ARB Esperance V2
#8 in Hard shellFull review
A compact, quick opening hard shell for couples who move camp often and want power and lights built in. Tall sleepers will find the bed short.
ARB $2,599.95$2,599.95
The ARB Esperance V2 is the better tent overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The ARB Esperance V2 leads on weight, warranty and value. The Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL wins on weather. The ARB Esperance V2 costs $495.05 less ($2,599.95 vs $3,095).
Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL
#11 in Hard shellFull review
For couples with a full size SUV or truck who want a low, insulated clamshell with a roomy bed that opens in seconds.
Freespirit Recreation $3,095$3,095
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ARB Esperance V2 for weight (130 lb for 30.6 sq ft of bed (4.2 lb per sq ft) vs 154 lb for 31.1 sq ft of bed (4.9 lb per sq ft)), warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and value ($84.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,599.95, 30.6 sq ft) vs $99.43 per sq ft of bed ($3,095, 31.1 sq ft)).
- Choose the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL for weather (3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season vs 3,000 mm waterproof rating).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every hard shell tent; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ARB Esperance V2 | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 62 $84.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,599.95, 30.6 sq ft) | 50 $99.43 per sq ft of bed ($3,095, 31.1 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 50 130 lb for 30.6 sq ft of bed (4.2 lb per sq ft) | 30 154 lb for 31.1 sq ft of bed (4.9 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 88 3,000 mm waterproof rating | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 20 2 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| ARB Esperance V2 | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 3 |
| Mattress | 56.3 x 78.3 in | 55 x 81.5 in |
| Bed area | 30.6 sq ft | 31.1 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2 in | - |
| Bedding stays inside | - | Yes |
| Built-in lights | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 200 gsm poly cotton canvas (fire retardant), 210D silver coated oxford rain fly | Tri-Layer (poly-cotton fill between two layers of 210D ripstop) |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Season rating | - | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | None offered |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 130 lb | 154 lb |
| Closed size | 60 x 49 x 13.5 in | 86.5 x 59.5 x 7.375 in |
| Closed height | 13.5 in | 7.4 in |
| Static load | - | 750 lb |
| Ladder | - | 90 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 0.5 min |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2025-05 | - |