastomer outside. The seams are taped. Assuming the design hasn’t changed much over the years, it’s a fantastic little tent, but there isn’t a huge amount of room for two people with kit, especially in poor weather.

For those looking for tarp tents, good uk stockist here

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=91594&v=6h

Peter Jones really doesn’t rate this tent and I really rate his opinion.

I see MSP already posted that review…I wouldn’t buy one after reading Peter Jone’s experience.

I’ve got one and think it’s superb. I use it mainly for solo wildcamping. Space is very good for one person, two can fit but I wouldn’t want to use it for a week say with two people.

Materials are thin, thats why it is a superlite, but very strong and no problems. The inber tent hooks makes it much easier to pitch than a sleeve, I had a sleeve on my ultra quasar but prefer the hooks.

I did seam seal mine with silnet (£10) which took a few hours to do and have not had any problems with leaks.

Also if it rains, you can pack the flysheer seperate to the inner, no faffing about unclipping the inner from the outer. Also it takes a few minutes to erect, so no issues there as well as the inner is also water repellant, enough to keep it dry for those few minutes.

For two people for a week or so I’d recommend a superlite or ultra quasar as tbey have a bit more room and 2 porches.

I have a standard Voyager. Not used a huge amount but it’s light and packs down to not a lot. You can fit 2 people with kit but it’s a little tight. Quasar with 2 porches def better for space but heavier I think.
I thought I’d read that the Superlight is not sealed as it’s designed for high altitude mountaineering trips – has to cope with snow but not rain as too high up…