British tent maker terra nova has a long track record of producing highly regarded, award-winning, ultralight tents. The voyager, a heavy-duty all-rounder, has been a favourite among long-distance cycle tourists from the UK for over two decades.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the 1-berth laser comp was the first sub-1kg tent in its class when it launched 15 years ago and remains an ultralight backpackers’ classic today.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom so why launch something new?

This is a somewhat specialised tent. As noted above, accepted wisdom in bikepacking and cycle touring circles is that freestanding tents are generally more versatile than tents that require staking out.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom as a tunnel tent, the starlite is in the latter camp, requiring a minimum of 7 stakes to properly erect, and all 11 for the most robust pitch.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The starlite 2 strikes a good balance in this respect. It offers more headspace than the ultra-minimal shelters favoured by some bikepackers, though it doesn’t quite compete with the cavernous hubba hubba NX (86cm vs 100cm of headroom, and one entrance/porch instead of two).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it sounds like a small point, but it is nice to be able to sit upright inside your tent while you’re changing your clothes in the evening or pulling on layers in the morning.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the starlite 2 just manages this for me (I’m 5 foot 11).

The starlite 2 has a generous porch (or awning) area for gear storage. If you buy the optional footprint (ie: floor protector), this will extend to cover the whole porch area.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom because it has quite a long floor (220cm), there’s a little space for additional gear (or particularly tall people!) in the slightly tapered foot end too, even if both berths are occupied.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

While the most minimally-minded of solo bikepackers will go straight for the 1-berth version of the starlite, I’ve always felt that taking a 2-berth tent on solo trips pays off every night in comfort and convenience.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I’ll notice this much more than the extra weight, because pedalling is just pedalling, but I want my camps to be a time to relax and enjoy.

Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In terms of venting, it’s possible to adjust the awning zippers to allow air in beneath a ribbed hood, or to roll up the door completely in fine weather, either way allowing the half-mesh door of the inner tent to breathe.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom at the foot end, another mesh panel and an external hooded vent allow a reasonable through-flow of air. I wouldn’t want to spend a whole day in a starlite in the heat of summer, but I don’t expect many riders would have that in mind anyway.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

One thing I did notice during multi-day pitches – and this is fairly typical of ultralight fabrics – was the tendency of the flysheet to sag a little when wet and then to contract again when dry.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom on a couple of occasions when the tent was completely soaked, this resulted in some contact (and therefore dripping) between the inner and outer layers.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

I had a particularly good opportunity to test the starlite’s performance in the extremes of weather during a week-long trail maintenance camp in the greater caucasus range of northern georgia, where I had the tent pitched in the same spot for a week.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the weather was typical of summers in this mountain region: hot, sunny days and cold nights (ie: big temperature gradients), with sudden and violent lightning storms rolling through almost every day.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Even when it felt like all the water and electricity in the known universe was being dumped upon our camp, the starlite didn’t leak a drop. With a hydrostatic head rating of 5000/6000mm for the fly and floor fabric respectively, the waterproof materials here are – on paper – among the most heavy-duty of tents in this class (compare to 1200/3000mm for the hubba NX range).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

At a list price of £595, it’s hardly cheap, and therefore it’s likely to be a purchase many will spend a long time pondering. Whether – when it comes to opening your wallet – the selling point of packability would tip the balance in the starlite’s favour is for you to judge, but I will say that, after a year of road-testing, it’s made such a difference to my bikepacking routine that I’m surprisingly reluctant to send it back.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom