Roof-top tents (RTTs) have at all times 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 dimension 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 night time, the duvet finally ends up soaked and filthy. Packing up means wrestling with a moist, soiled bundle earlier than hitting the highway. The Nova ditches the duvet solely, integrating the tent into an aluminum shell for cleaner, sooner stowage.
(Photograph/FSR)
Softshell Portability With out the Drawbacks
Packed up, the Nova takes up much less roof house than a conventional hardshell RTT. That makes it a extra sensible possibility for smaller autos or anybody needing additional house for a roof rack. The fold-out mechanism practically doubles its dimension when deployed whereas conserving the closed profile compact and streamlined.
Regardless of its small footprint, the Nova gives extra headroom than most softshell RTTs, permitting campers to take a seat 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.
Encased in an aluminum housing, the FSR Nova is weather- and UV-resistant; (picture/FSR)
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. However it’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 once they’re pointed on the floor.
Hardshell Sturdiness & Fast Deployment
The Nova units up sooner than most foldout RTTs. Many softshell fashions require additional 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, conserving the construction safe with out additional poles.
FSR claims setup takes beneath a minute. If that holds true in real-world circumstances, it could 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 parts 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 accumulate path mud.
The redesigned ladder system additionally improves usability. Push-button ladder brackets permit for faster, safer extension and retraction. This makes setup simpler at night time or whenever you’re drained after an extended day on the path.
Inside lighting is powered by an included rechargeable battery; (picture/FSR)
Consolation for All Circumstances
A tent’s job is to supply shelter, however consolation separates an excellent 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. Not like conventional foam mattresses, which compress inconsistently over time, an adjustable mattress gives 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.
The FSR Nova has a novel form for max headroom; (picture/FSR)
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 via partially open home windows or doorways, letting in chilly air, rain, or bugs. The Nova solves this downside 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 provide multilayer insulation to control inside temperature. The remainder of the tent makes use of FSR Tech Cloth, designed to steadiness weight financial savings with thermal effectivity.
(Photograph/FSR)
Is the FSR Nova the Better of Each Worlds?
The Nova affords 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 material 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 stated, long-term efficiency will decide whether or not the Nova actually delivers. FSR claims setup takes beneath 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 helpful, however campers should be aware 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 pissed off by the tradeoffs of conventional designs, it may very well be a powerful possibility.
The FSR Nova RTT leaves room to spare on a 5-foot truck mattress; (picture/FSR)
Free Spirit Recreation Nova Collection: Availability & Pricing
The FSR Nova Collection is offered to order now, with delivery beginning in just a few weeks’ time. The pre-sale pricing, till the top 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 Outfitted Mild 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.