Overland Vehicle Systems HD Sidewinder vs Overland Vehicle Systems XD K2
Both of these are Overland Vehicle Systems tents, so the question is not which brand to trust but which size and configuration suits your vehicle and how you camp. The HD Sidewinder and the XD K2 share Overland Vehicle Systems's construction and warranty; where they part company is in the numbers below.
Inside, the XD K2 gives 3.49 m² of sleeping floor against 3.21 m², about 9 percent more, though both are rated for 2. The HD Sidewinder lists $800 lower, at $2,499.99 against $3,299.99. Overland Vehicle Systems also backs the XD K2 for 6 years against 4.
The HD Sidewinder uses honeycomb aluminum; the XD K2 uses honeycomb insulated aluminum. Canvas differs too: 280g rip stop poly cotton Oxford against 320g rip stop polycotton Oxford. The XD K2 adds a heater or HVAC port and integrated LED lighting, which the HD Sidewinder does not offer. Closed, the HD Sidewinder sits 8.889999999999997 cm lower on the roof — 16.51 cm against 25.4 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
Overland Vehicle Systems
HD Sidewinder
The HD Sidewinder is a side-opening (side-load) aluminum clamshell for two, with a long 90 x 51.5 in sleeping area and 48 in interior height. OVS lists it without interior lighting, skylight or heater port and gives a 4-year fabric and structural warranty. Dry weight is 220 lb and packaged weight 277 lb.
- Side-load opening suits certain rack layouts
- Long 90 x 51.5 in sleeping area
- Thicker 2.5 in mattress
- No interior lighting, skylight or heater port
Overland Vehicle Systems
XD K2
The XD K2 is a dual-action aluminum clamshell in Overland Vehicle Systems' premium XD line, sleeping two on a 78 x 50 in mattress. It carries an integrated adjustable crossbar rack rated to 45 lb open / 100 lb closed, an LED light strip and a heater/AC port, with a 6-year fabric and limited lifetime structural warranty. Dry weight is 220 lb and OVS states a roughly 2-minute setup.
- Integrated adjustable crossbar rack (45 lb open / 100 lb closed)
- LED strip and heater/AC port included
- 6-year fabric, limited lifetime structural warranty
- Heavy at 220 lb dry
Which one to pick
Take the HD Sidewinder if the budget is fixed. Take the XD K2 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 | Overland Vehicle Systems XD K2
| |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Hardshell | Hardshell |
| Opening style | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | — | — |
| List price | $2,499.99— best of the tents compared | $3,299.99— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 220 lb | 220 lb |
| Packed length | 7 ft 6 in— worst of the tents compared | 7 ft— best of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 4 ft 7 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 9 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 6.5 in— best of the tents compared | 10 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 7 ft 6 in— worst of the tents compared | 7 ft 11 in— best of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 4 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 9 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 34.6 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 37.6 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 4 ft— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 2.5 in— best of the tents compared | 2 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | 2 min | 2 min |
| Shell material | Honeycomb aluminum | Honeycomb insulated aluminum |
| Fabric | 280g rip stop poly cotton Oxford | 320g rip stop polycotton Oxford |
| Warranty | 4years— worst of the tents compared | 6years— best of the tents compared |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | Yes |
| Heater / HVAC port | No | Yes |
| Roof skylight | No | — |
| Annex available | — | — |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | Yes | Yes |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Overland Vehicle Systems product page | Overland Vehicle Systems product page |
Related comparisons
- HD SidewindervsHD Bushveld 2 Cantilever
- HD SidewindervsHD Mamba
- HD SidewindervsHD Bushveld 4 Cantilever
- HD SidewindervsXD Lhotse
Or read the full spec sheets for the Overland Vehicle Systems HD Sidewinder and the Overland Vehicle Systems XD K2.