Jil Eileen: Her life traveling around the world

FIV: As can be seen in your Instagram feed, you have already seen and traveled to many countries. Which of these destinations have been your favorite so far?

Jil: Phew that’s a very difficult question, I’ve already traveled to 63 countries and each one had something special in its own way. I couldn’t decide where I liked it best, I would go to every country I’ve been to again.

FIV: On social media and on your website, you talk almost exclusively about travel. How did you develop this passion? What excites you most about traveling?

Jil: I’ve always been very adventurous and loved getting to know new places, cultures and people. In 2018, I quit my job and set off alone with a backpack to travel the world. Even before that, I had always planned my days off and vacations so that I could travel as much as possible, but once I had traveled full-time, I was hooked. What excites me most about traveling is discovering new places, feeling the freedom and being myself.

Happiness is the only thing that doubles when you share it, so why not share what makes me happy with you!

FIV: You are only 26 years old and still very young. How do you finance your many trips? How frugal are you and do you have any tips for our readers on how to travel the world cheaply?

Jil: I saved well in advance for my year solo trip around the world, I had 3-4 jobs at the same time and was really hard-working. So I was always able to put a lot of money aside. It’s very important to always keep in mind that ‘every little helps’. This applies to saving and spending. Before you save nothing, save at least something. Then it may take longer to reach your target amount, but you will still reach your goal. And when it comes to spending, it’s the other way around, if I think ‘oh, that’s only €5’ for every little thing, then that can be quite a lot at the end of a trip. I always write down every € I spend on my trips to get an idea of how much the trip has cost me so far. If I’ve budgeted well then I can treat myself to something, if I haven’t budgeted well then I can just eat oatmeal for 3 days I’m now self-employed and can live off my travel blog and online store, instead of working hard and saving up in advance I now travel and work in the meantime.

A day with Jil: adventure or relaxation? Mountains or pool?

FIV: What does a perfect day on vacation look like for you? Are you more of an active person or do you prefer to take it slower? Chilling by the pool or climbing in the mountains? What type of vacation are you?

Jil: I am the active traveler, I love hiking, climbing in the mountains, surfing at the sea & have so many ‘bumblebees in my butt’ that I always want to do something. Of course I also like to lie by the pool or the sea, but that tends to happen between activities.

FIV: What has been your most exciting experience on your travels so far? Was there ever a particularly exciting event or did you perhaps undertake an unusual activity? Paragliding, bungee jumping or something like that?

Jil: I have experienced a lot when traveling but the first activity that comes to my mind is a hike in Hawaii. The Olomana Trail, also called ‘Three Peaks’. A very dangerous hike that gave you an absolute adrenaline rush and was just so much fun, even though you were pushed to your limits.

Germany tour: route, tips & what the country has to offer

FIV: A few months ago, you and your boyfriend went on a tour through Germany. How did you come up with this idea and how did you plan the tour? Was there a fixed route or did you set off spontaneously?

Jil: We’ve already seen so much of the world but not yet our own country. We wanted to change that, so we did a lot of research and looked at everything Germany has to offer. We thought about a route in advance and then drove to the places we had picked out. I sometimes went with my boyfriend, but sometimes with friends too.

FIV: Tell us something about this tour. Which destinations did you head for and which sights did you want to visit? Would you have thought that Germany has such beautiful places to offer?

Jil: I have to admit, I underestimated Germany! I never thought I would see such amazing places in my own country. We went hiking on the Moselle, in the Black Forest and in the Palatinate Forest, we discovered stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Constance, we went swimming in the lake at Eibsee in Bavaria and we couldn’t stop being amazed in Saxon Switzerland. At the age of 25, I made it to the German seaside for the first time

FIV: As you can see in your Instagram feed, you went camping and slept together in the car. What was it like for you to live in such a small space? Would you do it again and recommend it to others?

