The Terra Nova Heritage
Terra Nova Equipment has a long, respected heritage of tent-making; having produced some of the world’s best outdoor gear since 1980. The Terra Nova ‘Best in Class’ design ethos drives an ambition to use and develop some of the best components and materials available. Tried and tested in our labs and in the most extreme environments across the planet, Terra Nova’s award-winning products are considered the brand of choice for most outdoor professionals across the globe.
The Terra Nova heritage is in mountain tents including the iconic Quasar. However, the last 15 years have seen the brand establish itself as the leader in the design and development of extremely lightweight gear, including the lightest tents in the world.
Since 1993, Terra Nova, Wild Country and Extremities have been part of the Terra Nova Equipment brand, creating some of the best outdoor equipment available on the market but the Terra Nova journey started way before this.
From Derbyshire workshops to Everest expeditions, our story is a timeline of design breakthroughs & records that changed the way people camp.
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 aquired 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)
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
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
Field Candy was Aquired 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
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
Our Brands
Explore Terra Nova, Wild Country and Extremities—engineered for every adventure.
Terra Nova
World-class outdoor gear, tested in labs and the planet’s toughest environments. Built to perform, designed to endure.
Wild Country
UK-designed tents that balance quality, simplicity and value — perfect for everyday adventures.
Extremities
Trusted head, hand and foot protection. Designed in the UK for life in all conditions — from peaks to pavements.