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We’ve been using a Roofnest Sparrow for over a year now and we’ve got the scoop. Our Roofnest Sparrow review will explain everything you need to know so you can decide if this rooftop tent is right for you.
Overview
Our Roofnest Sparrow review will cover the following categories:
- Installation
- Set Up
- Comfort
- Components
- Tear Down
- Negatives
1. Installation
Installing the Roofnest Sparrow is a breeze, especially with the right tools and knowledge. This tent can be mounted on your vehicle in less than 2 hours. The install basically uses 4 brackets and mounts directly to your roof rack crossbars. This tent is about 135lbs, so it will take at least 2 people to mount it. We have a full post that covers the installation process here.
2. Set up
Wondering how long it takes to pop the top? Count to 60 seconds and it’s DONE. Yes, thats right, the Roofnest Sparrow (order here) can be set up in under a minute. It’s as easy as unlatching 4 buckles, pushing up on the front & back, and adding the ladder. Your home on wheels is ready to be enjoyed. With a partner, the nest can be popped in under 30 seconds…we promise.
3. Comfort
Maddie and I are both large humans (6’1″) and sleep comfortably in the Sparrow. If you need more room, the Roofnest Eagle is the same design with a bit more space. The Sparrow boasts a 3 inch memory foam mattress at the dimensions of 6’10” long and over 4′ wide. This gives us enough room to sleep, lounge, eat, or whatever we need to do in the Sparrow. We prefer the Sparrow style hard shell compared to the clam style (like the Falcon) due to all the extra headroom. At times, we do wish the mattress were slightly thicker and plan on adding more memory foam in the future. I weigh 220 and my hip touches the bottom at times. If you’re lighter, it’s no big deal.
Another benefit of the hardshell style tent is that it gives you the ability to store your bedding and pillows inside of the tent. This makes set up even easier and gives you more storage inside of your vehicle. We LOVE using real blankets and pillows outdoors, it’s an extra level of luxury the Roofnest provides. Read more on why we love our Roofnest Sparrow here.
4. Components
As part of the Roofnest Sparrow Review, here’s an in depth overview of each component of the Sparrow. Keep in mind, Roofnest’s design is subject to change as they improve their products.
Window's
Star Rating: 5/5
Pro’s: These LARGE windows are GLORIOUS…we mean it. It may be our favorite thing about the design. All 4 windows zip down fully to allow fresh air and sunshine into your nest. All windows zip and fasten into place easily. If it’s buggy, each window’s got mesh which can be zipped seperately.
Con’s: Come on, who doesnt love large windows?
Awning's
Star Rating: 2/5
Pro’s: These will allow easier access into your nest and will provide extra shade/rain protection. They are also easy to set up.
Con’s: We almost never use our awnings due to the design. We find them to be weak and flimsy when set up. The poles have trouble staying into place and the wind blows them around pretty easily. We have trouble trusting it during moderate weather so we typically don’t use them. They are nice on calm summer days though.
Ladder
Star Rating: 4/5
Pro’s: The ladder is telescoping, which means it packs down nice for storage. It also has a velcro strap to hold it closed. It is very sturdy.
Con’s: We find it to be hard on bare feet at times, especially in the middle of the night if you have to climb down to use the bathroom. Some extra rubber padding would go a long way.
Shoe Bags
Star Rating: 5/5
Pro’s: The shoe bags clip and unclip quickly and easily. We also appreciate that they are mounted in an easy to reach location. They are large enough to fit 4 shoes total in 1 shoe bag and have a top flap to shield your shoes from rain or condensation. These help keep your tent clean!
Con’s: Who doesnt love a clean tent?
Mattress and cover
Star Rating: 4/5
Pro’s: We talked about the mattress above. It is comfy and helps us sleep well while traveling. The mattress cover can come off for washing purposes which is a nice feature as well.
Con’s: We are heavy and our hips touch at times, so we may add more foam in the future.
