Just about anybody that is aware of a factor or two about rooftop tents has heard about Yakima, a frontrunner and innovator in rooftop racks and cargo containers.
All through the years, Yakima’s line of rooftop tents actually skyrocketed in reputation. All with good motive. The model does an excellent job at updating and enhancing earlier fashions to swimsuit the wants of rooftop automobile campers all over the world.
On this article, I’ll discuss totally different fashions this model affords, in addition to how they evaluate to a few of their opponents.
Learn on!
Totally different Fashions of the Yakima SkyRise Tent
At the moment, there are three fashions obtainable – the traditional that is available in medium dimension, in addition to the HD variations which can be provided in both small (2 individual) or medium (3 individual).
On this part, I’ll offer you a short data on every mannequin, in addition to how they evaluate towards one another.
The Authentic SkyRise
The great outdated SkyRise tent is a 3-season tent. It’s manufactured from 210D nylon, which is similar materials this model makes use of for his or her backcountry tents. This material is light-weight but waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It makes use of aluminum poles that are gentle and durable, so that you don’t have to fret about potential harm from excessive winds.
Whereas they used to make this mannequin in numerous sizes earlier than, you may solely discover a medium, or 3-person model in the present day. The primary motive lies in the truth that the model has began making new, improved variations of rooftop tents.
Actually, the Authentic model could be very onerous to seek out in the mean time!
SkyRise HD (Small & Medium)
So what’s the cope with the HD variations? In case you don’t know, HD stands for heavy obligation.
Within the case of SkyRise rooftop tents, this implies they’re designed for use in harsh climate situations. In different phrases, HD fashions are 4-season tents.
That is obvious simply by trying on the materials the rainfly is manufactured from. Within the case of HD rooftop tent fashions, a 210D ripstop polyester is used.
Whereas each materials are hydrophobic by nature (they resist water penetration and have a really low absorbency), polyester barely wins the race. Nylon, in actual fact, does take in some water and takes considerably longer to dry, whereas that’s not the case with polyester.
As if that’s not sufficient, the rainfly in Heavy Obligation fashions can be coated with a polyurethane coating in order that it’s utterly waterproof. They’ve a 3000 mm waterproof ranking, which signifies the stress at which water is ready to press by the fabric. On this case, the tent can maintain 3,000 mm of water on high of the material earlier than it leaks.
This sort of ranking is normally seen on tent bathtub flooring, in order that’s a fairly good indicator of how waterproof these tents actually are.
However that’s not all. Each HD fashions even have a waterproof tent physique! It’s manufactured from 600D Ripstop Polyester with utilized 3000 mm waterproof polyurethane coating. That’s the type of materials army gear and baggage is manufactured from.
Now if that doesn’t imply sturdy, I don’t know what’s.
Yakima SkyRise – Head to Head
| SkyRise Medium | SkyRise HD 2 (Small) | SkyRise HD 3 (Medium) | |
| Variety of Campers | 3 campers | 2 campers | 3 campers |
| Rainfly | 210D Nylon | 210D Ripstop Polyester, 3000 mm PU waterproof coating | 210D Ripstop Polyester, 3000 mm PU waterproof coating |
| Tent Physique | 210D Nylon | 600D Ripstop Polyester material with a 3000 mm waterproof PU coating | 600D Ripstop Polyester material with a 3000 mm waterproof PU coating |
| Weight | 115.00 kilos | 101.41 kilos | 114.64 kilos |
| Dimensions | 56 W x 96 L x 48 H inches | 48 W x 84 L x 42 H inches | 56 W x 96 L x 48 H inches |
| Value | Verify Value/Availability at REI, Verify Value/Availability at Backcountry | $1,799 at REI, $1,899 at Backcountry | $2,399 at Backcountry |
What’s the distinction between the older and newer SkyRise fashions?
Some may say that HD variations are simply the improved model of the unique one. However I don’t suppose that’s the case right here.
HD fashions are designed to maintain you heat and dry all year long. However should you solely plan on tenting throughout hotter months, then there’s no motive why you may’t go for the older model.
Now, you’ll most likely discover I didn’t specify the worth of every mannequin. That’s primarily as a result of the worth varies relying on the place it’s offered and availability.
