Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 vs Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander XL Tent

The Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 and the Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander XL Tent 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 Smittybilt 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 Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander XL Tent counters with 63 kg, 5.98 m² of floor, 129.54 cm of headroom and sleeps 4.

The Cross 1200 MK2 is 7 kg lighter at 56 kg against 63 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 Gen2 Overlander XL Tent gives 5.98 m² of sleeping floor against 4.38 m², about 37 percent more, and it sleeps 4 to the Cross 1200 MK2's 3. Their list prices are within a few percent of each other, so price is unlikely to decide this one. Ironman 4x4 also backs the Cross 1200 MK2 for 3 years against 2.

Canvas differs too: 420D polyester Oxford fly; 120gsm super-fine insect mesh against 600D heavy-duty ripstop polyester, waterproof polyurethane-impregnated top; 420D oxford rainfly. Closed, the Gen2 Overlander XL Tent sits 13.719999999999999 cm lower on the roof — 29.21 cm against 42.93 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.