Jil: It wasn’t a problem for me, you just get to know each other better and bond more. We furnished our car a bit with a topper on which we slept, hung curtains on the windows to darken it a bit and have privacy, and decorated it a bit comfortably. Apart from that, we of course had a gas stove and everything we needed for camping In the beginning or to get out spontaneously, the car is the perfect alternative. In the meantime, we have converted a van, moved in and are traveling through Europe.

Insider tips & goals for the future

FIV: Where was the best place? Do you have an absolute insider tip for us? A special place, a sight or perhaps even a secret route?

Jil: I liked Saxon Switzerland best, the landscape there is really breathtaking and you can go hiking for days and always see something new

FIV: What is your absolute dream destination for the future? You’ve already seen a lot of the world. Is there still a country or perhaps even a specific place that you dream of visiting at some point?

Jil: There’s a lot to be honest, but Namibia, the Philippines, Peru and Sweden are at the top of my list.

Community & experience: tips for beginners

The experiences of other campers are very helpful in making your rooftop camping adventure safer, more enjoyable and more successful. They will help you recognize and avoid potential safety risks, offer tips on how to use your equipment more efficiently and share information on good campsites and activities in the area for more convenience. You can also learn from their mistakes and challenges, save money and avoid frustration.

The recommendations for tried and tested equipment and the sharing of experiences contribute to the formation of a camping community in which you can make new friends. It is therefore advisable to use the experiences of other campers to plan and improve your own camping trip.

Quick summary – you can learn these things from other campers:

• Security
• Efficiency
• Comfort
• Local knowledge
• Error avoidance
• Equipment recommendations
• Community

Learn online from professionals: quick & easy

But if you’ve never been to a campsite and don’t have many campers around you, how would you like to gain this experience? No problem, the internet is full of people who have already had plenty of camping experiences. Here we have compiled a few testimonials from which you can learn a lot for your own vacation.

Experiences in nature: roof tent camping in Scandinavia

We start with an exciting tip for a travel destination. Marie and Jan, the adventurous creators of the YouTube channel “travelventure” have chosen the exciting experience of rooftop tent camping in Norway and Sweden. This trip took them to breathtaking places and created unforgettable experiences, which you can read more about here, why the rooftop tent adventure is worth it.

In search of a new adventure: camping with a roof tent!

Have a look!

• Camping experiences in Scandinavia

Frosty adventures: unforgettable winter camping

Not only can you go camping in summer, it can also be an unforgettable experience to go camping in winter. The icy season sets in and frost covers the meadow. While most people are already holed up in their cozy homes, some adventure seekers find the frosty conditions an invitation to exciting challenges. Fritz Meinecke has tested camping with a roof tent in sub-zero temperatures and now offers useful advice for winter adventures.

New adventure outside the main season? Camping in winter!

Here you can learn how to set up your roof tent, prepare your sleeping area for cold nights and light a warming fire:

• Winter camping & bushcraft experiences

Starry skies, mountains & peaks: nights in a rooftop tent

Here’s another exciting travel tip for you. This time it’s off to the mountains! Imagine opening your eyes on a clear evening and gazing directly into the sparkling starry sky, surrounded by majestic mountains. Sounds like an unforgettable adventure, doesn’t it? This magical experience awaits you when camping with a rooftop tent in the mountains. We would like to tell you about the breathtaking night experience that the bloggers from the YouTube channel Motorreport had in the mountains.

Breathtaking views: Camping in the mountains!

Their experiences can provide you with valuable tips for your own rooftop tent adventures:

• Experiences camping in the mountains of Vosges

Family adventure in a roof tent: camping with a child

For Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel from North Rhine-Westphalia, this fascination with remoteness, the romance of campfires and untouched nature turned into a leap into the deep end, as they wanted to camp as a family with children for the first time. Here we invite you to follow the Gittel family’s exciting journey and give you an insight into their experiences, decisions and adventures during their first camping vacation with a child.

Exciting vacation for the whole family? Camping with a child!

