Naturnest Polaris Aero
#18 in Hard shellFull review
For couples with smaller vehicles who want the slimmest, lightest hard shell they can get for under $1,700.
Amazon $1,699$1,699
The Naturnest Polaris Aero is the better tent overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The Naturnest Polaris Aero leads on value and weight. The CVT Mt. Hood Small wins on warranty. The Naturnest Polaris Aero costs $900 less ($1,699 vs $2,599).
CVT Mt. Hood Small
#28 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 Naturnest Polaris Aero for value ($65.86 per sq ft of bed ($1,699, 25.8 sq ft) vs $95.09 per sq ft of bed ($2,599, 27.3 sq ft)) and weight (120.6 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (4.7 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 warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Naturnest Polaris Aero | CVT Mt. Hood Small |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 80 $65.86 per sq ft of bed ($1,699, 25.8 sq ft) | 54 $95.09 per sq ft of bed ($2,599, 27.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 38 120.6 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (4.7 lb per sq ft) | 0 241.4 lb for 27.3 sq ft of bed (8.8 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Comfort 15% | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Naturnest Polaris Aero | CVT Mt. Hood Small | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 47.2 x 78.7 in | 48 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 25.8 sq ft | 27.3 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in | - |
| Built-in lights | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 900D Oxford with PU coating | 280 gsm polyester blackout canvas |
| Season rating | 4 season | - |
| Annex | - | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 120.6 lb | 241.4 lb |
| Closed size | 82.7 x 51.2 x 4.3 in | 88.19 x 54.72 x 10.24 in |
| Open size | 82.7 x 51.2 x 63.4 in | - |
| Closed height | 4.3 in | 10.2 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 1 min | 4 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2025 |