Front Runner Feather-Lite II vs Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMBK 3
The Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMBK 3 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 Overland Vehicle Systems take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
By the numbers, the Front Runner Feather-Lite II brings 49 kg, 3.2 m² of floor, 110 cm of headroom and sleeps 2. The Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMBK 3 counters with 49 kg, 3.44 m² of floor, 129.5 cm of headroom and sleeps 3.
Floor area is close to identical at 3.2 m² and 3.44 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. Headroom separates them further: 129.5 cm in the LD TMBK 3 against 110 cm, which is the difference between sitting up to dress and doing it lying down. Their list prices are within a few percent 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 600D rip stop poly cotton Oxford.
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
Overland Vehicle Systems
LD TMBK 3
The LD TMBK 3 is Overland Vehicle Systems' entry-level fold-out soft-shell, sleeping three with a 600D poly-cotton body and a 108 lb dry weight. It includes a skylight, aluminum crossbars and an optional annex, and OVS rates it as 4-season ready. Warranty is 2 years fabric and structural, and an LED kit is optional.
- Entry-level price within the OVS range
- Low 108 lb dry weight
- Skylight and 4-season rating
- Short 2-year warranty
Which one to pick
These two are closely matched on the numbers that usually decide it. Read the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex — and let whichever of those you will actually use break the tie.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 2— worst of the tents compared | 3— best of the tents compared |
| Season rating | — | 4-season |
| List price | $1,209— worst of the tents compared | $1,099.99— best of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 108 lb | 108 lb |
| Packed length | 4 ft— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 9 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 12.6 in— worst of the tents compared | 11.5 in— best of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 8 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared | 7 ft 10 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 34.4 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 37 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in— best of the tents compared | 2.3 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | 3 min |
| Shell material | — | — |
| Fabric | 260g poly-cotton ripstop body; 400D polyester oxford rainfly, 2000 mm water column | 600D rip stop poly cotton Oxford |
| Warranty | 2years | 2years |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | No |
| Heater / HVAC port | No | No |
| Roof skylight | Yes | Yes |
| Annex available | Yes | Yes |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | Yes |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Front Runner product page | Overland Vehicle Systems product page |
Related comparisons
- Feather-Lite IIvsRoof Top Tent
- Feather-Lite IIvsTrailhead
- Feather-Lite IIvsFlinders
- Feather-Lite IIvsGalaxy
Or read the full spec sheets for the Front Runner Feather-Lite II and the Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMBK 3.