Reactions: cgflyer. What’s more, the Roofnest features a larger sleeping area (by about 4 sq ft), slightly smaller packed size, and considerably plusher mattress (the Skycamp’s is just 1.8 in. Despite its low weight, the Front Runner retains a durable body fabric (600D poly/cotton ripstop) and rainfly (400D polyester oxford), along with a reliable base and frame. The Skycamp 2.0 above is iKamper’s tried-and-true hardshell design, but the X-Cover merges the performance benefits of a hardtop (including added durability and cargo-carrying capabilities) with the lightweight build and roomy mattress typical of softshells. Without a doubt, rooftop tents are heavy and bulky pieces of gear. 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. Roof Top Tents - Rebel Off Road You should supervise the kids use and if they are younger than ten years old, it would be wise to stand behind them when in use. To get an idea of the best RTTs available for Jeeps, I spoke with Antonio (@derty_offroad featured photo top of post), who is a long-time Jeep, overland, and off-road enthusiast. 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. All that said, the Tuff Stuff doesn’t have the same polished and premium feel you get from Thule Tepui’s softshells, nor does it come with the same range of customizations. Group Buy Opportunity: Torro Offroad Hard Shell Roof Top ... This high-quality tent made by Tepui is the largest in its fleet of RTTs. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 28 sq. Even a more complex hardshell like the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 can be set up in a minute. 5 Best Hard Shell Roof Top Tents of 2021 - Rooftop Trekkers Other designs will require a bit more DIY savvy to install (YouTube videos are very helpful), and likely a few trips to the hardware store. That said, not all softshells are created equal. Best Roof Top Tents for Cars & Overlanding | Roofnest Downtown-West End 05/11/2021. Another advantage to shopping in person: there’s a good chance most brick-and-mortar retailers offer installation services. The Best Roof Top Tents, Australia 2021, Comparison Table. Condor XL: Closed 55″ x 74″. Don't let small car size stop your love of adventure. ft.Peak height: 51 in.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. In other words, no need to alternate between mounting your tent or cargo box on your car each weekend. Another Tepui RTT that is well deserving to be on this list is the Tepui Ruggedized Series Kukenam 4. But these complaints aside, the AirLand Plus is a simple yet rugged rooftop tent with minimal breakable parts, earning it a spot on our list for 2021.See the AutoHome Maggiolina AirLand Plus Medium. This roof top . See the Roofnest Condor XL. I was really turned onto the style of iKamper Skybox, but it is just too much money for me to spend on a RTT (and it is too long at 85"). Baker’s floor area is similar to the Falcon’s, but you get considerably less headroom with the 46-inch peak height (vs. the Falcon’s 60 in.). This Tuff Stuff tent is an absolute monster! We have tents that start out at $899 for the new adventurer wanting to go into the wild, up to the top selling ALPHA series that has the convince of the hard top and setup in less than 3 minutes. 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. 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. Yes, it's a pretty competitive segment, and by the looks of it . If you have a car, small truck, or SUV, this is especially important to know beforehand (for example, the 225-pound CVT Denali Pioneer Extended can only be mounted on larger vehicles). #11. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 37.3 sq. I have become an avid roof top tent user and enthusiast in recent years! That being said, there a plenty of great RTTs the whole family can enjoy. This item is priced fairly well and durability is not an issue. Some of the tips in here won’t apply to RTT ladders, but for the most part it is very helpful. Weight: 200 lbs. 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. But the low-profile design isn’t the only thing we love about this tent: made with aluminum, the Falcon is Roofnest’s most durable design (most hardshells are fiberglass or ABS plastic) and can accommodate a standard roof rack on top, meaning you don’t have to choose between your tent and your kayak, surfboard, bike, or other external cargo. Finally, keep in mind that some manufacturers offer mattresses upgrades: Thule Tepui’s standard mattress is 2 ½ inches thick, while their Siesta Luxury Mattress features 3 inches of foam along with an anti-condensation mat. Among hardshell models, it doesn’t get much simpler (and more affordable) than Cascadia Vehicle Tents’ Mt. Lastly, you can choose between three different colors; tan, olive green, and Siberian camo. ), the good news is that it can accommodate bedding when packed up, making set up and take down that much easier. Most REI Co-op stores have a selection of Thule Tepui and iKamper tents, and you can also find models for sale at rack, vehicle accessory, or overlanding stores. 