Maybe you’ll find a few ideas and inspiration for your own camping adventure with the family:

• Experiences camping with children

Lost Places: Adventure, Camping & Survival Car

Lost places are often abandoned buildings or locations with a rich history and a special atmosphere. Exploring such places can offer an exciting and unique adventure that will make your camping trip unforgettable. For YouTubers Manu and Jessy, these abandoned places are not the setting for a scary movie, but the heart of their adventures. For starters, they show you their planning for a ‘survival car’ and show off their brand new rooftop tent as they share their passion for exploring lost places.

A particularly exciting adventure? Camping & Lost Places!

Here you can get to know the roof tent for your next camping adventure, familiarize yourself with the structure, the extras and the advantages:

• Camping experiences at Lost Places

Survival car for lost places: on the road with a roof tent

YouTubers Manu and Jessy actually discover abandoned buildings and properties, so-called “lost places”, on their channel. To make it easier to experience their adventures, they have now bought the Adventure roof tent from Campwerk. This is part of their plan to put together a survival car so that they can also spend the night on the road when they are out exploring.

You can read more about the roof tents from Campwerk here:

• Campwerk roof tent

Watch the full review in this video:

You can always learn something from the experiences of other campers. That’s why we’ve quickly summarized a few tips from the video here:

Setup & extras: tips & experience for roof tent newbies

While converting their survival car, Jessy and Manu installed their roof tent and are excited to see how it will prove itself on their upcoming tours. They give tips on how to set it up and talk about their experiences with it.

Step by step: Assembling the roof tent

First, they open the zipper of the cover and remove the tarpaulin. Now you can already see that the outer tarpaulin of the tent is olive green, which goes well with the adventure. They find the running boards on their pickup very practical. Manu can use them to easily remove the tarpaulin.

Our tips: if you don’t have a pickup, a small stepladder or stool will do.

Setting up the tent proves to be surprisingly easy. Manu can simply unfold the tent using the ladder. It’s already up! All that remains to be done is to attach the hinges to the entrance. Finally, the spring rods for the windows can be attached to keep them open. Manu also shows the guy ropes in case it gets too windy, but for now the two explorers don’t need them.

You can set up the roof tent quickly with these steps:

1. Open the zipper of the cover
2. Remove tarpaulin
3. Fold out using the ladder
4. Pin the hinges to the entrance
5. Fastening the spring rods for the windows
6. Possibly bracing in strong winds

Special summer extra: tropical roof

Particularly noteworthy is the tent’s tropical roof, which creates an additional layer of air between the tent and the sun to reduce the heat inside. Manu and Jessy are curious to see if this works in practice when they use the tent on a hot summer’s day.

Tropical roof: extra ventilation for the tent on very warm days (More: Camping accessories)

Rooftop tent from the inside: Windows, mattress & lighting

The tent is also pleasing on the inside. It has windows on the sides to let in fresh air and the overall finish makes a robust impression. Numerous pockets offer space for your camping utensils and options for hanging a string of lights to give the tent a cozy atmosphere.

Manu and Jessy opted for this model as it promised enough space. But even for Manu, who is 1.98 m tall and actually has his hammock with him to sleep on, the mattress proved to be surprisingly comfortable. There is a special material under the mattress that keeps moisture out and prevents mildew and mold. They also like the skylight. They can admire the starry sky if they want to.

Tip! To find the right model for you, you can start by thinking about how big you want your roof tent to be. To do this, you should first think about how many people will be traveling with you. You can read more about this here:

• Roof tent for 2 people
• Roof tent for 3 people
• Roof tent for 4 people
• Roof tent for 5 people

You can do this once you have set up the roof tent and climb inside:

• Windows for fresh air & solid workmanship
• Pockets provide storage space for camping utensils
• Option to hang up fairy lights / lamp
• Surprising comfort & space on the mattress
• Mattress carpet pad prevents moisture & mold
• Skylight for starry sky viewing

Save money & gain freedom: first impression & benefits

Manu and Jessy’s first impression of the roof tent is extremely positive. Not only does it provide a comfortable place to sleep, it also saves money on hotel accommodation. Even more important, however, is the freedom that the roof tent offers them. They can spend the night in the most beautiful places and are not tied to pre-booked accommodation. Manu and Jessy are looking forward to their first night in the rooftop tent. They are looking forward to many exciting adventures in this practical and cozy roof tent.

