Roof top tents are a great travel option for adventurers who want to sleep wherever the wind takes them. The tents allow you to sleep comfortably, without the hassle of regular tent pitching. What’s not to love about these great inventions?
For starters, many roof top tents are too heavy and big for regular use. Some are even so big that they can damage the roof of your vehicle. For this reason, it’s important to seek out the lightest roof top tent possible. Although there are several light options, one stands supreme.
So, what is the lightest roof top tent?
The quick answer:
The lightest roof top tent is the GFC SuperLite 50. Weighing in at just around 80 pounds, this roof top tent is much lighter than other competitors on the market. Also worth noting, it has a hard shell and is much sturdier than its soft shell counterparts.
To learn more about the GFC SuperLite 50, keep reading. This article fully explains its weight, how it compares to other roof top tents, and more.
GFC SuperLite 50: The Lightest Roof Top Tent
The GFC SuperLite 50 is by far the lightest roof top tent, out of both soft shell and hard shell varieties. This is largely due to the unique frame.
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Lightweight Design
This tent has a frameless hard shell design, meaning that there are no structures on the side of the tent. Instead, tent poles droop from the two rear corners, putting tension on the model and stretching the fabric open. This lack of frame makes the tent much lighter than its rivals.
This tent is so light that a single person can install it on the vehicle with no problem. In fact, the company claims that one person can install the tent on top of the vehicle in just three minutes. With a partner, you can expect the time to be much faster.
In addition to the lightweight, this roof top tent has a unique design. Instead of looking like a classic tent, it looks more like a wedge. This wedge helps keep the center of gravity low and erases the need for a traditional frame.
This wedge and frameless design are what allow the GFC SuperLite 50 to stand out. The materials are nothing new, neither is its reliability. Instead, it is a hard shell tent that is incredibly lightweight because of its innovative design.
Advantages
There are quite a few advantages to selecting the GFC SuperLite 50. Most obviously, it is insanely light, which means it is less likely to damage your vehicle, and it is easier to install on the top of your vehicle. Individuals looking for a light tent will love this product as a result.
Surprisingly, the GFC SuperLite 50 is pretty affordable as well. It costs about $1600. This is on the cheaper end of the spectrum in comparison to other roof top tents, especially hard shell varieties.
Just like all other GFC products, the GFC SuperLite 50 is made from durable materials. It has been tested for its durability and ability to withstand the elements. Users report that it is just as reliable and durable as other GFC roof top tents.
Drawbacks
Although the GFC SuperLite 50 is overall fantastic, there is one drawback to be aware of. It isn’t quite as easy to set the tent as other products. Even though you can easily get the product on the vehicle, it requires an extra step that most other products don’t require. You have to lock poles into place to make sure the tent is stable.
This extra step isn’t that big of a deal, especially when you consider how light and affordable this model is. Most users do not mind this extra step at all given the amazing benefits that come with the GFC SuperLite 50.
How Much Do Roof Top Tents Usually Weigh?
In perspective, most roof top tents weigh between 100 pounds and 200 pounds. Even soft shell tents almost always weigh over 100 pounds. Hardshell tents can even weigh over 200 pounds. The second-lightest roof top tent on the market is 98 pounds, and it is a soft shell variety.
Needless to say, the GFC SuperLite 50 is much lighter than the competition. It is 20 pounds lighter than the second lightest product, and it is half and sometimes a third lighter than other hard shell roof top tents.
Why Do Roof Top Tents Weigh So Much?
Roof top tents are heavy because they require thick materials. The frame and fabric surrounding the frame are both very substantial to hold up the weight of the user without risking any falls or injury. Even soft shell tents are heavy because they use incredibly thick materials, such as canvas.
To top it off, roof top tents typically have some sort of tent mattress as well. This further adds to the weight of the tent, making the setup even more damaging for the roof of your vehicle.
All other items used on the tent will increase the weight too. The ladder, for example, normally adds an additional 20 pounds to the setup.
Can You Reduce The Weight Of Your Roof Top Tent?
If you want to reduce the weight of your roof top tent, you should remove all unnecessary items. Unnecessary items can include the ladder, bedding, and mattress. Just removing these things, you can easily remove up to 50 pounds off the setup.
If a reduction of 50 pounds is still not enough, it’s best to go with an extra lightweight roof top tent. On top of the lightweight tent, reduce the unnecessary items. This will create the lightest roof top tent experience possible.
Closing Thoughts
Without any debates, the GFC SuperLite 50 is the lightest roof top tent on the market. It only weighs 80 pounds, making it 20 pounds lighter than the runner-up. In addition to its lightweight, it is durable, reliable, and made from a hard shell design.
If you still need to make your roof top tent lighter, you can get rid of unnecessary items, such as the ladder, mattress, and extra blanketing.
Up Next:
What is the Biggest Roof Top Tent?
Can You Put a Roof Top Tent On a Truck?
Are Rooftop Tents Good For Families?
What is the Best Roof Top Tent For a Jeep Gladiator?
(featured image: gofastcampers.com)