Thanks for this video. I'm sticking to the old fashioned way. I'm 72 years old and been tent camping all my life including my backpacking days. I considered a rooftop tent but decided against it for a few reasons. First the cost. Second, with the tent on my roof, I could not fit my vehicle in my garage. Too tall. Third, the weight. My roof weight limit is 150 lbs. The tent I wanted weighed more than that. And finally, wind noise. I talked to someone who had the clam shell model RTT and he said there was definitely wind noise at freeway speeds. I'm now considering getting an off road tear drop type trailer. But I don't really like towing anything either, so maybe not.
Why sleep on top when you can sleep in a perfectly good vehicle? I rather store stuff on top & sleep in my Springbar tent. I would hate to sleep on top when I’m not feeling well. If I went on a hike & twisted my ankle, I wouldn’t want to climb up there. What I want is a van to sleep in & have a EBike. We all get older & stuff happens.
The Algorithm brought me here, and I'm really glad because I've been considering saving up to eventually get one 😁 You guys did a great job highlighting the pros and cons, thanks for sharing!
The trailer idea is worth it. I have a Sparrow XL, which I built a trailer for. It has worked out perfectly. I can pull up and set everything up in 10 minutes. Which includes leveling Jack's. Then, take off in the pickup to venture out. My top water kayak is always with me as well.
Damn, this looks sick - great video. I probably don't camp often enough with my car to justify getting one (lots of hikes), but definitely a big upgrade over my ground tent when I'm with the car
The pull behind trailer with the tent on top is a great idea. That way we can keep the kayaks on top of vehicle while adventuring and leave tent set up on trailer behind at site. Come back to base camp and its all ready. Thanks for the great idea!
Thank you Lauren. Finally a positive video with the pros and cons. I plan on getting a rooftop tent so that I can go camping and feel more comfortable being off the ground with the quick set up.
Fantastic! It is more comfortable for sure. I would say look into different mattresses or mattress toppers depending on the tent you choose. Mine is comfortable enough for now, but I would love to change it out and make it more comfy in the future.
@laurenrs I'm looking at a Thule Approach. I have a smaller cargo van that I have been trying to figure out how to cram everything into it and then these rooftop tents solved the biggest part. I've watched a lot of videos that were very negative to the point of making it a issue getting one. Your video makes me feel better going in this direction
@normscorner6047 I think going from a regular tent to a rooftop tent is a huge upgrade. You'll love it! I think the people that don't like rooftop tents just want an RV in my opinion. 😅
If I received my $4000 tent with a hole in the bottom, I would expect a brand new one to be sent out to me immediately. I wouldn’t expect them to tell me to waste my time and effort to give it a less than factory perfect repair.
Unfortunately, it was kinda my fault. I didn't read the delivery instructions fully, which said that I should check the box carefully upon delivery. I think I was just excited it was here, and I signed that the delivery was in good shape before the company left my house. So thankfully RoofNest still helped me out. If I would've seen the damage at delivery I probably would've been sent a new tent. Lesson learned!
@@laurenrsRoof nest is liable for hidden damage. Under the UCC, your product warranty can be extended up to 4 years depending upon circumstances. I ALWAYS get a new product or reimbursement, but that takes knowing the law and being willing to fight.
Appreciate your candor on the pros and cons of RTTing. We are also working a plan to tow a small trailer possibly with an RTT so we can have a base camp and keep the car freed up. Great job on this video!
Leaving the tent on vehicle works for yourself and others, but for my daily life and commute, it wouldn’t be ideal for my vehicle because of my parking situation both at work and at home. This also brings up the necessity of how to take on/off the tent when not in use and storage. Myself, I have thought about this as my garage door isn’t tall enough for me to drive in/out it with the tent installed on my vehicle. The trailer option makes it possible with the extra expense. In short, thanks for the video and the “food for thought” in my deliberations about getting a rooftop tent. 🙏🏼👍🏼✌🏼
I'm so glad to help! I can't wait to get our trailer and be able to easily move around with minimal effort. It is definitely my main gripe about having a rooftop tent.
