If you've been looking for a way to upgrade your weekend camping trips without spending five grand, you've probably come across the naturnest polaris plus while scrolling through overlanding forums. It's one of those hard-shell rooftop tents that seems to pop up everywhere lately, mostly because it hits that sweet spot between "budget-friendly" and "actually durable." I've spent enough nights shivering on a thin inflatable pad on the ground to know that getting up off the dirt is a game-changer, but not every tent is worth the weight on your roof rack.
The naturnest polaris plus is a wedge-style (or clamshell) tent, which is arguably the most popular design for a reason. It's simple, it's fast, and it doesn't have a million moving parts that can snap in a high wind. After checking out how it handles the real world, I've got some thoughts on why this specific model is making such a splash.
The Ease of the Clamshell Design
The first thing you notice about the naturnest polaris plus is how quickly it goes from "driving mode" to "sleep mode." If you've ever wrestled with a soft-shell tent—you know, the ones where you have to unzip a heavy PVC cover and then flip the whole thing over like a giant book—you'll appreciate this.
With this tent, you just undo a couple of heavy-duty latches, give it a tiny nudge, and the gas struts take over. It basically opens itself in about 30 seconds. This is a massive win when you roll into a campsite at 10:00 PM in the rain and just want to crash. Takedown is nearly as fast, though you do have to be careful to tuck the fabric in so it doesn't get pinched in the seal. It's a one-person job, which isn't always true for some of the bigger, bulkier tents on the market.
Build Quality and the Aluminum Shell
A lot of the "affordable" tents out there use ABS plastic for the shell. While that's fine for a while, plastic tends to get brittle after a few years in the sun. The naturnest polaris plus uses an aluminum honeycomb shell. This is a big deal for long-term durability. It feels solid, it doesn't flex like crazy when you're moving around inside, and it can actually handle some weight on top.
Speaking of weight, the shell has T-slot tracks running along the sides. This is a feature I think more people should look for. It means you can mount awnings, shower cubes, or even recovery boards directly to the side of the tent. It makes the tent more than just a bed; it turns it into a hub for your entire rig.
What's It Like Inside?
Inside the naturnest polaris plus, things are surprisingly cozy. Because it's a wedge shape, you don't have full standing room throughout the whole tent, but the high side offers plenty of vertical space to sit up, change your clothes, or hang out and read.
The mattress is usually the make-or-break point for these tents. This one comes with a high-density memory foam mattress that's about two inches thick. Is it as comfortable as your bed at home? Probably not. But compared to a sleeping pad on the ground, it's a luxury hotel. Some people like to add a 1-inch topper or an anti-condensation mat underneath, which I'd recommend if you're camping in colder, damp climates.
One little detail I really liked is the integrated LED strip. It's a small thing, but not having to faff around with headlamps or hanging lanterns just to find your socks in the dark is a nice touch. There are also plenty of storage pockets for your phone, keys, and wallet.
Dealing with Condensation
If you've spent any time in a rooftop tent, you know that condensation is the enemy. When two people are breathing in a confined space all night, moisture builds up on the walls. The naturnest polaris plus handles this pretty well thanks to the large windows and the "breathable" fabric.
It has three main openings—one on each side and a large one at the rear. If you keep the mesh zipped but the fabric open, you get a decent cross-breeze. Even in the rain, the awnings over the windows do a good job of letting air in without letting the water in. That said, I always suggest leaving a small gap at the top of the zipper to let the hot air escape; it makes a world of difference in the morning.
Weight and Aerodynamics
Let's talk about the elephant on the roof: weight. The naturnest polaris plus isn't exactly a feather, but for an aluminum hard-shell, it's relatively manageable. You're looking at roughly 150-160 pounds. You'll definitely need a solid set of roof bars—don't try to mount this on those flimsy factory crossbars that came with your SUV.
The profile is impressively slim when closed. It's only about 6 or 7 inches tall. This is great for two reasons: fuel economy and wind noise. You won't feel like you're driving a brick into a headwind, and that annoying whistling sound you get with some taller tents is almost non-existent here.
The Hardware and Mounting
Mounting the naturnest polaris plus is pretty straightforward. It comes with the standard sliding rail system and brackets that should fit most aftermarket roof racks (like Front Runner, Rhino-Rack, or Prinsu).
The ladder is a telescoping aluminum one. It's sturdy enough and easy to adjust regardless of how uneven the ground is. One tip: make sure the ladder is at a proper angle. If it's too vertical, it's a pain to climb; too shallow, and it puts unnecessary stress on the tent's base. Once you find the "goldilocks" zone, it's rock solid.
Minor Gripes and Things to Consider
No product is perfect, and there are a few things to keep in mind with the naturnest polaris plus. First, while it's advertised for two people, it's a "cozy" two people. If you and your camping partner both like to starfish, you might find it a bit tight. It's perfect for a couple or one person and a dog, but three would be a crowd.
Second, the storage space inside when the tent is closed is somewhat limited. You can usually leave your sleeping bags and maybe a thin pillow inside, but don't expect to stow big, puffy duvets in there and still be able to latch it shut. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out exactly how much bedding you can leave in there while still getting a clean seal.
Lastly, the fabric is high quality, but like all tents, it needs to be dried out. If you pack it up wet, make sure you open it back up as soon as you get home. The aluminum shell protects it from the elements while driving, but it won't stop mold from growing if you trap moisture inside.
Final Thoughts on the Polaris Plus
At the end of the day, the naturnest polaris plus feels like a "pro" level tent without the "pro" level price tag. You're getting the durability of aluminum, the speed of a gas-strut clamshell, and a pretty comfortable interior for a fraction of what the big-name heritage brands charge.
It's perfect for the person who wants to get out more often but hates the chore of setting up a traditional camp. Whether you're hitting a trailhead for an early morning hike or just want a comfortable place to crash at a music festival, this tent makes the whole experience a lot less stressful.
It isn't just about having a fancy accessory on your car; it's about the fact that you can pull over anywhere, pop the latches, and be asleep in five minutes. For me, that convenience is worth every penny. If you're on the fence about moving to a rooftop setup, the naturnest polaris plus is a really solid place to start your search. It's tough, it's fast, and it looks pretty slick on top of a rig, too.