Quick Take: The Condor Overland from Roofnest takes the hybrid rooftop tent design to the next level providing a compact package when closed but a roomy and comfortable space when deployed. The aluminum shell not only keeps the tent protected, but also offers mounting points for tools and other accessories.
Nearly a decade has passed since my first night in a rooftop tent (RTT). That RTT was a relatively small, basic folding design with a soft cover. Even though it was far from the top of the line, the setup was relatively quick, it was spacious enough for two, and it provided shelter from gnarly weather from the coast to the mountains.
In the years since, I’ve used several rooftop tents from multiple companies, ranging in size and design. The majority of my adventures are in the Appalachian Mountains, and I’ve come to appreciate the protection offered by a hard shell rooftop tent. While wedge-style tents are great, I drive a short-bed midsize truck, and I prefer they don’t overhang the cab.
That’s where the Condor Overland from Roofnest comes in. It’s a hybrid design with a very small footprint, but when open, it provides a spacious and comfortable sleeping space. Before we get into that, let’s talk about the installation.
Installation was simple, as in eight bolts simple. However, since the Condor Overland weighs in at 165 pounds, it’s best to have an extra set of hands or two during the process. After sliding the mounting bolts into place and bolting the handle and clasp on the sides, the tent was ready to use. The handle and closure hardware can be mounted at nearly any position along the accessory channel. These components are easily adjusted to allow for ease of use regardless of other components or accessories on the rig.
Deploying the tent takes less than a minute. If the weather forces my hand, I can open the latches, lift the handle, deploy the ladder, and be inside relatively quickly. It only takes a few extra minutes to set up the window awnings.
A Tough Exterior
While aesthetics aren’t everything, it’s worth noting that the Condor Overland is a genuinely good-looking tent. The nearly solid black design is only interrupted by a couple of Roofnest badges that don’t detract from its stealthy look. The sleek outer aluminum shell is powder-coated and provides accessory channels on all four sides. These channels also serve as the mounting points for the optional cargo crossbars. These allow you to mount a solar panel or carry some supplies up top.
I also found the tent material to be just as stout as the shell. Not only is the material durable, but the body of the tent is designed in a way that eliminates wind flap and other annoying noises. On my second trip with the Condor Overland, I awoke to find out that overnight high winds had flipped some awnings and blown a few items around the campsite. However, it was news to me since the apparent high winds didn’t wake me at all.
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Although the tent is stout and sturdy, that doesn’t mean that opening and closing it is a hassle. Roofnest outfitted the Condor Overland with a couple of strong gas struts that make opening and closing the tent easy. A removable elastic strap keeps the material gathered while stowing the tent so I never had to fuss with tucking the body into the shell while closing the tent.
Luxury on the Inside
While a good-looking and tough tent is nice, what really matters is your experience on the inside. The Condor Overland includes a very nice mattress with a quilted cover that’s easily removed for washing. However, that’s far from the extent of comfort-focused features.
The hybrid style of the Condor Overland allows the shell to open wide enough to create a nearly vertical interior wall. This provides a spacious interior and a great spot to sit up, stretch, change clothes, etc. This rigid wall also features a clear vinyl organizer with a great spot to hold a tablet for camp movie night.
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You won’t need to worry about keeping a headlamp on hand thanks to the LED strip over the door of the Condor Overland. It’s powered by the USB power pack of your choice, and it offers ample light inside the tent.
The black-out liner is another feature that makes this tent a great place to catch some backcountry Zs. A word of caution, if you have the windows and skylight zipped up and you need to be up early, be sure to set the alarm. The black-out liner does its job, and hardly any outside light makes its way into the Condor overland. This makes it very easy to convince yourself that you have another hour to catch some shut-eye.
Speaking of the skylight, it was very useful for not only letting some light into the Condor Overland, but also allowing plenty of ventilation. On a trip to Georgia I was reminded that the official start of fall doesn’t always mean cool night time temperatures. With one of the windows slightly unzipped and with the vinyl of the skylight neatly rolled away, plenty of air moved through the tent providing relief from the heat and humidity.
A Next-Level Backcountry Abode
After a few late summer balmy nights, followed by plenty of cool trips as we make our way into winter, I’ve been impressed with every aspect of the Condor Overland’s performance. Set up and break down are a breeze, allowing for more time on the trail. It stands up to tight trails without showing a mark, and most importantly, it not only provides a comfortable place to sleep but an inviting space for hanging out during inclement weather.
I really appreciate the fact that the tent has a small footprint on top of the truck, but when open, it provides plenty of space for two plus gear. I have no doubts that the Condor Overland from Roofnest will provide a comfortable backcountry abode for years to come.
What to know:
- Style: Fold-Out
- Sleeps: 2-3
- Cargo Crossbars: Optional
- Store Thick Bedding: No
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Interior Dimensions: 84″L x 55″W
- Exterior Dimensions: 60″L x 50″W
- Construction: All aluminum
- Included With Tent: 7.5′ ladder, 2 detachable pockets, 4×4 ground mat, Roofnest privacy tent, and interior LED light
- MSRP: $3,295
