Upgraded Sparrow 2 Roof-Top Tent Proves 100% Glamping Freedom Doesn't Get Any Cheaper

Folks, whenever the start of a brand is sparked by nothing but passion, there's ultimately no way it can fail, and that seems to be the case for Roofnest, a camper manufacturer from good old Boulder, Colorado, right here in our own backyard.

For the past few years, this crew has been sweeping across America, hitting up RV and camper shows left and right, in the process, creating quite the following. Heck, 12,600 members are part of this team's Facebook page, and you can be sure that not everyone that's into Roofnest is even subscribed to their page.

Well, one way this crew is staying fresh and on top of this industry is by constantly listening to those nearly 13K followers and, in the process, crafting new machines that give the public precisely what they're asking for. All that brings us to Sparrow 2, a lineup of roof-top tent campers designed to achieve a bit more than those "other" units.

For example, the shell you see is built out of ABS, similar to most other manufacturers, but a special framing pattern allows owners of the Sparrow 2 to mount cross-bars onto it without having to worry about structural integrity.

Why is this important? Well, because it still allows you to bring along precious cargo like a pair of bikes, kayaks, or whatever you need to load up. To top it all off, that ABS is covered in a Line-X coating, so the elements should be staying out.

Now, once you've made it to your destination, you'll probably get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, rehydrate, and then pop this sucker's top. To do so, unlock a couple of latches and push upward, at which point, a set of air springs kick in and lift the rest of the way. Suddenly, you're looking at 320 GSM poly-cotton walls with a blackout coating to ensure light is reflected.

At this point, you'll probably attach that telescoping aluminum ladder and get to work arranging the interior. You won't need to do much; just arrange the foam mattress, fluff a pillow, and arrange the blanket. Go ahead and lay down for a minute or so with your feet dangling out of one of the four mesh windows; you deserve it.

Considering it's early in the day, and there's still time to enjoy the outdoors, go ahead and unload your gear, set up your mobile campsite, and even start a little fire for s'mores later on in the night. Because roof-top tents only offer a space where you can safely rest your head, the rest of your campsite will have to be carried along elsewhere. Thank god this one is cross-bar-worthy!

As I explored this new lineup, I ran across a little video detailing all that these units have in store. One aspect is that they come in three variations, with the largest, the XL, being suitable for up to three adults. Still, this thing is so fresh that you won't even find it on the manufacturer's website, but you can follow that link at the bottom of the article and take things from there.

Now, the Sparrow 2 is considered an upgrade to the original Sparrow Series that America fell in love with. These upgrades include things like HVAC ports for heating and AC, dimmable LEDs, a mattress with a washable cover, and heavy-duty lockable latches. Some I've already named off the list, like the 320 GSM blackout material the tent is made of.

And that's really all there is to this beauty, so for the next few moments, picture your life accompanied by a Sparrow 2. Mornings should find you on the side of some road, on a beach, or among mountain valleys; wherever your vehicle can go, the Sparrow 2 will be hovering overhead, literally on top of your car.

You arise from your slumber, kiss your significant other on a drool-covered cheek - it's love - and climb out of your nest to begin your turn at making breakfast. Sure, a cooktop is going to cost you extra, but there are plenty of affordable options out there, and with some financial attention, you'll transform the rear of your car into a nearly complete cooking station. A portable toilet and outdoor shower complete your camping setup.

With everyone awake and fed, you'll be ready for the day's adventure by locking your Sparrow 2 and car, and away you go, only to return to your go-anywhere home (camper) and ready the tent for another night under the stars. The next day, a quick breakfast, and it's time to move on to the next X on your map. Wait a minute; a roof-top tent offers much more freedom than a travel trailer, limited only by your vehicle's abilities.

So, how much is this sort of lifestyle going to cost us? It all depends on how far you want to take things and what model you want, but the Sparrow 2 currently found on Roofnest's undisclosed order page is asking for five bucks under $3,100 (€2,850 at current exchange rates). Need I say anything else?