Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition vs Naturnest Polaris 2
The Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition 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. Alu-Cab and Naturnest take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
The Gen 3-R Expedition 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. Floor area is close to identical at 2.73 m² and 2.77 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. Alu-Cab does not publish a list price for the Gen 3-R Expedition, so a direct cost comparison means getting a quote from a dealer.
The Gen 3-R Expedition uses aluminium hard shell with insulated roof and base; the Polaris 2 uses aluminium alloy with die-cast corners. Canvas differs too: double-layer 400gsm canvas, hydrostatic head above 1000 mm against high-density Oxford plaid; mildew-proof antibacterial polyester inner; YKK zippers. The Polaris 2 adds a roof skylight, which the Gen 3-R Expedition does not offer. Closed, the Polaris 2 sits 10 cm lower on the roof — 18 cm against 28 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
Alu-Cab
Gen 3-R Expedition
The overlanding specialist's tent: aluminium rather than plastic, a heavy 400gsm double-layer canvas, and pre-wiring for solar via Anderson SB50 plugs. It stands 160 cm at the interior peak.
- Heavy 400gsm double-layer canvas
- Pre-wired for solar with integrated LED and USB-C
- Cargo rails rated for 50 kg
- Alu-Cab publishes no list price or warranty term
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 Gen 3-R Expedition 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
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Hardshell | Hardshell |
| Opening style | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | 4-season | — |
| List price | — | $1,499 |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 168 lb— best of the tents compared | 185 lb— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 7 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared | 6 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 4 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 11 in— worst of the tents compared | 7.1 in— best of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 6 ft 11 in | 6 ft 11 in |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 4 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 29.4 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 29.8 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 5 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 2.8 in— best of the tents compared | 2 in— worst 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 | Aluminium hard shell with insulated roof and base | Aluminium alloy with die-cast corners |
| Fabric | Double-layer 400gsm canvas, hydrostatic head above 1000 mm | High-density Oxford plaid; mildew-proof antibacterial polyester inner; YKK zippers |
| Warranty | — | 1year |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | Yes | — |
| Heater / HVAC port | Yes | Yes |
| Roof skylight | No | Yes |
| Annex available | — | — |
| Solar ready | Yes | — |
| Carries cargo on top | Yes | Yes |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Alu-Cab product page | Naturnest product page |
Related comparisons
- Gen 3-R ExpeditionvsHardshell (61002)
- Gen 3-R ExpeditionvsOrion 1200 Lightweight
- Gen 3-R ExpeditionvsJoyCee
- Polaris 2vsPathseeker Auto Solar
Or read the full spec sheets for the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition and the Naturnest Polaris 2.