Clamshell Rooftop Tents: Aspen Lite vs. Aspen V2

There's a reason clamshell rooftop tents are a favorite among campers—they're fast, simple, and reliable. No fussing with complicated gear. Pop a few latches, push up, and you're ready to camp. With plenty of headroom, a low-profile design, and rock-solid durability, clamshell tents are ideal for both weekend warriors and long-haul explorers. 

The Aspen series is our spin on the traditional clamshell tent. Aspen Lite and Aspen V2 share similar dimensions and features, but it's the small intentional details that differentiate the two, and their unique designs cater to different adventure styles.

Whether you need an ultralight, compact setup, or something with maximum gear-hauling capability, this guide will break down the differences to help you choose the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Size and Weight: How Do They Compare?

Before diving into the details of each tent, let’s start with the specs. Both tents maintain a low profile at only 7" high, which has several benefits. Increased gas mileage, no issues fitting into your garage, and the ability to pack gear on top with additional crossbars, but Aspen Lite has the advantage of being lighter than Aspen V2.

Aspen Lite XL:

• Dimensions: 57 ½" W x 80" L x 7 ⅜" W
• Weight: 110 lbs

Aspen V2 XL:

• Dimensions: 59 ½" W x 86 ½" L x 7 ⅜" H
• Weight: 154 lbs

Sleeping Space: Which Tent is Best for Your Height?

Both tents have similar interior layouts, but the mattress length is a key differentiator. If you’re tall (6’2”+), Aspen V2 provides the extra legroom to keep you comfortable. But for those under 6’2”, Aspen Lite is a great fit.

Aspen Lite XL:

• 72" long mattress
• Ideal for campers under 6'2"
• Feet can extend into the wedge for extra room

Aspen V2 XL:

• 79" long mattress
• Ideal for campers above 6'2"
• More spacious for 2-3 people

Vehicle Fitment: Which Tent Works Best for Your Rig?

Aspen Lite XL

So lightweight and compact, it can fit on nearly any vehicle. Designed for below-cab height racks, it’s an excellent fit for mid-sized trucks with a 6.5-foot bed, as well as smaller SUVs and sedans. For short-bed pickups, mounting above-cab height is still a great option, offering flexibility based on your setup. 

• Ford F-150 or Toyota Tacoma (6.5’ bed)
• Toyota 4Runner or RAV4
• Subaru Outback or Forester
• Jeep Cherokee or Wrangler

Built for campers who want to go fast and light, it helps keep your vehicle’s center of gravity low. Perfect for avoiding a top-heavy feel on technical terrain.

Aspen V2 XL

With the larger footprint and heavier weight, Aspen V2 works well on pickup trucks with above-cab height racks, long bed pickups, and larger SUVs.

• Ford F-250 or Toyota Tundra
• Toyota Sequoia or Land Cruiser
• Ford Bronco
• Lexus GX

For those running fully decked-out rigs, full-size trucks, or larger SUVs, Aspen V2 is a perfect fit. It offers more gear-mounting capabilities and extra sleeping space.

Gear Carrying & Mounting Options

One of the most important distinctions between Aspen Lite and Aspen V2 comes down to their track systems and load capacity. Both tents feature extruded aluminum frames, but their mounting capabilities are quite different. 

Aspen Lite XL:

Aspen Lite uses a single-track system to keep weight down. This lightweight design helps with staying nimble on the trails, but it does come with some limitations. Because of the single-track construction and lighter gas struts, you won’t be able to mount accessories like awnings directly to the tent.

• Single-track system (no direct awning mounting)
• Crossbars for lightweight accessories (solar panels, traction boards, light storage boxes)

Aspen V2 XL:

Aspen V2, on the other hand, features a double-track system, which offers increased load capacity and more mounting versatility. With its full hard shell and stronger gas struts, Aspen V2 can easily handle heavier accessories like bike racks, paddleboard carriers, and more gear on top—all while still opening and closing smoothly.

• Double-track system (mount awnings & accessories directly to tent channels)
• Crossbars for heavier accessories (bike racks, paddleboards, heavy storage boxes)
• Stronger gas struts to handle the extra weight of mounted accessories

Hard Shell vs. Tonneau-Style Roof

While both tents are built for durability and all-season performance, their roof construction impacts weight and rigidity. 

Aspen Lite features a tonneau-style roof that is fully waterproof, flexible, and lightweight. Water beads right off the surface, keeping the tent dry in any weather conditions. 

Aspen V2 sports a rigid aluminum honeycomb hard shell. This design adds strength and structure for heavier-duty gas struts and the ability to mount extra gear on top. While it adds some weight, it also boosts durability, making it a rugged option for extreme conditions and gear-heavy setups.

Weather Performance & Four-Season Capability

Both Aspen Lite and Aspen V2 are built for four-season camping, designed to handle everything from desert heat to freezing alpine conditions. Each tent features FSR’s signature Tri-Layer material, strategically placed on the ceiling, windows, and doors to insulate and regulate interior temperature. To reduce weight and maximize packability, FSR Tech Fabric is used on the tent’s sidewalls. 

Both tents are also equipped with built-in diesel heater ports, allowing campers to customize their climate control for year-round comfort. And with 100% waterproof fabric, these tents are designed to withstand heavy rain, snow, and harsh winds, keeping you dry no matter the conditions.

Storing Bedding Inside

One of the most frequently asked questions about Aspen Lite and Aspen V2 is: can you store bedding inside?The answer is yes! Both tents are designed to accommodate bedding, making setup and teardown even faster.

So, what exactly do we mean by "bedding"? A sleeping bag, thin comforter, and pillow set will all fit comfortably inside either tent, making it easier than ever to hit the road and set up camp in minutes.

To maximize storage space, we recommend using a pump to fully deflate the Aircore mattress before closing either tent. In Aspen Lite, it's important to avoid placing bedding under the U-bar, as this can prevent the tent from closing properly. Instead, store blankets and pillows in the door opening to ensure a secure fit.

For Aspen V2, you have a bit more flexibility. Pillows can be tucked into the wedge, allowing them to compress naturally as the tent closes. This small adjustment helps optimize space while keeping your bedding neatly stored inside.

Final Verdict: Which Tent Should You Choose?

Go for Aspen Lite if:

• You need an ultralight tent lightweight tent
• You’re new to rooftop tents and want a simple, easy-to-use setup
• You camp in a midsize truck with below-cab height rack or smaller SUV
• You don’t need heavy gear mounting options

Go for Aspen V2 if:

• You need a more rugged tent with extra gear-mounting options
• You’re over 6'2" or want extra sleeping space
• You camp in a truck with above-cab height rack or larger SUV
• You want to carry bikes, paddleboards, or heavier accessories

The Aspen series takes the popular clamshell design to the next level, offering two distinct options to match your camping style. Whether you need the lightweight, streamlined Aspen Lite for fast-and-light travel or the gear-hauling powerhouse Aspen V2, you really can’t go wrong with either choice.

Both deliver the durability, comfort, and year-round performance that make every trip better—so it just comes down to what fits your vehicle and adventure style best.

Want to see even more of the Aspen Series? Check out our Aspen Lite vs. Aspen V2 Comparison video, Aspen V2 Rooftop Tent - Full Walk-Around video, or Aspen Lite Rooftop Tent Complete Walkthrough.