#Roof Space 4 hardshell rooftop tent opens on both sides to provide private terrace for panoramic view

More than necessity, its competitiveness that drives innovation in the camping industry these days. The competition to size up rooftop tents to accommodate a family of four is rife. After the launch of the iKamper Skycamp DLX – a fold-out rooftop tent that comfortably accommodates up to four people – earlier this month, it is befitting of Roof Space to upgrade its two-person roof-mountable tent into a four-person Roof Space 4, which vouches to differ on many scenarios to take the top spot in the unorganized race.

When you are up in the rooftop tent (especially in numbers) you crave openness and natural light. Primarily what the Roof Space 4 does differently is that it opens up the sides of the tent to let the occupants do just that. Maybe even enjoy the morning and evening sun without having to move the parked vehicle an inch (i.e. if it is parked in a way that the sun takes its course of the day over the vehicle from one side to the other).

Designer: Roof Space

When the California-based Inspired Overland introduced the Stargazer rooftop tent featuring a full-length transparent roof panel for uninterrupted stargazing/views, I was impressed by the thinking. But the Roof Space really takes that to a new level, offering rooftop tent decks of sorts on both sides to soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Roof Space calls this Double Panorama Mode which offers immersive panoramic views and turns the Roof Space 4 hardshell tent into a spacious private rooftop tent terrace. Opening the tent to soak in the views is as easy as unzipping a single zipper. And when it’s time to rest, zip the side panels back up and sleep unhindered under the stars.

Roof Space 4 is super easy to set up.  It, according to the company, takes less than 30 seconds to open with a single flip from a closed hardshell carry pack to a solid floor dome-shaped canvas top. When packed, it measures 87 inches long, 53.5 inches wide, and 9.4 inches high making it spacious as a California King bed that can sleep four people with ease. The company says sleeping area measuring 80.7 x 78.7 inches can sleep four to six people, but anything more than four seems too ambitious to me. The remaining space inside at the head and foot of the bed is reserved for storage.

Ideal to load on trucks or bigger-size cars, the Roof Space 4 comprising a tent and mattress weighs 196 lbs. If you are interested, the tent is available now on pre-order for $4139.99, which is 10 percent off on the actual retail price of $4599.99.  This price also gets you a telescopic ladder, an anti-condensation mat, and a few other necessary accessories.