That’s why it’s worth it for Jessy and Manu to sleep in the roof tent, and maybe for you too:

• Comfortable sleeping accommodation close to nature
• Money savings compared to hotels & hostels
• Possibility to spend the night in the most beautiful places
• Independence from pre-booked accommodation

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Are you also looking forward to your next adventure and would like to take a look at different roof tents? Here you will find our large overview of the various roof tent providers.

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

Once you have an overview of some of the best-known manufacturers, you should compare the roof tents with each other to find the roof tent that suits your needs. This will help you to better compare the roof tents with each other.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Enthusiastic campers: camping experience with hard shell roof tent

Marie and Jan from the YouTube channel travelventure decided to embark on the adventure of camping with a hard-shell roof tent, the iKamper Skycamp from Campwerk to be precise. Right from the start, they were delighted with the fact that they were kindly provided with the tent for their trip and had the opportunity to assemble it on site in Bochum. Despite this, Marie and Jan always emphasize that their opinion is honest and individual.

You can find out more about Campwerk here:

• Campwerk roof tent

You can watch the video yourself here:

Of course, you can always learn from the experiences of others for your own camping adventures. That’s why we’ve summarized them for you here:

Rooftop tents: for families, couples & solo travelers

Marie and Jan have found that rooftop tents offer the comfort of a camper at a fraction of the price and are more comfortable than conventional tents. They are a great option for traveling, whether you are traveling alone, as a family or as a couple. The choice of tent size here depends on the number of people traveling. Marie and Jan had a rooftop tent that was designed for four people, but it was personally too big for them. They recommend trying out the different models before buying.

Rooftop tents offer you these things:

• Camping experience like in a motorhome, only for less money
• Comfort & convenience surpasses conventional tents
• Recommendation: Try out different models before buying

If you go by how many fellow travelers you have, you can choose the size accordingly. You can read more about this here:

• Roof tent for 2 people
• Roof tent for 3 people
• Roof tent for 4 people
• Roof tent for 5 people

Roof tents for every car: installation & equipment

A roof tent can even be mounted on a van to create additional sleeping space. Roof tents can be fitted to almost any car. They are attached to crossbars on the car roof and are therefore independent of the vehicle. The installation of the roof tent is flexible. It can be easily removed if there is no space for it, or it can remain on the vehicle all year round.

What you should know about mounting:

• Roof tents fit on many vehicles
• Mounting on crossbars on the car roof
• Independent of the vehicle & flexible installation
• Disassembly possible where space is limited
• Can be mounted on the vehicle all year round

Cozy nights under the stars: more restful sleep

The roof tent itself is spacious and comfortable. It already has a mattress, which makes it easier for them to set up. With a fitted sheet, a few pillows and a comforter, Marie and Jan feel right at home. The sleeping bag remains ready as an additional option.

Even more comfortable: with additional mattress!

You can find all the other accessories you might need here:

• Camping accessories

Weatherproof, insect protection & peace and quiet: relaxing in the great outdoors

The two bloggers had the opportunity to test their roof tent in various weather conditions, including strong storms in Norway. Although you can feel the wind outside, they felt safe inside the tent. The orientation of the tent is important to avoid the wind blowing head-on. The roof tent performed well in terms of insect protection. Despite the mosquitoes in Sweden, they were largely spared in the tent thanks to the insect nets at the entrance and the windows.

In this way, the roof tent protects you from the weather:

• Feeling safe in the tent despite noticeable wind
• Important: Orientation of the tent to minimize wind
• Insect nets at the entrance & windows

Advantages of the roof tent: nature, comfort & views

Marie and Jan enjoy their camping experience with the roof tent to the full. They can experience the freedom and flexibility of camping in the great outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort and convenience. Camping with a roof tent has some clear advantages. The quick and easy set-up and take-down makes spontaneous trips possible, and it offers a cost-effective alternative to motorhomes. Despite the affordable price, the level of comfort when sleeping in a roof tent is high. The elevated position offers breathtaking views.

