23Zero Onyx Triple X 1450 vs Thule Widesky
The 23Zero Onyx Triple X 1450 and the Thule Widesky 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. 23Zero and Thule take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
By the numbers, the 23Zero Onyx Triple X 1450 brings 98 kg, 2.78 m² of floor and sleeps 2. The Thule Widesky counters with 67 kg, 2.95 m² of floor, 117 cm of headroom and sleeps 2.
The Widesky is 31 kg lighter at 67 kg against 98 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Floor area is close to identical at 2.78 m² and 2.95 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. The Onyx Triple X 1450 lists about 18% lower than the Widesky.
The Onyx Triple X 1450 uses oxide-coated aluminium extrusions with a honeycomb base; the Widesky uses aluminum frame with fiber-reinforced polyamide corners and aluminum honeycomb base. Canvas differs too: 320 gsm canvas with Light Suppression Technology (LST) against 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant.
23Zero
Onyx Triple X 1450
The 23Zero Onyx Triple X 1450 is an aerodynamic aluminium clamshell hardshell built on oxide-coated aluminium extrusions with a reinforced honeycomb base. It sleeps two on a 2-inch mattress under a 320 gsm canopy with Light Suppression Technology, with 360-degree ventilation, a skylight, dual diesel-heater ports, dual-colour LED lighting and integrated power ports.
- Aerodynamic oxide-coated aluminium shell with a honeycomb base
- 320 gsm canvas with Light Suppression Technology and a skylight
- Dual diesel-heater ports, dual-colour LED lighting and integrated power
- Heavy at 217 lb (98 kg)
Thule
Widesky
Thule's hardshell flagship, and the only tent here whose mattress converts into a backrest so the interior works as a seating space in daylight. The 20 cm closed profile matches the Roofnest Falcon.
- Mattress converts to a sofa backrest
- 20 cm closed profile
- Two dimmable USB LED lights
- $4,000 for a two-person tent
Which one to pick
Take the Widesky if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Take the Onyx Triple X 1450 if the budget is fixed. 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 | Hardshell | Hardshell |
| Opening style | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | 4-season | 4-season |
| List price | $3,295— best of the tents compared | $3,999.95— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 217 lb— worst of the tents compared | 147 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 7 ft 1 in— worst of the tents compared | 6 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft 9 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 7 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 8.7 in— worst of the tents compared | 7.9 in— best of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 6 ft 9 in— worst of the tents compared | 6 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 5 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 7 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 29.9 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 31.8 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | — | 3 ft 10 in |
| Mattress thickness | 2 in— worst of the tents compared | 2.4 in— best of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~60 secest. | ~60 secest. |
| Shell material | Oxide-coated aluminium extrusions with a honeycomb base | Aluminum frame with fiber-reinforced polyamide corners and aluminum honeycomb base |
| Fabric | 320 gsm canvas with Light Suppression Technology (LST) | 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Heater / HVAC port | Yes | — |
| Roof skylight | Yes | — |
| Annex available | — | — |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | 23Zero product page | Thule product page |
Related comparisons
- Onyx Triple X 1450vsNova King
- Onyx Triple X 1450vsIntrepid 2.0 (1285mm)
- Onyx Triple X 1450vsMt. Hood 2 Tent
- Onyx Triple X 1450vsLightrize
Or read the full spec sheets for the 23Zero Onyx Triple X 1450 and the Thule Widesky.
