Front Runner Feather-Lite II vs Howling Moon Deluxe
The Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the Howling Moon Deluxe 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 Howling Moon take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
On weight they are effectively level — 49 kg against 48 kg — so the roof load question resolves the same way for both. Inside, the Feather-Lite II gives 3.2 m² of sleeping floor against 2.88 m², about 11 percent more, though both are rated for 2. List prices are within $141 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 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated.
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
Howling Moon
Deluxe
The Deluxe is Howling Moon's entry-level softshell fold-out tent and the base model of the range, offered in widths from 1.2 m to 2.4 m. It uses a 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canopy with a 75 mm high-density foam mattress and ships with an extension ladder and a UV-stabilised welded-seam PVC travel cover. It is compatible with the brand's extension/annex.
- Uses the same 380gsm poly-cotton canvas as the higher softshells
- Compatible with Howling Moon's extension/annex
- Multiple width options from 1.2 m to 2.4 m
- Manufacturer does not publish warranty or season rating
Which one to pick
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 | — | — |
| List price | $1,209— best of the tents compared | $1,350— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 108 lb— worst of the tents compared | 106 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | — | — |
| Packed width | — | — |
| Packed height | 12.6 in— best of the tents compared | 14.2 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 7 ft 10 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared | 3 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 34.4 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 31 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | — | 3 ft 11 in |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in— worst of the tents compared | 3 in— best 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 | — | — |
| Fabric | 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column | 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | — |
| Heater / HVAC port | No | — |
| Roof skylight | Yes | — |
| Annex available | Yes | Yes |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Front Runner product page | Howling Moon 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 Howling Moon Deluxe.