The Southern Cross one person tent has been in the Terra Nova range for over a decade, and is a cross framed, completely freestanding shelter. The poles sit on the outside, exoskeleton-like, and the tent is hung as one unit from them. Once tensioned, it will cope with most British weather across the seasons. The crossing pole supports a roomy porch, which stops the fabric blowing in and makes for a confidence inspiring, sheltered cooking space in bad weather, right down to a 2-way door zip (with hood) for ventilation.
David Lintern Highly Recommends
If you are in the market for a winter capable, 2 skin shelter for British weather, this should be high on your list. At the current sale price, it’s excellent value.- Very durable
- Weather resistant
- Low headroom while lying down
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £700 Weight: 1771g Pitching: As a unit, freestanding Flysheet: Watershed 30D Nylon Ripstop Si/Pu, 5000mm Hydrostatic Head Inner: 20D Ripstop Nylon C0, Groundsheet: Waterbloc 70D Nylon PU, 10,000mm Hydrostatic Head Poles: 8.64mm TN Reflex x 2 Pegs: 14, 6” Y shaped Porches: 1, 55 deep x 90cm long x 90cm high Inner Dimensions: Inner 87 wide at centre, 215 long www.terra-nova.co.uk |
There are 6 main pegging points, and another 8 for side panels and vents. The supplied pegs are strong and long. The inner is solid, with a mesh door window and zipper, making for a cosy shelter on breezy nights. There are two small vents, one at each end – I suffered no condensation on my tests. The living space is a good length and is triangle shaped meaning decent storage space at the back of the tent (including a pocket). There’s plenty more storage in the porch. As is common with centre hoop design tents, there isn’t a huge amount of headroom when lying down due the taper at each end, but it’s possible to sit up at the doorway, which naturally puts your head into the porch space. The inner is now PFC free, yet the built-in groundsheet remains reassuringly taped and impermeable.
I used the first iteration of the Southern Cross 2 tent and suffered a bent pole in appalling weather in the Breacons. We later found out that some Paratroopers on exercise had evacuated the hill on the same night! (The brand offer a 2-year warranty on poles). The design has been finessed since, and the reduced scale of single person tents means the Southern Cross 1 feels absolutely bomber. Getting the poles attached can be tricky with cold hands at these fine tolerances, zippers are fiddly, but if you are in the market for a winter capable, 2 skin shelter for British weather, this should be high on your list. At the current sale price, it’s excellent value.