@@laurenrs I've been doing a lot of research on trailers that can take a RTT, and it's hard to find a base less than $8k, ouch! One quick question, what are your tips for keeping your car clean with a RTT on it? Are you hand washing (driveway) or power washing at a self-serve place? I'll be too tall for most auto washes...
I have the same RTT what helped me was getting rid of the mattress and getting an air mattress that way I can keep all blankets and pillows in it just air up when needed and air down to close it. It closes just fine. Maybe you can try that.
That's a great idea! What kind of air mattress do you use? A self-inflating or one with a pump? Do you find it as comfortable as the installed mattress? Sorry for all the questions!
I got mine at Walmart it’s a king size I believe 9 in height. I use an electric air pump that I hook up to my Jackery and it’s pretty comfortable but what I like the most is that I keep everything in there, I no longer have to put in the cab of my Tacoma. It depends how much you want to spend.
GREAT VIDEO!!! Well done and a lot of great points! I have a Roofnest Sparrow and I love it as well and agree with a lot of this video. There is one part I agree with 100%, but disagree with at the same time for the purpose of a RTT. That is putting it on a trailer as an option to not have to take it up and down. It does get old, that is the part I agree with, but I also think most people that purchase RTT is because they want to get to places that RV's or campers cannot. You add a trailer to put this on top of, you just removed that option. It's a great idea and I have seen it so many times, but the point of this tent is to not have to pull a trailer, even a small popup camper (which these would be most comparable to). You restrict the best places by doing this. Roofnest makes it super easy to put the tents up and down, it is putting your items in and taking them out that is the time consuming part. Keep it minimal if you know you will be putting it up and down a lot to make it easier. What would be the best setup you ask? Have 2 of them!!! LOL One on a trailer you can drop where ever you are camping, but have another on the top of your vehicle so that if when you are out adventuring and come to the perfect spot on a mountain top, you can just pop up and stay for the night on a whim (which is the most perfect part about RTT's =D).
Thank you! I completely agree. It would definitely take away the freedom of going places big rigs can't get to. I guess because I just have a standard Subaru, I can't really get to some places like a Jeep or 4Runner could get to anyway, so it doesn't seem like it would be that much of a difference with a trailer, but I could definitely be wrong! I still want to try with a trailer and see how it goes. Great points, though, and thanks for watching!
While a RTT does provide a "feeling" of safety, know that predators and varmints are able to climb ladders. Give it time. As far as ease of relieving bladder stress in the middle of the night, I'd have to give the win to a ground tent. If you spend multiple days/nights at a campsite and explore using your vehicle, you have to pack/unpack everything every day (related to the tent) in order to venture out for the day. You just can't take off. The type of trails we go out on, off-camber and weight up high are not a good mix. We do like 4-person hub tents. So do the dogs! :))
Agree with getting up in the middle of the night, it's a pain in a roof top, but I just try not to drink too much before bed so I can avoid it. :) At the end of the video, I explain how I want to buy an off-road trailer to store my tent on instead, so that way I can just unhook at a campsite and go out for the day with everything locked away in the trailer.
@@laurenrs The trailer makes sense. I also think that for your particular vehicle, a RTT works really well. But having a trailer will really open things up for you, your husband and your dog! It's a wonderful addiction. :))
I have the weird fear of critters , so I like being up high. That being said, I have never, ever had a critter of any kind except for maybe a mosquito, try to get in a land based tent.
I have no idea why I'm looking at roof nests. I have never camped today in my life lol. Lol @ 4 people sleeping in that tent after a full day of outdoors and no showers 😮
@zzzzingify So the roof rack will hold the tent in place while driving. But the static weight (aka the weight while the car isn't moving), will hold a lot more. I don't think there really is a weight limit on the roof rails if you aren't moving, but I'm not 100% sure. The most important is that your roof rack can hold the tent's weight while driving. If it can, it will be fine when stopped. We can easily sleep 4 adults in the tent without any issues.
@@zzzzingify You will need to check the dynamic weight for driving and static weight for you + guests while camping. Ask a company that specializes in roof racks to make sure you get this right.
In terms of the floor of the tooftop tent, it's definitely warmer than a tent on the ground. But because the sides and roof are the same as a traditional tent, it still lets in the cold.
