ULTRALIGHT ROOFTOP TENTS

[@Venture2Roam]

These two ultra light roof top tents are very enticing options IMO. Overlanders need to consider weight when building a set up and these two tents offer a lot of value!

[@inspiredoverland]

Great review, Will! This video will definitely help others decide which tent suits them best. As for storing bedding, many of our customers keep their sleeping bags in the tent without any trouble. Plus, we're launching a hybrid self-inflating air mattress in a few weeks. When deflated, you'll have even more room for extra bedding! We're also excited to introduce an aluminum rainfly pole holder that customers can upgrade to, ensuring the rainfly stays taut. Lastly, a cover will be available for both the standard and XL models, just like the one that comes standard with our Carbon Fiber tent.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great additional info here!!! Thanks for sharing. I've seen the middle bulge when trying to store bedding (in both tents), but it could also be due to operator error :). Love hearing you have some new options - especially for the rainfly..that will make a big difference. Keep making rad tents guys!

[@emmawxyn]

I discovered this channel while doing research for a roof top tent for my audi allroad. I really appreciated the high quality, informative review videos from this channel. Somehow you answered exactly the questions I had, it's like you reached into my brain.... Much gratitude sir!

[@Venture2Roam]

So glad to hear it!!! Hope you find the right tent for that Audi!

[@thekimmonia]

Loved the comparison! I got the FSR and love it. A couple things to add to your review for the FSR: use a handheld vacuum pump to blow up / deflate the mattress 10 seconds, allows me to store the sleeping bag easily, the FSR comes with a cover which I just keep on full time, the FSR comes with the LED dimmable light, there are window vents above the window on both sides.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great additions. I really hate dealing with covers so I just leave mine off 😂

[@thekimmonia]

@@Venture2Roam I thought about it too - since it looks so much better without the cover. I worry about long term exposure of the soft tonnaeu to the elements, any issues with just having the cover off? Why would FSR provide the cover if it wasn't needed? Also with the cover, I can more safely power wash the bug guts / scrub with a brush and rinse without worry of the water making it through the gasket lol

[@Venture2Roam]

​​⁠If I were storing it outside, I’d cover it..or if it were on my daily driver I’d cover it. But for camping trips, I don’t bring it because it’s a PITA at camp to get on/off and store. I’m lazy though…I like super efficient set ups and packs downs. I’ll let @gofsr answer on the Durability question.

[@fscottgray9784]

Great review. The FSR fabric provides a lot of insulation if you zip it up tight and is very quiet to sleep in during wind storms compared to many other tents. I use a small $15 rechargeable air pump for my self inflating mattress. You can inflate and deflate a mattress in under 2 minutes with one and get more air out than you could by hand. The air pump will inflate and deflate a mattress several times on one charge and is about the size of a pack of cigarettes.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great tips! I haven't had good luck with powered air deflators...but maybe I should give it a try again. Also - I'm such a snob with how fast I want my tents to pack up...2 mins feels like forever to me..I want the whole thing packed away in 1 min...but that's just a personal quirk..and why I generally don't like air mattresses..This one is very comfortable though..I have slept great on it.

[@temeculajeep6589]

Thanks, I saw their brackets and was just looking at awnings on your tents and didn’t look at the brackets. I appreciate your responding and I’m super happy you made the decision to do this full-time. I sure hope it all works out. Maybe maybe will cross when I’m in Idaho I’ll buy you a coffee.

[@Venture2Roam]

So far so good!!!! Thanks for the positive vibes!!!

[@MissionOffRoad]

The open lid angle on the Aspen Lite is the winning feature. I love my Aspen Lite XL.

[@gofsr]

Awesome review, Will! Solid recommendations on both sides. Another point on the cross slatted design is that it helps with airflow in the tent to give you true, 360 degree ventilation paired with our top vents to keep the tent dry and condensation down. Keep up the great work on these more in-depth reviews 💪

[@Venture2Roam]

Great additions - thank you for adding that info!!

[@TLOverlander]

I love the easy setup of a hardshell/clamshell, but I don't like the exposure to the elements. Great review 🤘🏻

[@MrPristas]

Great review, very on point. I bought the Aspen Lite XL. I just use a little compact air compressor which can fill and suck out the air from the mattress. Also, the removable boot bags are nice, but they only mount to the front, as FSR did not add clip points to the sides. This is a PITA for me as I have a 270 awning that I love to use. I've already ordered 3/4" clips, and am getting some channel bolts to make my own add on points for the side. Also, the Aspen has internal lighting and the Inspired does not. Small, but significant difference.

[@Venture2Roam]

Ya I didn't cover the lighting - I thought about it but I've literally never used any LED lights in any of my tents (which is a lot)...not a single time...so I tend to ignore it as a feature...so this is a good reminder to me for next time!

