Direct4x4 ClamTrekk vs TentBox Classic
The Direct4x4 ClamTrekk and the TentBox Classic 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 TentBox take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
By the numbers, the Direct4x4 ClamTrekk brings 76 kg and sleeps 2. The TentBox Classic counters with 67 kg, 2.79 m² of floor, 100 cm of headroom and sleeps 2.
The Classic is 9 kg lighter at 67 kg against 76 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Their list prices are within a few percent of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one.
The ClamTrekk uses honeycomb aluminium; the Classic uses ABS shell with aluminium frame and stainless steel hardware. Canvas differs too: 65% polyester / 35% cotton, mould-proof, water resistant 10,000 mm against stormproof breathable UV-resistant fabric, 3000 mm hydrostatic head. Closed, the ClamTrekk sits 15 cm lower on the roof — 20 cm against 35 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
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
TentBox
Classic
The gas-strut hardshell in TentBox's range, opening in a minute and holding bedding inside when closed. Its five-year warranty is longer than any American or Korean brand here offers.
- 60-second gas-strut opening
- 5-year warranty
- Bedding stays inside when packed
- 67 kg for a two-person tent
Which one to pick
Take the Classic 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 | $3,070— worst of the tents compared | $3,050— best of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 168 lb— worst of the tents compared | 148 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 6 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared | 7 ft 2 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 2 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 7.9 in— best of the tents compared | 13.8 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | — | 7 ft 2 in |
| Sleeping width | — | 4 ft 2 in |
| Floor area | — | 30 sq ft |
| Interior height | — | 3 ft 3 in |
| Mattress thickness | — | 2.4 in |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~60 secest. | 60 sec |
| Shell material | Honeycomb aluminium | ABS shell with aluminium frame and stainless steel hardware |
| Fabric | 65% polyester / 35% cotton, mould-proof, water resistant 10,000 mm | Stormproof breathable UV-resistant fabric, 3000 mm hydrostatic head |
| Warranty | — | 5years |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Heater / HVAC port | — | No |
| Roof skylight | — | No |
| Annex available | — | — |
| Solar ready | — | No |
| Carries cargo on top | — | No |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Direct4x4 product page | TentBox product page |
Related comparisons
Or read the full spec sheets for the Direct4x4 ClamTrekk and the TentBox Classic.