However what’s sure is that the outdated mannequin is far more inexpensive than the brand new ones (if you may get your arms on one).
Now, does that imply HD variations aren’t value it? Completely not!
In the event you’re on the lookout for a 4-season rooftop tent, I don’t suppose you will discover a greater possibility on the market.
House
For two and 3-person tents, SkyRise fashions are reasonably spacy. They’re about 10 inches wider and longer than customary fashions of that dimension. In the event you’re tall, you’re going to like these tents! Even the smaller model is 84 inches in len
gth, which is appropriate for most individuals. Properly, until you’re Yao Ming.
As for the peak, the S mannequin is 42 whereas the M fashions are 48 inches tall. That’s roughly the usual top, so we are able to say that SkyRise tents are common by way of headroom.
Now, these fashions characteristic giant mesh home windows on the edges in addition to the roof. So In the event you’re not utilizing a rainfly, you’ll have an incredible view of the celebrities. Mainly, you received’t really feel such as you’re inside a tent in any respect.
What’s extra, even the rainfly has a transparent window. Because of this you’ll have a view of the night time sky even when it’s raining. Certain, grey clouds are usually not a really amusing sight, however hey, any view is healthier than no view.
Sturdiness
We’ve already mentioned the supplies these tents are manufactured from and what meaning by way of climate safety. However how about sturdiness?
The 210D nylon, a material used for making the traditional model of SkyRise rooftop tents, is a reasonably sturdy materials. It’s used for all types of stuff, from sport to medical gear. It’s additionally generally used for tents.
When it comes to abrasion, nylon is without doubt one of the most abrasion resistant supplies on the market. That is considerably associated to its stretchiness. Nevertheless, nylon is reasonably vulnerable to UV harm. Like all light-weight material, it degrades quicker when uncovered to the solar for a very long time.
The Heavy Obligation fashions are manufactured from 600D ripstop polyester. This can be a military-quality material, and that alone speaks of its sturdiness.
This materials can be abrasion resistant. However in comparison with nylon, polyester is considerably extra UV resistant. And contemplating your tent will (hopefully) spend a whole lot of time getting used outdoor, it’s going to be very uncovered to solar rays. So it’s all the time good to know that alone received’t put on it down an excessive amount of.
One factor I’ve to say is that SkyRise tents undoubtedly present high-quality workmanship. Simply by trying on the seams and edges, it’s clear these tents are made to final.
Ease of Use
That is the entire why you have an interest in a SkyRise. The convenience of use! Getting the tent up on high of your roof rack, ought to solely take 5 minutes or much less.
However then the actual magic comes if you arrive on the campsite. Establishing camp takes solely 10-Quarter-hour TOTAL, versus conventional tent tenting which may take a complete lot longer relying in your tent’s specs.
The Execs and Cons of SkyRise Rooftop Tents
Execs
- The tents are reasonably spacious in comparison with customary sizes. Each 2-person and 3-person variations can simply accommodate that quantity of individuals, whereas nonetheless leaving sufficient room for gear and such. These tents are additionally appropriate for tall individuals.
- The HD variations are virtually bulletproof. Each tent our bodies and rainflies are manufactured from sturdy supplies which can be abrasion resistant, UV resistant and waterproof. The standard of marksmanship is seen on seams and edges, which additionally speaks volumes concerning the sturdiness of those tents.
- These tents don’t require greater than Quarter-hour to arrange. In comparison with different rooftop fashions, this can be a reasonably quick time to pitch a tent.
- When you take away the rainfly, you’re left with tons of home windows that help you benefit from the surrounding nature even when contained in the tent.
Cons
- These tents don’t pack small. You’ll must discover a correct moisture-free house for storing it when not in use.
- They aren’t inexpensive both. The HD variations are fairly costly for anybody that isn’t a hardcore camper.
Equipment Obtainable
And now for the enjoyable elements – equipment! Every of those fashions include an important ones: the ladder, wall-to-wall foam mattress and a detachable cowl, 4 clamps, 4 spherical bar adapters, in addition to ladder and mounting {hardware}.
However there are different cool issues you should purchase individually.
