Thanks for acknowledging my comment, you already have done more for me than roofnest! Lol. They are MIA. But yeah, windows are doable. The James baroun tent has the zipper windows, but they don’t offer a awning etc. I want my awnings. Why can’t one tent guy get it all done right!😡 anyways, this week I embark on the window journey. Not looking forward to having to deal with this. If roofnest was a true leader in the industry, they would be doing the leg work, not the customer. PleAse let Tim know this is not right…he needs to fix this ASAP. Cool, Bob Wilson
Good to know about the windows on the James Baroun tents! We are going to be doing some other company roof top tents here soon. Looking forward to seeing other features and set ups. I will convey the message to Tim as well. He is a great guy. Last time we met, we shared some Indian food together. I bet this feedback will help.
Suggestion a collapsible weather proof shoebox that attaches at the top of the ladder or entrance would do wonders for interior cleanliness and dry shoes during inclement weather.
Thanks for the video. I am considering this for me and my two big kids (the XL). Trying to weight the pros and cons between this and a van. I already have an SUV, though it does not have any roof bars. We do a few week-long camping trips per year and would like to start doing some long weekend road trips where we'd be sleeping in different locations each night, that's why our current "regular" tent set up will not be ideal. A big question for me is, is this safe in lightening?
Hey Dena! Thanks for the great question. I have used this in several rain storms, and even hail, but not in lightening. I would hate to misadvise if it is safe in lighting. I will say that it has been great for us and our adventures though!
Will stock cross rails be enough especially on the long run? We usually take our ebikes and ride around so we don't worry about losing our spot, with that being said , For a a family who camps state parks not overland, mostly 6 time a year at most 3 days at time, would you still recommend Roofnest or any roof top tent ?
Hello! Good questions. I dont think the stock cross rails will handle the roof top tents. I would still recommend the Roofnest for your uses though. I hope you enjoy as much as we do!
I also have a 4Runner, same gen. Do you need the aftermarket cross bars on top of the stock ones to attach the tent to the roof? What benefit do the aftermarket bars have for this setup? Thanks
Having the ability to store bedding inside is a huge feature in my opinion. Also the super quick setup is awesome. However, I'm a bit concerned with it being a little cramped at only 40" in height and 55" in width. Seems like it would make things like changing clothes or stretching out difficult with two people. With this in mind I'm leaning towards the condor. However, the trade-off is I'll have to use up valuable storage space inside my car for bedding. I suppose this problem could be solved by storing beddiing in a waterproof duffle bag on top. Regardless, the setup seems like it will be considerably longer since I'll have to unroll and pack up my sleeping gear. This dilemma has prevented me from pulling the trigger on either one. Have you tried the condor? What are your thoughts regarding this dilemma?
Great questions and thoughts. My wife and I have used this and the previous version extensively. Usually one of us changes in this at a time. We love it!
Awesome video! My gf and I just ordered our sparrow and can’t wait until it gets here. I noticed you mentioned your two 60-pound dogs. How did you get them both up? We also have two dogs, both around 50 pounds, and we were thinking our dogs can stay inside the car while her and I sleep in the rooftop tent. Is the XL enough room for you all and would you recommend getting the XL if we wanted both our dogs to sleep with us up there?
Hey Daniel, Stoked that you have a Sparrow on the way! You are going to love it. I carry each dog up the ladder and place them in the Roofnest. All 4 of us can sleep up there well. Keeping the dogs in the vehicle is also a great idea so you and the gf can have even more space. I have not used the Sparrow, so I can not say how all 4 or you would fit. For reference, I have used regular tents of that size, and all 4 of us and been fine. Let us know how it goes!
Hope to see you on the trail some time! We just got ours mounted on the roof last week. Really excited to use it! Mattress smelled horribly of glue, so hopefully the camp days will alleviate that. Have you done a solar panel yet?
Hey Michael! I hope to see you on the trail as well! You are going to love the Roofnest set uop. Air it out for a bit, for sure. Get the new funk out. After that you are going to love the set up. Solar - YES! I must put together a video featuring the Renogy 100W flexible solar panel and a sweet Dometic battery and cooler set up. It should be up in a few days. I think the solar panel area is such a genius idea. Once you spend the $200 or so to get the panel up, you will have free power everywhere you go! It has been a real game changer for us. Take care!
@@Engearment - Man, thanks for the reply! Saw your backcountry shredding videos too with the airbag backpack. My wife hates the idea of me shredding the backcountry, but I didn't move out here to not partake in all the goodness! Looking forward to that solar panel video. I was wondering if I should go flexible or the more structured kind, but it seems like the structured kind would definitely require drilling. Is that the case with the renegy flexible?
