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Terra Nova

The Terra Nova Heritage

Terra Nova Equipment carries a proud and respected legacy of tent craftsmanship, have produced some of the world's finest outdoor gear since the early 1980s. Guided by a 'Best in Class' design philosophy, Terra Nova strives to use and develop only the highest-quality materials and components. Tried, tested, and proven in some of the planet's harshest environments, Terra Nova's award-winning gear has become the trusted choice for outdoor professionals worldwide.

The Terra Nova story is rooted in mountain tents, with the iconic Quasar standing as a cornerstone of its heritage. Over the past 15 years, the brand has established itself as a leader in designing and developing exceptionally lightweight and reliable gear, including some of the lightest tents available anywhere.

Since 1993, Terra Nova, Wild Country, and Extremities have come together under the Terra Nova Equipment name, offering some of the most advanced outdoor products on the market, though the Terra Nova journey began long before that.

From Derbyshire workshops to Everest expeditions, their history is a timeline of design innovation, record-setting achievements, and milestones that changed the way people experience the outdoors.

1980

Geodesic Tents & GORE-TEX, Bivi Bags made by Wintergear

1982

First Thermal Gloves produced
1983

The famous Quasar Tent was introduced

Then called the Saphire, it went on to become a staple of basecamps across the world.

1986

Wintergear was bought by Wild Country
1993

Terra Nova Equipment was Founded

Following the de-merger of Wild Country Ltd. The Extremities Brand was also acquired during this period

1994

Introduction of Watershed, the first PU/silicone flysheet fabric in the industry.
1999

Terra Nova Equipment launched the Wild Country range of tents

2000

Terra Nova Equipment was acquired by Hubaco Ltd
2004

Guinness World Record - World's Lightest Tent: Laserlite 1145.3g (40.39oz)

2005

Guinness World Record - World's Lightest Tent: Laser Competition 930g (32.8oz)
2005

Introduction of FLO2 air-permeable GORE-TEX membrane in Bivi Bags

2007

Guinness World Record - World's Lightest Tent: Laser Photon 790g (27.9oz)

  • Outdoormagic.com - Best Tent Brand: Terra Nova Tents
2009

Terra Nova launched a range of Rucksacks

2010

Guinness World Record - World's Lightest Tent: Laser Photon Elite 587.9g (20.7oz)
2011

FieldCandy was launched

By founders John Harris and Rhona Carr, debuting with an initial collection of 40 uniquely designed tents.

  • The Great Outdoors - Recommended/Lightest in Test: Laser Ultra 1

  • Trail Magazine - Best in Tent: Laser Photon 1

2012

First to use Bonded Seams in commercially produced tents, with the launch of the Terra Nova Voyager Ultra 2

  • The Great Outdoors - Recommended/Lightest in Test: Moonlite Bag Cover

  • The Great Outdoors - The Great Outdoors Recommended: Super Inferno Mitts

  • Outdoor Enthusiast - Best Buy: Zephyros 2 (most recent version: Zephyros Compact 2)

  • Trek & Mountain - Highly Commended: Laser Competition 2

  • Trail Magazine- Best in Test: Laser Competition 1
2013

  • Outdoor Enthusiast - Best Buy: Trisar 2

  • The Great Outdoors - Recommended/Lightest in Test: Laser 35

  • The Great Outdoors - Recommended/Lightest in Test: Zephyros 2

  • Trek & Mountain - Best in Test: Hoolie 2

  • Oppad Outdoor Awards - Silver Ranking: Laser Photon 1

2014

  • The Great Outdoors - Best Buy: Storm Glove GTX

  • Outdoor Enthusiast - Best Buy: Hoolie 2
2015

  • The Great Outdoors - The Great Outdoors Recommended: Trail Lite Trekking Pole

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value: Zephyros 2

2016

Launch of the Southern Cross tents - a completely free-standing, 4-season design winning an Outdoor Industry Award

  • The Great Outdoors - The Great Outdoors Recommended: Laser Competition 1 Footprint

  • Trail Magazine - Hot New Kit: Zephyros 4 Living

  • The Great Outdoors - Best Buy: Southern Cross 2

  • UK Outdoor Industry - UK Outdoor Industry Award Winner: Southern Cross 1
2017

Starlite tents with a short packed length were launched

2017

Field Candy was Acquired by Hubaco Ltd

  • The Great Outdoors - The Great Outdoors Recommended: Blizzard 2

  • Trail Magazine - Minimal Weight Award: Laser 25

  • The Great Outdoors - The Great Outdoors Recommended: Trail Lite Trekking Pole

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value Awards: Helm 1
2018

Cycling Packs introduced

  • Equestrian Trade News - Innovation Award: Antares Reflective Beanie

2019

  • Owner Satisfaction Awards - Best Backpacker Tent Highly Commended: Terra Nova Tents

  • Outdoor Industry Award - Laser Compact 2
2020

Wild Country Zonda Inflatable tents launched & Compact tents launched in the Wild Country range

  • T3 Awards - Best Tent 2020: Zephyros Compact 2

  • The Telegraph - Best 2 Person Tent: Zephyros Compact 2

  • Camping Magazine Editor Choice Awards - Best XL Family Tent; Commended: Zonda 8EP

2021

Launch of X-Glo Reflective Tech by Extremities

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value Tent: Zephyros Compact 1

  • Camping Magazine - Editor's Choice Awards 2021: Zonda 4EP - Best Small Family Tent

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value 2 Person Tent: Helm Compact 2

  • Women's Running Awards - Best in Category: Maze Runner Reflective Glove
2022

Terra Nova Equipment becomes Employee Owned

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value 1 Person Tent: Helm Compact 1

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value 2-Person Tent: Helm Compact 2

  • TGO Magazine - Recommended 1-Person tent: Laser Compact 1

2023

The Quasar celebrates its 40 Year Anniversary with a Limited-Edition Quasar tent

  • TGO Magazine - Recommended 1-Person Tent - Laser Compact AS

  • Trail Magazine - Gear of the Year Award 2023: Helm Compact 1

  • Trail Magazine - Best Value 2-Person Tent: Pioneer 2

  • Owner Satisfaction Awards - Best Backpacker Tent Highly Commended: Terra Nova
2024

  • Camping Awards - Tent Brand of the Year - Terra Nova

  • Owner Satisfaction Awards - Best Backpacker Tents Winner - Wild Country

  • Owner Satisfaction Awards - Best Budget Tents (up to £300) Winner - Wild Country

  • Owner Satisfaction Awards - Best Backpacker Tents (Highly Commended) Terra Nova

2025

Terra Nova continues to innovate with new materials, ambassador partnerships, and expedition-ready gear.

Stay tuned for what's next

Terra Nova

World-class outdoor gear, tested in labs and the planet’s toughest environments. Built to perform, designed to endure.
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Wild Country

UK-designed tents that balance quality, simplicity and value - perfect for everyday adventures.
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Extremities

Trusted head, hand and foot protection. Designed in the UK for life in all conditions - from peaks to pavements.
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