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The truth about the great outdoors is that it’s inherently uncomfortable. The bugs bite, the sun burns, the air chills and almost every task requires additional effort. Some revel in the discomfort, others loathe it; most agree that camping isn’t for everyone. While it’s true that certain aspects of adventure can’t be controlled, one of the pillars of a successful trip can be improved.
Picture your family camping trips as a kid or that one time your friend dragged you along with his family. There was probably a gas burning stove, a folding picnic table and the ubiquitous ground tent — how quaint. Today, the tables are more durable and the stoves are more compact, but the biggest difference is how we spend the night.
Tent technology has taken a huge leap in recent years. Backpackers can stuff a six-oz. domicile in their pocket and car campers can raise a four-walled fortress in 30 seconds. Admittedly, neither ultra-light nor ultra-plush tents are particularly cheap, but there are still ways to find a great deal. Roofnest is a newer player in the rooftop tent (RTT) arena – a segment that appeals most to overland enthusiasts and small families. As a hard shell tent manufacturer, Roofnest undercuts its competitors’ prices by a significant sum while touting the same features.
The Good: Nothing about the Roofnest Eagle is particularly revolutionary, but there are definitely some highlights. The fiber-reinforced ABS body is light and aerodynamic, easy to install and can accommodate two full size adults comfortably. Four zippered windows – one on each wall – permit excellent cross-breeze and side outlets allow ladder placement on either side of the vehicle. Quilted fabric lining keeps the inside of the tent very warm and looks pretty snazzy. The included telescoping ladder is the coolest I’ve sampled, with a wide, sturdy frame and dead-simple functionality. Interior storage is clever, with two detachable pocket organizers, a pair of coat hangers and netting over the center of the tent. Most compelling of all the Eagle’s selling points, though, is its price (more on that in the alternatives breakdown).
Who It’s For: Hard-shell RTTs make sense for those who don’t mind giving up their roof rack storage in exchange for one of the easiest sleep setups around. Advantages over ground tents are pretty clear: sleeping above ground affords security from critters, the days of fumbling with tent poles and stakes are over and you can store pillows, blankets and other sleepwear in your RTT semi-permanently. There are also a few perks over soft shell tents, including faster setup and teardown, improved aero-efficiency and a cleaner look. Roofnest offers its tents in a few shapes and sizes, but if you like your space or need room for a third guest (be it pup or child), you’ll want the flagship Eagle model.
