Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent Comparability and Evaluation [2024]

Just about anybody that is aware of a factor or two about rooftop tents has heard about Yakima, a pacesetter and innovator in rooftop racks and cargo packing containers.

All through the years, Yakima’s line of rooftop tents actually skyrocketed in reputation. All with good cause. The model does job at updating and enhancing earlier fashions to swimsuit the wants of rooftop automobile campers around the globe.

On this article, I’ll discuss completely different fashions this model presents, in addition to how they evaluate to a few of their opponents.

Learn on!

Totally different Fashions of the Yakima SkyRise Tent

At present, there are three fashions obtainable – the traditional that is available in medium dimension, in addition to the HD variations which might be supplied in both small (2 individual) or medium (3 individual).

On this part, I’ll provide you with a short information on every mannequin, in addition to how they evaluate towards one another.

The Unique SkyRise

The nice outdated SkyRise tent is a 3-season tent. It’s product of 210D nylon, which is similar materials this model makes use of for his or her backcountry tents. This cloth is light-weight but waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It makes use of aluminum poles that are mild and durable, so that you don’t have to fret about potential injury from excessive winds.

Whereas they used to make this mannequin in several sizes earlier than, you’ll be able to solely discover a medium, or 3-person model right now. The primary cause lies in the truth that the model has began making new, improved variations of rooftop tents.

In truth, the Unique model could be very laborious to search out in the mean time!

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SkyRise HD (Small & Medium)

So what’s the take care of the HD variations? In case you don’t know, HD stands for heavy obligation.

Within the case of SkyRise rooftop tents, this implies they’re designed for use in harsh climate situations. In different phrases, HD fashions are 4-season tents.

That is obvious simply by wanting on the materials the rainfly is product of. Within the case of HD rooftop tent fashions, a 210D ripstop polyester is used.

Whereas each materials are hydrophobic by nature (they resist water penetration and have a really low absorbency), polyester barely wins the race. Nylon, actually, does soak up some water and takes considerably longer to dry, whereas that’s not the case with polyester.

As if that’s not sufficient, the rainfly in Heavy Obligation fashions can be coated with a polyurethane coating in order that it’s fully waterproof. They’ve a 3000 mm waterproof score, which signifies the strain at which water is ready to press by way of the fabric. On this case, the tent can maintain 3,000 mm of water on high of the material earlier than it leaks.

This type of score is normally seen on tent bathtub flooring, in order that’s a fairly good indicator of how waterproof these tents actually are.

However that’s not all. Each HD fashions even have a waterproof tent physique! It’s product of 600D Ripstop Polyester with utilized 3000 mm waterproof polyurethane coating. That’s the type of materials navy gear and baggage is product of.

Now if that doesn’t imply sturdy, I don’t know what’s.

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Yakima SkyRise – Head to Head

What’s the distinction between the older and newer SkyRise fashions?

Some may say that HD variations are simply the improved model of the unique one. However I don’t suppose that’s the case right here.

HD fashions are designed to maintain you heat and dry all year long. However should you solely plan on tenting throughout hotter months, then there’s no cause why you’ll be able to’t go for the older model.

Now, you’ll most likely discover I didn’t specify the worth of every mannequin. That’s primarily as a result of the worth varies relying on the place it’s offered and availability.

However what’s sure is that the outdated mannequin is far more inexpensive than the brand new ones (if you will get your arms on one).

Now, does that imply HD variations aren’t value it? Completely not!

If you happen to’re in search of a 4-season rooftop tent, I don’t suppose yow will discover a greater possibility on the market.

Area

For two and 3-person tents, SkyRise fashions are moderately spacy. They’re about 10 inches wider and longer than commonplace fashions of that dimension. If you happen to’re tall, you’re going to like these tents! Even the smaller model is 84 inches in len

gth, which is appropriate for most individuals. Properly, except you’re Yao Ming.

As for the peak, the S mannequin is 42 whereas the M fashions are 48 inches tall. That’s roughly the usual peak, so we will say that SkyRise tents are common by way of headroom.

Now, these fashions characteristic giant mesh home windows on the perimeters in addition to the roof. So If you happen to’re not utilizing a rainfly, you’ll have a tremendous view of the celebs. Principally, you gained’t really feel such as you’re inside a tent in any respect.

What’s extra, even the rainfly has a transparent window. Because of this you’ll have a view of the evening sky even when it’s raining. Positive, grey clouds should not a really amusing sight, however hey, any view is healthier than no view.

Sturdiness

We’ve already mentioned the supplies these tents are product of and what which means by way of climate safety. However how about sturdiness?

The 210D nylon, a cloth used for making the traditional model of SkyRise rooftop tents, is a moderately sturdy materials. It’s used for every kind of stuff, from sport to medical gear. It’s additionally generally used for tents.

When it comes to abrasion, nylon is likely one of the most abrasion resistant supplies on the market. That is considerably associated to its stretchiness. Nonetheless, nylon is moderately inclined to UV injury. Like several light-weight cloth, it degrades quicker when uncovered to the solar for a very long time.

The Heavy Obligation fashions are product of 600D ripstop polyester. It is a military-quality cloth, and that alone speaks of its sturdiness.

This materials can be abrasion resistant. However in comparison with nylon, polyester is considerably extra UV resistant. And contemplating your tent will (hopefully) spend loads of time getting used outside, it’s going to be very uncovered to solar rays. So it’s all the time good to know that alone gained’t put on it down an excessive amount of.

One factor I’ve to say is that SkyRise tents undoubtedly present high-quality workmanship. Simply by wanting on the seams and edges, it’s clear these tents are made to final.

Ease of Use

That is the entire why you have an interest in a SkyRise. The convenience of use! Getting the tent up on high of your roof rack, ought to solely take 5 minutes or much less.

