Naturnest Polaris 2 vs Overland Vehicle Systems HD Bundu 2 Cantilever

The Naturnest Polaris 2 and the Overland Vehicle Systems HD Bundu 2 Cantilever 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. Naturnest and Overland Vehicle Systems take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.

The HD Bundu 2 Cantilever is 16.900000000000006 kg lighter at 67.1 kg against 84 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 HD Bundu 2 Cantilever gives 3.35 m² of sleeping floor against 2.77 m², about 21 percent more, though both are rated for 2. Headroom separates them further: 150 cm in the Polaris 2 against 119.38 cm, which is the difference between sitting up to dress and doing it lying down. The Polaris 2 lists $200.99 lower, at $1,499 against $1,699.99. Overland Vehicle Systems also backs the HD Bundu 2 Cantilever for 4 years against 1.

The Polaris 2 uses aluminium alloy with die-cast corners; the HD Bundu 2 Cantilever uses high-impact UV-stable ABS over aluminum honeycomb base. Canvas differs too: high-density Oxford plaid; mildew-proof antibacterial polyester inner; YKK zippers against 280g rip stop poly cotton canvas body, 420D polyester Oxford rainfly. The Polaris 2 adds a heater or HVAC port and the ability to carry cargo on the shell, which the HD Bundu 2 Cantilever does not offer. Closed, the Polaris 2 sits 12.48 cm lower on the roof — 18 cm against 30.48 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.