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 and the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro are evenly matched, rated 3.2 and 3.2. The Naturnest Polaris Aero leads on value and weight. The Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro wins on weather and warranty. The Naturnest Polaris Aero costs $1,196 less ($1,699 vs $2,895).
Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro
#19 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
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 $112.42 per sq ft of bed ($2,895, 25.8 sq ft)) and weight (120.6 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (4.7 lb per sq ft) vs 134 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (5.2 lb per sq ft)).
- Choose the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro for weather (3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season vs waterproof rating not published, 4 season) and 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 | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 80 $65.86 per sq ft of bed ($1,699, 25.8 sq ft) | 42 $112.42 per sq ft of bed ($2,895, 25.8 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 38 120.6 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (4.7 lb per sq ft) | 23 134 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (5.2 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| 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 | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 47.2 x 78.7 in | 45.5 x 81.5 in |
| Bed area | 25.8 sq ft | 25.8 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in | - |
| Bedding stays inside | - | Yes |
| Built-in lights | Yes | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 900D Oxford with PU coating | Tri-Layer (poly-cotton fill between two layers of 210D ripstop) |
| Waterproof rating | - | 3,000 mm |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | - | None offered |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 120.6 lb | 134 lb |
| Closed size | 82.7 x 51.2 x 4.3 in | 86.5 x 51.25 x 7.375 in |
| Open size | 82.7 x 51.2 x 63.4 in | - |
| Closed height | 4.3 in | 7.4 in |
| Static load | - | 750 lb |
| Ladder | - | 90 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 1 min | 0.5 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |