The $2,000 IO carbon Fiber Rooftop Tent is Extremely Lightweight and Compact

Twelve months ago, Inspired Overland (IO) in California was proudly receiving a SEMA Global Media award for its Lightweight Rooftop Tent, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the lightest non-inflatable clamshell RTT in the United States, if not globally. Presently, they are commemorating another consecutive SEMA win for their most recent offering, the Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rooftop Tent. This new tent introduces a sturdier construction to Inspired’s product range while maintaining its status as one of the lightest and thinnest RTTs on the market.

Inspired Overland claims that their original Lightweight Rooftop Tent is the world’s lightest, weighing in at 76 lbs (34 kg). This weight surpasses the Go Fast Campers Superlite by a few pounds, making it the lightest we’ve encountered, excluding inflatables or multipurpose roof/ground designs. However, it features a PVC softshell roof, which may not be preferred by all car-top camping enthusiasts.

In pursuit of maintaining the same ultralight construction while achieving a more robust roof and shell, Inspired Overland opted for carbon fiber—a material renowned for its optimal combination of low weight and high rigidity in various demanding applications worldwide. Carbon fiber has seen limited use in rooftop tent (RTT) design, occasionally appearing in products like the $25,000 Redtail Overland hard-sided roof hut and the Airhome Maggiolina Carbon Fiber RTT. However, neither of these products ranks among the market’s lightest.

Thin Carbon Fiber Hardshell with Aluminum Frame

Inspired Overland took an ambitious approach by shaping its carbon fiber into a thin hardshell framed with aluminum. When closed, the lid securely clamps down to form a slender travel package, measuring just 4.75 inches (12 cm) in height. The tent’s weight is 80 lbs (36 kg), putting it in a similar overall size category as the 80-lb, 5-inch-thick Superlite. The only RTT that comes to mind as slimmer is the 3-inch-tall (7.6 cm) Badass Packout—a soft-roofed design weighing approximately 100 lbs (45 kg).

Internally, the Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber tent provides a sleeping area measuring 84 x 50 inches (213 x 127 cm) and comes equipped with an air mattress and anti-condensation mat. The three waterproof walls, made of 2,000-D polyester fabric, each feature zippered mesh windows. Additionally, a pole-supported awning offers coverage for the primary rear entryway.

Two integrated ducts located near the front corners allow for the circulation of both vented heat and air conditioning, enabling comfortable four-season climate control within the tent. The frame’s T-slot provides a convenient space for mounting crossbars and accessories.

Inspired Overland is providing a special pre-order offer for the Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rooftop Tent until Sunday, Nov. 19. Customers who place a refundable reservation deposit of $200 before the deadline can secure special prices starting at $1,599 for local pickup at Inspired’s dealerships in California, Texas, and Maryland, or $1,895 for shipping. After this period, regular MSRPs of $1,999/$2,199 will be applicable. The initial deliveries are scheduled for spring 2024.

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