RooftopTentCompare

Direct4x4 ClamTrekk vs Naturnest Polaris 2

The Direct4x4 ClamTrekk and the Naturnest Polaris 2 are both hardshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. Direct4x4 and Naturnest take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.

The ClamTrekk is 8 kg lighter at 76 kg against 84 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. The Polaris 2 lists $485 lower, at $1,499 against $1,984.

The ClamTrekk uses honeycomb aluminium; the Polaris 2 uses aluminium alloy with die-cast corners. Canvas differs too: 65% polyester / 35% cotton, mould-proof, water resistant 10,000 mm against high-density Oxford plaid; mildew-proof antibacterial polyester inner; YKK zippers.

Direct4x4

ClamTrekk

The ClamTrekk is Direct4x4's two-person hard-shell clamshell tent, built around a honeycomb aluminium shell that opens on gas struts from either side. Direct4x4 publishes closed dimensions of 210 x 130 x 20 cm and a 76 kg weight but does not list the open dimensions, interior height or mattress thickness. It ships with a telescopic ladder, two door poles, a camping light with 12V internal sockets, an anti-condensation mat, boot bags and two roof-rack bars.

  • Honeycomb aluminium shell opens quickly on gas struts
  • Ships with ladder, camping light, 12V sockets and two roof-rack bars
  • Fabric rated to a 10,000 mm water column
  • Open dimensions and interior height are not published

Naturnest

Polaris 2

The Polaris 2 is an all-aluminium clamshell tent rated for two, with a published open size of 210 x 132 x 150 cm folding to 210 x 132 x 18 cm and a weight of 84 kg (185 lbs). It uses a 5 cm mattress with condensation pad, a high-density Oxford-plaid canopy with YKK zippers, a skylight, a 50 A/12 V Anderson power interface with USB, and air-conditioning/heating ports.

  • Publishes full dimensions and weight, unlike several siblings
  • Skylight plus a 50 A Anderson interface with USB
  • Air-conditioning/heating ports
  • Product weight of 84 kg requires a capable roof platform

Which one to pick

Take the Polaris 2 if the budget is fixed. Take the ClamTrekk if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.

Every specification, side by side

Side-by-side specifications for Direct4x4 ClamTrekk, Naturnest Polaris 2
Specification

Direct4x4

ClamTrekk
Hardshell
  • Lightest
Check current priceNot sold here

Naturnest

Polaris 2
Hardshell
  • Cheapest
Check current price
Overview
TypeHardshellHardshell
Opening styleClamshellClamshell
Sleeps22
Season rating——
List price$1,980— worst of the tents compared$1,499— best of the tents compared
Weight and size
Weight168 lb— best of the tents compared185 lb— worst of the tents compared
Packed length6 ft 11 in6 ft 11 in
Packed width4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared4 ft 4 in— worst of the tents compared
Packed height7.9 in— worst of the tents compared7.1 in— best of the tents compared
Living space
Sleeping length—6 ft 11 in
Sleeping width—4 ft 4 in
Floor area—29.8 sq ft
Interior height—4 ft 11 in
Mattress thickness—2 in
Setup and build
Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice.~60 secest.~60 secest.
Shell materialHoneycomb aluminiumAluminium alloy with die-cast corners
Fabric65% polyester / 35% cotton, mould-proof, water resistant 10,000 mmHigh-density Oxford plaid; mildew-proof antibacterial polyester inner; YKK zippers
Warranty—1year
Features
Integrated LED lightingYes—
Heater / HVAC port—Yes
Roof skylight—Yes
Annex available——
Solar ready——
Carries cargo on top—Yes
Sources
Last verifiedDirect4x4 product pageNaturnest product page

Related comparisons

Or read the full spec sheets for the Direct4x4 ClamTrekk and the Naturnest Polaris 2.