See the Roofnest Sparrow. All told, the Walkabout 56 is a reliable and 4-season-ready rooftop tent that’s built to handle just about anything you (or Mother Nature) throw its way. Rather than using a soft cover, hardshell tents consist of a fiberglass, plastic, or aluminum shell that houses the fabric tent canopy inside. In the end, you get what you pay for: Tepui’s singular focus is rooftop tents, and they have a major leg up in quality. Among the tents here, mattress dimensions range from 49 x 83 inches (slightly narrower than a double mattress) to 87 x 96 (larger than a king-size mattress), with peak heights from 36 (AutoHome’s Maggiolina AirLand) to 60 inches for the Roofnest Falcon. The first step is to purchase a rack that is compatible with your vehicle (many manufacturer websites makes this fairly simple with interactive fit tools, like Thule’s Fit Guide here). Rooftop tents are built to withstand the elements, with thick, water-resistant body fabrics (usually a polyester cotton blend) and fully waterproof rainflys. We are located in Cloverdale, BC, Canada. The biggest drawback is that you can’t store your bedding or the ladder inside the tent when packed, meaning you’ll have to sacrifice valuable real estate in your vehicle or truck bed. common room below. The expandable SkyCamp clamshells opens, with the top forming an angled section of roof/wall and the bottom the platform for the mattress. What we don’t: Expensive and not compatible with an annex. Website: tuffstuff4x4.com. ft) for about $800 less, but with a pared-down feature set and no included annex (purchasing separately it will run you about $600), we think the CVT is the better package deal overall.See the CVT Mt. That said, the HyBox undoubtedly is expensive, especially considering you can pick up the iKamper X-Cover above for almost the same price, which features almost 20 square feet more space inside along with the ability to shuttle rack-mounted gear on top. In general, these are great systems for those who plan to stay parked for two or more nights, but we don’t recommend them for campers who pack up and move each day. At first glance, the Skycamp could be mistaken for any hard-shell rooftop car carrier. In addition to mattress thickness and type, you’ll also want to consider a mattress cover and anti-condensation mat. With a built-in mattress, they are more comfortable than traditional tents. Here are five cool ones worth checking out. In our experience, the most user-friendly tents are those made by rack companies (Thule and Yakima in particular) that are compatible with specific racks—you can purchase the rack and tent at the same time and know you’re getting a pair that works together. Roofnest also offers an XL version that’s 10 inches wider and costs $100 more, or you can opt for their simplified Sparrow Eye, a trimmed-down and lighter-weight clamshell without the cargo-carrying capabilities ($2,895). It's a compact and relatively light temporary home that can be easily installed right on the top rack of your vehicle via a locking latch system, thus you won’t need to screw in any bolts for installation. If you know which model you want to buy and don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping, buying online isn’t a bad idea. In other words, no need to alternate between mounting your tent or cargo box on your car each weekend. For campers who pack up and move camp every day, this is a big plus. Category: Hardshell/softshellFloor area: 46.9 sq. But these complaints aside, the Roofnest is a svelte and easy-to-use design for weekend trips, smaller cars, and those who want to bring along their toys. Part treehouse and part glamping tent, roof-top tents are an intriguing alternative to traditional tents that you see pitched at most car campgrounds. Founded in 2010 and acquired by car-accessory giant Thule in 2018, Tepui offers a well-rounded rooftop tent lineup ranging from affordable entry-level models to burly designs built for overlanding. That said, the first-generation tent is still available and a better choice for true budget seekers while supplies last. Take camping to new heights with a Tepui Tent. If you still want the feel of setting up a tent, you can opt for the additional changing room that attaches to the side and extends to the ground. If you… Simply put, there’s no substitute for being able to hop in a tent and get a feel for the overall build and dimensions. $2,549.00. Denali comes with a room divider, two separate entrances (each has its own ladder), and a generous four-door annex. Further, many tent designs incorporate an anti-condensation mat underneath the mattress to mitigate moisture buildup and mold (these can also be purchased separately). Best Upgrade Rooftop Tent The ultra-clever trick the Condor pulls is how it unfolds its “wings.” Like most hardshell designs, it pops up, but the lid forms one wall (very much like the iKamper Skycamp Mini). The tent that pops out of … Originally designed for overlanders with rugged off-roading vehicles, they’re now popular among... From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, you’ll want to have the right gear for the occasion. It also offers campers stunning 360-degree views of either the surrounding landscape (and/or campground parking lot), thanks to both side and rear doors, and a front window. Category: HardshellFloor