[@mikebrown200004]

Great idea on the boot bag. I have the xl and a 270. Thanks for the tip

[@MrPristas]

@@Venture2Roam I use mine when cleaning it up, or packing up. You can see all of the things that you forgot that you carried up there and emptied out of your pockets. Ha!

[@Jan-pw4po]

Great review. Ijust bought the Inspired tent, its just basic but will definitely work good for me

[@Venture2Roam]

Awesome. I think it’s a good tent.

[@emmanuellnescau]

i have the inspired overland tent on my tacoma for over 1 year, love it, the only down side for me, i cant add solar panels on top.

[@Venture2Roam]

Awesome to hear!

[@brucegalvante2870]

I have the aspen lite xl for almost a year now and I’ve spent 20 nights on it already . Been thru almost all conditions went to Sedona with snow and strong wind , it help up like nothing , next tent I’ll be buying for my other rig will be another fsr

[@Venture2Roam]

Great to hear!

[@mikebrown200004]

This is a pretty solid vid on the tents. I have the aspen lite xl and it’s a great tent. I am 5ft 8 and stand up in it when I want to get dressed. the light in the tent is nice. The mattress is great and I use a flex tail pump and it’s up in down really quick. I put 2 pillows 2 blankets and a fsr heated pad and can close it no problem. It also comes with an extra cover for extra protection. They are developing rack for the t tracks to mount stuff over the tent. Also fsr has amazing customer service. This is my 3rd roof top tent and it’s by far my favorite. Keep up the good work man. I enjoy your content. Btw the tent in mounted on my JTR with an Alu cab contour canopy.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great info…thanks for adding to the convo. I’m impressed that you can get that much in there!!

[@mikebrown200004]

@@Venture2Roam when I pull the air out of the mattress is like a 1/4 inch thick lol.

[@BRadFPV]

I'm loving my IO ULW Carbon Fiber RTT!!! It has an inflatable mattress, detachable boot bags, a clear organizer, heat/ac vent ports and an improved fly plus NORMAL latches!!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Mine is coming this week. Can’t wait to check it out!

[@JT_Adventures]

Thank you for another honest review ! Helping me narrow down my options. Glad it is going well after the leap out of the office & into full time creation. Wished I could make it to expo pnw, maybe next year!

[@Venture2Roam]

Right on. Thank you - ya all is going well so far!!!

[@subiesojourner777]

A great comparison. I went with the Inspired Overland for two reasons, weight and price. Since I'm more of a fair weather short trip camper it was the best fit for me and my Subaru Forester Wilderness.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you for sharing…that is a perfect use case for buying the IO!!

[@Otownoverland]

Love my Aspen Lite XL. Camped in negative 4 degrees had it 68 inside with the diesel heater. Comfortable, roomy, and love the blackout feature. Have to upzip in the morning to see if the sun is out. Great video, Will. Where do i get the roam tshirt? I love it.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great info! I just made a test batch of Roam shirts. If I get more requests we’ll make them available to buy 🙌

[@Otownoverland]

I would order one for sure .

[@gunstrucksbbq]

Might be worth waiting for Black Friday. Picked up my aspen lite xl for around $1300 shipped and taxes last year. Didn’t arrive until March so a 3-4 month wait.

[@Venture2Roam]

That's a great price!

[@temeculajeep6589]

Another great review I really appreciate it. Your review convince me to buy the Top Oak. I’ve used it a few times and love it. It is heavy, but tents like that are. I have a question, what mounting devices are you using to hang your awning off the side of your tent?

[@Venture2Roam]

It depends on the awning and the tent…but you can get brackets that mount right to the side of the Topoak. You might reach out to Topoak for recommendations.

[@VictorVlogsPDX]

Perfect review on these. I'm really curious how the material will hold up with stuff like tree branches dragging across them on those less traveled trails.

[@Venture2Roam]

I’m curious too. I’ve had soft covers before, and gave them a ton of trail abuse with no tearing, but that was a different brand.

[@Clintshandpainted]

I have a Roofnest Condor. These super lites weren’t a thing 4 years ago. These are cool

[@Venture2Roam]

I really liked the design of the condor..YT they said it would store bedding, so I passed.

[@Clintshandpainted]

@@Venture2Roam it definitely stores bedding. A couple full size pillows and a a couple large blankets

[@ehdeereotutar6843]

I am picking up my IO Carbon Fiber RTT next week…. Super excited

[@Venture2Roam]

I really want to get my hands on one of those...they look super cool.

