The cover is a rubber-coated material that gets blasted as you drive — think 5,000 miles of 70MPH winds, flying debris, rain, snow, on our trip — and it also gets folded off every time you use the tent. Add to Wishlist + Quick View. The Tepui is easy to set up after the first few trials, although I do have to either crawl on my roof, or use a ladder, to unclip a couple straps. They just look cool. $549.95 549.95 0 USD 307617 Read more…. I’ve used this one in winds up to about 50 mph, and while it made some noise from flapping straps, it remained firmly planted in place with nary a bow to the thick poles. Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2019. I went with the Kukenam XL ruggedized after finding out that Tepui added the sky option to all ruggedized tents recently. The cover is a rubber-coated material that gets blasted as you drive — think 5,000 miles of 70MPH winds, flying debris, rain, snow, on our trip — and it also gets folded off every time you use the tent. While I’m happy to sleep on the ground, I’m on the long end of 40 and at an age that I appreciate deep sleep and memory foam in a larger way than a decade ago. 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There are lots of pockets to organize gear, and even one large enough to stow sneakers. I had to drill holes in my topper, mount some rails, and then attach Yakima Landing Pads, Skyline Towers, and finally Core Bars to the rig. Getting the system installed took several hours as I had to mount tracks, and a complete Yakima Core Bars system, on a tough old fiberglass topper. But now that my wife and I have it figured out we can whip into a parking spot and literally be lying down inside in less than 10 minutes. Getting the system installed took several hours as I had to mount tracks, and a complete Yakima Core Bars system, on a tough old fiberglass topper. But now that my wife and I have it figured out we can whip into a parking spot and literally be lying down inside in less than 10 minutes. View our honest review for the Thule x Tepui Explorer Autana 4 + Annex. An attached ladder telescopes from the back of the tent (I have mine set up to unfold backwards so it covers my tailgate), and use the ladder to leverage the tent open. Run the zipper around the edge of the rig, remove the fitted cover, and undo a couple buckles. I’ve not really noticed much difference, but if you’re pushing your vehicle to near-roll situations regularly, you might want to consider this. The Tepui Siesta Luxury Mattress upgrades any camping experience with multiple layers of high-density foam to enhance any sleeping experience. In Alaska, we were again blasted by powerful winds while camping on the Homer spit. But despite the small damage it’s seen, even if water leaks into the cover the tent still won’t get wet inside; the tent is “closed” even when it’s folded, so this cover is really for nothing more than protection as you drive. And remember to use the bathroom before going to bed, as climbing down in the middle of the night is just as annoying as clamoring out of a ground tent — neither is exactly fun. Annex Available - FREE SHIPPING! As I noted, mounting a rack and installing the Tepui was a bit of a chore, mostly because no rack systems are made specifically for a 2000 Ford Ranger. The ladder is a little fussy to get to the right height, and it does need to be extended properly to help support weight. The Kukenam Ruggedized TM is similar to the XL with a smaller footprint and is one of the toughest new tents on the market. The “ruggedized” designation means it comes with diamond-plated aluminum flooring and a condensation mat that keeps your mattress off moisture that may form on the floor, a great upgrade. Next, you remove a heavy cover attached with a burly YKK zipper. Even though it is tiresome to take it on and off my vehicle (Subaru Crosstrek 2016) it's so worth it to not sleep on the ground and worry about bugs, rain, cold ground etc. While this may sound small, our testers found this to be a significant bonus. Tepui have grown up and now sells quality rooftop tents with the matching price. A note on Yakima rack systems: Thanks for making a beast of a rack Yakima, because this is no light add-on. You begin by finding a flat-ish spot to park. The Tepui held strong, and kept us warm and cozy while rain lashed outside. The Kukenam 3 is slightly more expensive, however the materials are slightly thicker too. Tepui (pronounced teh-POO-ee) has built a reputation for producing some of the best roof top tents (RTTs) on the market. Thule Tepui Annex for Explorer Kukenam. from $239.97. Easily zips onto the bottom of an open tent; Includes a door and two windows complete with mesh netting to protect against mosquitos; Customize your space by adding or removing the floor and opening or closing the windows and entry door; Convenient access to your vehicle thanks to the zippered rear panel Yes, it has one that remains inside when the tent is folded for travel. Its spacious setup keeps the whole family comfortable on local campouts and cross-country road trips alike. In Alaska, we were again blasted by powerful winds while camping on the Homer spit. In the month I’ve tested this tent, I’ve come to really enjoy it. I