area: 29.3 sq. ft.Peak height: 52 in.Weight: 131 lbs.Capacity: 3 What we like: Great combination of price, quality, and livability. Rooftop tents are quick and easy to set-up, keep your gear elevated and secure and are designed to withstand the elements. Category: HardshellFloor area: 28.2 sq. Denali Pioneer can only be mounted on larger vehicles). Further, while Roofnest doesn’t market its Sparrow above as a cargo box, its tent walls also can be unzipped to achieve the same dual functionality (plus, it’s 45 pounds lighter, costs $100 less, and has 3 inches more headroom). There are a few other factors to consider in regard to vehicle compatibility. ↓ Finally, expect a softshell to take significantly longer to set up and take down, similar to a ground tent (most hardshells pop right up once you release the locks or latches). Not only does this help with gas mileage, but it also keeps road noise to a minimum. Finally, if your rainfly or tent walls stop repelling water and you need to revive the waterproofing, we’ve found that a marine-grade spray-on protector like Star brite’s Waterproofing Spray works best. The manufacturer’s recommended capacity is a good place to start, but take note: these specs are often rather generous. Yakima is best known for their extensive collection of high-quality roof racks and car accessories, and their SkyRise HD harnesses that manufacturing expertise in a well-executed rooftop tent design. But if and when your softshell does need replacing, most models use zippers to attach the tent canopy to the frame, so you can replace the canopy without buying an entirely new set-up. The Sparrow is simple to pop open (it can be done by one person in under a minute), and you can even store your bedding inside when you pack the tent up (a notable downside of the Falcon above). We also recommend regularly propping up the mattress so that the base of the tent has a chance to air out. ft.Peak height: 44 in.Weight: 105 lbs.Capacities: 2, 3What we like: Lightweight, easy to move, and affordable.What we don’t: Not as spacious as other softshell models. While trendy rooftop tents from iKamper, Roofnest, and Tepui appeal to casual campers, brands like 23ZERO and Smittybilt above are popular among the overlanding crowd and prioritize affordability and functionality over convenience and looks. Thank you! For example, the Summit series from Cascadia Vehicle Tents sports LED lighting, USB ports, and shoe bags. Yikes! The result is an easy-to-pitch, versatile design that’s compatible with most small cars and trucks. Some vehicles come with factory roof racks already installed, but many are aftermarket additions from companies like Thule and Yakima. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 37.3 sq. Something went wrong. We like the Big Agnes Anvil Horn, available on Amazon.. CVT Mt. With a generous 59 square feet of padding spread out between two mattresses, you get the equivalent of two double beds, which is ample for two adults and two (or even three) small kids. Even a more complex hardshell like the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 can be set up in a minute. Pop the 250D polyester roof tent, however, and prepare to be blown away. The High Country Series Premium 63" rooftop tent maximizes room for people and gear, while minimizing it’s footprint when stored—perfect for sedans, smaller SUVs, and short-bed trucks. That said, those who move camp everyday will love the simplicity. Rooftop Awnings. Our enhanced Tri-layer technology can handle extreme cold weather, but still be comfortable on summer nights. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. Take down is just a matter of reversing the steps, although you’ll want to be careful to ensure that all of the tent fabric is safely inside the shell or cover. The Skycamp is a true hardshell, and with that comes a quicker set-up time and the added stability and weather protection of a fiberglass wall. Denali below. Because of their heft and bulk, these tents are not easy to install or take off, and generally will take at least two people to mount or remove from your vehicle. If you’re purchasing your tent and annex separately, you’ll want to make sure they’re compatible. 0 Cart And with no compatible annex, the Falcon loses some functionality for long trips and basecamping. ft.Peak height: 48 in.Weight: 115 lbs.Capacities: 2, 3What we like: Great headroom, rooftop window, and tool-free installation.What we don’t: Pricier than the Kukenam with less interior space. To make the loading and unloading processes even easier, Front Runner also sells their Quick Release Tent Mount Kit for an additional $225, which allows you to remove the tent quickly and without tools (it can also be paired with most other models here). Rooftop tents are having a moment in 2020, and it’s easy to see why. And unlike the automatic gas struts on hardshells tents from iKamper and Roofnest, the Maggiolina opens with a hand crank, which is a noticeably beefier system and can be operated even with cargo or heavy snow on top. And lest you underestimate Tepui's most minimalist model—our testers have endured nights in strong winds, snow, and single-digit temperatures in the Low-Pro and found it to be both stable and protective.See the Tepui Low-Pro 2. Now with more than 60 years engineering and constructing premium tents, we