Four Days, Three Degrees, and One Game-Changing Tent: My Honest Take on the New RoofNest Air Series

I froze my butt off testing this tent so you don't have to (spoiler: it was worth it)

Let me start with the truth: I'm not easily impressed by gear upgrades. After years in this business, I've seen enough "revolutionary" products that turned out to be minor tweaks with major marketing budgets. So when RoofNest announced their new Air series, I approached it with the enthusiasm of someone getting a root canal.

Boy, was I wrong.

The Setup: A Gladiator, a Condor, and Murphy's Law

Picture this: Late June in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. It should have been perfect camping weather – warm days, mild nights, Instagram-worthy sunsets. Instead, Mother Nature decided to throw me a curveball that would make a meteorologist weep. Two degrees Celsius at night (that's 36°F for our American friends), howling winds, and enough rain to make Noah nervous. Perfect conditions for testing a tent, terrible conditions for sleeping. I was running the new RoofNest Condor 2 Regular – the hybrid hardshell model that's become the go-to choice for short bed trucks like my Jeep Gladiator. You know the type: the top flips open at about 70 degrees (don't quote me on the exact angle), and an inner section deploys to give you actual living space instead of feeling like you're camping in a sardine can.

First Impressions: They Actually Listened

The moment I unboxed this thing, I knew something was different. Gone is that gray-and-orange fabric combo that screamed "I'm practical but boring." The new black fabric with gold accents? It's like the tent hit the gym, got a stylist, and decided it wanted to be taken seriously. This isn't just an upgrade – it's a complete glow-up that makes your rig look like it cost twice what you paid.

But looks are just the appetizer. The real magic happens when you start using it.

The Rain Test: When Engineering Meets Reality

You know that metal U-frame over the entrance that some users reported could collect water in heavy downpours? RoofNest took that feedback to heart and completely redesigned it. The new hooped curve design shed water like a pro, even during the biblical downpour that had me questioning my life choices around 2 AM on night two.

And here's a detail that'll make any experienced camper nod in appreciation: they added small Velcro straps that let you prop the rainfly away from the tent body. Sounds minor, right? Wrong. This little feature eliminates that maddening flap-flap-flap sound that keeps you awake when the wind picks up. It's the kind of thoughtful engineering that tells you someone on their design team actually sleeps in these things.

Setup Simplicity: No More Fumbling in the Dark

	The deployment system got a thoughtful upgrade that makes a real difference. The rainfly extension over the ladder area is now permanently attached on the sides – no more wrestling with Velcro strips in the dark or forgetting to detach them when closing up. It's just ready to go, whether you're setting up or packing down.
The fabric flap that covers the fold-out section has been completely redesigned and now fits with precision. It's properly shaped, securely attached, and does an excellent job of keeping bugs and wind out.

The Sleep System: Where They Really Nailed It

Here's where RoofNest really stepped up their game. The new air-assisted foam mattress is genuinely comfortable – not hotel-level luxury, but a solid upgrade that had me sleeping better than I expected in a tent. I'm talking "I-don't-need-my-usual-extra-padding" comfortable, which for tent camping is saying something.

The mattress self-inflates when you open the valves (like a massive Therm-a-Rest), and you can add more air if you prefer firmer support. After four nights, I was impressed with how well I slept. Of course, if you're after that hotel-level comfort, RoofNest does offer a 4" air mattress accessory that takes things to the next level.

The bamboo bedding system deserves its own love letter. The fitted sheet – yes, a properly fitting fitted sheet! – keeps everything clean and wash-ready. The puffy blanket was a lifesaver during those near-freezing nights. Don't get me wrong – I absolutely needed my sleeping bag in those temperatures – but the blanket let me cocoon under it, keeping my face and hands warm in ways a sleeping bag just can't manage. When you're trying to stay cozy at 2°C, having that extra layer you can pull over your head makes all the difference.

Here's the best part: the entire bedding system packs down incredibly small and stores right in the tent, so it's always there when you need it. No more forgetting bedding at home or trying to stuff bulky blankets into your already-packed gear.

The Details That Matter (AKA Why I'm Actually Excited)

You know what really impressed me? The mounting hardware. RoofNest includes almost two complete sets of everything. Bolts, brackets, sliders – the works. This might seem like a small detail until you're setting up at home and realize you dropped a crucial bolt into the grass, or you're at the trailhead and discover something's missing from the factory packaging. It's the kind of customer-focused thinking that shows they've been listening to real users, not just focus groups.

The overall build quality feels more premium too. Thicker hardware, better stitching, improved weatherproofing – these aren't just cosmetic upgrades. After four days of punishment from the elements, everything remained bone dry and solidly built.

The Bottom Line: Worth Your Attention (and Money)

Look, I've slept in a lot of rooftop tents. Some were fine, some were forgettable, and a few made me question my life choices. The RoofNest Air series is the first that's made me genuinely excited about an upgrade.

They've addressed the real-world issues that matter: water management, setup simplicity, sleeping comfort, and long-term durability. Plus, in Canada, we've actually managed to lower the price compared to the previous model for 2025. That's rare enough to deserve its own celebration.

The two-year warranty doesn't hurt either – it's one of the best in the business and shows they stand behind their improvements.

Ready to Upgrade Your Adventure Game?

If you've been on the fence about rooftop tent camping, or if your current setup has you dreaming of something better, the Air series deserves serious consideration. Whether you're running a short bed truck like mine or have the luxury of a longer setup, there's an option that'll work.

Want to see one in person? Come by the shop – I'll show you all the details I couldn't capture in words, and yes, I have plenty more stories from those four very educational days in the wilderness.

Trust me, your back (and your sleep quality) will thank you.

P.S. – Still curious about how it compares to other premium options like iKamper? Stay tuned. That side-by-side comparison is definitely on my list for this season.

Ready to upgrade your camping game? Check out the full RoofNest Air series lineup at our shop, or reach out with questions. I promise my answers will be just as honest as this review – even if they're based on significantly less sleep deprivation.