Just about anybody that is aware of a factor or two about rooftop tents has heard about Yakima, a pacesetter and innovator in rooftop racks and cargo bins.
All through the years, Yakima’s line of rooftop tents actually skyrocketed in recognition. All with good purpose. The model does a superb job at updating and enhancing earlier fashions to go well with the wants of rooftop automobile campers world wide.
On this article, I’ll speak about completely different fashions this model affords, in addition to how they evaluate to a few of their opponents.
Learn on!
Completely different Fashions of the Yakima SkyRise Tent
Right this moment, there are three fashions obtainable – the basic that is available in medium dimension, in addition to the HD variations which are supplied in both small (2 particular person) or medium (3 particular person).
On this part, I’ll provide you with a quick information on every mannequin, in addition to how they evaluate towards one another.
The Authentic SkyRise
The great previous SkyRise tent is a 3-season tent. It’s made 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 several sizes earlier than, you possibly can solely discover a medium, or 3-person model in the present day. The principle purpose lies in the truth that the model has began making new, improved variations of rooftop tents.
Actually, the Authentic model could be very exhausting 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 made 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 truth, does soak up 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 also be coated with a polyurethane coating in order that it’s fully waterproof. They’ve a 3000 mm waterproof ranking, which signifies the strain 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 often 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 made from 600D Ripstop Polyester with utilized 3000 mm waterproof polyurethane coating. That’s the form of materials navy gear and baggage is made 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 | Examine Value/Availability at REI, Examine 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 in case you solely plan on tenting throughout hotter months, then there’s no purpose why you possibly can’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 previous mannequin is far more reasonably priced than the brand new ones (if you may get your palms 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 choice on the market.
Area
For two and 3-person tents, SkyRise fashions are fairly spacy. They’re about 10 inches wider and longer than normal 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. Nicely, 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 peak, so we will 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 a tremendous view of the celebrities. Mainly, you gained’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 evening sky even when it’s raining. Positive, grey clouds usually are not a really amusing sight, however hey, any view is healthier than no view.
Sturdiness
We’ve already mentioned the supplies these tents are made from and what which means by way of climate safety. However how about sturdiness?
The 210D nylon, a material used for making the basic model of SkyRise rooftop tents, is a fairly sturdy materials. It’s used for every kind of stuff, from sport to medical tools. 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 fairly vulnerable to UV harm. Like several light-weight material, it degrades sooner when uncovered to the solar for a very long time.
The Heavy Obligation fashions are made from 600D ripstop polyester. It is a military-quality material, and that alone speaks of its sturdiness.
This materials can also be abrasion resistant. However in comparison with nylon, polyester is considerably extra UV resistant. And contemplating your tent will (hopefully) spend loads of time getting used open air, it’s going to be very uncovered to solar rays. So it’s at all times good to know that alone gained’t put on it down an excessive amount of.
One factor I’ve to say is that SkyRise tents positively 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 true magic comes once you arrive on the campsite. Organising camp takes solely 10-Quarter-hour TOTAL, versus conventional tent tenting which might take a complete lot longer relying in your tent’s specs.
The Professionals and Cons of SkyRise Rooftop Tents
Professionals
- The tents are fairly spacious in comparison with normal 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 made from sturdy supplies which are 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, it is a fairly quick time to pitch a tent.
- When you take away the rainfly, you’re left with tons of home windows that will let 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 area for storing it when not in use.
- They aren’t reasonably priced both. The HD variations are fairly costly for anybody that isn’t a hardcore camper.
Equipment Obtainable
And now for the enjoyable components – equipment! Every of those fashions include crucial 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 buy individually.
SunBelt
It is a gentle strip that you could mount inside or outdoors your rooftop tent, permitting you to be seen at evening. The strip includes a material sleeve and adjustable straps that will let 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 lets you add an extra room to your tent. It attaches in such a manner that the brand new room is true beneath the a part of the tent that’s protruding of the automobile. It’s made from 210D nylon, the identical materials the basic model of the SkyRise tent is made 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
It is a shoe bag that you could cling outdoors however remains to be in attain of your hand. Since storage is at all times a problem, this little characteristic is nice to have in unhealthy climate.
SkyLoft
It is a mesh hammock for your entire stuff. As ground room is proscribed, you don’t wish to depart all of your stuff laying round. With SkyLoft, you possibly can put them above the bottom however nonetheless shut handy when wanted.
SkyHooks
You may by no means have sufficient carabiners. It is a set of 4, and every includes a nylon strap that may help the load of as much as 50 kilos.
SkyRise Mattress Sheets
Positive, the fashions include a detachable cowl, but it surely’s nowhere good as these mattress sheets. They’re truly a set of fitted sheet, flat sheet, and a pair of normal pillowcases. There are two sizes obtainable to suit every mannequin. These units are made from cotton and are available in grey shade. I additionally love that they embrace a drawstring bag for simple storage.
Different Rooftop Tents to Contemplate
Lastly, let’s see how the SkyRise tents evaluate to their opponents.
There are tons of two and 3-person rooftop tents in the marketplace, along with another hatchback-style SUV tents, however let’s check out people who most intently compete with the Yakima SkyRise:
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3
A rooftop tent doesn’t need to value a fairly penny. This mannequin is a little more mild in your pockets than the SkyRise. It’s constituted of 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 challenge is that it doesn’t include a mattress. So once you add two and two, it truly may find yourself being simply as costly as a SkyRise mannequin with a mattress is.
In the event you discover headspace actually vital, then this mannequin is value contemplating, because it offers you about 6 inches greater than the SkyRise.
Roofnest Condor XL
I’ve received to say, this tent by Roofnest is far more costly than SkyRise fashions.
However after we have 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, reminiscent of the flexibility to accommodate a photo voltaic panel and storage. It additionally comes with a Roofnest privateness tent, which at all times is 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 perfect 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 large, and given the truth that it is a hybrid, it’s comprehensible. In the end, it comes all the way down to what your priorities are.
Tuff Stuff Ranger 3
I really like equipment, so this mannequin by Tuff Stuff actually grabbed my consideration. It comes with an annex, a hammock on your stuff and even a storage bag on your boots. Contemplating these are all of the issues it’s good 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 it is a fairly reasonably priced mannequin, it’s one value contemplating.
Examine Value at Off Highway Tents
In Conclusion
As you possibly can see, SkyRise HD tents are spacious, snug, and priced appropriately. Not solely that, however it’ll final you a very long time.
They could be a bit pricier, however you’ll most likely cross it all the way down to your grandkids at some point.
