Terra Nova Pioneer 2: This one's been out a while but was recently replaced by the Terra Nova Pioneer Lite, so some good deals to be had on a new one if you can find the last of the Mk 2 (2022 onwards) Pioneer Compact 2. This weighs about 1,9kg without the bags, just rolled up in my backpack with poles in one of the side pockets. I managed to snag mine at close on half price, never used, new in its original packing.
It's a free standing semi geo poled design using two poles, the upgraded version (mine's a 2023 model) using top spec DAC poles (8.7mm) and a decent set of pegs compared to the originals which bent like pipe cleaners!
Very durable and very well made with a decent heavy denier groundsheet and sil nylon flysheet. Ventilation is excellent (zero condensation so far) as is its abilities to stand up to a real battering in high winds. I intend using it for bike trips, camping and for backpacking. Obvious comparisons will be made with the newer WC Helm Compact and Helm Elite tents from the same stable, but I got mine way cheaper than a new Helm elite 2, and comparing both, (looked at the helm elite an our local camp shop) the Pioneer is clearly a cut above in quality, in fact there's no comparison even if the helm tents have some design advantages (like the twin vestibules). If on a tight budget, the Helm 2 is still a cracking good alternative.
If you can't find a new old stock one of these, there's always the newer Pioneer Lite but the catch is it costs £550 with the footprint and is currently out of stock (I was informed they are still in their current line up and they may get more made up with the newer ones coming with the same DAC poles as my mk2 Pioneer compact), or a little more spendy, the excellent Southern Cross 2 at £800
It's a free standing semi geo poled design using two poles, the upgraded version (mine's a 2023 model) using top spec DAC poles (8.7mm) and a decent set of pegs compared to the originals which bent like pipe cleaners!
Very durable and very well made with a decent heavy denier groundsheet and sil nylon flysheet. Ventilation is excellent (zero condensation so far) as is its abilities to stand up to a real battering in high winds. I intend using it for bike trips, camping and for backpacking. Obvious comparisons will be made with the newer WC Helm Compact and Helm Elite tents from the same stable, but I got mine way cheaper than a new Helm elite 2, and comparing both, (looked at the helm elite an our local camp shop) the Pioneer is clearly a cut above in quality, in fact there's no comparison even if the helm tents have some design advantages (like the twin vestibules). If on a tight budget, the Helm 2 is still a cracking good alternative.
If you can't find a new old stock one of these, there's always the newer Pioneer Lite but the catch is it costs £550 with the footprint and is currently out of stock (I was informed they are still in their current line up and they may get more made up with the newer ones coming with the same DAC poles as my mk2 Pioneer compact), or a little more spendy, the excellent Southern Cross 2 at £800