usually bring them in and stow them in a pocket. Run the zipper around the edge of the rig, remove the fitted cover, and undo a couple buckles. Thule Tepui Mosquito Net Walls for 6′ Awning $ 199.95. RTTs provide many benefits, including the fact that they are designed […] The Tepui is easy to set up after the first few trials, although I do have to either crawl on my roof, or use a ladder, to unclip a couple straps. But despite the small damage it’s seen, even if water leaks into the cover the tent still won’t get wet inside; the tent is “closed” even when it’s folded, so this cover is really for nothing more than protection as you drive. So far, we’ve camped in the tent in some pretty intense weather. If you spend a lot of time on the road, this tent will provide you a luxurious night sleep just about anywhere you can park your vehicle. But that’s not to say I haven’t noticed signs of wear. We had several days on end of rain while pounding up the ALCAN, then we enjoyed a few balmy days of sunshine. Camped on the spit in Homer, Alaska, a normal tent is battered by the wind while the Tepui stands strong. I usually bring them in and stow them in a pocket. The Tepui is a bomber structure, with much, much heavier materials than a standard camp tent. They just look cool. Why We Like The Thule x Tepui Annex for Ruggedized Kukenam 3 When we're traveling with a pack, it's nice to have extra room, and this annex increases both our space and privacy during camping trips. But once mounted on a sturdy and capable rack, the setup is rock solid, and I’ve barely noticed it while driving my Ranger. The outer cover shows several spots where small holes have worn through. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. But I’ll put it bluntly: This durable, comfortable, truck-top tent has changed the way I camp, likely for the long term. Beyond the comfortable flat surface (no rocks, no pine cones, no dips, no puddles), I like the fact that the tent is quite thick and dark even in sunlight. As I’ve noted already, this thing is crazy comfortable. Features. This is another point worth keeping in mind. It is one of the best rooftop tents, which has created a storm in the outdoor industry. Others will note that the weight will affect MPGs (it might a little), cornering (I don’t care, it’s a pickup) and stability, making it more prone to roll. Getting in and out of the tent is a bit more tricky than a traditional ground tent. Next, you remove a heavy cover attached with a burly YKK zipper. The Tepui weighs somewhere around 180 pounds, and it does get blasted by wind while riding up there. Tepui Explorer Kukenam Roof Top Tent. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Thule Tepui Annex for Kukenam Rooftop Tent at Amazon.com. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Granted, this is just the cover that surrounds the tent when you are driving, not the tent body. Tepui Weatherhood. 5.0 out of 5 stars. JRH. Features High-quality, 600-denier coated ripstop polyester / cotton material protects you from heavy rain and wind Winds whip across the open plains of Wyoming carrying snow and sleet at 50 mph. Tepui Ruggedized Series Kukenam 3 tents are the toughest roof-top tents on the market. There are lots of pockets to organize gear, and even one large enough to stow sneakers. None of the small signs of wear affect the performance of the tent in any way, but I do expect the tent may require a new cover every couple years, and that small maintenance stitches could be needed in time. I’ve basically left the tent on my roof since installation, mostly because it’s pretty darned heavy and not very easy to lift off without at least one (preferably two or three) strong friends. The poles and fabric are many times thicker and stronger than even a rugged camping tent. ... Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3- Blue (9... $1,699.95. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Includes a door and two windows complete with mesh netting to protect against mosquitos. Our very first night was spent in howling winds with snow and sleet somewhere along I-25 in Wyoming. The ladder is stable, but you need to swing your legs out of the tent to step down, It’s not hard, but those with poor mobility or balance should probably pass on this system. Mounting the tent on that took about an hour, plus the help of a couple strong friends. The weather outside is legitimately frightful. Check out some of the bestselling gear at Backcountry this week and save on gear for your next adventure. Rooftop Tents Explained. Tepui does offer better weather proofing, but of course this review is of the Kukenam as it is. That brings up a point unique to rooftop tents: Dealing with shoes is a little odd. Camping seven feet off the ground takes some getting used to. The tent then unfolds around a hinge in the middle, opening like a book to reveal a large tent that will accommodate three adults at a squeeze, or two in luxury. But after just one night in the Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized tent — and then over the course of a week-long road trip to Alaska that followed — I became a believer. Roof Top Tents. The Kukenam 3 offers plenty of room for two adults and a small child. There