Good video. Rooftop camping is something I am thinking of doing in the future. I see you have a Forester (non-Wilderness) which has a lower weight capacity for the roof rails than a Wilderness edition. I have a '21 Outback Premium. I figure if the tent is safe on your Forester it should be on my Outback. What is the coldest weather you have used it? Would it be suitable in snow/freezing weather conditions or just a 3 season weather tent?
Thanks! I have been camping at around freezing overnight temps, it's definitely as cold as a regular tent! However, the newer Roofnest models now have a space to put a vent so you can user a diesel heater in the tent. That seems to be pretty popular for people who often camp in cold climates.
Hi. Great video, thanks a lot. I am about to buy one. Could you please tell if it limits your driving speed at highways. What is the maximum speed you drove or usually drive at highways with RTT? Thanks.
Hi! Thanks for watching. I drove at the normal speeds I did before on highways with the RoofNest. I could easily go 85 if needed. Only thing was on camping trips when the car was loaded with the roofnest, going on long uphills was tough on my engine, but a Subaru is not a particularly powerful car. 🙂
Great video. It's fun to see other folks talk about their setup. I have the Roofnest Sparrow which comes with a warning to stay under 120 kph (i.e. 75 mph).
Check out our videos- rooftop on a small offroad trailer we built was a game changer. Also, using the changing room to set up a propane heater. Camped with kids all winter!
Gr8 review. That brand of rooftop tent looks great, easy to put up and put down. Ideal for 1 or 2 nights. Better than paying expensive hotel prices. Attaching it to a trailer seems a superb idea. Do any companies sell them together as a combined package? 🤔🏕️🚗
I just use good old-fashioned plastic tubs! And obviously, put them into bear lockers if required. I have a video showing my camp set up on my channel as well if you're interested.
I just bought the 23 Zero Kabari Lite roof tent . Used it in Sedona and near the Grand Canyon . Except for the 27 degree mornings at the Grand Canyon I loved my set up .
Would you buy a roof top tent? Or just stick with the old-fashioned way? 🏕
Thanks for this video. I'm sticking to the old fashioned way. I'm 72 years old and been tent camping all my life including my backpacking days. I considered a rooftop tent but decided against it for a few reasons. First the cost. Second, with the tent on my roof, I could not fit my vehicle in my garage. Too tall. Third, the weight. My roof weight limit is 150 lbs. The tent I wanted weighed more than that. And finally, wind noise. I talked to someone who had the clam shell model RTT and he said there was definitely wind noise at freeway speeds. I'm now considering getting an off road tear drop type trailer. But I don't really like towing anything either, so maybe not.
Why sleep on top when you can sleep in a perfectly good vehicle?
I rather store stuff on top & sleep in my Springbar tent. I would hate to sleep on top when I’m not feeling well. If I went on a hike & twisted my ankle, I wouldn’t want to climb up there. What I want is a van to sleep in & have a EBike. We all get older & stuff happens.
The Algorithm brought me here, and I'm really glad because I've been considering saving up to eventually get one 😁 You guys did a great job highlighting the pros and cons, thanks for sharing!
I'm so glad it was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions, and hopefully you'll have one soon. 🙂
@@laurenrs Will do, thank you!
@@laurenrsI need a subtitle in German 😂😅
The trailer idea is worth it. I have a Sparrow XL, which I built a trailer for. It has worked out perfectly. I can pull up and set everything up in 10 minutes. Which includes leveling Jack's. Then, take off in the pickup to venture out. My top water kayak is always with me as well.
That's great to hear! I haven't heard anyone's experience with a trailer to it's nice to hear someone's opinion. Thanks for sharing!
Damn, this looks sick - great video. I probably don't camp often enough with my car to justify getting one (lots of hikes), but definitely a big upgrade over my ground tent when I'm with the car
That's awesome I never thought about using a trailer for the tent! Now I'm rethinking things!! Lol
Awesome! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
The pull behind trailer with the tent on top is a great idea. That way we can keep the kayaks on top of vehicle while adventuring and leave tent set up on trailer behind at site. Come back to base camp and its all ready. Thanks for the great idea!
