Expanding Your Camping Experience with a Rooftop Tent
During our recent camping trip in Wisconsin, my 10-year-old son, Harry, and I had the opportunity to test out the Tepui Low-Pro 2 rooftop tent. As we embarked on our adventure in a 2019 Subaru Ascent, equipped with Thule®1 cross bars, we were thrilled to experience the benefits of this innovative camping solution.
Simple Attachment Process
Curious about how the rooftop tent is attached to your vehicle? Let me guide you through the straightforward steps we followed to secure it to the Ascent. The Thule®1 cross bars provide a sturdy foundation for the tent, allowing for a hassle-free installation process.
Compact Design with Impressive Performance
The name “Low-Pro” emphasizes the tent’s ability to fold up into a compact rectangle, reaching a mere height of 7 inches. When fully packed, it remains concealed beneath a water-resistant cover that minimizes any distracting whistling sounds, even at the 70 mph speed limit we encountered on Wisconsin highways. Despite the additional weight on the roof, we managed to maintain an average fuel efficiency of 21 mpg throughout our journey.
Easy Setup and Convenience
Arriving at Sheboygan’s Kohler-Andrae State Park in the afternoon, we quickly discovered how user-friendly the tent is. Despite not having been the ones to install it, Harry and I effortlessly unfolded the tent within minutes. By extending the attachable ladder, we transformed the tent into a spacious three-person shelter. The ladder’s versatility allowed for adjustments according to the height of our vehicle, with a maximum extension of 8 feet, 6 inches, although we only required about 6 feet for the Ascent.
Consulting the directions briefly, I familiarized myself with the prop rods used to support the window covers. This setup was by far the simplest I had ever encountered. Once fully unfolded, we laid out our sleeping bags on the tent’s internal 2-inch high-density foam mattress, ready to camp in no time.
Attracting Attention with the Tepui Low-Pro 2
With the Tepui Low-Pro 2 fully unfolded, we caught the attention of fellow campers at the park. While some were captivated by the Ascent itself, the majority flocked to our site out of curiosity for the rooftop tent.
Benefits of Camping on the Roof
At least four people approached us during our three-day adventure, questioning the advantages of sleeping on the roof. While it may initially seem like a gimmick, there are compelling reasons to consider camping with a rooftop tent securely fastened to your vehicle.
Ample Space Utilization
One of the primary benefits is the freedom to fully utilize the cargo area of your vehicle for items other than your tent. Although traditional tents may not occupy excessive space, having that extra room in the back of your vehicle is always advantageous.
Protection from Weather and Debris
Similar to most tents, the Tepui Low-Pro 2 comes equipped with a rain fly. However, sleeping elevated in a rooftop tent offers enhanced protection against heavy rain. No longer will you have to worry about waking up next to a river flowing alongside your sleeping bag.
Additionally, we noticed a significant reduction in dirt, leaves, and pine needles inside the tent. As we ascended the ladder, most of the forest floor remnants from our shoes effortlessly fell off, leaving our sleeping area clean and debris-free.
Time-Saving Setup
Arguably the most remarkable advantage is the convenience of setting up the rooftop tent compared to traditional options. No longer will you struggle with a complex network of fiberglass poles. Instead, simply park your vehicle at the campsite, unzip the tent, and leverage the ladder to position it effortlessly. Inserting the prop rods for the window covers only takes an additional minute or so. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can postpone this step until morning. With a rooftop tent, you can have your shelter ready in complete darkness and be comfortably asleep while others are still assembling traditional tents.
Now that you know the many benefits of camping with a rooftop tent, why not consider experiencing the joy of elevated camping with the Tepui Low-Pro 2? Embrace the freedom and convenience it offers, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.