How to Choose Your Perfect Rooftop Tent: A Comprehensive Guide
1 Jul, 2023
When it comes to rooftop tents, James Baroud is synonymous with exceptional quality, durability, and innovative designs. With a range of tents to choose from, selecting the perfect James Baroud rooftop tent can elevate your camping experience to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing among the renowned James Baroud rooftop tent models.
To better understand how each tent best fits your camping needs, let’s first discuss the different types of materials used in each type of tent. At James Baroud, we have three classifications for our tents. soft shell, fiberglass and ABS. Our softshell tents are labeled The Vision Series. They are best known for the ease to open and close, resistance to wind, and the ability to have a near panoramic view because of so many windows that line the inside of the tent. Our fiberglass tents are part of our Evolutions series products. They are the longest lasting and most tested tents we produce. Built for overlanders, they use breathable NASA fabrics, giant windows all wrapped up in a thick 4-layer fiberglass shell. They are our most popular selling tents and dominate the European overland market. Last, our ABS tents, from our Frontier Series, are the newest products in our lineup. They are sleek, lightweight, and have the absolute thickest and highest quality canvas walls. They are best known for being quiet, warm and total blackout. These three form factors having been serving the overlanding communities and their families for over 25 years.
Determine Your Camping Needs
Before delving into the specifics, assess your camping requirements. If you’re an adventurer on the move looking for a quick and compact rooftop tent, the Discovery tent is the ideal choice. Its lightweight design and fast setup make it perfect for solo travelers and weekend explorations.
For families or those seeking more room, the Space tent offers generous interior volume and headspace, accommodating up to three tall people comfortably.
If you prioritize breathtaking panoramic views, the Evasion tent will captivate you. Its unique design features large windows on all sides with a 360º panoramic view, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The Grand Raid shares the benefits of the Evasion while adding a cargo holder on top of the shell, providing convenient storage for up to 25kg of gear.
If you prefer a soft-shell rooftop tent, the Vision from the Soft Tents Series is an excellent option. It combines simplicity, functionality, and affordability for campers seeking a versatile camping solution.
Lastly, the new Odyssey from the Frontier Series stands out with its innovative material, durability, quickness, and versatility, making it perfect for overland adventures and rugged terrains.
Consider Size and Capacity
Evaluate the size and capacity of each tent to ensure a comfortable camping experience. If you’re a tall person and value the possibility of being sited or on your knees inside your tent, the Space tent is the perfect choice for you. It provides ample room for sleeping, storage, and activities, while accommodating up to three tall people comfortably. Many clients even use our tent to dine sitting down enjoying a panoramic view of the outdoors.
For solo or couple camping adventures, the Discovery tent offers a compact and lightweight design. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to install and take down from your car, in a couple of minutes 2 people can have this premium tent installed and ready to go. Needing to open only the rear latches and give a little nudge, you can set up camp in no time, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers seeking simplicity and convenience.
If you’re planning a couple’s getaway or a big family trip, the Evasion tent is an ideal option. Its rectangular shape, resembling a comfortable bed, provides ample space for up to two people and two kids to sleep, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views. It offers a cozy and spacious camping experience for couples and families who want to embrace nature together.
And the Odyssey, while having the same shape and size as the Evasion and Grand Raid, takes the material and craftsmanship to the next level. One standout feature is its 100% blackout and soundproof fabric, taking your camping experience to new heights. Say goodbye to intrusive light and noise, as the Odyssey creates a serene and tranquil sanctuary inside.
Opt for Overlanding Adventures
If your camping adventures extend beyond traditional campgrounds and take you off the beaten path, consider the Odyssey and Grand Raid tents. These models are specifically designed for overlanding enthusiasts who seek ruggedness, durability, and versatility.
For explorers who require additional cargo space, the Grand Raid tent offers the same impressive features as the Evasion, along with the added convenience of a cargo holder on the top shell. This cargo holder can securely carry up to 25kg of equipment, ensuring you have all the gear you need for your epic overland expeditions.
The Odyssey sets a new standard in the rooftop tent market with its innovative materials, quick setup, and exceptional durability. Constructed with a high-strength, lightweight composite material, it can withstand the most challenging off-road conditions. Its unique design allows for rapid deployment, making it ideal for those constantly on the move during their overlanding journeys. And if you also need extra gear, the Odyssey is the first James Baroud rooftop tent to have its own Frontier Crossbars, allowing you to attach up to 70kg (154 pounds) of gear with it closed, and can lift up to 25kg (55 pounds) when opening the tent.