know what works. COVID-19 Related Loss of Taste Could Be Permanent, How New Parents Can Get the Coronavirus Stimulus They're Owed, Dad Who ID’d Son on Twitter to FBI and Went Viral Might Be Fake. A few minutes might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly. You'll pay a pretty penny for this tent, but it's more suitable for the rigors of overlanding than most—all James Baroud models are made with the highest quality materials and are tested in 60 mph winds (unlike most hardshell tents, they're also compatible with an enclosed awning). If you like to bike, ski, paddle, or surf, you might consider a rooftop tent with external storage compatibility. As we touched on above, a tent’s listed capacity and interior dimensions don’t always line up perfectly. In addition to protection against wind and rain, some rooftop tents come with the option to add extra insulation, like iKamper’s Inner Insulation Tent and the Tepui Insulator. In the end, the Skycamp 2.0 undoubtedly is spendy, but you get what you pay for with an exceptionally well-executed and roomy rooftop tent that should last for years.See the iKamper Skycamp 2.0. If you have a car, small truck, or SUV, this is especially important to know beforehand (for example, the 215-pound CVT Mt. But premium models don’t stop there. In general, rooftop tents are constructed with burly materials that can withstand frequent use and abuse. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure the tent is fully dried out after each trip and store it in a dry, shaded area, just as you would with a standard tent. The beauty of the Roost is that it also converts to a 13-inch-tall cargo carrier; simply … It’s sleek and aerodynamic, comes in glossy black or white, and stands 12.6-inches tall closed; slap on a ski resort sticker and nobody’s the wiser. ft.). … iKamper’s first-generation Skycamp made waves during its debut in spring of 2017, with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its $100,000 goal by over $2.2 million. As its name suggests, Thule Tepui’s HyBox is a hybrid design that is part rooftop tent, part cargo box. 120 watching. Off-roading is incredibly popular in South Africa, and therefore it comes as little surprise that Johannesburg-based Front Runner is well-respected for their thoughtfully designed and robust overlanding products. While most models don’t allow you to attach gear on top, there are a few hardshells designed for toting added equipment, including the iKamper X-Cover and Roofnest’s Sparrow. Most rooftop tents come with a fairly standard feature set that includes an aluminum ladder (sliding or telescoping), window awnings, and a hanging gear hammock. Popular Brands Of Roof Top Tents While there are many brands of tents, two of the biggest that are most popular with Taco drivers are Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) and Tapui. Verging on luxury, James Baroud’s offerings include a solar-powered ventilation fan complete with air vents and dust filters. The drop-down, zip-on rooftop tent is the big sell on the 3+ person CVT Mt. Stacked up against the budget-friendly Smittybilt above, the Low-Pro costs $465 more and offers significantly less living space (by almost 8 sq. Further, their shell-like design means they can often fit extra items like bedding inside, and some (like the iKamper X-Cover) can even accommodate a bike, skis, kayak, surfboard, or solar panel on top. Hardshell tents are significantly more expensive and heavier than softshells, and many feature smaller floorplans. All in all, for families looking to get outside without sacrificing comfort, the Mt. In determining comfort, you’ll want to look at the depth along with additions like a memory or gel foam topper, keeping in mind that clamshell or pop-top hardshell tents generally have the most premium options (they don’t have to fold to close up). Hardshell tents are the speediest to assemble—it’s often as simple as unclipping the shell, engaging the hinges, and watching the roof rise. ft.Peak height: 45 in.Weight: 160 lbs.Capacity: 4What we like: Premium build quality, roomy interior, and quick setup.What we don’t: Expensive and overkill for solo travelers and those don't want a king-size bed. You get a tough, UV- and mold-resistant 600-denier ripstop body fabric, and water-resistant zippers and a PU-coated rainfly (420D) put up a solid defense against heavy rain and wind. Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for the Birth of Your Child, All the HSA- and FSA-Eligible Items Parents Can Buy This Year. My CVT Mt Denali rooftop tent did not make it either. If you’re considering a rooftop tent but also value cargo space, the HyBox is a nice compromise. As we mentioned above, all vehicles come with static and dynamic load ratings, which put a limit on the weight of your tent. Inside, you get an impressively comfortable, 3-inch-thick mattress (our testers concur) and three full-sized doors with awnings and ladder attachments that offer great livability. However, the Yakima weighs around 16 pounds less, and we also like the larger doors and windows, which open up the interior in a big way. But for a well-built product from a trusted brand, the HyBox fits the bill as another solid multi-purpose option. They both offer many different sizes and options. Which rooftop tent is right for your next adventure? Roost Explorer. In