Well... it's not a backpacking tent or intended to be.... it's relatively large tent (4 person) for car camping/overlanding in relatively safe weather (fine in rain, several place to stake and attach guy lines). It fits in a roof box, on a rack, or in the back -- you can get a smaller size that fits in the back of a Jeep without having to fold a seat down (haven't compared to Defender dimensions). The reason these are so popular is the setup and take down time... which is very, very fast (a lot of the value of a non clam/hard shell RTT without the cost, bulk, if you’re ok sleeping on the ground).

 

Another key reason for a roof top tent is comfort! They all include a foam mattress and for some, u can keep your sleeping bag and pillows inside while driving. My side business is Overland Pros and we make roof top tents and freestanding awnings. The GFC looks like a nice unit, but the footprint is very small and 2 people max. The Overland Pros Anza 1400 opens up and doubles the footprint of the tent to a queen size bed and still only weighs less than 110 pounds. It has a 3inch mattress vs some others at 2 or 2.5 inches. The cover is taller to accommodate sleeping bags while closed.

Taking the tent on and off is awkward and requires 2 people. Front Runner has some quick release clips to make it easier. They also have a lightweight soft shell RTT option.

I leave mine on 365 days and treat the cover with UV protectant.

I have the larger Anza 2000 tent on my new defender and the full length rack and it takes up almost the whole thing. But it is a king size bed and can sleep 4 people.

 

It’s good there are more choices now in the market for those who want something lighter and less cumbersome. If you need a queen size bed and don’t mind carting around an eight inch slab all the time, sure, why not. If you want something you can take off in a few minutes and not weigh your roof down or completely kill your mileage, now there are some options that didn’t exist before. I get the comfort thing. I’ve slept in tiny backpacking tents on super light sleeping mats, and a couple of inches of foam is definitely better, but I also don’t want a ten inch slab on my car or in the garage, and there’s no way I’d leave it on for daily driving.

 

WOW! What kind of wheels is that? Could you give me some info on wheels and tires?

Thanks!

 

I have the factory 18 inch steelies that I powdercoated black. Running 265/70R18 General Grabber X3s. Tires working great. The earlier pics had the factory 'offroad' tires but I blew out the sidewall of one on the trail and another one on pavement. I don't recommend the factory tires for any offroading.

 

also recommend taking a look at Boreas campers. Expensive, but not so bad when you compare with equal features, lifetime warranty, and built to truly go off-road. We’re putting our superlite on top for our daughter. Trailers offer a lot of advantages as you pointed out.

 

I bought the James Baroud expedition. I take it off. Bought a harbor freight electric hoist and used tow straps to lift off.

 

Has anyone seen any roof tent option for the 90? Have not been able to find much online. Looked into the ones that are fitted to 2 dr Wranglers, but curious if anyone here has/has seen anything fitted on a 90.