Great idea! I would like to get kayaks in the future one day as well, so that's a great plan. 👍🏻
Thank you Lauren. Finally a positive video with the pros and cons. I plan on getting a rooftop tent so that I can go camping and feel more comfortable being off the ground with the quick set up.
Fantastic! It is more comfortable for sure. I would say look into different mattresses or mattress toppers depending on the tent you choose. Mine is comfortable enough for now, but I would love to change it out and make it more comfy in the future.
@laurenrs I'm looking at a Thule Approach. I have a smaller cargo van that I have been trying to figure out how to cram everything into it and then these rooftop tents solved the biggest part. I've watched a lot of videos that were very negative to the point of making it a issue getting one. Your video makes me feel better going in this direction
@normscorner6047 I think going from a regular tent to a rooftop tent is a huge upgrade. You'll love it! I think the people that don't like rooftop tents just want an RV in my opinion. 😅
@@laurenrs I agree. I was also considering a RV and they are just to expensive and I want to retire soon and not have a huge monthly payment for a RV.
@@normankahler7962 It'll be a good way to be able to travel and save money in the meantime for sure. Congrats on the upcoming retirement!
If I received my $4000 tent with a hole in the bottom, I would expect a brand new one to be sent out to me immediately. I wouldn’t expect them to tell me to waste my time and effort to give it a less than factory perfect repair.
Unfortunately, it was kinda my fault. I didn't read the delivery instructions fully, which said that I should check the box carefully upon delivery. I think I was just excited it was here, and I signed that the delivery was in good shape before the company left my house. So thankfully RoofNest still helped me out. If I would've seen the damage at delivery I probably would've been sent a new tent. Lesson learned!
@@laurenrsRoof nest is liable for hidden damage. Under the UCC, your product warranty can be extended up to 4 years depending upon circumstances. I ALWAYS get a new product or reimbursement, but that takes knowing the law and being willing to fight.
Appreciate your candor on the pros and cons of RTTing. We are also working a plan to tow a small trailer possibly with an RTT so we can have a base camp and keep the car freed up. Great job on this video!
Also, we just bought a Subaru OBW. We were admiring your Forester in this video. Your big Roof Nest fits it well.
Awesome! Seems like that's the way to go. Thanks for watching. 💙
Ooh I bet that'll look nice!
Leaving the tent on vehicle works for yourself and others, but for my daily life and commute, it wouldn’t be ideal for my vehicle because of my parking situation both at work and at home. This also brings up the necessity of how to take on/off the tent when not in use and storage. Myself, I have thought about this as my garage door isn’t tall enough for me to drive in/out it with the tent installed on my vehicle. The trailer option makes it possible with the extra expense. In short, thanks for the video and the “food for thought” in my deliberations about getting a rooftop tent. 🙏🏼👍🏼✌🏼
I'm so glad to help! I can't wait to get our trailer and be able to easily move around with minimal effort. It is definitely my main gripe about having a rooftop tent.
@@laurenrs I've been doing a lot of research on trailers that can take a RTT, and it's hard to find a base less than $8k, ouch!
One quick question, what are your tips for keeping your car clean with a RTT on it? Are you hand washing (driveway) or power washing at a self-serve place? I'll be too tall for most auto washes...
I have an off road trailer and Ezzi awn tent on top. Best decision ever. You will enjoy them both. Good travels
Awesome! Glad to know the off road trailer is a good idea. Thanks and happy trails to you!
Great job with the walk through. I’m so motivated to try this.
Thank you!
Do you prefer RTT over sleeping inside your car? Thanks!
Thank you! This helps us! ❤
It is a camping game changer
Even in the cold 🙃
I have the same RTT what helped me was getting rid of the mattress and getting an air mattress that way I can keep all blankets and pillows in it just air up when needed and air down to close it. It closes just fine.
Maybe you can try that.
That's a great idea! What kind of air mattress do you use? A self-inflating or one with a pump? Do you find it as comfortable as the installed mattress? Sorry for all the questions!
I got mine at Walmart it’s a king size I believe 9 in height.
I use an electric air pump that I hook up to my Jackery and it’s pretty comfortable but what I like the most is that I keep everything in there, I no longer have to put in the cab of my Tacoma. It depends how much you want to spend.