[@Chris-wq3pe]

Honestly, I have seen very little difference in gas mileage between my 2003 Subaru Forester WITH my 75kg rooftop tent on, and with it off, and I use standard racks. I did put reinforced springs on the rear shocks to help cope with the weight though. I've been using it 4 years now and my mechanic also says that you would need a lot more weight on top for it to make an actual difference to the wear and tear on your vehicle - especially if that vehicle is already an AWD / 4WD / SUV. Just an opinion from the smaller car user with a full size (Queen mattress) rooftop tent.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks for sharing

[@scoobiesnatches]

Does the FSR have a skylight? I have yet to see any reviewers take about it, but they always have the rain cover on which blocks being able to see if there is a skylight or window on the top.

[@Venture2Roam]

There isn't a skylight because of they way they designed the pop-out.

[@joereidl4]

I’ve been watching a few of your videos lately because I’m thinking about getting a RTT for a road trip and they’ve been really helpful so far. Have you seen the Tentbox Go yet? It’s supposed to be 73lbs but it’s not out until a couple more weeks

[@Venture2Roam]

I haven’t seen that one yet..I’ll keep an eye out for it!

[@MunchNGoats]

I’ve got the Aspen Lite and am able to store my aeronaut blanket, sheets, and a rumpl blanket in there flat. Just have to use a mini vacuum to deflate the mattress in 10 seconds 👍 Also, don’t believe they allow for mounting crossbars to the tops of the Lites, only the regular Aspens. Let me know if I’m wrong!

[@Venture2Roam]

The crossbars are new for the non xls. FSR sent me some, I just haven’t had a chance to try them out yet.

[@sleeks9939]

What is the zipper for the inside of the FRS inside roof zipper?

[@Venture2Roam]

That’s to access the tension rod that supports the pop out frame.

[@Echo22WC]

Wish the unplugged outdoor SL was added

[@kungfupurpz]

I dig the aspen lite, its a nice tent no doubt about it. I personally have come to really enjoy the simplicity of my IO standard size tent, its all I ended up needing

[@Venture2Roam]

I agree. The IO tent is just so incredibly light and simple...it's a fantastic option. No frills, but not everyone needs that.

[@macairtuber]

You bought the aspen light and then switched out for the IO?? why?

[@Venture2Roam]

@@macairtuberI still have the IO. But I’m testing lots of tents this year…so just because I’m swapping them around doesn’t mean I like one over the other.

[@paranormalwheelers]

Dude there are small pumps that will inflate a deflate that air mattress for cheap. Makes it easier to deal with

[@Venture2Roam]

Yes I have several. None of them work well on these…although I’ve heard from others that they do…so it’s probably just bad luck or user error.

[@IdiocracySpace]

I use a 5-lb blackout $100 popup tent on my roof with just a thin folding platform and foam pad. Everything stows out of sight with no weight issues. Better than sleeping inside or on the ground and so it works for me like I’m breaking the rules. 😅😉

[@Venture2Roam]

Rule Breaker!!!! Awesome hack though, thanks for sharing.

[@macairtuber]

I was thinking about the same thing. I'd love to see pics of how it works if you have them posted somewhere

[@IdiocracySpace]

@@macairtuber There’s no one formula. Just mock your vehicle up and see what you would need in terms of support and access. While it's not sophisticated - it's light which is why I’d never run a RTT.

[@Sergiop4x]

FSR I leave my mattress semi-inflated so I dont have to deflate it every single time and it closes just fine. So that works for me.

[@Venture2Roam]

Do you store bedding in it too?

[@Sergiop4x]

@@Venture2Roam 1 wool blanket. Tried a sleeping bag flat.. no go.

[@SLOWQUOIA]

each one has various versions and revisions

[@Sergiop4x]

Aspen lite>>

[@at20rule]

Honest review? yes. But I find it weird you never mentioned how light it is for ease of removal since a very large percentage remove it every time for fuel economy and being to tall to park in garage with it on. Also to add that weight has very little to do with fuel economy regarding RTT's. Here's some content for you, add one of those soft RTT's then do a fuel economy test. Follow that with remove the RTT and add the exact weight to the inside of the cabin in the form of weights or passenger then do a fuel economy test again.

[@Venture2Roam]

Did you miss the part where I show my buddy literally lifting the tent over his head lol? I don't think there's a lot more to say on that subject. These tents are very easy to put on and take off..it's more to do with whether or not you have the storage space in your garage than how hard it is to lift them up and down. Less weight = more miles per gallon..that's all I'm saying..not that less weight on your roof matters more than less weight somewhere else for MPGs. It does matter for COG though...maybe that's where you got confused on what I was saying?

[@inspiredoverland]

Great idea! We would love to see a mpg comparison as well.

[@JT_Adventures]

I am looking at the weight because I plan to never remove it. No place to store it, so it will have to stay mounted for me. But I do like the fuel economy test idea.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I bet his neighbors think he is a weird one

[@Venture2Roam]

100%…and they are right 😂

[@NoCoverCharge]

@@Venture2Roam good on you filming in the driveway