Earlier in 2018, iKamper teased us with their newest roof top tent – the X-Cover. After development of their reddot award winning SkyCamp hard cover roof top tent which also set a crowdfunding record, iKamper is focusing on a soft shell tent with some interesting features.
While most soft shell roof top tents (RTTs) include a heavy waterproof cover that has to be placed over the tent when packing it away, the X-Cover integrates the waterproof cover directly into the tent. This is said to make set up and tear down quite a bit faster (3 minutes claimed), plus keeps the overall weight of the tent lower with a claimed weight of 103lbs. It also keeps you from having to figure out where to stash the cover when the tent is open.
Probably equally as important if you’re reading this site, the X-Cover has the ability to run optional cross bars which allows you to carry additional gear on top of the tent. The load rating is 110lbs, so you won’t be able to carry a ton of gear up top, but for long and bulky items like a kayak, or additional bike storage, it could be a very handy feature. However, if you do carry bikes or kayaks on the roof, they’ll obviously have to come off before you put up the tent which could be a pain.
The cross bars are compatible with many other aftermarket roof rack accessories and are a $140 addition to the pre-order price for the X-Cover.
Inside, the tent will sleep 3-4 people with a king size 2.5″ thick memory foam mattress. The weather-resistant 300 GSM poly-cotton canvas walls should keep you fairly dry though there is a polyester rainfly and water proof zippers for additional protection. Five windows including a Skyview on the roof will allow you to stargaze as you sleep high off the ground.
The X-Cover is also compatible with accessories from iKamper including an Annex room or awning to create a multi-floor living space on the road.
Compared to many RTTs though, the X-Cover does not come cheap. Currently available for sale through a pre-order on the iKamper website, pricing for the Early Bird deal starts at $1,950. But the actual retail price will be a pretty hefty $2,950. That’s a lot for a tent but for now, the X-Cover has features that only it can offer. The pre-order will run until February 17th, with product expected to ship starting in May/June 2019.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 103lbs / 47kg
- Size (closed): 75″ x 45″ x 10″ / 190cm x 115cm x 27cm (13.4″/34cm with cross bars mounted)
- Size (open): 91″ x 75″ x 44″ / 230cm x 190cm x 110cm
- Capacity: 3 adults / 2 adults & 2 children
- Crossbar load rating: 110lbs / 50kg
- Fabric: 300GSM poly-cotton canvas + polyester rain fly
- Floor: honeycomb aluminum panels
- Mattress:high density memory foam (2.5″ / 6.5cm)
*Please note above specifications are for the prototype and may vary in the final product.