2017-12-29T08:48. $2,399.99. First, because air flows underneath the body between the tent and your vehicle, by nature they ventilate better than standard ground tents. Anybody have experience with Tuff Stuff tents or products? Tepui is a beloved and trusted RTT brand. Added up, the Skycamp is one of the most premium designs here and a solid choice for those looking for the best rooftop tent money can buy. 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. That’s not the case! thick). This thing is huge!if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rooftentinsider_com-medrectangle-1-0')};report this ad. MSR REACTOR vs WINDBURNER vs POCKET ROCKET - Overview and Review 2021 January 31, 2020 Black Diamond Alpine Cork Trekking Poles: Review 2021 May 12, 2020 11 Easy Steps to a Camping Kitchen in 2021 September 3, 2019 The tent body (usually made of canvas or nylon) is attached to the entire platform and sets up with the help of internal hinges and manually placed poles. It really looks like Tuff Stuff Alpha seems like the best price . The Tuff Stuff® "Delta" Roof top tent has been designed exactly the same as the Ranger overland tent, but . But despite undercutting most of the competition by around half, the Overlander still is a good overall performer: like the Kukenam above, the Smittybilt sleeps two or three campers comfortably, uses heavy-duty materials including a 600-denier ripstop polyester, 420-denier rainfly, and robust zippers and fly poles, and comes with functional features including an integrated LED lighting strip and rubber boot bag to hang your dirty shoes outside the tent. The Tuff Stuff® Alpha™ is the new hybrid side-opening roof top tent that's sure to change the roof top tent game. pdf) or read book online for free. 6. All models feature comfortable mattresses, light suppression technology that blocks out sunlight (this level of protection is usually only found in hardshells), and weighted doors to reduce flapping in the wind. Total Expert Score: 98/100 | Consumer Score: . Added up, the Roofnest was an obvious pick for our favorite all-around hardshell this year, although couples and solo travelers can save considerably with a pop-up or clamshell-style model like the Roofnest Sparrow or Sparrow Eye. In addition to mattress thickness and type, you’ll also want to consider a mattress cover and anti-condensation mat. A third rail may actually complicate things if the center one is higher than the other two. ft.Peak height: 46 in.Capacity: 2+What we like: Time-tested along South Africa’s rugged back roads; lightweight and easy to move.What we don’t: Lacks the premium feel of the Thule Tepui Low-Pro above. If you don’t mind sleeping on the ground in the annex, this tent provides a ton of space and flexibility overall. Brief show and tell of the Tuff Stuff Overland roof top tent, Alpha 4 person and the iKamper, Skycamp 4 person. On the other hand, the 87-inch version of the 23Zero Walkabout below has a similarly large mattress (58 sq. Inside, you get a plush 2.7-inch mattress, with a quilted ceiling liner adding extra insulation from above. The Tuff Stuff Ranger sets itself apart due to its convenient size and ability to expand after installing the lower annex room (included). Put that space on top of your vehicle to good use with this OFFGRID Voyager Jeep Truck SUV Camping Rooftop Tent. See owner's manual for weight restrictions. A quality rooftop tent is a serious investment, and we put these tents through extensive field testing to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of options across a range of price points. They also give you the versatility of adding a solar panel or roof rack on top, which is worth the added investment for many. Once you’ve made sure that your rooftop tent is compatible with both your vehicle and your rack, you’re ready to load it on top (again, we recommend at least two people for the job). A top-heavy load drastically affects your vehicle’s center of balance, and overloading your suspension can have lasting implications. Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 29.2 sq. Like traditional camping and backpacking tents, rooftop tents come in a variety of capacities, from minimalist two-person models to massive designs that can accommodate up to six. With its spacious, 1.8-inch-thick king-size foam mattress, the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 is one of the best small rooftop tents for campers who appreciate extra sleep . "Getting situated with the Roofnest Sparrow is easy, and packs some wow factor.". The increase in RTT camping's popularity has seen a concomitant rise in the number of RTTs on the market and in this article we aim to introduc… Soft shell roof top tents typically come with a waterproof burly soft cover that folds beyond the roof of a vehicle. Finally, Roofnest also offers the 9-inch wider Sparrow XL ($3,495) and the new Sparrow Adventure (available in two sizes) which features a similar design but with the addition of built-in rails and crossbars so you can take all your gear with you (just be mindful of your vehicle’s load limit).See the Roofnest Sparrow. Skycamp’s unique design brilliantly unites the foldable and hardshell styles. SIZE MATTERS: Condor VS Condor XL. Coming in at around the $2k mark, it has outstanding value for weekend campers with modest needs. When delivered out of Province, your local tax rates apply. ft.Peak height: 45 in.Capacity: 2, 3-4 What we like: Premium build quality, quick setup, and wind-resistant design.What we don’t: Relatively thin mattress and much pricier than the Roofnest Condor XL. Small but mighty. We offer training sessions, day paddles, and extended overnight camping trips all over the Puget Sound including the coast. Most of our racks allow mounting options on the side for rotopax, maxtrax, gas/water cans and more. This tent takes roughly three minutes to put together but eliminates that bulky PVC cover. That said, the first-generation tent is still available and a better choice for true budget seekers while supplies last. Designs range from budget-friendly softshells to premium hardshell and overlanding models built to take a licking, but all of the rooftop tents below keep you off the ground, are relatively easy to set up and stow, have rugged builds, and free up valuable storage space in your vehicle. Tuff Stuff Alpha Roof Top Tent Review and Walkaround. Baker. Thule Tepui Autana Explorer 3 w/ Annex. Mainly, the fact that you should maintain three-point contact on the ladder at all times. After using our Tuff Stuff Alpha Roof Top Tent this summer these are the 5 things we like and 3 things that could use some improvements. This site is owned and operated by Alex Nicoll. The James Baroud Evasion is a pop-top hardshell, similar to models like the Roofnest Sparrow above and Maggiolina AirLand below. . Tuff Stuff® ALPHA™ Hard Top Side Open Tent, Gray, 4 Person. Some annexes or awnings come with the purchase of a tent (the Tuff Stuff Ranger 3, for example, includes an annex), but most are sold separately. In terms of competitors, you can save serious cash with the XL version of the Smittybilt above ($1,599), although the sleeping platform is much smaller at around 48 square feet. 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. Now that you’re more informed, get out there and enjoy that fresh air! 3 mesh windows, and skylights provide good ventilation. Automobile Magazine. Description. Stepping up to the “premium” version for $300 more will get you LED lights and thicker walls for 4-season use, but the standard model here strikes us as the better value. One of my favorites being the iKamper Movie Stand. If you like the idea of rooftop storage but want the convenience of being able to keep your bedding inside when packed, it’s also worth checking out Roofnest’s new Sparrow Adventure ($3,395), which features a fiberglass shell and a 12-inch packed height. Front Runner, Gobi, Smittybilt, ARB, TJM, Thule, Rhino-Rack and Yakima are all reputable brands that probably will not let you down. Orders with Cargo Boxes and Rooftop Tents must ship via a Truck carrier and cannot be expedited. In short, given that you can get the very comparable Condor XL for over $400 less, we’re just not sure the iKamper is worth the investment. 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. 