@@AlchmstDsgn thanks for the stoke on the backcountry shredding! I love splitboarding! We live in a great state for it. Just did a Spark vs Karakoram vs Phantom splitboard binding video that might interest you as well! Here is a link for the solar panel installation with a Dometic battery and cooler. I would go with the flexible panel for mounting on the roofnest. I used marine sealant and it is on there very well. Hope that helps! ruclips.net/video/IhX5g_XJPdo/видео.html
Awesome setup! I'm looking into this tent based on this video. Have you had any issues with the OEM rails? I know capacity on paper is one thing, but just wondering if you have any issues. Thanks man!
Thanks!! I am pretty stoked on our setup too. Very grateful the gear and the adventures we get to do with them. I have been using the Yakima crossbars on the rails and been good to go. Does that help? Thanks and take care! - Sean
We just ordered the Sparrow Adventure XL, and have a 2016 TRD Pro 4-runner. We also live on the West Slope of Colorado. So, question for you: Do you leave yours on the 4-runner all the time during camping season? I worry about the sun damage that could be caused, but there's no way the 2 of us can take this thing off/on all the time. Thanks!
Hey Debra! Fellow CO friend :) I do leave mine on year round. The previous generation I had did get some sun damage, but I do believe they have improved that on the generation you and I have. That is a great set up too! Just got done camping next to a creek with this set up. It was so nice to have all the awnings open and watch the stream. You are going to love it!
hold onto your money. just bought the sparrow xl. love the hardshell concept. love the awnings..BUT, THERE ARE NO INTERNAL ADJUSTABLE/ZIPPER WINDOWS TO CONTROL PRIVACY, WIND, TEMP, OR LIGHT. you know, the window you can zip open and close while inside the tent? this tent does not have it. In fact, when i called them, the guy told me none of their tents have this basic tent design. even a cheap tent from walmart has this. in fact, have never owed a tent of any kind that did not have a zipper window. it's tent building 101.. I'm currently putting a plan together to have a local sail company help me solve roofnests screw up. it will cost extra money, time, and aggravation, but it has to be done. Roofnest support is a waste of time, they don't want to hear about issues. oh, and their return policy says something like this, "we don't take back used tents" wut da wut?! how do you know if you like something, if you don't use/try it..bahaha.
I wish they had this feature as well. I noted that in our original review. Unfortunately, I have not seen other roof top tents with it either. Many of our 4 season tents have the second set of material. Perhaps future versions will have it.
It is such a great tent! Not sure if it will fit on the Rav4. it will get condensation if the tent is completely closed up and there is no wind. I can sit up and am 6'1". We really love the tent and use it every week. Hope that helps!
Hello Mariann! Stoked you are loving the 4Runner. I am using Yakima HD bars to mount the Roofnest and Yakima Slim Shady awning. The awning is using two adjustable clamp style mounts onto the bar. Works really well!
It's too bad they couldn't somehow design the struts to be on the outside so that they don't interfere with the sleeping/living space. I could see hitting your elbows on the struts all the time.
I will measure this in a few days and get back to you. I know it is at least 4" taller than our previous one and allows me to sit up with less restriction.
Detailed written review here! - engearment.com/tents/roofnest-sparrow-xl-roof-top-tent/
Wow, this thing is so much more expansive and the four sides make it feel so much roomier with all the views. The fisheye lens doesn't do it justice.
I just bought one. Can’t wait to try it! Thank you for the review.
Awesome! I am super stoked for you! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Happy adventures ahead for you!
Thanks for acknowledging my comment, you already have done more for me than roofnest! Lol. They are MIA. But yeah, windows are doable. The James baroun tent has the zipper windows, but they don’t offer a awning etc. I want my awnings. Why can’t one tent guy get it all done right!😡 anyways, this week I embark on the window journey. Not looking forward to having to deal with this. If roofnest was a true leader in the industry, they would be doing the leg work, not the customer. PleAse let Tim know this is not right…he needs to fix this ASAP. Cool, Bob Wilson
Good to know about the windows on the James Baroun tents! We are going to be doing some other company roof top tents here soon. Looking forward to seeing other features and set ups.
I will convey the message to Tim as well. He is a great guy. Last time we met, we shared some Indian food together. I bet this feedback will help.
I'm sold! Thanks for the video
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Thanks for the review.
Happy to be of service my friend 🏕🙌
Suggestion a collapsible weather proof shoebox that attaches at the top of the ladder or entrance would do wonders for interior cleanliness and dry shoes during inclement weather.
That’s a great idea! And it does come with 2 of those. I should have mentioned that in this review. Great catch!
Just bought one today!
Heck yes!! Stoked for you and your adventures!
Great video, very informative and to the point!
Thank you! 🙌🙌
Thanks for the video. I am considering this for me and my two big kids (the XL). Trying to weight the pros and cons between this and a van. I already have an SUV, though it does not have any roof bars. We do a few week-long camping trips per year and would like to start doing some long weekend road trips where we'd be sleeping in different locations each night, that's why our current "regular" tent set up will not be ideal. A big question for me is, is this safe in lightening?