are lots of pockets to organize gear, and even one large enough to stow sneakers. I’m camping on the roof of my Ranger. The only tent that scores higher in this metric is the Autana's cousin the Tepui Kukenham 3. The Tepui Kukenam is very spacious, at 56 x 96 x 52 inches (L x W x H). Oh, I didn’t mention the memory foam mattress? It is awesome, not quite as good as my bed at home, but a darned close second place. It’s a pricey investment at $1,650 – expensive compared with normal ground tent camping – but cheap as dirt when looked at compared to RVs. Kukenam Ruggedized 3 Person Roof Top Tent - 2 Colors - by Thule Tepui Tents ***Haze gray available only for backorder, 9 … To expand the space of our car-camp lodging, we easily zip this extended annex right to the bottom of our rooftop tent. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. You can also add an annex for $350 and purchase … The Tepui is a bomber structure, with much, much heavier materials than a standard camp tent. I’ve not really noticed much difference, but if you’re pushing your vehicle to near-roll situations regularly, you might want to consider this. It has worked pretty much flawlessly in some pretty nasty weather, keeping my wife and I comfortable even when the winds howl and rains fall. was $399.95. I have a Tepui on the JK and absolutely love it. The Kukenam 3 is a great little roof tent (please see my review here), but perhaps I recommend it for those who’d like to customise their roof tent a bit more, there are more colors etc. In the month I’ve tested this tent, I’ve come to really enjoy it. Oh, I didn’t mention the memory foam mattress? The poles and fabric are many times thicker and stronger than even a rugged camping tent. While we're setting up camp, included ground stakes help us stabilize the corners of this shelter. Verdict. For a third adult or a larger child I would opt for the Kukenam 4 or one of Tepui's larger tents like the Autana 4. Head-Turning Vehicles From The Overland Expo 2016, 360g Polyester Cotton (canvas); 600D ripstop fabric with waterproof ventilate coating, dual stitched taped seams, UV and mold resistant, 420D Polyester Oxford with taped seams and PU coated, 2-1/2-inch foam with removable cotton cover, Aluminum tube frame with diamond plate cap sheets. Installing tracks on my topper, which then would hold the Yakima system. Awnings. But that’s not to say I haven’t noticed signs of wear. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. We watched tents flattened by the wind. The massive Explorer Series Autana 4 tent from Tepui Tents lets you take home to go. A great addition to your Kukenam Sky 3 tent, the Tepui Kukenam Annex features 4 walls, a removable floor, an entry door, 2 windows and a rear access door for easy entry to your vehicle. We watched tents flattened by the wind. Camping seven feet off the ground takes some getting used to. When Tepui approached me to test the tent, I jumped at the opportunity. The Tepui Kukenam, pitched in the desert of eastern Washington Living the High Life The first trip with my newly-acquired mobile hotel in the sky was up to the forests outside of Bellingham, Washington for a quick overnight rendezvous before a day of skiing some of the Pacific Northwest’s glorious powder. Our very first night was spent in howling winds with snow and sleet somewhere along I-25 in Wyoming. We had several days on end of rain while pounding up the ALCAN, then we enjoyed a few balmy days of sunshine. View our honest review for the Thule x Tepui Annex for Ruggedized Kukenam 3. It feels grandiose for two people, and would be sufficient for three (although snug). The heavy weight dual stitched rip-stop fabric of the main body (360g compared to 260g) is just where we started. Once installed, it took a little practice to figure out the oddities of this specific tent. I had to drill holes in my topper, mount some rails, and then attach Yakima Landing Pads, Skyline Towers, and finally Core Bars to the rig. 1 2 3. With the identical ladder, but without an entrance awning, the Kukenham requires a little less time to convert. Pitching the Kukenam 3 takes just a few minutes and mostly involves unclipping the side straps and unfolding the tent to prop it up on the telescoping ladder. Best tent I ever had. Once you pack up the wet tent fabric, it’s all going to rub together and remain wet inside the rubber cover. You must be logged in to post a review. So far, we’ve camped in the tent in some pretty intense weather. So far, I’ve found this super easy, and am befuddled by those who claim this is a hard task. © 2021 The Ranger Station - 959 Media LLC, Driveshafts, Transmissions & Transfer Case, Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized: Review Thoughts, Rooftop Tents Explained – A Roof Top Tent Changed The Way I Camp, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqaZGcLBvvE&t=147s, Size (closed) 56 x 48 x 12 (L x W x H) inches, Size (open) 56 x 96 x 52 (L x W x H) inches, Canopy Fabric 360g Polyester Cotton (canvas); 600D ripstop fabric with waterproof ventilate coating, dual stitched taped seams, UV and mold resistant, Rainfly Fabric 420D Polyester Oxford with taped seams and PU coated, Mattress 2-1/2-inch foam with removable cotton