Traveling with a rooftop tent is also cost-effective, as it allows lower rates for ferries, campsites and toll roads than with a motorhome. This flexibility allows you to stay overnight in remote locations and gives you the opportunity to explore new places. The rooftop tent also encourages social contact with other travelers at the campsite and often allows free overnight stays outside the campsite (this is allowed in many Scandinavian countries!), making this type of travel particularly attractive.

That’s why you should go camping with a roof tent:

• Freedom & flexibility in harmony with comfort
• Simple assembly & disassembly enables spontaneity
• Cost savings compared to motorhomes
• High sleeping comfort despite affordable price
• Breathtaking views from an elevated position
• Social contact with other travelers is encouraged

You can find even more tips on the benefits at:

• Advantages roof tent

Challenges & considerations: Disadvantages

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages, including minimally increased fuel consumption and wind noise when driving. The limited parking options, the restricted possibilities in extreme weather and the initial purchase costs are further points that should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, making a rooftop tent an attractive option for adventurous travelers.

You should pay attention to this:

• Minimal increase in fuel consumption
• Wind noise when driving
• Limited parking facilities
• Do not use in extreme weather
• High initial acquisition costs
• Nevertheless: advantages outweigh disadvantages

To find out how best to solve the disadvantages, you can read on here:

• Disadvantages roof tent

Rooftop tent manufacturer: the first rooftop tent!

Have you been bitten by the camping bug and would like to buy a rooftop tent? There are countless suppliers on the market and this can quickly become confusing for beginners. To help you get to grips with this, you can find out more about the different manufacturers in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: suitable roof tents

Given the abundance, it’s also worth taking a look at which roof tent is best for which needs. You can find out here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Camping adventures planned: from the idea to the roof tent

The video is about a family called Gittel, consisting of Tino, Yvonne and their daughter Samiya, who are preparing for a camping adventure. Tino has the idea of getting his family excited about camping, although Yvonne has always preferred hotel vacations. In the video you can see their thoughts on how to choose the roof tent from iKamper and plan their trip, including the choice of campsite.

iKamper is a popular brand for roof tents. You can read more about it here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5K8JMaoKE

The fascination of camping adventures: costs, equipment & family

The camping trend is enjoying great popularity, and many people cherish the desire for unrestricted freedom. They long for a vacation in the great outdoors that allows them to sleep in the most beautiful places and move on flexibly, depending on their mood. Whether you opt for a caravan, motorhome or tent depends on your personal preferences. According to a study by the ADAC, there are already 15 million enthusiastic campers in Germany. But how do you find your way around this wide range?

Between skepticism & anticipation: camping on vacation

Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Tino has come up with something special for his next vacation: he wants to get his family interested in camping. He thinks camping is very exciting, while his wife Ivonne is skeptical at first. She is worried that she will have to restrict herself too much in terms of space and comfort. However, their nine-year-old daughter is also enthusiastic about the idea. She has already been on a camping vacation with her aunt and had a lot of fun. So her mother is going to try it out for her sake.

This family tests camping: Ivonne, Tino and daughter Samiya.

Camping solution: roof tent, tent trailer & caravan

Sure, this year the decision has been made to go camping. However, there are different types of camping. Should it be a caravan or motorhome, or would you prefer a tent or caravan? The variety of options is considerable. A motorhome or caravan undoubtedly offers a certain level of luxury. But Tino has heard from relatives and friends who are faced with the problem of having to put their vehicle somewhere at the end of the season year after year.

A folding caravan or tent trailer, which is more compact than a caravan, is ruled out as it is too time-consuming for the family to set up. After extensive research on the Internet, the Gittels finally decide on a roof tent. Most rooftop tents on the net only offer a standard sleeping area of 1.40 meters maximum, which is too narrow for three people. Finally, they came across a suitable option – the X-Cover from iKamper, which is large enough to accommodate four people, measuring 2.10 by 1.90 meters.