Hey Dena! Thanks for the great question. I have used this in several rain storms, and even hail, but not in lightening. I would hate to misadvise if it is safe in lighting. I will say that it has been great for us and our adventures though!
Would this also fit a RAV4 rooftop? I dont mind a bit of overhang. I'm 6'2" and could I also lay out comfortably in this tent.
Looking into grabbing an XL myself. How it the camper tent doing these days. Thanks a bunch for a thorough review.
Will stock cross rails be enough especially on the long run? We usually take our ebikes and ride around so we don't worry about losing our spot, with that being said , For a a family who camps state parks not overland, mostly 6 time a year at most 3 days at time, would you still recommend Roofnest or any roof top tent ?
Hello! Good questions. I dont think the stock cross rails will handle the roof top tents. I would still recommend the Roofnest for your uses though. I hope you enjoy as much as we do!
What roof rack do you have the roofnest mounted to?
I also have a 4Runner, same gen. Do you need the aftermarket cross bars on top of the stock ones to attach the tent to the roof? What benefit do the aftermarket bars have for this setup?
Thanks
I have only used the Roofnest with aftermarket cross bars. I believe the after market are rated for more weight. Hope that helps!
Having the ability to store bedding inside is a huge feature in my opinion. Also the super quick setup is awesome. However, I'm a bit concerned with it being a little cramped at only 40" in height and 55" in width. Seems like it would make things like changing clothes or stretching out difficult with two people. With this in mind I'm leaning towards the condor. However, the trade-off is I'll have to use up valuable storage space inside my car for bedding. I suppose this problem could be solved by storing beddiing in a waterproof duffle bag on top. Regardless, the setup seems like it will be considerably longer since I'll have to unroll and pack up my sleeping gear. This dilemma has prevented me from pulling the trigger on either one. Have you tried the condor? What are your thoughts regarding this dilemma?
Great questions and thoughts. My wife and I have used this and the previous version extensively. Usually one of us changes in this at a time. We love it!
@@Engearment I settled on the sparrow and it exceeded my expectations!
@@wmbanick Sweet! Gald to hear that! Happy camping :)
@@wmbanick what about sitting up and rhe roominess issue. Those are great questions. I'm 6'2" and the wife 5'4" so she has more space then me. Lol
Awesome video! My gf and I just ordered our sparrow and can’t wait until it gets here. I noticed you mentioned your two 60-pound dogs. How did you get them both up? We also have two dogs, both around 50 pounds, and we were thinking our dogs can stay inside the car while her and I sleep in the rooftop tent. Is the XL enough room for you all and would you recommend getting the XL if we wanted both our dogs to sleep with us up there?
Hey Daniel, Stoked that you have a Sparrow on the way! You are going to love it. I carry each dog up the ladder and place them in the Roofnest. All 4 of us can sleep up there well. Keeping the dogs in the vehicle is also a great idea so you and the gf can have even more space. I have not used the Sparrow, so I can not say how all 4 or you would fit. For reference, I have used regular tents of that size, and all 4 of us and been fine. Let us know how it goes!
hey does your rtt make cracking sounds ? has it gotten crACKS UNDERNEETH?
Hey! No cracks or cracking sounds. And it has been through wild temperature differences. Hope that helps!
Where do your dogs sleep? Do you lift them into the tent?
Yep! They sleep very well up there. Just camped with them last night. It gets easier and easier to carry them up. Hope that helps!
How long is this? It looks kind of short . Can you actually stretch out in it?
84” long. I am 6’1” and have plenty of room to stretch out, with 2 dogs. And usually my wife.
What cross bars are you using?
Yakima. I believe sky tower
Hope to see you on the trail some time! We just got ours mounted on the roof last week. Really excited to use it! Mattress smelled horribly of glue, so hopefully the camp days will alleviate that.
Have you done a solar panel yet?
Hey Michael! I hope to see you on the trail as well! You are going to love the Roofnest set uop. Air it out for a bit, for sure. Get the new funk out. After that you are going to love the set up.
Solar - YES! I must put together a video featuring the Renogy 100W flexible solar panel and a sweet Dometic battery and cooler set up. It should be up in a few days. I think the solar panel area is such a genius idea. Once you spend the $200 or so to get the panel up, you will have free power everywhere you go! It has been a real game changer for us. Take care!
@@Engearment - Man, thanks for the reply! Saw your backcountry shredding videos too with the airbag backpack. My wife hates the idea of me shredding the backcountry, but I didn't move out here to not partake in all the goodness!
Looking forward to that solar panel video. I was wondering if I should go flexible or the more structured kind, but it seems like the structured kind would definitely require drilling. Is that the case with the renegy flexible?
@@AlchmstDsgn thanks for the stoke on the backcountry shredding! I love splitboarding! We live in a great state for it. Just did a Spark vs Karakoram vs Phantom splitboard binding video that might interest you as well!
Here is a link for the solar panel installation with a Dometic battery and cooler. I would go with the flexible panel for mounting on the roofnest. I used marine sealant and it is on there very well. Hope that helps!
ruclips.net/video/IhX5g_XJPdo/видео.html
Awesome setup! I'm looking into this tent based on this video. Have you had any issues with the OEM rails? I know capacity on paper is one thing, but just wondering if you have any issues. Thanks man!
Thanks!! I am pretty stoked on our setup too. Very grateful the gear and the adventures we get to do with them. I have been using the Yakima crossbars on the rails and been good to go. Does that help? Thanks and take care! - Sean
People don't use the adjective "burly" enough anymore.
Lets bring it back :)
@@Engearment I'm in - everything 'remotely' manly or rough from here on out shall be proclaimed as, 'BURLY!'
@@jsowers21 Lets do it!
We just ordered the Sparrow Adventure XL, and have a 2016 TRD Pro 4-runner. We also live on the West Slope of Colorado. So, question for you: Do you leave yours on the 4-runner all the time during camping season? I worry about the sun damage that could be caused, but there's no way the 2 of us can take this thing off/on all the time. Thanks!
Hey Debra! Fellow CO friend :) I do leave mine on year round. The previous generation I had did get some sun damage, but I do believe they have improved that on the generation you and I have. That is a great set up too! Just got done camping next to a creek with this set up. It was so nice to have all the awnings open and watch the stream. You are going to love it!
hold onto your money. just bought the sparrow xl. love the hardshell concept. love the awnings..BUT, THERE ARE NO INTERNAL ADJUSTABLE/ZIPPER WINDOWS TO CONTROL PRIVACY, WIND, TEMP, OR LIGHT. you know, the window you can zip open and close while inside the tent? this tent does not have it. In fact, when i called them, the guy told me none of their tents have this basic tent design. even a cheap tent from walmart has this. in fact, have never owed a tent of any kind that did not have a zipper window. it's tent building 101.. I'm currently putting a plan together to have a local sail company help me solve roofnests screw up. it will cost extra money, time, and aggravation, but it has to be done. Roofnest support is a waste of time, they don't want to hear about issues. oh, and their return policy says something like this, "we don't take back used tents" wut da wut?! how do you know if you like something, if you don't use/try it..bahaha.
I wish they had this feature as well. I noted that in our original review. Unfortunately, I have not seen other roof top tents with it either. Many of our 4 season tents have the second set of material.
Perhaps future versions will have it.
I wouldn't mind getting one but, being 5'5 it would be hard to get my 90 pound doberman up and down from there.
That would be a challenge! Our 60lb dogs do good. But that is a big pooch!
How do you get you dog up there? I can’t imagine waking up a ladder holding onto a 60# pooch. Can you angle the ladder to make a ramp?
I'm digging this tent. Can you sit up in the tent? Also any leaks or moisture collection? Almost too good to be true. I really want one!!
It is such a great tent! Not sure if it will fit on the Rav4. it will get condensation if the tent is completely closed up and there is no wind. I can sit up and am 6'1". We really love the tent and use it every week. Hope that helps!
Nice tent but jenkees the same tent maybe a little skinnier is the Smittybilt gen2 hardtop and at least $1,000 cheaper same tent different name on it
We have not worked with Smittybilt, yet. Will look into that.Thanks
Great video! I'm in a 5th Gen 4runner also!! How do you have your awning attached?? I don't want to give up my awning.
Hello Mariann! Stoked you are loving the 4Runner. I am using Yakima HD bars to mount the Roofnest and Yakima Slim Shady awning. The awning is using two adjustable clamp style mounts onto the bar. Works really well!
It's too bad they couldn't somehow design the struts to be on the outside so that they don't interfere with the sleeping/living space. I could see hitting your elbows on the struts all the time.
After several years of using this style roof tent, this has not been an issue. Though, I can see your theory being ideal.
Whay kind of cross bars is the tent sitting on ?
been looking for some! TIA
Yakima HD bars. I believe they are the 2nd longest of the options. We love them!
@@Engearment thanks a lot
I was actually looking at those !
Great video very helpful btw! Keep up the good work! 👍
Is 2 enough for the weight ??
@@brandonfonseca6797 Yep! Been running this setup for months. No issues.
What's the interior height???
I will measure this in a few days and get back to you. I know it is at least 4" taller than our previous one and allows me to sit up with less restriction.
@@Engearment did you ever measure the interior height?
40”. Sorry for the delay!
What's the dimensions of this inside
Mario