Santa Cruz, California based Tepui Tents is really embracing the nomad lifestyle. For almost a decade, Tepui Tents have produced and continually refined a segment of products called rooftop tents. With models that will appeal to the weekend warrior all the way up to a bomb proof version worthy of trips to Death Valley. These roof top tents are redefining how I look at camping.

A tepui /ˈtɛpwi/, or tepuy (Spanish: [teˈpui]), is a table-top mountain or mesa found in the Guiana Highlands of South America, especially in Venezuela and western Guyana. The word tepui means “house of the gods” in the native tongue of the Pemon, the indigenous people who inhabit the Gran Sabana. ~ Wikipedia

Climbing into the various models displayed at Outdoor Retailer only reinforced the durability of these tents. Tepui offers models to accommodate two, three and up to four occupants. Additionally, there are three different tents designs. What remains the same for all models are the means in which they mount to the roof rack. The aluminum collapsible ladder. And the rapid deployment of the tent itself. A quick demonstration of how effortlessly these tents fold up highlight the engineering and thought put into these products.

Further meeting the needs of the customer, Tepui Tents are available in three different series. The “Baja Series” is a lightweight breathable nylon ripstop model built for warm weather adventures. Next up is the more durable “Explorer Series”. A 4 season tent made from high quality 600 denier ripstop 260-G poly cotton blend. Finally, the “Ruggedized Series” is for the hardcore off-road freak or camping in an inhospitable environment. These are the toughest rooftop tents on the market. Featuring an even heavier grade fabric and aluminum diamond plate base panels, the Ruggedized Series wouldn’t look out of place on Mad Max’s vehicle.

There are many benefits to sleeping on the roof of a vehicle. Most obvious to me is the improved view versus sleeping on the ground. Also, ventilation is greatly improved by maintaining airflow beneath the tent. In addition, bugs, ground critters and dirt tend to stay away once you climb the ladder into the spacious tent. Finally, a wall-to-wall 2.5″ foam mattress sure beats what I’m used to on the ground.

Tepui Tents Kukenam SKY Siberian Camo Specifications courtesy of Tepuitents.com

• Sleeping Capacity 3
• Seasons 4-season
• Size (Closed) 56″ x 48″ x 12″ (WxLxH)
• Size (Open) 56″ x 96″ x 52″ (WxLxH)
• Sleeping Footprint 56″ x 96″ (WxL)
• Canopy Fabric 280 g Polyester Cotton; 600D ripstop fabric with waterproof ventilate coating; UV and mold resistant
• Mosquito screens no-see-um mesh
• Rainfly Fabric 420D Polyester Oxford; PU coated
• Mattress High Density 2-1/2″ foam with cotton cover
• Travel Cover Material 1000g Heavy Duty PVC
• Weight 130 lbs
• Internal Frame 5/8″ aluminum tube
• Base Construction Welded aluminum tube with insulation and aluminum cap sheet
• Ladder Construction 8ft-6in Telescoping Aluminum Ladder
• MSRP $ 1425

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. And over the past few years, many manufacturers have done just that. So don’t be fooled, take a look at the original rooftop tents by Tepui. Rounding out the Tepui brand are an assortment of well built accessories including these handy Gear bags. Hopefully Tepui can arrange a demo model for test and evaluation this summer. Because I’ve had my eye on a particular area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that a rooftop tent would be perfect for. Stay tuned…