Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent Comparability and Assessment [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 bins.

All through the years, Yakima’s line of rooftop tents actually skyrocketed in reputation. All with good motive. The model does a great job at updating and enhancing earlier fashions to go well with the wants of rooftop automobile campers world wide.

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

Learn on!

Completely different Fashions of the Yakima SkyRise Tent

As we speak, there are three fashions obtainable – the basic 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 offer you a short data on every mannequin, in addition to how they evaluate towards one another.

The Authentic SkyRise

The great previous SkyRise tent is a 3-season tent. It’s fabricated from 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 gentle and durable, so that you don’t have to fret about potential injury from excessive winds.

Whereas they used to make this mannequin in numerous sizes earlier than, you may solely discover a medium, or 3-person model immediately. The primary motive lies in the truth that the model has began making new, improved variations of rooftop tents.

In reality, the Authentic model may be very onerous to search out in the mean time!

SkyRise HD (Small & Medium)

So what’s the cope with 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 trying on the materials the rainfly is fabricated from. 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, in truth, 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 Responsibility fashions can also be coated with a polyurethane coating in order that it’s fully waterproof. They’ve a 3000 mm waterproof score, which signifies the stress 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 prime of the material earlier than it leaks.

This sort of score is often 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 fabricated from 600D Ripstop Polyester with utilized 3000 mm waterproof polyurethane coating. That’s the form of materials army gear and baggage is fabricated from.

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

Yakima SkyRise – Head to Head

	SkyRise Medium	SkyRise HD 2 (Small)	SkyRise HD 3 (Medium)
Variety of Campers	3 campers	2 campers	3 campers
Rainfly	210D Nylon	210D Ripstop Polyester, 3000 mm PU waterproof coating	210D Ripstop Polyester, 3000 mm PU waterproof coating
Tent Physique	210D Nylon	600D Ripstop Polyester cloth with a 3000 mm waterproof PU coating	600D Ripstop Polyester cloth with a 3000 mm waterproof PU coating
Weight	115.00 kilos	101.41 kilos	114.64 kilos
Dimensions	56 W x 96 L x 48 H inches	48 W x 84 L x 42 H inches	56 W x 96 L x 48 H inches
Worth	Verify Worth/Availability at REI, Verify Worth/Availability at Backcountry	$1,799 at REI, $1,899 at Backcountry	$2,399 at Backcountry

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

Some would possibly 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 in case you solely plan on tenting throughout hotter months, then there’s no motive why you may’t go for the older model.

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

However what’s sure is that the previous mannequin is far more reasonably priced than the brand new ones (if you will get your palms on one).

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

In case you’re on the lookout for a 4-season rooftop tent, I don’t suppose yow will discover a greater choice on the market.

Area

For two and 3-person tents, SkyRise fashions are quite spacy. They’re about 10 inches wider and longer than commonplace fashions of that dimension. In case you’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. Effectively, 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 top, so we are able to say that SkyRise tents are common when it comes to headroom.

Now, these fashions characteristic giant mesh home windows on the edges in addition to the roof. So In case you’re not utilizing a rainfly, you’ll have an incredible view of the celebrities. Mainly, 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 fabricated from and what which means when it comes to climate safety. However how about sturdiness?

The 210D nylon, a material used for making the basic model of SkyRise rooftop tents, is a quite 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 among the most abrasion resistant supplies on the market. That is considerably associated to its stretchiness. Nevertheless, nylon is quite vulnerable to UV injury. Like every light-weight cloth, it degrades sooner when uncovered to the solar for a very long time.

The Heavy Responsibility fashions are fabricated from 600D ripstop polyester. This can be a military-quality cloth, and that alone speaks of its sturdiness.

This materials can also be abrasion resistant. However in comparison with nylon, polyester is considerably extra UV resistant. And contemplating your tent will (hopefully) spend a whole lot of time getting used outdoor, 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 trying 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 prime of your roof rack, ought to solely take 5 minutes or much less.However then the true magic comes if you arrive on the campsite. Organising camp takes solely 10-Quarter-hour TOTAL, versus conventional tent tenting which may take a complete lot longer relying in your tent’s specs.

The Professionals and Cons of SkyRise Rooftop Tents

Professionals

• The tents are quite 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 folks.
• The HD variations are virtually bulletproof. Each tent our bodies and rainflies are fabricated from 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 in regards to the sturdiness of those tents.
• These tents don’t require greater than Quarter-hour to arrange. In comparison with different rooftop fashions, this can be a quite quick time to pitch a tent.
• When you take away the rainfly, you’re left with tons of home windows that let you 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 area for storing it when not in use.
• They aren’t reasonably priced both. The HD variations are fairly costly for anybody that isn’t a hardcore camper.

Equipment Obtainable

And now for the enjoyable components – equipment! Every of those fashions include crucial 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

This can be a gentle strip which you can mount inside or outdoors your rooftop tent, permitting you to be seen at evening. The strip includes a cloth sleeve and adjustable straps that let you simply connect it wherever you need. It’s charged through a USB cable that additionally comes with the acquisition.

SkyRise Annex

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

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.

SideKick

This can be a shoe bag which you can hold outdoors however continues to be in attain of your hand. Since storage is all the time a difficulty, this little characteristic is nice to have in unhealthy climate.

SkyLoft

This can be a mesh hammock for your whole stuff. As flooring room is proscribed, you don’t need to depart all of your stuff laying round. With SkyLoft, you may put them above the bottom however nonetheless shut at hand when wanted.

SkyHooks

You’ll be able to by no means have sufficient carabiners. This can be a set of 4, and every includes a nylon strap that may help the burden of as much as 50 kilos.

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 couple of commonplace pillowcases. There are two sizes obtainable to suit every mannequin. These units are fabricated from cotton and are available grey shade. I additionally love that they embrace a drawstring bag for simple storage.

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 in the marketplace, 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 must price a fairly penny. This mannequin is a little more mild in your pockets than the SkyRise. It’s made out of the identical materials, so it’s clear that it’s sturdy and waterproof.

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

In case you discover headspace actually essential, then this mannequin is value contemplating, because it provides you about 6 inches greater than the SkyRise.

Roofnest Condor XL

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

However once we have 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 value, resembling the power to accommodate a photo voltaic panel and storage. It additionally comes with a Roofnest privateness tent, which all the time is useful.

iKamper X-Cowl

That is yet one more very costly rooftop tent. It’s a hybrid of hardshell and softshell. What this implies is that it combines the very 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 dimensions. The distinction in value between this mannequin and the SkyRise HD model will not be huge, and given the truth that this can be a hybrid, it’s comprehensible. In the end, it comes right down to what your priorities are.

Tuff Stuff Ranger 3

I like equipment, so this mannequin by Tuff Stuff actually grabbed my consideration. It comes with an annex, a hammock on your stuff and even a storage bag on your boots. Contemplating these are all of the issues 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 this can be a quite reasonably priced mannequin, it’s one value contemplating.

In Conclusion

As you may see, SkyRise HD tents are spacious, comfy, and priced appropriately. Not solely that, however it would final you a very long time.

They is likely to be a bit pricier, however you’ll most likely cross it right down to your grandkids in the future.