Roofnest Condor First Impressions in 2023

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In December of 2019, Roofnest released the Condor, their first ever fold out style rooftop tent. Here’s our initial thoughts.

FOLD OUT STYLE?

If you’re anything like me, you probably freaked out when you heard Roofnest launched a fold out style rooftop tent.  Roofnest is known for their hard shell tents that pop up quick & easy in under 60 seconds. Fold out style tents are typically more difficult to set up in comparison. Will the Roofnest Condor be just as easy to set up? 

SIZE MATTERS: Condor VS Condor XL

Roofnest has 2 sizes available depending on your needs.  Here are the sizes for each.

Condor: Closed 48″ x 60″. Open 60″ x 83″

Condor XL: Closed 55″ x 74″. Open 74″ x 92″

The Condor sleeps 2-3 adults and the Condor XL sleeps 4 adults.

MATRESS

The Condor features a thick 6cm (2.36 inch) mattress.  This is different from the 3 inch memory foam mattress Roofnest boasts in their pop-up style rooftop tents.  It is tough to say if the comfort level will be similar in comparison.  

SKY LIGHT

This is a feature I really appreciate on the Roofnest Condor.   With their pop-up style tents, you need to unzip one side of the tent and lean your head out to see the stars. The Condor has a built in skylight so you can let in sunlight or watch the stars in luxury.  The skylight actually unzips and you can stand up and look out of the nest if needed.  We LOVE this feature.

SET UP: How long will it take?

The fiberglass is on gas struts, exactly like their pop-up style tents.  The initial unlatch and pop will be a joke, but after that it will take more effort.  With the Roofnest Condor, you will need to fold out the attached ladder and floor before adding in the poles to support the 3 awnings. This will add some time, but it still seems like much less effort than other brand fold out tents. 

OTHER ACCESSORIES

The Condor comes with LED interior and exterior lights, 2 multipurpose pockets, and 3 awnings.  In addition, it comes with all mounting hardware. Read about how we mounted our Roofnest Sparrow here.    

FINAL THOUGHTS

Who’s the Condor right for?  I certainly don’t think it’s right for everybody, but I do think certain people would benefit from this style of tent.  Here’s my final thoughts.  

  • The Condor is much more aerodynamic compared to other fold out style rooftop tents.  You will save big time on gas, wind noise, and wind drag.  
  • Set up will take slightly longer than other Roofnest models, but offers more room.  Is more room worth it?  Thats up to you.  
  • It’s much easier to set up compared to other brand fold out tents. 
  • If you’re looking for the easiest set up possible, a Sparrow or other Roofnest model might be a better option.
  • The mattress is slightly thinner than other models.  It will be tough to say how comfortable it is until it’s officially released.
  • When set up, you CAN access all doors to your vehicle.  With my Sparrow, the ladder blocks door access.
  • The skylight and LED lights are nice features.
  • The Condor XL sleeps 4 adults and would be awesome for families.
  • Both tents are available in black or white colors.
  • Price- Condor $2,995 / Condor XL $3,195
  • Read more about the Roofnest Condor on Roofnest’s website.

We hope this article gave you some insight on the newly released Roofnest Condor and Roofnest Condor XL.  If you are looking to purchase a Condor, order here.  Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.

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Picture of Ben Maund
Ben is an avid hiker, climber, skier, and beard grower. You’ll find him cruising around the PNW in the Crosstrek and snapping stunning photos of mother nature at her finest. He’s a rooftop tent enthusiast committed to the minimalist and practical travel-style.

About us.

We are Maddie & Ben, aka the Rooftop Trekkers.  Lovers of hiking, camping, exploring, and most of all – Rooftop Tents.  It’s our goal to provide the best rooftop tent reviews, tips, and travel itineraries     Follow along and find out why Life’s Better on Top!
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This Post Has 6 Comments

  3. Charles June 29, 2020 Reply

    Really bummed this wasn’t actually a review. Real user info on the new condor and condor XL is hard to find. Some of the overland forums and car forums have them, but info is still sparse. Wish your article was more clear that none of those pictures are of the Condor at all, and from what I can tell by the article it didn’t sound like you have one or have been in one, is that right?

    1. Ben Maund June 29, 2020 Reply

      Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t own one but have seen a few while exploring. You’re right, since they are so new, there are not many user reviews. These will come with time and since summer is here, people will be putting them to the test. Happy Camping!

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