Quasar 2 Tent

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A dependable geodesic shelter with improved sustainability and the same proven performance in harsh four-season conditions.

Terra Nova says

The Quasar has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable four-season expedition tents in the world, trusted by mountaineers and extreme-weather adventurers for over four decades. Its fully geodesic structure delivers exceptional stability, ensuring the tent remains secure in high winds, deep snow, and unpredictable winter conditions.  The dual-door design with front and rear porches allows for flexible access and ample storage, making it an ideal choice for two-person teams tackling extreme environments.

For 2025, the Quasar has been updated to be completely PFC-free, aligning with Terra Nova’s commitment to sustainable performance. The recycled inner and groundsheet fabrics further enhance its eco-friendly credentials, without compromising on durability. The flysheet is made from a high-performance 30D nylon with a 5,000mm hydrostatic head, while the 70D PU-coated recycled groundsheet provides an impressive 10,000mm hydrostatic head, ensuring full waterproof protection in the harshest conditions.

The 9.5mm TN Reflex poles offer a superior strength-to-weight ratio, enhancing the tent’s ability to withstand heavy snow loads and extreme weather. With an inner length of 210cm and a width of136cm, the Quasar provides a comfortable and secure space for two people, with generous headroom of 105cm. The 72cm porches at both ends ensure that gear storage and cooking arrangements remain practical, even in extreme conditions. With a packed size of just 47cm x 18cm, the Quasar remains compact enough for demanding expeditions while providing the robustness required for remote, high-altitude, or arctic adventures.

Our Verdict

The updated Quasar 2 retains everything that made it one of the most respected expedition tents in its class, now featuring fully recycled fabrics and PFC-free coatings across the fly, inner, and groundsheet. Stability remains excellent, thanks to the geodesic frame and 9.5 mm Reflex poles, which provide the strength to handle snow loads, sustained winds, and exposed conditions.

At 2.92 kg minimum weight, it’s not light, but the balance of protection, space and structure makes it ideal for basecamp use or winter hill camps where reliability matters more than weight savings. The dual-porch layout and steep-sided inner offer good livability for two, with enough space to store gear or cook under cover in poor weather.

Ventilation through the mesh-panel doors is sufficient, and pitching remains intuitive. The recycled groundsheet is lighter than older models, and using a footprint is still a sensible precaution on abrasive ground.

This update doesn’t change the Quasar’s core purpose. It remains a strong, well-proven tent for demanding use, featuring more environmentally responsible materials without compromising long-term performance.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Fully geodesic structure – designed for extreme four-season conditions
• Updated for 2025 with a completely PFC-free design
• Recycled inner and groundsheet fabrics – for enhanced sustainability
• 9.5mm TN Reflex poles – offering superior strength for high-altitude and polar expeditions
• Dual-door design with front and rear porches – ensuring flexibility and ample storage
• Highly waterproof, with a 5,000mm HH flysheet and 10,000mm HH groundsheet
• Trail Gear Hall of Fame inductee – proving its long-standing reputation in extreme environments

Specifications

UOG Specs:

• Flysheet weighs: 918g
• Inner weighs: 1075g
• Poleset weighs: 961g
• Total weight for comparison: 2954g (excludes pegs and bags)
• 18 x pegs supplied weigh: 225g

Terra Nova Specs:

• Sleeps: 2
• Season Rating Spec: 4 season backpacking
• Free standing?: No (tent requires guy lines to be pitched)
• Minimum Weight: 2.92kg
• Packed Weight: 3.36kg
• Number of Doors: 1
• Packed Size: 47x18cm

Material & Construction

• Flysheet: 30D Nylon R/S Si / PU C0 5000mm HH
• Inner: 20D Nylon R/S Recycled C0 WR
• Floor: 70D Nylon Plain Recycled PU C0 WR 10000mm HH
• Poles: 9.5mm TN Reflex poles
• Pegs: 18 x Terra Firma 13g pegs
• Guylines: 6 x Dyneema® Reflective
• Inner Door: Full mesh and solid door

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?