However then the actual magic comes whenever you arrive on the campsite. Organising camp takes solely 10-Quarter-hour TOTAL, versus conventional tent tenting which might take a complete lot longer relying in your tent’s specs.

The Execs and Cons of SkyRise Rooftop Tents

Execs

• The tents are moderately spacious in comparison with commonplace sizes. Each 2-person and 3-person variations can simply accommodate that quantity of individuals, whereas nonetheless leaving sufficient room for gear and such. These tents are additionally appropriate for tall individuals.
• The HD variations are virtually bulletproof. Each tent our bodies and rainflies are product of sturdy supplies which might be abrasion resistant, UV resistant and waterproof. The standard of marksmanship is seen on seams and edges, which additionally speaks volumes concerning the sturdiness of those tents.
• These tents don’t require greater than Quarter-hour to arrange. In comparison with different rooftop fashions, it is a moderately quick time to pitch a tent.
• When you take away the rainfly, you’re left with tons of home windows that permit you to benefit from the surrounding nature even when contained in the tent.

Cons

• These tents don’t pack small. You’ll have to discover a correct moisture-free house for storing it when not in use.
• They aren’t inexpensive both. The HD variations are fairly costly for anybody that isn’t a hardcore camper.

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Equipment Obtainable

And now for the enjoyable elements – equipment! Every of those fashions include an important ones: the ladder, wall-to-wall foam mattress and a detachable cowl, 4 clamps, 4 spherical bar adapters, in addition to ladder and mounting {hardware}.

However there are different cool issues you should purchase individually.

SunBelt

It is a mild strip that you would be able to mount inside or exterior your rooftop tent, permitting you to be seen at evening. The strip incorporates a cloth sleeve and adjustable straps that permit you to simply connect it wherever you need. It’s charged by way of a USB cable that additionally comes with the acquisition.

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SkyRise Annex

This three-wall enclosure lets you add a further room to your tent. It attaches in such a manner that the brand new room is true beneath the a part of the tent that’s protruding of the automobile. It’s product of 210D nylon, the identical materials the traditional model of the SkyRise tent is product of.

The enclosure has a door and two home windows, and it’s nice for storing gear or altering garments. It comes with its personal stakes to maintain it in place even throughout harsh climate.

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SideKick

It is a shoe bag that you would be able to dangle exterior however remains to be in attain of your hand. Since storage is all the time a difficulty, this little characteristic is nice to have in dangerous climate.

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SkyLoft

It is a mesh hammock for your entire stuff. As ground room is restricted, you don’t need to go away all of your stuff laying round. With SkyLoft, you’ll be able to put them above the bottom however nonetheless shut handy when wanted.

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SkyHooks

You possibly can by no means have sufficient carabiners. It is a set of 4, and every incorporates a nylon strap that may help the burden of as much as 50 kilos.

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SkyRise Mattress Sheets

Positive, the fashions include a detachable cowl, but it surely’s nowhere good as these mattress sheets. They’re truly a set of fitted sheet, flat sheet, and a pair of commonplace pillowcases. There are two sizes obtainable to suit every mannequin. These units are product of cotton and are available grey coloration. I additionally love that they embody a drawstring bag for simple storage.

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Different Rooftop Tents to Think about

Lastly, let’s see how the SkyRise tents evaluate to their opponents.

There are tons of two and 3-person rooftop tents available on the market, along with another hatchback-style SUV tents, however let’s check out people who most intently compete with the Yakima SkyRise:

Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3

A rooftop tent doesn’t should value a fairly penny. This mannequin is a little more mild in your pockets than the SkyRise. It’s constituted of the identical materials, so it’s clear that it’s sturdy and waterproof.

After all, the low worth additionally means it doesn’t include some cool options. My largest problem is that it doesn’t include a mattress. So whenever you add two and two, it truly may find yourself being simply as costly as a SkyRise mannequin with a mattress is.

If you happen to discover headspace actually vital, then this mannequin is value contemplating, because it offers you about 6 inches greater than the SkyRise.

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Roofnest Condor XL

I’ve obtained to say, this tent by Roofnest is far more costly than SkyRise fashions.

However after we take a look at the ground space, it’s clear that the SkyRise M model wins by a small quantity.

Alternatively, the Condor XL has some cool options that make up for the excessive worth, resembling the power to accommodate a photo voltaic panel and storage. It additionally comes with a Roofnest privateness tent, which all the time turns out to be useful.

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iKamper X-Cowl

That is one more very costly rooftop tent. It’s a hybrid of hardshell and softshell. What this implies is that it combines one of the best of each worlds: it’s light-weight, roomy, simple to arrange and shielded from even the harshest climate.

This mannequin does include a mattress. The thickness is similar as with SkyRise, and that additionally goes for the scale. The distinction in worth between this mannequin and the SkyRise HD model isn’t huge, and given the truth that it is a hybrid, it’s comprehensible. Finally, it comes right down to what your priorities are.

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Tuff Stuff Ranger 3

I like equipment, so this mannequin by Tuff Stuff actually grabbed my consideration. It comes with an annex, a hammock in your stuff and even a storage bag in your boots. Contemplating these are all of the issues that you must purchase individually within the case of SkyRise fashions, I discover this to be a fairly whole lot.

Alternatively, this tent is a bit smaller and made with barely thinner supplies. Now, except you’re winter tenting, it’s unlikely this may hassle you. And given the truth that it is a moderately inexpensive mannequin, it’s one value contemplating.

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In Conclusion

As you’ll be able to see, SkyRise HD tents are spacious, snug, and priced appropriately. Not solely that, however it would final you a very long time.

They could be a bit pricier, however you’ll most likely go it right down to your grandkids someday.