Lights
Star Rating: 5/5
Pro’s: Ours came with string lights that have 8 different modes and a remote control. Looking to set the mood, wind down, and read a book? These are the perfect lights. I know Roofnest has changed these throughout the years, but these ones are similar to ours.
Con’s: At times, they come out of the lining and need stuffed back in. We still love em.
Tent Wall and Condensation Mat
Star Rating: 5/5
Pro’s: The tent wall is very thick and sturdy. As of now, it’s proven to be waterproof and has held up well for us. The condensation mat does its job below the mattress.
Con’s: You’ll still accumulate condensation on the tent wall during sleep, especially in colder weather. Cracking a window helps as does airing out your Roofnest Sparrow afterwards.
5. Tear Down
Since we covered all the components, let talk about tear down. Folding up sleeping pads, tents, and sleeping bags is something we don’t miss one bit. With the Roofnest, we can tear down camp in 5 minutes. One of us typically climbs down, as the other passes gear from the night before. We then make the bed, fold up the ladder, and close the hardshell. We both pull the front down together, then one of us holds it secure as the other pulls down the back. After that, we stuff in all the excess tent and latch it closed. Easy as pie. I believe the newer ones have additional straps so it’s easier to complete solo.
6. Negatives
If you want more detail about the negatives, we’ve got a whole post about it here. I’ll mention a few here:
- Wind Noise- Yes, the hardshell can add some wind noise to your vehicle. We don’t notice it with our sunroof/shade closed.
- No Sunroof Views
- Door Access- With the Roofnest popped and ladder set up, we can’t fully access the doors on the ladder side. All rigs will be different, but its something to note.
- MPG’s- Your MPG’s will drop slightly.
- Set Up & Tear Down- Read more about this here. It’s something to make note of.
Thanks for reading this post. We hope this Roofnest Sparrow Review gave you some insight on the Sparrow to help make your decision easier. We love our Roofnest Sparrow and will never go back to ground tent camping. If you’re in the market for a Roofnest, Shop Roofnest here. Life’s better on top!
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This Post Has 10 Comments
This tent is well marketed and absolutely NOT worth the money. Not only the quality of the tent is extremely poor, there is also zero customer support. We bought a $3000 tent that broke within 5 or 6 light uses within the first couple months of getting the tent. We have now been battling for months to get the tent repaired. They take forever to get back to us and they have offered absurd solutions to repair the tent, such as drive 1300 miles to repair the tent or send us a refund of $300. This is unacceptable. I highly recommend you do not purchase anything from this company.
Damn that sucks…we are sorry to hear. What broke on the tent?
I am about to purchase through Roofnest, have you noticed that it has been pretty durable throughout the years? Have you had any trouble with customer service, I keep reading mixed reviews!
We have loved our sparrow and have had zero issues! I have heard mixed reviews as well in terms of customer service. So far so good for us! Cheers.
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Oh man, glad I have a place to vent. I have the sparrow xl, love everything about it, EXCEPT, there needs to be a zippered window/panel that can be used the manage or adjust the inside environment. Ie light, wind etc. You have the screen and can adjust the awning, but who wants to unzip the bug filled screen to adjust an awning. IT NEEDS A ZIPPER WINDOW PRIOR TO THE SCREEN. This concept is tent design 101. I can buy a wal mart tent, and it will have this feature, all tents do, except this one. I plan on having a sail making company modify my tent. Roofnest didn’t want anything to do with the idea of helping me out…🤷♂️
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I’ve had a Sparrow for 3 years. The hard shell is cracking in several places, especially in indentations where water pools when it rains. Water lake in and soaks the mattress. Also the rubber seal that wraps around the bottom of the shell is rotting and pulling away from the shell. Water enters here as well. Every time it rains I have to pull out the mattress and leave it in the sun to dry.
Roofnest Support said that I was just outside my warranty and sent me some plastic bonder and a link where I cold buy more rubber seal.
I DO NOT recommend Roofnest!
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