SunBelt
This can be a gentle strip you could mount inside or outdoors your rooftop tent, permitting you to be seen at night time. The strip encompasses a material sleeve and adjustable straps that help you simply connect it wherever you need. It’s charged by way of a USB cable that additionally comes with the acquisition.
SkyRise Annex
This three-wall enclosure permits you to add an extra room to your tent. It attaches in such a method that the brand new room is correct beneath the a part of the tent that’s protruding of the automobile. It’s manufactured from 210D nylon, the identical materials the traditional model of the SkyRise tent is manufactured from.
The enclosure has a door and two home windows, and it’s nice for storing gear or altering garments. It comes with its personal stakes to maintain it in place even throughout harsh climate.
SideKick
This can be a shoe bag you could dangle outdoors however continues to be in attain of your hand. Since storage is all the time a difficulty, this little characteristic is nice to have in unhealthy climate.
SkyLoft
This can be a mesh hammock for all your stuff. As ground room is restricted, you don’t need to depart all of your stuff laying round. With SkyLoft, you may put them above the bottom however nonetheless shut handy when wanted.
SkyHooks
You possibly can by no means have sufficient carabiners. This can be a set of 4, and every encompasses a nylon strap that may help the load of as much as 50 kilos.
SkyRise Mattress Sheets
Certain, the fashions include a detachable cowl, nevertheless it’s nowhere good as these mattress sheets. They’re really a set of fitted sheet, flat sheet, and a pair of customary pillowcases. There are two sizes obtainable to suit every mannequin. These units are manufactured from cotton and are available grey shade. I additionally love that they embody a drawstring bag for straightforward storage.
Different Rooftop Tents to Think about
Lastly, let’s see how the SkyRise tents evaluate to their opponents.
There are tons of two and 3-person rooftop tents available on the market, along with another hatchback-style SUV tents, however let’s check out those who most carefully compete with the Yakima SkyRise:
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3
A rooftop tent doesn’t should value a fairly penny. This mannequin is a little more mild in your pockets than the SkyRise. It’s produced from the identical materials, so it’s clear that it’s sturdy and waterproof.
In fact, the low value additionally means it doesn’t include some cool options. My greatest problem is that it doesn’t include a mattress. So if you add two and two, it really may find yourself being simply as costly as a SkyRise mannequin with a mattress is.
In the event you discover headspace actually necessary, then this mannequin is value contemplating, because it provides you about 6 inches greater than the SkyRise.
Roofnest Condor XL
I’ve obtained to say, this tent by Roofnest is far more costly than SkyRise fashions.
However once we take a look at the ground space, it’s clear that the SkyRise M model wins by a small quantity.
Alternatively, the Condor XL has some cool options that make up for the excessive value, comparable to the flexibility to accommodate a photo voltaic panel and storage. It additionally comes with a Roofnest privateness tent, which all the time turns out to be useful.
iKamper X-Cowl
That is yet one more very costly rooftop tent. It’s a hybrid of hardshell and softshell. What this implies is that it combines the most effective of each worlds: it’s light-weight, roomy, straightforward to arrange and shielded from even the harshest climate.
This mannequin does include a mattress. The thickness is similar as with SkyRise, and that additionally goes for the scale. The distinction in value between this mannequin and the SkyRise HD model shouldn’t be huge, and given the truth that this can be a hybrid, it’s comprehensible. In the end, it comes all the way down to what your priorities are.
Tuff Stuff Ranger 3
I like equipment, so this mannequin by Tuff Stuff actually grabbed my consideration. It comes with an annex, a hammock in your stuff and even a storage bag in your boots. Contemplating these are all of the issues you have to purchase individually within the case of SkyRise fashions, I discover this to be a fairly whole lot.
Alternatively, this tent is a bit smaller and made with barely thinner supplies. Now, until you’re winter tenting, it’s unlikely this may hassle you. And given the truth that this can be a reasonably inexpensive mannequin, it’s one value contemplating.
Verify Value at Off Highway Tents
In Conclusion
As you may see, SkyRise HD tents are spacious, snug, and priced accurately. Not solely that, however it should final you a very long time.
They is likely to be a bit pricier, however you’ll most likely go it all the way down to your grandkids at some point.