cover, Base Construction Aluminum tube frame with diamond plate cap sheets. Our 3-man Tepui Kukenam model roof top tent is our most popular model and is great for those looking to get into the wilderness with comfort and protection of a roof top tent. The Tepui Kukenam is very spacious, at 56 x 96 x 52 inches (L x W x H). $237.96. Editorial Director Sean McCoy is a life-long outdoorsman who grew up hunting and fishing central Wisconsin forests and lakes. This comes in handy in Alaska, where there are currently more than 18 hours of light every day. Convenient access … The Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam, for example, uses UV- and mold-resistant fabric to increase its lifespan, and Thule Tepui also has a dedicated lineup of “Ruggedized” tents that are made with thicker fabrics (360 vs. 260g canvas), sealed seams, and a heavy-duty aluminum base to guard against branches and rocks. Tepui includes a ratcheting 13mm wrench with every tent, which means installing the tent on your rack takes less time than with an old school wrench. The Tepui Kukenam is very spacious, at 56 x 96 x 52 inches (L x W x H). You need a way to lift a pretty heavy and awkward platform high over your head to install this tent. The whole unit is considerably heavier (130lbs). $1,445.00. 4.0 out of 5 starsGood quality, but has a couple issues that are annoying. $279.95. Click here for the detailed review! The Tepui weighs somewhere around 180 pounds, and it does get blasted by wind while riding up there. Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3 Annex. Thule Tepui Ruggedized Series Kukenam 3 with Annex $ 2,349.95. But after just one night in the Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized tent — and then over the course of a week-long road trip to Alaska that followed — I became a believer. Having the option to have a view and maybe more importantly some venting for the hot & … The ruggedized version adds diamond plate base, heavier fabric and frame, and some other features and costs $1950 to the regular $1400. But I was genuinely apprehensive about how it would work. That whole process took a few hours. Related: Rooftop Tents Explained – A Roof Top Tent Changed The Way I Camp. 3. Verified Purchase. versions. Mounting the tent on that took about an hour, plus the help of a couple strong friends. If you spend a lot of time on the road, this tent will provide you a luxurious night sleep just about anywhere you can park your vehicle. As I noted, mounting a rack and installing the Tepui was a bit of a chore, mostly because no rack systems are made specifically for a 2000 Ford Ranger. Customize your space by adding or removing the floor and opening or closing the windows and entry door. You must have a solid rack rated for the load or this whole rig could get dangerous rolling down the highway. The ruggedized Kukenam 3 feature an all-aluminum tubular frame with fiberglass insulation, a heavy-duty diamond plate aluminum base bottom sheet, heavy-duty hinges, a thicker 3/4 in.-diameter wrapped aluminum tubular frame, and dual rainfly support rods for added protection and durability. It feels grandiose for two people, and would be sufficient for three (although snug). Thule x Tepui Annex for Explorer Kukenam 3. But I was genuinely apprehensive about how it would work. Add to … First off, the material, zippers, and stitching are all excellent quality that you would expect from Tepui. This is another point worth keeping in mind. Related: Why Camp On Car? Others will note that the weight will affect MPGs (it might a little), cornering (I don’t care, it’s a pickup) and stability, making it more prone to roll. When Tepui approached me to test the tent, I jumped at the opportunity. You either have to bring them in the tent, or leave them on the ground. Yes, it has one that remains inside when the tent is folded for travel. I’ve basically left the tent on my roof since installation, mostly because it’s pretty darned heavy and not very easy to lift off without at least one (preferably two or three) strong friends. Thule Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized SKY 3 Person Roof Top Tent - 2 Colors Fits 3 people comfortably. That brings up a point unique to rooftop tents: Dealing with shoes is a little odd. Good enough, and the results have always proven better in terms of flatness than even most great camp spots. The annex is simple to set up, zipping easily into the tent's bottom … We added raw aluminum diamond plate base panels so the underside of the tent will hold up to dings from rocks, branches, and whatever else the trail throws at it. Support us! Easily zips onto the bottom of an open tent. By Sean McCoy. And remember to use the bathroom before going to bed, as climbing down in the middle of the night is just as annoying as clamoring out of a ground tent — neither is exactly fun. Once installed, it took a little practice to figure out the oddities of this specific tent. The ladder is a little fussy to get to the right height, and it does need to be extended properly to help support weight. An attached ladder telescopes from the back of the tent (I have mine set up to unfold backwards so it covers my tailgate), and use the ladder to leverage the tent open.