Hardshell Ease and Durability With Softshell Space: FSR Nova Hybrid Rooftop Tent

Roof-top tents (RTTs) have always forced campers to choose between softshell models that pack down small but require a bulky cover and hardshell designs that offer durability and fast setup but take up more space. The Freespirit Recreation (FSR) Nova aims to combine the best of both by eliminating the fabric cover, integrating a rugged aluminum shell, and offering a quick-deploy design that nearly doubles in size when opened.

One of the biggest frustrations with softshell RTTs is dealing with the external fabric cover. The compact footprint is great, but after a muddy trail or rainy night, the cover ends up soaked and filthy. Packing up means wrestling with a wet, dirty bundle before hitting the road. The Nova ditches the cover entirely, integrating the tent into an aluminum shell for cleaner, faster stowage.

Softshell Portability Without the Drawbacks

Packed up, the Nova takes up less roof space than a traditional hardshell RTT. That makes it a more practical option for smaller vehicles or anyone needing extra space for a roof rack. The fold-out mechanism nearly doubles its size when deployed while keeping the closed profile compact and streamlined.

Despite its small footprint, the Nova provides more headroom than most softshell RTTs, allowing campers to sit up comfortably. The tent comes in two sizes. The standard Nova, at 132 pounds, sleeps two to three people. The Nova King, at 162 pounds, expands the sleeping area for three to four people, making it a better fit for families or longer trips.

A built-in rail system on the hardshell exterior allows for mounting lightweight gear like solar panels, crossbars, or storage boxes. However, anything mounted here needs to function upside down when the tent is open.

That’s great for skis and snowboards, which don’t care what direction they face. But it’s more of a struggle for tall items like mountain bikes. Then there’s solar panels — let’s just say they don’t get much sun when they’re pointed at the ground.

Hardshell Durability & Quick Deployment

The Nova sets up faster than most foldout RTTs. Many softshell models require extra support poles to hold up the fabric, adding time and hassle. The Nova eliminates this with an extruded, expandable aluminum U-bar and reinforced steel cables, keeping the structure secure without extra poles.

FSR claims setup takes under a minute. If that holds true in real-world conditions, it would make the Nova significantly faster than most softshell RTTs while remaining competitive with hardshell models.

The aluminum shell adds durability. Many hybrid RTTs use plastic components that degrade over time with UV exposure. Aluminum resists long-term sun damage and stays structurally sound. In 5 years, a plastic-shell RTT might develop cracks, while the Nova will just collect trail dust.

The redesigned ladder system also improves usability. Push-button ladder brackets allow for quicker, more secure extension and retraction. This makes setup easier at night or when you’re tired after a long day on the trail.

Comfort for All Conditions

A tent’s job is to provide shelter, but comfort separates a great RTT from an average one. The Nova includes several features aimed at making sleeping easier in all seasons.

The adjustable AirCore mattress stands out. Campers can fine-tune firmness by adding or releasing air. Unlike traditional foam mattresses, which compress unevenly over time, an adjustable mattress provides better support and customization. The included air pump doubles as a USB battery bank and lantern, which adds useful functionality and reduces the number of gadgets to pack.

Built-in lighting also improves livability. The Nova has dimmable LED light strips with multiple brightness settings, allowing campers to illuminate the tent without overpowering the space. Thoughtfully placed storage pockets, overhead mesh compartments, and built-in gear hooks help keep essentials organized.

For extreme temperatures, the Nova includes integrated passthrough ports for air conditioning and heater hoses. Most RTTs require campers to run intake and exhaust hoses through partially open windows or doors, letting in cold air, rain, or bugs. The Nova solves this problem with dedicated, sealed ports, allowing campers to maintain a controlled climate inside without unwanted exposure to the elements.

FSR’s Tri-Layer Insulation system also returns in the Nova. The ceiling, doors, and windows offer multilayer insulation to regulate interior temperature. The rest of the tent uses FSR Tech Fabric, designed to balance weight savings with thermal efficiency.

Is the FSR Nova the Best of Both Worlds?

The Nova offers an intriguing option for campers looking for the packability of a softshell RTT with the durability and convenience of a hardshell. By eliminating the need for a fabric cover, integrating built-in storage options, and including ports for heating and cooling, it solves several common frustrations with traditional RTTs.

That said, long-term performance will determine whether the Nova truly delivers. FSR claims setup takes under a minute, but real-world use will reveal how smoothly the mechanism operates over time. The ability to mount gear on the exterior shell is useful, but campers need to be mindful of what they store there — not all items work when flipped upside down.

At 132-162 pounds, the Free Spirit Recreation Nova is heavier than most softshell RTTs but remains more manageable than many full hardshell options. It’s a compelling new entry into the RTT market, and for those frustrated by the tradeoffs of traditional designs, it could be a strong option.

Free Spirit Recreation Nova Series: Availability & Pricing

The FSR Nova Series is available to order now, with shipping starting in a few weeks’ time. The pre-sale pricing, until the end of February, is $2,995 for the Nova and $3,595 for the Nova King. Paid in full preorders will also get a free 40-inch Kingpin Equipped Light Bar.

If you want to see the FSR Nova in person, you can check it out at the Overland Expo SoCal event this March.

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