I spent months researching rooftop tents before I pulled the trigger, and the Roofnest Falcon 2 kept showing up as the sweet spot between the budget soft-shells and the premium hardshells like the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. Editor’s Pick If you only have time to skim — this is the gear in question. Check Price on […]
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I spent months researching rooftop tents before I pulled the trigger, and the Roofnest Falcon 2 kept showing up as the sweet spot between the budget soft-shells and the premium hardshells like the iKamper Skycamp 3.0.
Editor’s PickCheck Price on Amazon
The Falcon 2 is a clamshell hardshell RTT that sleeps two, sets up in 30 seconds, and costs $3,495. That is $1,400 less than the iKamper and $1,700 more than the ARB Simpson III. The question is whether that middle ground is actually worth it.
| Type | Clamshell Hardshell |
| Sleeps | 2 adults |
| Setup Time | ~30 seconds |
| Weight (closed) | 130 lbs |
| Interior Height (peak) | ~36 inches |
| Mattress | 2.5-inch foam (included) |
| Shell Material | Aluminum |
| Canopy Material | 600D ripstop polyester (PU coated) |
| Min Crossbar Width | 48 inches |
| Min Dynamic Roof Load | 165 lbs |
| Ladder | Aluminum (included) |
| Price | $3,495 |
I’ve researched rooftop tents extensively — I previously owned a Jeep Rubicon with an iKamper before selling it during COVID. Now I’m building out the 2025 Sierra with an OVS HD Bushveld RTT. The Roofnest Falcon 2 sits in the sweet spot between budget soft-shells and premium hardshells, and I’ve compared it against both ends of the spectrum using real owner data, setup/teardown testing, and weather performance reports from overlanding communities.
Specifications verified against Roofnest’s official product page.
Check out The Outbound Lane’s field review of the Roofnest Falcon 2:
The Falcon 2 fills a specific gap in the RTT market, and it fills it well:
The Falcon 2 uses a clamshell design, meaning the top half hinges open on one side and you sleep in the bottom half with the top as your ceiling. This is different from:
The clamshell is the fastest setup of any RTT type. Unlatch the buckles, push the top up, done. 30 seconds is not marketing — it is genuinely that fast.
Key takeaway: The clamshell design trades interior height for speed and simplicity. If fast setup matters more than standing room, this is the design you want.
The sleeping platform is a standard double mattress — comfortable enough for two adults, though it is tight if you are both over 6 feet. The 2.5-inch foam mattress is decent for a stock RTT pad. I would rate it a 6/10 for comfort — better than a sleeping pad on the ground, but not memory foam hotel comfort. Some people swap in an aftermarket mattress for a couple hundred bucks.
The interior height when opened is about 36 inches at the peak (hinge side). That is enough to sit up and change clothes, but do not expect to stand. This is the main tradeoff of clamshell design — pop-up hardshells give you significantly more interior height.
The hardshell construction is where the Falcon 2 earns its keep over soft-shell tents. The aluminum shell does not flap in wind, does not sag with water weight, and provides genuine insulation. In cooler PA fall camping weather (high 30s, low 40s), the hardshell traps body heat noticeably better than a soft-shell tent would.
The fabric canopy sections (where the clamshell opens) use 600D ripstop polyester with a PU coating. It handles rain well. I have seen reports of condensation buildup in humid conditions, which is common with any RTT — cracking a window helps. For cold-weather camping tips, check our guide on managing tent temperature.
Key takeaway: The hardshell handles 3-season weather confidently. For true winter camping, pair it with a heater and manage condensation actively.
At 130 lbs, the Falcon 2 is in the middle of the RTT weight range:
| Tent | Weight | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARB Simpson III | 115 lbs | Soft-shell | $1,795 |
| Roofnest Falcon 2 | 130 lbs | Hardshell clamshell | $3,495 |
| iKamper Skycamp 3.0 | 145 lbs | Hardshell pop-up | $4,899 |
130 lbs on your roof matters. Check your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating — most crossover roof racks max out at 150-165 lbs. A full-size truck or SUV with a proper rack handles 130 lbs without issue, but a Subaru Outback with factory crossbars might be pushing it. Most RTT owners end up upgrading their rack setup regardless.
Gas mileage impact: expect 1-3 mpg loss depending on your vehicle. On a truck, barely noticeable. On a smaller SUV, you will feel it on highway drives.
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 costs $4,899 and gives you:
The Roofnest Falcon 2 at $3,495 gives you:
For me, the $1,400 savings buys a portable power station and a 12V fridge. Unless the iKamper’s extra headroom is critical for you, the Falcon 2 is the smarter buy.
Key takeaway: The Falcon 2 delivers 90% of the iKamper experience for 70% of the price. The $1,400 savings is better spent on the rest of your camping gear setup.
The Falcon 2 works best as part of a complete overlanding setup. Here is how I would build around it:
Rating: 4/5 — Best mid-premium hardshell RTT. The value proposition against the iKamper is strong. Just make sure your roof rack can handle it.
About 30 seconds. Unlatch the clamps, push up, done. Clamshell design is the fastest RTT style. Breakdown is equally quick — pull it down, latch the clamps, drive away.
It fits most crossbars with at least 48 inches of width. Check your dynamic roof load rating — you need at least 165 lbs dynamic capacity. Full-size trucks and SUVs handle it easily. Smaller vehicles may need aftermarket rack upgrades.
Yes. The aluminum shell sheds water and snow effectively. The PU-coated polyester canopy handles rain well. Condensation can build up in humid conditions — crack a window to manage airflow. The hardshell handles weather significantly better than soft-shell alternatives.
It is a 2.5-inch foam pad — adequate for weekend trips but not luxury. I would rate it 6/10. Many owners upgrade to an aftermarket mattress ($100-200) for significantly better sleep quality. This is common across all RTT brands.
Expect 1-3 mpg loss depending on your vehicle. On a full-size truck, the impact is minimal. On a smaller SUV or crossover, you will notice it more on highway drives. The low-profile clamshell design creates less drag than soft-shell tents that sit higher when closed.
The aluminum hardshell provides better insulation than soft-shell canvas. It traps body heat effectively down to the high 30s. For temps below that, pair it with a portable heater and manage condensation with ventilation.
The Falcon 2 ($3,495) is a hardshell with 30-second setup and better weather protection. The ARB Simpson III ($1,795) is a soft-shell with 3-5 minute setup and less insulation. The $1,700 price difference buys you speed, weather resistance, and a low-profile closed shape.
Before you mount the Falcon 2, run your vehicle and tent through the RigSafe Overland Configurator — it checks static load, on-road dynamic rating, and off-road dynamic rating against your actual vehicle. Takes two minutes and tells you exactly where the weak link is.