Both the Odyssey and Grand Raid tents are built to withstand the rigors of off-road travel and provide a comfortable shelter wherever your adventures take you. With their robust construction and exceptional functionality, they are the perfect companions for those seeking unforgettable overlanding experiences.
Understand how the tent match your build
You should also consider the vehicle and rooftop tent combination. While all the rooftop tents are suited for any car, the tallest cars can require more effort to reach the closing rubber handles height. On some cars, it’s possible to climb on the side step or the tires, but depending on vehicle design and the user height, it’s a good idea to understand where the pull handles will be positioned. That is one of the benefits of the Discovery, opening on one side only you don’t have to worry about the position of the rear rubber pulls.
When combining the aesthetic of your rooftop tent to the car, the Evolution Series features a diverse range of over 200 colors to perfectly match your style.
@clear.vsn amazing contrast with an orange Grand Raid
The Vision tent is the only rooftop tent that can be installed in any direction. Along with that, it has a compact build when closed and serves as a small awning for the direction it’s opened. So depending on your vehicle and your camping needs, you can even have it opening to the rear of the vehicle, protecting and creating a shade to the trunk of the car. And you can go even further and add the Vision Awning Walls, creating a small room with access to your car interior by the trunk door.
RedSands Campers @redsandcampers 2-in-one build night camping, a combination of the Vision and the Space tent, creating a hotel on wheels.
Inspired by the sleek and aerodynamic lines of modern sports cars, the Odyssey tent exudes innovation and sophistication. And you can really stand out from the crowd with the exquisite Metallic Gray color option, accentuating the tent’s contemporary design and lending a touch of refinement to your outdoor adventures.
Evaluate Materials
When evaluating the materials and durability of James Baroud rooftop tents, it’s important to consider the specific series. Let’s start with the Evolution Series, which includes the Grand Raid, Evasion, Space, and Discovery models. These tents feature a robust and reliable fiberglass shell construction that is built to withstand the demands of outdoor exploration. The Evolution Series shells are meticulously engineered using high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional durability and protection against the elements.
In terms of fabric, the Evolution Series tents are equipped with a breathable material that enhances airflow and ventilation. This allows for a comfortable and fresh interior environment, reducing condensation and ensuring a pleasant camping experience. The fabric used in the Evolution Series tents is also highly resistant to the elements, providing reliable protection from rain, wind, and UV rays.
Now let’s turn our attention to the Frontier Series, represented by the Odyssey model. The Frontier Series features a durable shell constructed from a thick ABS with a protective UV coating. This combination of materials ensures exceptional strength and longevity, making the Odyssey an ideal choice for rugged overlanding expeditions.
In terms of fabric, the Frontier Series tents boast a soundproof and blackout fabric, creating a serene and peaceful sleeping environment. This fabric not only blocks out external noise but also effectively eliminates light, allowing for a restful night’s sleep even in bright or noisy surroundings. Additionally, the Frontier Series tents offer a slightly larger view range through the windows, providing you with an enhanced connection to the outdoors and an opportunity to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
One notable innovation of James Baroud tents is the ability to replace the fabric in cases of accidental damage. In the Evolution series, the fabric is constructed as a single piece that can be completely replaced. Taking this feature to the next level, our Frontier Series is designed with separate panels that can be exchanged independently, offering even more flexibility and convenience.
James Baroud rooftop tents in the Evolution Series and Frontier Series are constructed using high-quality materials that prioritize durability, comfort, and an exceptional camping experience. The Evolution Series tents offer robust shells, breathable fabrics, and spacious interiors with a 360-degree view. On the other hand, the Frontier Series tents feature durable ABS shells, soundproof and blackout fabrics, and a slightly larger view range. Regardless of your choice, both series provide reliable and comfortable shelters for your outdoor adventures, allowing you to make lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Go Further
No matter which of the James Baroud rooftop tent you choose, you can further enhance your camping experience with the addition of James Baroud Awnings and Tunnel. The Grand Raid, Evasion, Space, and Odyssey tents seamlessly integrate with the Classic Awning and Falcon Awning 270º through the James Baroud Tunnel or the Frontier Tunnel. These awnings extend your camping living space, providing shelter from the elements and creating a versatile, weatherproof environment for your outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
Choosing your perfect James Baroud rooftop tent involves considering your camping needs, tent size and capacity, setup requirements, materials and practicality. Whether you opt for the quick and lightweight Discovery, the spacious Space, the panoramic Evasion, the cargo-enhanced Grand Raid, the versatile Vision, or the innovative Odyssey, you can trust in James Baroud’s commitment to quality and design. Pair your chosen rooftop tent with a James Baroud Awning and Tunnel, and you’re set for an unforgettable camping experience with comfort, convenience, and style.