Lightweight and Low Profile | The new Falcon from ROOFNEST has it all

With the Overland market blowing up like a balloon, there are many more roof top tent options than there were say, 5 years ago. Some new offerings are better than others but the big takeaway is that we have more options to choose from now. As an owner of a Tepui roof top tent, for the past few years, I’m sold on the concept of crashing for the night atop the vehicle. It works for me and my wife. My only gripe so far is that the set-up and break down of the tent can be cumbersome, especially by myself. It’s doable, but it’s pretty awkward. Fortunately, there are several new designs that greatly simplify and speed up this process. One such manufacturer is ROOFNEST with their slick new low profile, all metal Falcon model.

The Falcon

The Falcon is a clamshell design featuring a rigid and durable aluminum exoskeleton. Clamshell style RTT’s are not a new design. But up until now, they’ve been less accessible due to price and shipping lead time. Finally, there’s a US based company that offers a well constructed, reasonably priced, (relatively speaking) clamshell roof top tent. Compared to Alu-Cab’s Gen 3 Expedition Tent, the Falcon is both less expensive and lower profile. Making it an obtainable option for many. And possibly a good fit for our new Overland FJ Cruiser.

Benefits of the hard shell aluminum construction include an accessory channel built right into the tent. Allowing awnings, lights and other accessories to be mounted directly to the Falcon. ROOFNEST even offers crossbars that mount to the channel. Allowing up to 100 pounds of additional storage on top of the tent. With a more durable aluminum exterior and all metal hardware, the Falcon can withstand the harshest of environments. Even the material used for the tent walls is a heavy duty polyurethane-coated cotton/poly blend. With a waterproof rating of 3000mm, 3 times the waterproofness of a backpacking tent, staying dry isn’t going to be an issue. Allowing a more enjoyable experience on your next adventure.

“WATERPROOF AND DURABLE, With stainless steel gas struts, an impermeable aluminum top, and waterproof canvas walls, you will stay warm and dry inside your Roofnest and have years of carefree use.” -roofnest.com

Set-Up

Setting up the Falcon is as simple as unlatching a pair of stainless steel clamps located at the rear of the tent. A little nudge upward is all it takes before the side mounted gas struts take over. Hinged at the front of the tent, the top half opens from the rear like a clam revealing the 82″x48″ sleeping quarters in mere seconds. Next is the installation of two metal spring bars that support the rear awning. Finally, click the telescoping ladder onto the supplied hooks and up you go. Done in about 60 seconds. Which is approximately 5 minutes quicker than my current set-up. And if it seems like I’m splitting hairs, you’ve never had the pleasure of setting up a conventional folding RTT in a downpour. Or folding up a soggy tent.

Inside the Falcon is a 3″ foam mattress and a 1cm thick anti condensation mat underneath. All three openings can be used to access the tent further extending the Falcons versatility. Depending on vehicle type or awning configuration, having openings to access the tent from the rear or either side is a major plus. Additionally, all three openings feature a bug screen mesh as well as a heavy cotton poly zippered panel. Ensuring good cross ventilation or weather protection depending on environmental conditions. Inside the Falcon, you won’t find the typical tent poles like a folding tent. Because the structure of the tent IS the aluminum shell. Making the Falcon a stud when the weather turns for the worse.

Breaking Down the Falcon

After a good nights rest and some morning coffee, breaking down the Falcon isn’t the chore it used to be. Remove the awning poles and place them inside the tent. Pull up a bungee cord that prevents the tent fabric from pushing outside the shell. Grab the strap attached to the top half of the tent and pull down. Tuck any remaining tent fabric into the shell and clasp the two buckles in the rear. And that’s it. Stow the telescoping ladder in your vehicle and you’re off on the next leg of your trip. Everything can be accomplished from the rear of the tent. No more back and forth or struggling to zip the soft cover back on.

Falcon XL Walk-around

The Falcon is made for overlanding with it’s durability, ruggedness, and versatility. All metal parts are either aluminum or stainless steel so you can count on years of trouble free service. The included telescoping ladder is secured via ladder brackets which can be installed under any two doors (we include two sets with every tent).” -roofnest.com

Falcon Specs:

• Sleeps 2-3 
• Interior: 82″L x 48″W
• Exterior: 85″L x 50″W
• Height: 6.5″ high when closed
• Max Headroom: 60″ when open
• Width (Left-right) between Roofnest mounting rails: 24″ for regular and 31.5″ for XL
• Minimum distance (front-back) between your rack’s crossbars: 30″
• Weight 140 lbs
• MSRP $3395.00

Although the Falcon seems like the hot set-up for The Gear Bunkers Overland vehicle, it doesn’t come without compromise. We’ll be reducing the sleeping footprint from 56″ x 96″ in our Tepui to a cozy 48″ x 82″. Additionally, we loose the area that the tent overhangs the vehicle when deployed. Giving up another dry spot to store items at camp. And the ladder needs to find a home inside the vehicle rather than in the tent. But, the Falcon will sit 6 inches lower on the roof than our current tent. And no more zipping on and off the soft cover. Plus, knowing the tent is both lower on the roof and made from aluminum will be assuring when we bang the FJ through those tight trails. Finally, the quick set-up and break-down time is the biggest plus for me.

I just need to convince my wife that the Falcon isn’t all that much smaller, just a bit cozier. Now it’s time to place that order…

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