Roof-top tents (RTTs) have all the time pressured campers to decide on between softshell fashions that pack down small however require a cumbersome cowl and hardshell designs that supply sturdiness and quick setup however take up extra space. The Freespirit Recreation (FSR) Nova goals to mix one of the best of each by eliminating the material cowl, integrating a rugged aluminum shell, and providing a quick-deploy design that just about doubles in measurement when opened.
One of many largest frustrations with softshell RTTs is coping with the exterior cloth cowl. The compact footprint is nice, however after a muddy path or wet evening, the quilt finally ends up soaked and filthy. Packing up means wrestling with a moist, soiled bundle earlier than hitting the highway. The Nova ditches the quilt solely, integrating the tent into an aluminum shell for cleaner, sooner stowage.
Softshell Portability With out the Drawbacks
Packed up, the Nova takes up much less roof house than a standard hardshell RTT. That makes it a extra sensible possibility for smaller autos or anybody needing further house for a roof rack. The fold-out mechanism almost doubles its measurement when deployed whereas protecting the closed profile compact and streamlined.
Regardless of its small footprint, the Nova offers extra headroom than most softshell RTTs, permitting campers to sit down up comfortably. The tent is available in two sizes. The usual Nova, at 132 kilos, sleeps two to a few individuals. The Nova King, at 162 kilos, expands the sleeping space for 3 to 4 individuals, making it a greater match for households or longer journeys.
A built-in rail system on the hardshell exterior permits for mounting light-weight gear like photo voltaic panels, crossbars, or storage packing containers. Nevertheless, something mounted right here must perform the wrong way up when the tent is open.
That’s nice for skis and snowboards, which don’t care what course they face. But it surely’s extra of a wrestle for tall gadgets like mountain bikes. Then there’s photo voltaic panels — let’s simply say they don’t get a lot solar after they’re pointed on the floor.
Hardshell Sturdiness & Fast Deployment
The Nova units up sooner than most foldout RTTs. Many softshell fashions require further help poles to carry up the material, including time and problem. The Nova eliminates this with an extruded, expandable aluminum U-bar and bolstered metal cables, protecting the construction safe with out further poles.
FSR claims setup takes below a minute. If that holds true in real-world circumstances, it might make the Nova considerably sooner than most softshell RTTs whereas remaining aggressive with hardshell fashions.
The aluminum shell provides sturdiness. Many hybrid RTTs use plastic elements that degrade over time with UV publicity. Aluminum resists long-term solar harm and stays structurally sound. In 5 years, a plastic-shell RTT would possibly develop cracks, whereas the Nova will simply acquire path mud.
The redesigned ladder system additionally improves usability. Push-button ladder brackets enable for faster, safer extension and retraction. This makes setup simpler at evening or while you’re drained after an extended day on the path.
Consolation for All Situations
A tent’s job is to supply shelter, however consolation separates an awesome RTT from a median one. The Nova contains a number of options aimed toward making sleeping simpler in all seasons.
The adjustable AirCore mattress stands out. Campers can fine-tune firmness by including or releasing air. In contrast to conventional foam mattresses, which compress inconsistently over time, an adjustable mattress offers higher help and customization. The included air pump doubles as a USB battery financial institution and lantern, which provides helpful performance and reduces the variety of devices to pack.
Constructed-in lighting additionally improves livability. The Nova has dimmable LED mild strips with a number of brightness settings, permitting campers to light up the tent with out overpowering the house. Thoughtfully positioned storage pockets, overhead mesh compartments, and built-in gear hooks assist hold necessities organized.
For excessive temperatures, the Nova contains built-in passthrough ports for air con and heater hoses. Most RTTs require campers to run consumption and exhaust hoses by way of partially open home windows or doorways, letting in chilly air, rain, or bugs. The Nova solves this drawback with devoted, sealed ports, permitting campers to keep up a managed local weather inside with out undesirable publicity to the weather.
FSR’s Tri-Layer Insulation system additionally returns within the Nova. The ceiling, doorways, and home windows supply multilayer insulation to manage inside temperature. The remainder of the tent makes use of FSR Tech Material, designed to steadiness weight financial savings with thermal effectivity.
Is the FSR Nova the Better of Each Worlds?
The Nova presents an intriguing possibility for campers on the lookout for the packability of a softshell RTT with the sturdiness and comfort of a hardshell. By eliminating the necessity for a cloth cowl, integrating built-in storage choices, and together with ports for heating and cooling, it solves a number of frequent frustrations with conventional RTTs.
That mentioned, long-term efficiency will decide whether or not the Nova actually delivers. FSR claims setup takes below a minute, however real-world use will reveal how easily the mechanism operates over time. The power to mount gear on the outside shell is beneficial, however campers have to be conscious of what they retailer there — not all gadgets work when flipped the wrong way up.
At 132-162 kilos, the Free Spirit Recreation Nova is heavier than most softshell RTTs however stays extra manageable than many full hardshell choices. It’s a compelling new entry into the RTT market, and for these annoyed by the tradeoffs of conventional designs, it could possibly be a powerful possibility.
Free Spirit Recreation Nova Collection: Availability & Pricing
The FSR Nova Collection is accessible to order now, with delivery beginning in a number of weeks’ time. The pre-sale pricing, till the tip of February, is $2,995 for the Nova and $3,595 for the Nova King. Paid in full preorders may also get a free 40-inch Kingpin Geared up Gentle Bar.
If you wish to see the FSR Nova in individual, you possibly can test it out on the Overland Expo SoCal occasion this March.