Here you can quickly compare the considerations of the Gittel family:

The solution to the space problem: a larger roof tent! (Tip: You can find suitable sizes under: Roof tent for 2 people, Roof tent for 3 people, Roof tent for 4 people and Roof tent for 5 people).

Price of roof tents: Search for bargains

In terms of price, roof tents range between 800 and 4,000 euros. The decisive criteria for buying a roof tent are a sleeping area of at least 1.60 meters wide, quick set-up and an affordable price, with a pain threshold of 3,000 euros. The Gittels’ dream roof tent is somewhat expensive at 3,300 euros. However, you can also find second-hand tents on the Internet, which means you can make considerable savings. They browse for new items and bargains. Tino and Yvonne find what they are looking for: their dream tent now costs just 2,500 euros.

Price: 800 – 4,000 euros (used: around 2,500 euros)

Searching for the campsite: preparation & planning

Tino’s next challenge is to find the right campsite, which is no easy task given that there are almost 2,800 campsites in Germany. But which of these campsites is the right one for the family? The selection criteria are many and varied, because it’s not just about the campsite’s facilities. The family is looking for cleanliness and peace and quiet, which is why Tino believes that it is important to find out about the campsites in advance, for example by reading reviews and ratings.

They also want the campsite to have certain facilities, including a playground and a restaurant, to ensure they can cater for themselves on site. A site with at least four stars is preferred, and it should be a reasonably priced alternative to a hotel. In addition, they need to consider what sights they want to see and what activities they want to do. For more comfort, the roof tent is mounted on a trailer.

If you want to go camping with your child, these criteria can also help you find the right campsite:

• Reviews & ratings
• Cleanliness, relaxation & tranquillity
• Amount of the price
• Sights & activities
• Playground & restaurant?

Not just planning a campsite: buying accessories

Before the journey can begin, Tino and Yvonne have to do some shopping, including two sleeping bags, two sleeping mats as well as pots, crockery and cutlery to ensure that they are well supplied during the trip. Of course, a second-hand camping kitchen is also a must in the trailer. Tino is particularly concerned about the provisions, as he appreciates a certain level of comfort.

You need this absolute basic equipment in any case:

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping mats
• Kitchen
• Pots
• Tableware
• Cutlery

Tip! You can read about what else you should take with you and other important camping tips here: Camping accessories.

Environmental protection & choice of destination: car & travel

A big advantage for Tino and Yvonne are the operating costs, as they use an electric car. This means that they only have to pay around 70 euros in electricity costs for a 500 km journey, compared to almost 100 euros if they were to use an older petrol car. It is also a more environmentally friendly travel option. For a shorter trip, the family opts for the North Sea coast and Cuxhaven as their destination. Friends of theirs are also camping there, and they like it too.

These tips will help you protect the environment and your wallet:

• Electric car: lower operating costs
• Choice of destination: not too far away

Is it worth it? Camping adventures with the family

In conclusion, the question arises as to whether the financial outlay was worth it and whether a camping vacation can be considered a cost-effective alternative to a hotel stay. The Gittel family is satisfied with their camping adventure. Samiya sleeps restfully in the roof tent and all family members can switch off in the fresh North Sea air without an all-inclusive program and time pressure. This vacation has brought the family closer together and they are ready for more camping adventures.

Here is the conclusion of our tester family in a nutshell:

• Satisfied Gittel family
• Restful sleep in the roof tent
• Relax in the fresh North Sea air
• Strengthening family cohesion
• More camping adventures with pleasure

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Would you also like to buy your first roof tent for the family? You can find many different manufacturers here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

To help you find the right one, you can take a look at this comparison.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Ice-cold challenge: rooftop tent adventure in sub-zero temperatures

The idea was to test the roof tent in cold weather. While summer camping is pleasant, here we are facing really icy temperatures. Many of you may know the survival expert Fritz Meinecke, who became famous through projects such as “7 vs. Wild”. On his YouTube channel, he is dedicated to survival in the wilderness and teaches skills that are also extremely useful when camping. Fritz has even tested a roof tent from iKamper in conditions of -7 °C.