@rogerramirez227 I have thought of an air mattress, but I didn't think that it would give space to store bedding. Genius! 🙂
GREAT VIDEO!!! Well done and a lot of great points! I have a Roofnest Sparrow and I love it as well and agree with a lot of this video. There is one part I agree with 100%, but disagree with at the same time for the purpose of a RTT. That is putting it on a trailer as an option to not have to take it up and down. It does get old, that is the part I agree with, but I also think most people that purchase RTT is because they want to get to places that RV's or campers cannot. You add a trailer to put this on top of, you just removed that option. It's a great idea and I have seen it so many times, but the point of this tent is to not have to pull a trailer, even a small popup camper (which these would be most comparable to). You restrict the best places by doing this. Roofnest makes it super easy to put the tents up and down, it is putting your items in and taking them out that is the time consuming part. Keep it minimal if you know you will be putting it up and down a lot to make it easier. What would be the best setup you ask? Have 2 of them!!! LOL One on a trailer you can drop where ever you are camping, but have another on the top of your vehicle so that if when you are out adventuring and come to the perfect spot on a mountain top, you can just pop up and stay for the night on a whim (which is the most perfect part about RTT's =D).
Thank you! I completely agree. It would definitely take away the freedom of going places big rigs can't get to. I guess because I just have a standard Subaru, I can't really get to some places like a Jeep or 4Runner could get to anyway, so it doesn't seem like it would be that much of a difference with a trailer, but I could definitely be wrong! I still want to try with a trailer and see how it goes. Great points, though, and thanks for watching!
Very nice video. Thank you for taking the time to make and post
Thank you for watching!
While a RTT does provide a "feeling" of safety, know that predators and varmints are able to climb ladders. Give it time. As far as ease of relieving bladder stress in the middle of the night, I'd have to give the win to a ground tent. If you spend multiple days/nights at a campsite and explore using your vehicle, you have to pack/unpack everything every day (related to the tent) in order to venture out for the day. You just can't take off. The type of trails we go out on, off-camber and weight up high are not a good mix. We do like 4-person hub tents. So do the dogs! :))
Agree with getting up in the middle of the night, it's a pain in a roof top, but I just try not to drink too much before bed so I can avoid it. :) At the end of the video, I explain how I want to buy an off-road trailer to store my tent on instead, so that way I can just unhook at a campsite and go out for the day with everything locked away in the trailer.
@@laurenrs The trailer makes sense. I also think that for your particular vehicle, a RTT works really well. But having a trailer will really open things up for you, your husband and your dog! It's a wonderful addiction. :))
@@InGratitudeIam Fantastic! I can't wait to start shopping and turning it into an awesome rig. Thanks for the encouragement. 💪🏻
I have the weird fear of critters , so I like being up high.
That being said, I have never, ever had a critter of any kind except for maybe a mosquito, try to get in a land based tent.
I have no idea why I'm looking at roof nests. I have never camped today in my life lol. Lol @ 4 people sleeping in that tent after a full day of outdoors and no showers 😮
😆 Who said we didn't shower?
being off the ground is a huge benefit.
Very nice video! Can I ask what vehicle you have yours on?
Thank you! It's a 2018 Subaru Forester.
Can you tell me what is your roof rack weight capacity?
I think the roof racks (Thule) can hold 160 lbs.
@@laurenrs hmmm r you saying 160 lbs capacity rack can hold the tent and 2 people? I m totally new to roof tent camping
@zzzzingify So the roof rack will hold the tent in place while driving. But the static weight (aka the weight while the car isn't moving), will hold a lot more. I don't think there really is a weight limit on the roof rails if you aren't moving, but I'm not 100% sure. The most important is that your roof rack can hold the tent's weight while driving. If it can, it will be fine when stopped. We can easily sleep 4 adults in the tent without any issues.
@@laurenrs thank you!!!
@@zzzzingify You will need to check the dynamic weight for driving and static weight for you + guests while camping. Ask a company that specializes in roof racks to make sure you get this right.
My biggest complaint with traditional tents is that sleeping on the ground or on a cot is cold. Is the rooftop tent insulated? Do you stay warm?
