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RIP SuperLite... Long Live SuperLite

December 10, 2021 3 min read 40 Comments

RIP SuperLite... Long Live SuperLite

Why We’re Killing the SuperLite

(And why it will eventually live again)

When the SuperLite RTT went on sale, we sold a lot of them—and quickly. It was well-received; by all accounts it’s a great product. So why are we killing it off?

That’s a good question. But to answer it, first, it’s worth exploring what the SuperLite is and why we made it in the first place.

The SuperLite RTT was born as a challenge of sorts: How could we build a hard-shell RTT that was as cheap and as light as possible? Our goal was to make a tent that would open up the roof-top camping experience to the world’s dirtbags (we use this as a term of endearment.) We were originally going to call it the “Crashpad,” in honor of all of our dirty bouldering friends, but that name was taken by another tent company, so SuperLite it was.

Anyway, the point is, the Superlite was an exercise in extremes. An endeavor to create an absolutely no-frills RTT that was optimized entirely for weight and cost. If you wanted a place to crash after a long day of getting dirty, the SuperLite was for you. In effect, it was an even more stripped-down version of our Platform RTTs and campers. Yes, even more minimalist than our minimalist flagships.

We did a pretty damn good job of meeting those goals thanks to the SuperLite’s “Panel-in-Bag” design concept. However, in order to go from concept to production, we had to make a decision that we’d eventually come to regret: We outsourced production of the fabric components overseas.

This was exactly what the experts insisted; and we were new to the whole process of manufacturing, so we gave it a shot. Even though we handled the SuperLite’s final assembly in our Belgrade, Montana factory; and even though it used a fair portion of US-made components, the decision to have the fabric parts constructed in China never sat well with us.

Essentially, it was an experiment of sorts. What we learned, having given it a go, is that outsourcing any production of our products just isn’t the way we want to do things at GFC.

The reason overseas production isn’t for us is primarily because, at our core, we are a company that designs and manufactures stuff. We’re interested (philosophically and practically) in the challenge of doing both. Outsourcing the fabric production was a necessary choice at the time because we didn’t have the production capacity or technical knowledge to make the SuperLite entirely on our own. What we discovered though, is that outsourcing doesn’t really lessen the work, it just changes it into a different kind of work.

Instead of working with the excitement of rapid product iteration, refinement of design elements, and tool optimization, you’re dealing with the nuances of transport logistics, customs minutia, and procurement scheduling.

Ultimately, what we confirmed is that outsourcing overseas is by no means the easy way out. While we could continue to spend our limited time and resources getting better and better at it, we decided that’s not how we want to move forward. We’d rather work toward building up our own fabric production capacity so that the next time we want to make a tent for dirtbags, we can do so by getting our own hands dirty in the process.

What does this mean for the future of the SuperLite product line? It means that we still believe there’s a need for an RTT that’s optimized for weight and cost. We recognize that the Platform Camper and Platform RTT are out of many people’s price range, so we’re committed to finding a way to produce SuperLites entirely in-house. We want to own that process from start to finish, so that we can solve all of the problems that come with it.

However, that’s a goal that will take time to achieve. We’ve made a lot of gains this year around our Platform camper production system and those gains translate well into an eventual release of a SuperLite V2. We can’t say exactly when that would happen, because so much of it depends on the wild roller-coaster that is the supply chain environment right now.

What we can say is this: the SuperLite will live again. When it does, we will be the ones manufacturing it. While it’s always a difficult decision to part ways with a successful product, we believe that by doing so, it will help us get to where we eventually want to be, much faster. So that’s what we’re going to do.


40 Responses

Dina Beale
Dina Beale

November 04, 2022

I absolutely love my Superlite on my Subaru Crosstrek. Some complain about the yellow but it helped when I was parked on the side of a trail or road with my dark car. I also found that switching my stock rack and cross bars to a Prinsu roof rack made the ten infinitely more durable.

But I do ask, will we be able to have repairs done if we visit Montana? The sun is harsh here in Hawaii and the exterior straps have taken a beating, but I’ll be moving back to mainland soon!

Robzilla
Robzilla

September 04, 2022

Where’s version 2?
There is definitely a place in the market for a lightweight inexpensive roof top tent.
It would be a shame if you guys missed the boat and let a foreign company fill that niche.

Flo
Flo

August 26, 2022

Looking forward to Superlight V2. Fantastic concept that I just stumbled upon!

Larry Smith
Larry Smith

August 22, 2022

Please make the V2 exactly as I would want it, …nothing more and nothing less, regardless of what anyone else might like.

TIA, MeMeMeMeMe :-)

Larry Smith
Larry Smith

August 22, 2022

Please offer a grey version such as I saw on a youtube video.

Imagine your self inside looking out thru the black bug screen, …the bright yellow fabric is a glaring distraction which detracts from the viewing experience just like a bright yellow picture frame would :-(. Yellow also is not relaxingly condusive to a daytime nap. Too “LOUD”!

Thanks for reading, …wonderful product. C’mon V2!

Larry Smith
Larry Smith

August 22, 2022

Looking forward to the V2 – plan to put it on a Victory 4×4 full length rack on a 2016 4Runner.
Best wishes for continued success!

Gabriel
Gabriel

August 21, 2022

I am waiting for the superlite V2, it would he awesome if you give an option with crossbars too. It would be the first and only lightweight roof too tent with soft cover and crossbar for people that want to have a lightweight roof top tent and still be able to attach a solar panel.

Patrick
Patrick

August 15, 2022

Buy used Superlite or continue to wait for new V2 model!?! As always mad respect for your company 🤘🏻

Anthony
Anthony

August 01, 2022

I prefer the SuperLite due to the weight. Let me know once you will start making this product again.
“SuperLite Resurrection!!!”

