Front Runner Feather-Lite II vs Naturnest Andromeda
The Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the Naturnest Andromeda are both softshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. Front Runner and Naturnest take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
On weight they are effectively level — 49 kg against 49.38 kg — so the roof load question resolves the same way for both. Floor area is close to identical at 3.2 m² and 3.22 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. The Andromeda lists $280 lower, at $929 against $1,209.
Canvas differs too: 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column against polyester canopy with 620D mesh.
Front Runner
Feather-Lite II
The updated Feather-Lite, with an overhang that shields the entrance and telescopic ladder from rain and transparent stargazing panels in the roof. It shares the original's 260g poly-cotton body and 6 cm mattress but runs slightly larger and heavier at 49 kg, with a 2000 mm-rated rainfly.
- Overhang covers the entrance and ladder
- Transparent stargazing panels in the roof
- 2000 mm water column rainfly
- 6 kg heavier than the original Front Runner tent
Naturnest
Andromeda
The Andromeda is Naturnest's soft-shell fold-out tent (Dark Green), rated for two to three people at $929. Its published open size is 140 x 230 x 110 cm, folding to 145 x 117 x 35 cm, with a 2.5 cm foam mattress, a 620D-mesh polyester canopy under a removable PVC cover, a 360-degree skylight, ten windows and two doors, and a W/R 5000 waterproof rating.
- Lower priced than Naturnest's hard-shell models
- 360-degree skylight with ten windows and two doors
- Removable PVC travel cover
- Published weight figures are inconsistent between listings
Which one to pick
These two are closely matched on the numbers that usually decide it. Read the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex — and let whichever of those you will actually use break the tie.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 2— worst of the tents compared | 3— best of the tents compared |
| Season rating | — | — |
| List price | $1,209— worst of the tents compared | $929— best of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 108 lb— best of the tents compared | 109 lb— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed length | — | 4 ft 9 in |
| Packed width | — | 3 ft 10 in |
| Packed height | 12.6 in— best of the tents compared | 13.8 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared | 7 ft 7 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 34.4 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 34.7 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | — | 3 ft 7 in |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in— best of the tents compared | 1 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | ~5 minest. |
| Shell material | — | Aluminium base plate with removable PVC travel cover |
| Fabric | 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column | Polyester canopy with 620D mesh |
| Warranty | — | 1year |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | — |
| Heater / HVAC port | No | — |
| Roof skylight | Yes | Yes |
| Annex available | Yes | — |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Front Runner product page | Naturnest product page |
Related comparisons
- Feather-Lite IIvsExpedition Foldout
- Feather-Lite IIvsRoof Top Tent
- Feather-Lite IIvsFlinders
- Feather-Lite IIvsGalaxy
Or read the full spec sheets for the Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the Naturnest Andromeda.