In terms of the floor of the tooftop tent, it's definitely warmer than a tent on the ground. But because the sides and roof are the same as a traditional tent, it still lets in the cold.
Thank you!! As long as the floor is warmer, I’m good.
Awesome review thanks for the upload. Can you access the tent from the sunroof of the vehicle in an emergency and vice-versa? Thanks. - Surry Virginia
No, the only entrance is by the ladder. Unfortunately, you can't use your sun roof if you put the tent on top.
I am tall and weigh almost 300lbs so I worry about damaging my roof of my Rav4...
Good video. Rooftop camping is something I am thinking of doing in the future. I see you have a Forester (non-Wilderness) which has a lower weight capacity for the roof rails than a Wilderness edition. I have a '21 Outback Premium. I figure if the tent is safe on your Forester it should be on my Outback. What is the coldest weather you have used it? Would it be suitable in snow/freezing weather conditions or just a 3 season weather tent?
Thanks! I have been camping at around freezing overnight temps, it's definitely as cold as a regular tent! However, the newer Roofnest models now have a space to put a vent so you can user a diesel heater in the tent. That seems to be pretty popular for people who often camp in cold climates.
Excellent video, just subscribed 👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Great Video, but can I ask You what car you have?
Thanks! I have a Subaru Forester
Helpful Video Mam, ❤
Hi. Great video, thanks a lot. I am about to buy one. Could you please tell if it limits your driving speed at highways. What is the maximum speed you drove or usually drive at highways with RTT? Thanks.
Hi! Thanks for watching. I drove at the normal speeds I did before on highways with the RoofNest. I could easily go 85 if needed. Only thing was on camping trips when the car was loaded with the roofnest, going on long uphills was tough on my engine, but a Subaru is not a particularly powerful car. 🙂
Great video. It's fun to see other folks talk about their setup. I have the Roofnest Sparrow which comes with a warning to stay under 120 kph (i.e. 75 mph).
Check out our videos- rooftop on a small offroad trailer we built was a game changer. Also, using the changing room to set up a propane heater. Camped with kids all winter!
Ooh thanks! I'll check them out.
What happens when you fold it down wet? (I plan to road trip in the UK) does the wet get inside making it uncomfortable for the next night?
It doesn't necessarily become wet, but it will be a little damp, which would be the same as with any tent.
Shipping company pierced your box & tent? A brand new tent should be traded for the damaged one. Accept NOTHING damaged.
Totally agree 👏
You would need to also lock down the trailer so that no-one could hitch up the trailer and take it.
Very true! It'll definitely be something to look into before I make the maiden voyage.
Nice camping spot. Looks like Q'zite.
Hard pass on the roof top tents! Looks nice..
You payed $4000 for this 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And I would again. ✌🏻
@@laurenrs guess you can't fix stupid
Less than 5 minutes to put it up or take it down? And you got tired of doing it for 4 days in a row?
Stay in California and hotel it
To each their own! 🙂
I'm sure trolling folks anonymously makes you feel good. But really, if you're going to be an a**hole, do it offline.
Gr8 review. That brand of rooftop tent looks great, easy to put up and put down. Ideal for 1 or 2 nights. Better than paying expensive hotel prices. Attaching it to a trailer seems a superb idea. Do any companies sell them together as a combined package? 🤔🏕️🚗
Not that I know of, but I'm sure a company will get on that in the future!
Can you do yoga inside there
Yes, you can! I have only done some gentle stretch-y yoga inside, but I can do downward dog. You can't stand in mountain pose, though.
I bought my first subaru outback two weeks ago. I'm very intrigued about adding a tent now that I live in new england
When you do your adventures how to you handle food storage / cooking?
I just use good old-fashioned plastic tubs! And obviously, put them into bear lockers if required. I have a video showing my camp set up on my channel as well if you're interested.
Great review, esp. from a woman's pov. We always get the guy's pov. Thanks.
Thank you!
I just bought the 23 Zero Kabari Lite roof tent . Used it in Sedona and near the Grand Canyon . Except for the 27 degree mornings at the Grand Canyon I loved my set up .
Awesome! Those are some epic places to camp, as well.