Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro
#13 in Hard shellFull review
For one person or a couple with a mid size SUV or truck who want a low, insulated clamshell that opens in seconds.
Freespirit Recreation $2,895$2,895
The Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro is the better tent overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro leads on weight. The CVT Mt. Hood Small wins on value. The CVT Mt. Hood Small costs $296 less ($2,599 vs $2,895).
CVT Mt. Hood Small
#22 in Hard shellFull review
A quick opening aluminum clamshell for a solo camper or a couple who wants a hard shell that rides low and keeps gear inside. It is very heavy, so check the roof load first.
CVT $2,599$2,599
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 Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro for weight (134 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (5.2 lb per sq ft) vs 241.4 lb for 27.3 sq ft of bed (8.8 lb per sq ft)).
- Choose the CVT Mt. Hood Small for value ($95.09 per sq ft of bed ($2,599, 27.3 sq ft) vs $112.42 per sq ft of bed ($2,895, 25.8 sq ft)).
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 | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro | CVT Mt. Hood Small |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 42 $112.42 per sq ft of bed ($2,895, 25.8 sq ft) | 54 $95.09 per sq ft of bed ($2,599, 27.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 23 134 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (5.2 lb per sq ft) | 0 241.4 lb for 27.3 sq ft of bed (8.8 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Comfort 15% | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro | CVT Mt. Hood Small | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 45.5 x 81.5 in | 48 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 25.8 sq ft | 27.3 sq ft |
| Bedding stays inside | Yes | - |
| Built-in lights | - | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | Tri-Layer (poly-cotton fill between two layers of 210D ripstop) | 280 gsm polyester blackout canvas |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | - |
| Season rating | 4 season | - |
| Annex | None offered | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 134 lb | 241.4 lb |
| Closed size | 86.5 x 51.25 x 7.375 in | 88.19 x 54.72 x 10.24 in |
| Closed height | 7.4 in | 10.2 in |
| Static load | 750 lb | - |
| Ladder | 90 in | - |
| Setup time (maker) | 0.5 min | 4 min |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2025 |