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. Further, gas mileage will suffer with a heavier load. With no annex compatibility and a relatively small floorplan, the Sparrow wouldn’t be our first choice for extended outings or basecamping. Many tents have mosquito netting, this is a great way to still enjoy the view and keep airflow throughout the tent while having peace of mind. Thule Tepui is a leader when it comes to value, but the rooftop tent competition is stronger than ever in 2021. But Tuff Stuff is no slouch, and their overlanding products—which range from trailers to winches and truck bed racks—are great values. The Tuff Stuff® Alpha II™ is the new hybrid side opening rooftop tent that's actually affordable. Additionally, without the stability of a hard cover, softshell tents are often noisier in the wind, both when opened and packed away. You will be hard pressed to find a similar design such as this one at a competitive price point. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 37.4 sq. Here are the sizes for each. Click to learn more! Tuff Stuff essentially is a one-stop shop, and their Ranger 3 comes stock with a zip-on annex, all the necessary assembly and mounting tools, a hanging gear hammock, and even a storage bag for your shoes. Buying a rooftop tent is only the first step in kitting out your vehicle—you’ll also need tools for installation, and many people add accessories like annexes and gear lofts later on. Camping has evolved from, "roughing it", with little comfort and amenities to being able to sleep comfortably throughout the night while powering lights, refrigerated coolers, and much... Truck Tent Pros and Cons: Everything You Need To Know! And as we touched on above, the Denali is also available in CVT’s “Hybrid” design, which adds the convenience and durability of a hardshell cover for $3,795.See the CVT Denali Pioneer Extended. For large families and friend groups, you won’t find a better RTT to squeeze everyone into! On the other hand, softshell tents require a bit more time to remove the soft cover and insert poles to prop up the fly and awnings. I have subsequently looked into Torro Skylux, Desert Armor Warrior, Roofnest Condor XL, Tuff Stuff Alpha, and even searched Alibaba knock offs. I like your idea of bringing along a trail bike so you don't have to break camp in order to explore. That said, those who move camp everyday will love the simplicity. We are a non-profit kayaking organization based in Anacortes, WA. And if you’re adding an annex or separate awning (see our section on “Annexes and Awnings” below), it goes without saying that your setup will take longer and be more involved. It is also very lightweight at just 120 Ibs. Not that that necessarily means anything about the quality but they are different tents. However, this doesn’t take away the fact that the Kukenam 4 isn’t a great tent. $ 3,149.99 $ 2,999.99. Baker. If I was a first time buyer, this would be my go to choice. Softshell tents also feature larger floor plans, come in a variety of shapes, and can easily accommodate annexes and awnings (more on this below). The iKamper Skycamp Mini roof-top tent offers a short, expandable shell that's perfect for the bed of your truck or the roof of a smaller vehicle. The ALPHA II can be set up in under a minute, using its hydraulic assisted mechanism and telescoping ladder. Regular price. The pioneer edition is the base model and would suffice for many users. The SkyRise HD takes direct aim at our top pick, the Tepui Kukenam above. Note: the CVT Mt. All of these added features for just $100 more is quite the deal. It strips down the bells and whistles, while delivering a great XL sized RTT. Packed sizes of rooftop tents varies widely, but it’s a good rule of thumb to keep the footprint of your tent within your roof’s dimensions—and those with small cars or trucks should be especially careful before making a purchase. Not to mention, trying to choose and identify added features that will be a game changer for the whole family. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the added work, the Overlander gets the job done for less than most other softshells. But for those get outside year-round or frequently sleep at elevation, these inserts can add a nice dose of warmth on cold nights. 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. Some cover in the rain. These small gripes aside, Thule 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 Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3. In our experience, the added comfort and livability are almost always worth the bump in price. For about $400 less, the Condor XL boasts a slightly bigger floor area (47.8 sq. "The Roofnest Falcon is one of our favorite roof top tents. 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.). On top of that, this tent is rated for four seasons. You can buy a couple of Tepui’s Unilight and place a few around the whole tent. 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