Tuff Stuff Trailhead
#4 in Soft shellFull review
A budget full size soft shell for couples who camp in fair weather and want a light tent. Plan on a thicker sleeping pad.
Amazon $1,235.96 Quadratec $1,183$1,183
The Tuff Stuff Trailhead rates 3.8 among soft shell tents; the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL rates 3.3 among hard shell ones. The Tuff Stuff Trailhead costs $1,912 less ($1,183 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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (soft shell and hard shell), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Tuff Stuff Trailhead | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 94 $32.60 per sq ft of bed ($1,183, 36.3 sq ft) | 50 $99.43 per sq ft of bed ($3,095, 31.1 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 85 110 lb for 36.3 sq ft of bed (3 lb per sq ft) | 30 154 lb for 31.1 sq ft of bed (4.9 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 75 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 3 season | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 28 1.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, skylight | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Tuff Stuff Trailhead | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 3 |
| Mattress | 55 x 95 in | 55 x 81.5 in |
| Bed area | 36.3 sq ft | 31.1 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 1.8 in | - |
| Skylights | 1 | - |
| Bedding stays inside | - | Yes |
| Built-in lights | - | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester oxford, PU coated; 420D polyester oxford PU coated rainfly | Tri-Layer (poly-cotton fill between two layers of 210D ripstop) |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Season rating | 3 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | None offered |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 110 lb | 154 lb |
| Closed size | 56 x 48 x 13 in | 86.5 x 59.5 x 7.375 in |
| Open size | 56 x 96 x 50 in | - |
| Closed height | 13 in | 7.4 in |
| Static load | 800 lb | 750 lb |
| Ladder | 90 in | 90 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 0.5 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |