In 1961, war broke out between Angolan National Separatists and the Portuguese colonial government of dictator Antonio Salazar. This was the beginning of a 13-year war of independence. In the midst of this conflict there was a young soldier named Jose Alcino who was tasked with sourcing materials to build civilian shelters to house displaced people and military personnel. These were large wall tent structures that needed to withstand strong winds, rain and intense sun. They also needed to be durable enough to last years. During these years, the young Alcino learned the importance of sourcing quality materials, refining industrial sewing techniques and developing design principles that created a product worthy of his name.
When the war ended in 1974, a 50-year career in the private sector began where Alcino transferred his experience in the military to building awnings, canopies and eventually, rooftop tents. As time passed, his passion for camping led him to design and produce custom tents, for his own use in trips in Northern Africa. In 1999, he and his son Mario Martins, an industrial design student, joined forces to create a company that strives to manufacture tents with rugged durability, ease of use, and slick design.
All James Baroud products are still handcrafted in small batches at their own factory in Porto, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and quality control. The company employs a team of experienced adventurers, including a former Paris-Dakar rally pilot, to rigorously test each product in real-world conditions. This commitment to quality is backed by an industry leading five-year warranty, underscoring their confidence in the durability and reliability of their products.
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James Baroud introduced several industry-firsts, including the first automatic opening rooftop tent in 2005, significantly reducing setup time. In 2011, the company launched the Space model, which featured a unique clamshell design with an extended front, offering more living space. The company also pioneered the integration of panoramic windows, providing 360° views and enhancing ventilation. It is still the only tent offered personalized in over 200 color options. In 2014, James Baroud expanded into the U.S. market, further solidifying its global presence.
Each model has meticulous details that were designed for particular uses only experienced campers would know. For example, the Discovery model is a clamshell style tent that can be used by anyone. Easy to use, comfortable, light weight. But the design of this tent was engineered to withstand the extreme cold conditions of a winter storm in Iceland. The top shell is constructed with thick layers of fiberglass that can be used as a windbreaker with very low thermal conductivity. Technical fabric keeps its rigidity, allowing the inside of the tent to be an oasis in a situation that could otherwise be life threatening.
The Evasion XL is a straight up tent with lots of interior space and a full 360 degree view. When integrated with an awning room it is the only realistic tent set up in the market that can comfortably accommodate 8 people. There are Evasion tents in use for over 20 years and counting.
So many people within the company regularly use the product and hold it to the highest standards. From Mario himself who tests products in his excursions in Morocco every year, to the engineering and sales staff. The company continues to make strides outside of the European Markets and is committed to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. With a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement, James Baroud is poised to lead the way in the evolution of rooftop tents for years to come.
