Terra Nova Solar Photon 2 Tent

The Solar Photon 2 stands out as one of the lightest self-supporting tents designed for two people...

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Product Information

Full details

The Terra Nova Solar Photon 2 is a lightweight, two-person tent designed for ultra-light backpackers and adventure racers who prioritize minimizing weight without sacrificing performance. Its key benefit is its exceptional lightness, weighing in at just 855g minimum weight, making it ideal for long-distance expeditions. A potential caveat is the need for seam sealing to fully waterproof the tent, as the super-light material prevents factory sealing. The Solar Photon 2 boasts excellent ventilation, a stable shape for poor weather, and a quick pitch design. Updated for 2025, it features AiroCorner technology for enhanced groundsheet stability and a recycled, PFC-free flysheet.

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is the packed size of the Solar Photon 2?

The packed size is 40cm x 15cm.

What is the weight of the tent?

The minimum weight is 855g.

What is the flysheet made of?

The flysheet is made of Watershed 10D Nylon Ripstop Si2 (2000mm), which is also PFC-free.

Is the tent waterproof?

The flysheet is waterproof, but due to the lightweight materials, seam sealing is recommended for full waterproofing.

How many seasons is this tent suitable for?

It is a 3-season tent.

What kind of pegs come with the tent?

The tent comes with 1g titanium pegs.

What kind of poles does the tent use?

The tent uses 8.7mm DAC NFL poles.

What type of groundsheet is used?

The groundsheet is Watershed 20D Nylon Ripstop Si2 (3000mm).

Troubleshooting

Tent leaks during rainfall.

Check and apply seam sealer to all seams. Ensure the tent is pitched correctly with taut fabric.

Poles break or bend.

Handle poles with care. Replace damaged poles with spares if available.

Condensation inside the tent.

Ensure proper ventilation by opening the fly hoods. Avoid cooking or drying clothes inside the tent.

Pegs won't hold in the ground.

Use a different peg style, or try the pegs at an angle to increase hold.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight, ideal for minimizing pack weight.
  • Excellent ventilation with front and rear fly hoods.
  • Stable shape designed to withstand poor weather.
  • Quick and easy to pitch, saving time and effort.
  • Durable materials for long-lasting use.
  • Environmentally conscious with PFC-free flysheet and recycled materials.

Cons

  • Requires seam sealing for full waterproofing.
  • Super-light materials may be less durable than heavier tents.
  • Limited space compared to larger tents.
  • May not be suitable for extreme weather conditions without additional reinforcement.
  • Requires careful handling due to the delicate materials.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup

  1. Preparation: Lay out the groundsheet protector (if using) and the tent on a flat surface.
  2. Pole Assembly: Assemble the DAC NFL poles.
  3. Inner Tent Attachment: Attach the inner tent to the poles, ensuring all clips are securely fastened.
  4. Flysheet Attachment: Drape the flysheet over the inner tent and secure it using the provided clips and attachments.
  5. Pegging: Peg out the tent using the titanium pegs, ensuring the tent is taut and secure.
  6. Guyline Adjustment: Adjust the Dyneema reflective guylines to provide additional stability.

Compatibility

  • Groundsheet Protector: Compatible with a specific groundsheet protector (sold separately) to protect the tent floor and extend its lifespan. (FastPack compatible – use with the flysheet and groundsheet protector for an even lighter shelter).
  • Seam Sealer: Compatible with seam sealer (sold separately) for enhanced waterproofing.

Care

  • Cleaning: After each use, clean the tent with a soft sponge and lukewarm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
  • Drying: Always ensure the tent is completely dry before packing it away to prevent mildew.
  • Storage: Store the tent in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
  • Seam Sealing: Apply seam sealer to all seams for enhanced waterproofing, following the product instructions.