Felicia
Felicia

August 01, 2022

I came across this via YouTube, i’m really interested in getting on on my Subaru forester wilderness one day, keep us updated!
Halley
Halley

August 01, 2022

It would have been great having a super lite, I think by the time you guys get the 2.0 most of us would have already invested on an overpriced rooftop tent and now we stuck and won’t be able to make the change.
Mind as well not even try going for it if y’all stop then keep it that way

Matthew
Matthew

May 31, 2022

Love an honest company, tons of respect! Have to stay true to your values. Really looking forward to V2 or whatever you all do next!

Erik Furr
Erik Furr

June 02, 2022

Get it together and start catering to people who use your products. I live in Tahoe and see tons of your fancy campers and none of them are being used. I on the other hand spend weeks beach camping in nor cal yet the only product you make that I could afford is the one you cant keep in stock. But at least your not supporting communism.

Daniel Netzky
Daniel Netzky

May 31, 2022

One of my biggest regrets was not jumping on getting one while they were still made, hopefully they will be back again sometime soon.

Von Wenner
Von Wenner

May 31, 2022

Hey Guys,
I really need a Superlite V2. When is this going to happen? I’m out in Portland, OR but I’ll take any and all opportunities to visit my sweet home Montana. I can’t afford a camper!!! Must of us dirtbags cannot!!! Bring on the Superlite V2!!!!!!
-Von

David K. Estes
David K. Estes

May 31, 2022

Any updates on the Superlite V2? Put me down for two!

Keep up the good work!

David

Dr. Mike Reddy
Dr. Mike Reddy

August 01, 2022

I have an electric car, and limited weight capacity, so this would have been ideal. I’m also in the UK, so local in scope. Are there any distributors who might have this?

Dr. Mike Reddy
Dr. Mike Reddy

August 01, 2022

I have an electric car, and limited weight capac

Dr. Mike Reddy
Dr. Mike Reddy

August 01, 2022

I have an electric car, and limited weight capac

Rustler.
Rustler.

August 01, 2022

Also waiting for a super light.

Jim
Jim

August 01, 2022

Cant wait till the next product release!
Consider Open Sourcing the design and let it evolve. When you are ready to produce, the design will be matured.

Brenan Greene
Brenan Greene

March 16, 2022

I’ll be waiting if it ever comes back. You guys changed the game with the superlight. Mad respect for the choices moving forward.

Arthur
Arthur

August 01, 2022

Extremely disappointed it is gone before I was able to secure one. It was a great concept with industry leading innovation. Please tell me you have one tucked away somewhere for me lol.

David Mast
David Mast

March 16, 2022

Purest reasoning brings respect!!! Awesomeness written all over you guys!

Dave
Dave

March 16, 2022

Looking at your business from Canada, kudos to you and your value based approach. Branding North American made is overdue. I wish I could have the superlite v2 now.

Archimedes Abeleda
Archimedes Abeleda

May 31, 2022

I am stoked to have my superlite.I am repping it in the PA/NJ/VA and NC as I surf and snowboard. Thank you for sticking to your core beliefs of being made U.S.A. Looking forward to the next gen superlite. Stay stoked!

Archimedes Abeleda
Archimedes Abeleda

May 31, 2022

I am stoked to have my superlite.I am repping it in the PA/NJ/VA and NC as I surf and snowboard. Thank you for sticking to your core beliefs of being made U.S.A. Looking forward to the next gen superlite. Stay stoked!

David Estes
David Estes

August 01, 2022

Can I submit my name to receive a notification email when you are ready to take orders? Thank you and keep it up! USA! USA! USA!

Evan Brandt
Evan Brandt

August 01, 2022

I can respect the decision. I wanted one but when the delivery date was pushed out so far I didn’t go for it. Glad I didn’t considering the news. However, please don’t add a $500 “america tax” on it. I can easily see this being a $1700 base starting price simply because it’s manufactured here. That’s before the mattress ladder etc.

thomas stephens
thomas stephens

August 01, 2022

If you have a wait list for your next superlite iteration, or even better (and highly unlikely) if you need a new product beta tester- please sign me up!

BZ
BZ

August 01, 2022

Respect. Keep on keepin on. Love your lane.

Eric
Eric

August 01, 2022

I’m really glad I ordered and received my Superlite. Really happy with the product, it fits a unserved niche in the RTT market. Mostly the lightness and simplicity of your design. Respect your decision to take a breather and figure out a way to produce in-house. Hurry up with V-2 SL I have a few friends that really want one.

John Watters
John Watters

December 11, 2021

I understand your reasoning and really respect you guys. Glad I was an early adopter and got to visit you all when I picked up mine last spring. I have friends that will be interested in the next generation of the super lite.

Tom Tanner
Tom Tanner

December 11, 2021

What an Exemplar for others. Values based decision, Living those values even if difficult and less short term profitable. I hope your example is considered, reflected and followed by others. Thank you.
Ps – You may have just doubled your V2 orders .

Chris D’Amico
Chris D’Amico

December 10, 2021

Y’all are one of the most authentic brands around. Stay true. I can’t wait to afford one of your products. They are worth every penny.

Ian
Ian

December 10, 2021

Happy that this is the reasoning! Lots of respect for the way you guys operate!

Kevin
Kevin

December 10, 2021

Hi I with like to head up your sewing line of tents.

Nico
Nico

August 01, 2022

Respect 🤘🏼

Nico
Nico

December 10, 2021

Respect 🤘🏼

Laura
Laura

December 10, 2021

Absolutely the right call. I’ll be the first in line to put an order in!

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