the end, it’s important to evaluate your camping preferences and needs. All vehicles have a rooftop load limit specified by the manufacturer, which we recommend considering for a few reasons. However, frequent travelers and avid overlanders (especially those who pack up and move camp daily) will appreciate the convenience of a hardshell’s easier setup. Set up is as easy as opening the case, sliding out the integrated telescopic ladder/extending floor, and raising the entrance canopy. It’s also worth considering iKamper’s own X-Cover below, which is more affordable at $3,199, weighs almost 40 pounds less, and can carry cargo on top (although it does take a bit longer to set up). Added up, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more complete design for less money. Sleeping three or four, the heavy-duty tent boasts a thick canvas that’s waterproof, breathable, and mold resistant, plus a slew of handy extras including a mattress with a waterproof cover, telescoping ladder, LED light bar, two shoe/storage … In terms of competitors, you can save some serious cash with the XL version of the Smittybilt above ($1,265), but you lose out on 11 square feet of floorspace. Shasta Standard Stargazer Pioneer may be a good option. The SkyRise HD takes direct aim at our top pick, the Tepui Kukenam above. SHOP NOW. Copyright © 2013-present Cascadia Vehicle Tents. See the Roofnest Falcon. Softshell Tents Denali Pioneer. Roof-Top Tents. ft.Peak height: 51 in.Weight: 117 lbs.Capacities: 2+, 3+What we like: A functional design at a very reasonable price point.What we don’t: Not as user-friendly or durable as the more expensive softshells on this list. The Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam, for example, uses UV- and mold-resistant fabric to increase its lifespan, and Thule also has a dedicated lineup of “Ruggedized” tents that are made with thicker fabrics (360 vs. 260g canvas), sealed seams, and a heavy-duty aluminum base to guard against branches and rocks. However, the most important reason to consider weight has to do with your vehicle’s handling and hauling capabilities. Bend, Oregon-based Freespirit Recreation is a cottage brand in the world of rooftop tents, but their lineup is impressive and deserves a serious look. However, their longer lifespan, added convenience, and superior protection are well worth it for many. Some even convert to cargo boxes, doubling their utility when your vacation plans don’t involve sleeping in the great outdoors. Packed height also is a highly variable factor and can heavily impact gas mileage and noise while driving (and remember to factor in the added height when going under bridges, entering parking garages, etc.). A key design feature and one of the biggest draws to rooftop tents is the integrated mattress, which run the gamut from relatively thin 1.8-inch pads to plush 3.5-inch memory-foam-topped beds. As we touched on above, the High Country comes with large windows all around, but unfortunately it only has one awning, meaning you’ll have to button up the exposed sides in the rain (the Tepui Kukenam, for comparison, has awnings at each window and door). See the Smittybilt Overlander. These small gripes aside, Tepui still is our go-to for long-lasting, reliable rooftop tents that won’t break the bank, which is really all most recreational campers need.See the Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3. Rooftop Tents. Our roof-top car tents are designed to fit on the roof racks of your car or truck and set up in minutes. CVT Tents come in various models with varying capacity and price range. Whether you’re headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, keeping your food and drinks cold is absolutely key. Please contact. You can find models that fit on top of a car or truck. The rooftop tent sets up in under 30 seconds. In the end, the Ranger 3 strikes a nice balance of functionality and affordability, which earns it a spot on our list. The medium-sized AirLand Plus is our favorite model in their lineup for its cushy, 3.5-inch foam mattress, sturdy ladder, and simple pop-top design. ), but these tents don’t pack down nearly as small and can be difficult to find locally. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 37.3 sq. Although, it can also be mounted on a trailer. What we don’t: Lacks the fit and finish of a Tepui model. And the 87-inch version of the 23Zero Walkabout (below) has a similarly large mattress (58 sq. And keep in mind that a tent’s floor dimensions are not always the same as the size of the mattress. Further, the Roofnest’s awnings and full-zip doors offer a big boost in protection from the elements (the Maggiolina doesn’t come with awnings and its doors only zip on the sides). To accomplish this, the X-Cover forgoes the fabric cover found on traditional softshell models and instead uses its own floor panel to serve as the hard cover, which folds over the tent and protects it when stowed. The tent has a permanent foam mattress inside that’s more comfortable than any air mattress and, because you’re off the ground, the tent usually stays cool. Rooftop Tents. During transport, hardshell tents also are more aerodynamic, completely waterproof (mold is less of a concern), and protective against low-hanging branches and flying debris. 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