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Level-up your sky-watching with the limited-edition Stargazer rooftop tent

This sub-100-pound rooftop tent is compact, featherweight, and perfect for sky-loving campers

By Mike Richard Feb 25, 2025 12:08 PM

inspired overland stargazer rooftop tent lamborghini hero — Inspired Overland

The general design of the modern rooftop tent has changed little in the last decade or so. That’s why the devil is in the details when it comes to differentiating one model from another — details like a first-of-its-kind (that we’re aware of) full-panel hard-sided skylight that’s perfect for next-level stargazing.

Inspired Overland is a not-so-well-kept secret among the world of overlanders and rooftop tent enjoyers. The California brand builds some of the lightest RTTs on the market, designed to mount to a wide range of vehicles, including smaller SUVs and crossovers. But its all-new Stargazer Series is our hands-down favorite of the lot. The standout feature of the brand’s latest design features a large, clear acrylic roof panel. Unlike the cheap soft plastic panels found on many traditional softshell tents, the Stargazer panel provides crystal-clear views of the sky. IO confirms the panel is highly durable and impact-resistant, too, designed to take all the beating you can throw at it on the trail without cracking.

Inspired Overland's Stargazer Series Duo rooftop tent isolated on a white studio background. — Inspired Overland

The tent’s construction is underpinned with the clever use of aluminum and composite-reinforced carbon fiber. This combo not only makes for a strong structure but a lightweight one, too. By the numbers, the Stargazer Solo weighs in at a scant 80 pounds, meaning one reasonably strong owner could conceivably install it. The two-person Stargazer Duo “tips the scales” at an equally reasonable 93 pounds. Translation: Not only is this one of the most interesting rooftop tents on the market, but it’s one of the lightest and most livable, too.

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The Stargazer Series, both the Solo and Duo, debuted as limited edition drops at last year’s SEMA, starting at $1,099 and $1,499, respectively. Sadly, Inspired Overland confirms they sold out almost immediately. Still, the design borders on revolutionary in the world of rooftop tents. So, we’re hoping it inspires other products (from IO or other brands), and we’re crossing our fingers that IO decides to move forward with full-scale production once the inaugural models are gone.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Uncompromising: Ball and Buck’s collaborations with bestselling author Jack Carr are what outdoor retail dreams are made of

Jack Carr

The steam was how I knew it was done. Making food over an open flame feels different than making it on the stove at home. There is a feeling of ancient skill, an ability to survive on very little. You have dispensed with the comfort of the modern world and taken yourself back to the way ancient man made their food over a flame with wood gathered from the forest and minimal ingredients. At least, that is how it feels until I use my modern multitool to flip the steak on the cast iron skillet I placed over the fire I made with a modern lighter. Look, I am all about remembering who we used to be, but that doesn’t mean I want to dispense with ALL the comfort or the tools of today. Camping is one of the last activities of the modern family where you can leave all screens behind. And when I hit the woods, I like to go all out with something that will last me. Quality. Ruggedness. Dependability. Things that keep me taken care of. That is why I love Ball and Buck.

Something else I like to do when I go out there is read. Sure, it could be anything from a military memoir to instructions on how to make a steak in a cast iron skillet over an open flame, which may or may not be more done than it should be. But recently, it has been Jack Carr. The Fourth Option hit the shelves this summer, and it was one of the best books of the year. I love his work, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that he has an entire collection with Ball and Buck.

I tried the Yozma IN 10 Pro electric dirt bike, and it was nothing like riding an e-bike

i tried the yozma in10 pro electric dirt bike and it was nothing like riding an e img 0424

I’ve spent plenty of time riding e-bikes, but I’d never ridden an electric dirt bike before. When I had the opportunity to try the Yozma IN 10 Pro, I was curious to see how the two would compare. As it turns out, they’re completely different experiences. The IN 10 Pro is fast, surprisingly loud, and considerably more powerful than anything I’d ridden before.

I didn’t push the bike anywhere near its advertised top speed of 50 mph, and I didn’t need to. Even at lower speeds, riding the IN 10 Pro was a lot of fun. Between the powerful acceleration, responsive steering, and the way it handled gravel and dirt, there was plenty to enjoy. And despite all that power, the ride was surprisingly comfortable, even over uneven ground. It didn’t take long for me to understand why people love riding dirt bikes.

Arc’teryx x BEAMS: The blend of Alpine tech and Tokyo style

Arc'teryx x Beams

The new Arc’teryx x BEAMS collection celebrates the brands’ 25-year collaboration and the blending of technical function with street-savvy style. The line highlights a re-creation of the 1998 Arc’teryx Theta hardshell, a Gamma softshell jacket, and Jogen bouldering pants. All come in the signature Kōyō color palette, modeled after Japan’s autumn leaves.

I wore the Gamma Jacket and Jogen pants during the fall changeover in Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, testing for warmth, wind resistance, and style. Here’s my take.