Out of the box, the Hotham Lite feels intentionally pared down: low profile at only 5 inches compared to most clamshell-style tents at 10 inches or more, tidy seams, and hardware that doesn’t fight you. It’s clearly made for people who want a fast, comfortable camp setup without hauling a mattress-sized box on the roof. Weighing in at 130 lbs, it’s 40–70 lbs lighter than most rooftop tents in the same category. The pop-up action is smooth, the ladder hooks in solidly, and the integrated 2-inch mattress provides better support than many other lightweight tents.
Performance-wise, the Hotham Lite does well in varied conditions. A large vent above the main, front door and side door/windows that can be partially unzipped help control airflow. Venting and fabric choices keep condensation under control on cool nights without sacrificing warmth when the temperature drops. I ran it through a handful of real-world trips that pushed its limits: a long weekend at The Big Thing overland event in Montana, where quick setup made for an easy basecamp all weekend; a slow, scenic run along the Magruder Corridor in central Idaho that demanded a compact footprint in tight, tree-lined camps; and high valley camps near the Lost River Range, where strong breezes and cooler temps tested its seams and zippers.
The interior is livable and well thought out. There’s enough headroom to sit up comfortably, and plenty of roof-mounted storage pockets make it easy to keep small items stashed and accessible. There’s even a clear pocket for an iPad — perfect for winding down with a movie after a long trail day. A built-in LED light strip runs along the interior of the roof, featuring a touch-sensitive dimmer and both white and amber lighting modes, adding both practicality and comfort for late-night reading or low-light ambience. The mattress wraps the platform well — not luxury-car soft, but firm enough to sleep without rolling toward the edges. For solo travelers and couples who prefer minimal, efficient gear, it’s an excellent tradeoff between weight and comfort.
Durability felt reassuring. Zippers tracked cleanly through repeated openings, and the ladder didn’t show any wobble after packing the tent on tight, bumpy forest roads. The shell fabric shed late-afternoon drizzle during a roadside setup, and stitching held under strain from windier nights at high-elevation pullouts. If you expect to mount heavy accessories to the rack with the tent installed, confirm rack capacity and load distribution — the Hotham Lite itself is light, but roof loads add up quickly. I do plan on mounting a Renogy solar panel and traction boards to the official San Hima roof rack rails (once it’s back in stock).
There are a few small sacrifices for that light weight: internal space is tighter than a full-size RTT, and if you’re a two-person team who sleeps sprawling, the footprint may feel snug. I’m 6’4” and a side sleeper, so the tent is cozy but snug for me. Also, available color and trim options run conservative — this isn’t a fashion statement, it’s a tool. On a side trip to Bear Valley, Idaho (a classic pack-and-saddle zone with nearby campgrounds and trails), the compact footprint made finding level spots and discreet sites much easier than with a bulkier unit. I usually use a rock to level the FJ so I don’t feel like the blood is rushing from my head or I’m rolling to one side or the other. An exterior shoe bag is also included — a small but smart addition that keeps dirty boots outside and the sleeping area clean.
Bottom line: the San Hima Hotham Lite is a well-executed lightweight rooftop tent for overlanders who value quick setup, sensible features, and low roof weight. On runs from organized events in Montana to multi-day forest-track crossings and alpine pulls into the Lost River Range, it proved to be a reliable, comfortable companion — especially for those prioritizing mobility and simplicity over maximum interior square footage. If you want a no-nonsense RTT that lets you spend less time rigging camp and more time on the trail, the Hotham Lite is worth a close look.
