Rooftop tents have come a long way from the bulky, side-hinged canvas, aluminum, and wood tents that popularised the concept in the late ’90s and early ’00s. Innovation is the name of the game for modern overland gear, and Roofnest, based in Boulder, Colorado, has introduced the newest iteration of their popular foldout rooftop tent series, the Condor 2 family. This new lineup includes the Condor 2 XL, Condor Overland, and the all-new Condor Overland 2 XL.
Roofnest has taken a fresh approach in designing the line, incorporating numerous features that elevate the Condor 2 family and lay the foundation for future additions to the Roofnest product range. Some notable enhancements include the utilization of thick 320-GSM tent material, the introduction of HVAC ports, the application of a top-shell Line-X coating, the incorporation of crossbars, and the implementation of internal storage in all hard-shell tents.
Roofnest CEO Bob Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the Condor 2 tents, stating,
“Through years of experience and customer feedback, we have developed a range of exceptional tents that surpass all others in the market. The Condor 2 represents the culmination of our efforts to create outstanding, best-in-class rooftop tents. We can’t wait for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the incredible features of these new Roofnest offerings.”
The most significant change in the Condor 2 line lies in the tent’s shell. In the previous generation, the ABS-shell Condor and aluminum-shell Condor Overland had distinct designs with varying features and dimensions. However, with the Condor 2 series, Roofnest has merged the key attributes of both versions into a single unified design. The only differentiating factor between Condor 2 and Condor Overland 2 is the material used for the top shell. This shared architecture allowed Roofnest to introduce the Condor Overland 2 XL, the largest aluminum-shell foldout rooftop tent available, accommodating up to four individuals on its queen-size memory foam mattress, which is great for families.
The shells of both Condor 2 and the Condor Overland 2 have been completely revamped. The ABS shell of the Condor 2 now features a rugged Line-X coating from the factory, providing enhanced protection against hail, rogue branches, and UV light damage. Additionally, the shell of the Condor 2 is now fully supported by a boxed aluminum frame, ensuring structural integrity. The Condor Overland 2 boasts a newly stamped shell design inspired by Roofnest’s popular Falcon Pro rooftop tent.
A standout feature of the first-generation Condor Overland was the optional crossbars, capable of carrying up to 160 pounds of gear. Building on this success, the Condor 2 series offers optional crossbars for the Condor 2 and Condor 2 XL. These crossbars enable campers to transport equipment, such as kayaks and roof boxes, even when the tent is closed.
The interior of the Condor 2 tents has also been enhanced with several new features. Thanks to specially designed internal storage bags, campers can store bedding inside the tents when they are closed. This improvement simplifies the packing process and frees up additional cargo space in the vehicle. The tents also offer multiple storage pockets, including a six-pocket gear grid, deeper pockets for water bottles, and new vertical pockets near the door. The floor structure, constructed with honeycomb aluminum, provides rigidity and thermal insulation, while a one-piece, 2-inch-thick memory foam mattress ensures optimal sleeping comfort.
The Condor 2 line incorporates HVAC ports in the tent wall design, allowing owners to connect portable air conditioners or heaters, and interior illumination can be easily controlled with three dimmable LED light strips, providing campers with customizable lighting options. The tents feature blackout material providing privacy and preventing early morning sunlight from disturbing sleep, and a translucent moonroof cover can be unzipped to reveal a view of the sky.
Roofnest is currently offering a $100 discount on pre-orders for the Condor 2 family of foldout rooftop tents, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early July 2023.
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