Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 vs Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 3 Extended

The Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 and the Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 3 Extended 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. Ironman 4x4 and Overland Vehicle Systems take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.

By the numbers, the Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 brings 56 kg, 4.38 m² of floor, 128.02 cm of headroom and sleeps 3. The Overland Vehicle Systems HD Nomadic 3 Extended counters with 71 kg, 3.94 m² of floor and sleeps 3.

The Cross 1200 MK2 is 15 kg lighter at 56 kg against 71 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Inside, the Cross 1200 MK2 gives 4.38 m² of sleeping floor against 3.94 m², about 11 percent more, though both are rated for 3. Their list prices are within a few percent of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one. Overland Vehicle Systems also backs the HD Nomadic 3 Extended for 4 years against 3.

Canvas differs too: 420D polyester Oxford fly; 120gsm super-fine insect mesh against 280g rip stop poly cotton Oxford. The Cross 1200 MK2 adds a heater or HVAC port, which the HD Nomadic 3 Extended does not offer. Closed, the HD Nomadic 3 Extended sits 7.369999999999997 cm lower on the roof — 35.56 cm against 42.93 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.