Front Runner Feather-Lite II vs TentBox GO
The Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the TentBox GO 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 TentBox take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
The GO is 16 kg lighter at 33 kg against 49 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Inside, the Feather-Lite II gives 3.2 m² of sleeping floor against 2.75 m², about 16 percent more, though both are rated for 2. List prices are within $96 of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one.
Canvas differs too: 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column against stormproof breathable UV-resistant fabric, 3000 mm hydrostatic head. Closed, the Feather-Lite II sits 13 cm lower on the roof — 32 cm against 45 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
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
TentBox
GO
At 33 kg this is the lightest tent in the database by a wide margin, and it opens within the vehicle's own footprint rather than folding over the side. That combination puts a rooftop tent within reach of small cars whose roof limits rule out everything else.
- 33 kg, lighter than any other tent here
- Opens within the vehicle footprint
- 5-year warranty, longer than most tents near its price
- 45 cm closed height is the tallest packed profile here
Which one to pick
Take the GO if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Take the Feather-Lite II if you need the sleeping room more than you need the lighter tent. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | — | 4-season |
| List price | $1,209— best of the tents compared | $1,310— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 108 lb— worst of the tents compared | 73 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | — | 7 ft 5 in |
| Packed width | — | 4 ft |
| Packed height | 12.6 in— best of the tents compared | 17.7 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 7 ft 5 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 34.4 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 29.6 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | — | 3 ft 9 in |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in | — |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | 60 sec |
| Shell material | — | — |
| Fabric | 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column | Stormproof breathable UV-resistant fabric, 3000 mm hydrostatic head |
| Warranty | — | 5years |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | No |
| Heater / HVAC port | No | No |
| Roof skylight | Yes | Yes |
| Annex available | Yes | — |
| Solar ready | — | No |
| Carries cargo on top | — | No |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Front Runner product page | TentBox 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 TentBox GO.