Deep Dive into Kali: Reinventing the Expandable Footprint

If you love the ritual of setting up camp but you’re over crawling into a cold, dusty ground tent, this is the upgrade that actually changes your trips. Think: effortless setup, sunrise views from your tent, and a warm, comfortable place to crash after a long day on the trail. That’s the promise behind Kali: our newest hybrid, expandable hard shell tent that is compact on your vehicle, but opens into a spacious sleeping area with 360° views and true four-season comfort. 

Expandable hard shell tents have been around, but our community asked for one built the FSR way. Crafted with our premium materials, featuring quick, hassle-free setup, and Tri-Layer insulation that keeps you comfortable in any weather conditions. So we took the format you’ve seen elsewhere and refined the details into a compact footprint with a roomy interior and the versatility to hold up to life on the road. Kali was built to keep up with your adventures without asking you to compromise on space, comfort, or durability. 

Kali isn’t just another rooftop tent. It’s our innovative approach to the hybrid, expandable foldout design. Let’s dive into the details that make it stand out.

What Sets Kali Apart

Kali was made for those who crave both convenience and capability: spacious living, real views, zero hassle. Kali is perfect for couples or families who want an ultra-roomy, feature-packed camping experience without giving up a compact footprint on the road. 

Its expandable hard shell design doubles your sleeping space at camp and surrounds you with 360° windows for a truly immersive outdoor experience during midday siestas, golden-hour sunsets, and stargazing. Inside, the generous headroom makes changing clothes easy (and actually comfortable), while the generous ventilation options keep the tent comfortable in any season.

Want to see Kali in action? Watch our full walkthrough video for a tour of every feature.

Hybrid Design and Construction

Durability starts from the shell up, and Kali's foundation is in a league of its own. While many rooftop tents rely on ABS plastic or fiberglass shells that can fade, crack, or warp over time with temperature changes, Kali is built from honeycomb aluminum and extruded aluminum framing. This premium material combination makes it both lightweight and incredibly strong, capable of withstanding years of exposure to heat, cold, and rough terrain.

Why it matters:

• No cracking, no fading: Honeycomb aluminum won't degrade like ABS plastics do under sun and stress.
• Strength without the bulk: Despite its rigid structure, Kali remains lightweight. Only 177 lbs for Kali and 207 lbs for Kali King, ladder included. You're seeing 250 to upwards of 300 lbs for comparable tents on the market.
• Built to last: No warping, no leaks, no compromises. Just a solid foundation ready for wherever the road leads you.

Spacious Interior & Simplified Setup

At first glance, Kali's compact form might seem understated, but unfold it, and it quickly transforms into a spacious, panoramic living space.

Thanks to its dual-hinge "Z" design, the tent opens smoothly from both ends with gas strut assistance, raising the rear first and then the front for a full 48" of headroom. This design not only simplifies setup but also enhances airflow and natural light because of the additional rear panel window. 

Check out the complete start to finish setup and tear-down video to see how quick and easy Kali is to setup.

Once open, Kali feels expansive inside. The 360° window layout, including a unique rear pass-through window, ensures unobstructed views and unmatched ventilation. Whether you're watching a mountain sunrise or cooling off after a long hike, Kali's large windows and optional awning-style rain covers create the perfect balance of comfort and protection.

Setup is quick and intuitive:

• Gas strut-assisted opening requires minimal effort.
• No exterior poles needed: stability comes from the internal U-bar system and reinforced frame.
• Crossbar compatible: so you can still mount gear like solar panels or cargo boxes on top.

4-Season Protection and Insulation

Kali thrives in every season. From winter overnights to get first chair on the slopes to sun-baked days spent riding mountain trails or reeling in trout.

FSR's Tri-Layer insulation reinforces key areas like the roof, doors, and windows, creating a thermal barrier that helps regulate interior temperature in any environment. Meanwhile, FSR Tech Fabric covers the rest of the tent, reducing weight while remaining fully waterproof and breathable.

All-Weather Advantage:

• 4-Season Ready: 100% waterproof with sealed seams and insulated Tri-Layer panels.
• Integrated Heater & A/C Ports: Dual diesel-heater ports let campers customize their climate control for year-round comfort.
• Adjustable Window Awnings: Provide coverage from the elements without obstructing your view. Deploy when needed for extra rain and sun protection or tuck away when not in use.
• PVC Windows: Allow natural light in while giving the option to close the interior flap for added privacy or to sleep in after sunrise.

No matter the season or the forecast, Kali ensures you stay warm, dry, and comfortable all night long.

Smart Functionality

Every detail of Kali is built around efficiency, so you can spend less time setting up and more time doing what you love.

• Upgraded Latch System: A newly introduced buckle latch design enhances ease of use while adding a sleek touch. The simple latch allows users to insert the buckle and secure the tent with a velcro strap, ensuring a quick closure.
• Gear-Ready Design: Integrated T-tracks along the shell make it easy to mount lighting, tools, or other small accessories directly to the tent. Keep your setup low-profile and camp-ready without cluttering your rack.
• Interior Lighting & Organization: Built-in dimmable LED lighting, interior pockets, gear loops, and removable shoe bags keep essentials organized and within reach from the moment you climb in.

Mounting & Modularity

Kali is made to adapt to your rig instead of the other way around. Watch the Kali Special Features video where we walk through the different mounting options and modularity adjustments.

• Mount Overland Accessories to T-Track: Cleanly mount small gear or accessories on the shell's sides.
• Adjustable Awning Poles: The lower receiver, where the awning poles connect, can be moved forward or backward along the foldout floor. This lets truck owners clear the cab or rack space during setup, so poles don't interfere. Smooth deployment without rethinking your entire rack layout.
• Crossbar Compatibility: Keep your roof working for you with crossbars for solar panels, traction boards, or cargo boxes.

Comfort at Camp

Both Kali and Kali King come with a high-density memory foam mattress with an anti-condensation mat, providing support while maintaining airflow beneath your bedding. 

Take your sleep setup to the next level in Kali by upgrading to the Aircore 6" mattress for an extra level of plush comfort. It fits seamlessly, with a small gap to accommodate the tent's internal hinge.

Kali's bedding storage compatibility means you can keep your pillows and blankets inside when packing down, saving space in your vehicle and making setup at camp that much faster.

Kali vs Kali King: Which is Right for You?

Both versions share the same rugged materials, insulation, and features. The only difference is the amount of space.

Kali: Designed for 2-3 people, perfect for below-cab racks on mid-sized trucks or mounting on SUVs without overhanging beyond the vehicle's roofline (closed dimensions: 50" W × 59" L × 11.25" H). Kali weighs 177 lbs, including the ladder. 

Kali King: A larger model sleeping 3-4 people, ideal for above-cab racks on pickups and larger SUVs (closed dimensions: 50" W × 78" L × 11.25" H). Kali King weighs 207 lbs, including the ladder.

If you're camping solo or as a couple, Kali offers the ideal mix of compactness and comfort. For families or couples with dogs, the Kali King offers plenty of room to stretch out and settle in.

Why Choose Kali

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a dedicated overlander, Kali delivers where it counts:

• Durable honeycomb aluminum shell: no fading, cracking, or warping like ABS or fiberglass.
• Dual-hinge, gas-strut system: more headroom, faster setup, and a truly panoramic experience.
• Four-season protection: Tri-Layer insulation, heater ports, and waterproof materials.
• Smart storage and comfort: integrated lighting, interior pockets, and bedding storage.
• Available in two sizes: to fit everything from mid-size SUVs to full-size rigs.

Kali isn’t just built to get you outdoors. It’s built to keep you there longer, more comfortably, and with fewer compromises.