You can take a look at the roof tents from iKamper here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

Winter camping with a roof tent: survival expert shows how it’s done

Despite spending the night in the roof tent, the bushcraft feeling is a must for a survival expert. So Fritz Meinecke makes a nice fire on the side, looks for some wood in the low temperature and introduces the roof tent.

From deadwood to absorbent cotton pads: campfires like a pro

We start with practical tricks for making a fire. While Fritz collects wood, cuts it to size with an axe and then builds a fire, he explains the best way to do this. If you want to make a fire on your next camping trip, you should make sure that you mainly use dry dead wood. Then split it into smaller pieces with an axe and use the driest pieces from the core to make small sticks to start the fire. To do this, strike the end of a smaller piece with your axe to split it.

Tip from Fritz: Make sure you have two bundles of wood sticks ready so that you still have something the next day and don’t have to look for and chop wood as soon as you get up.

In order to have a good fire afterwards, the video also explains how the wood should be stacked. It is best to make a small base from the larger pieces and stack the sticks on top in a square. You can use absorbent cotton pads soaked in wax as tinder to light the fire. The best way to do this is to throw the burning absorbent cotton pad into the middle of the stacked wood.

This checklist will help you keep track of how to make a good fire quickly and easily:

1. Collecting dry deadwood
2. Splitting wood with an axe
3. Making narrower sticks
4. Base made from larger pieces
5. Stack the sticks square on top
6. Light wax-soaked cotton pads
7. Make provisions & invest wood reserves

Sleeping area: roof tent set-up & cozy furnishings

Once the wood has been chopped, the roof tent can be erected. After quickly opening the hard shell of the tent and unfolding it on the ladder, the tent is ready for the night. The survival expert only needs one or two minutes to do this. Particularly important: remember to pull the carpet pad under the mattress so that you have less moisture in the tent. Then you have the large sleeping area ready and can lie in it just like Fritz.

Let’s move on to preparing the sleeping area. At such low temperatures, you should definitely invest in a good winter sleeping bag, like the one Fritz uses. It should get really cold at night. Add a lantern to the tent for some light and your sleeping area is ready. Fritz also introduces you to some practical storage options that can be attached to the outside of the tent. These include hanging organizers and sliding hooks.

These things are important when pitching the tent and preparing for the night:

1. Quick tent set-up: Open the hard shell & unfold the tent
2. Avoid moisture in the tent with the right carpet pad
3. Comfortable overnight stay in a spacious bedroom
4. Good winter sleeping bag recommended for cold nights
5. Hang a lantern in the tent for lighting in the tent
6. Use hanging organizers & sliding hooks

You can create pleasant lighting with a lantern:

Practical outdoor cooking trick: Homemade tripod

Finally, Fritz makes a tripod out of sticks. He knots a ribbon to one side and then wraps the rest around it. As soon as the tripod is over the fire, he adds a hook made from another piece of wood. Finally, a pot is hung on it and delicious food can be cooked. In Fritz’s case, a lentil soup. But of course you can cook whatever you like. Just make sure that the food has a long shelf life.

Help with cooking: Make your own tripod

Rooftop tents for road trips & short breaks: Recommendation

Even after a wintry night in the roof tent, Fritz realizes that the roof tent is perfect for a weekend overnight stay in the wilderness. He notes that there is a big difference compared to spending the night in a vehicle. It’s difficult to set up in a parking lot somewhere in the city center. But for short vacations and road trips, he would recommend the roof tent. For him, it’s a variable thing, so it’s not something for everyday use that he will always have on the car, but for certain tours, trips and road trips.

Conclusion: Rooftop tent is great for short vacations & road trips

Rooftop tent manufacturer: overview for beginners

Curious? You can take a look at other roof tents here.

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

In addition to the overview of the various roof tent manufacturers, we also show you our personal favorites here.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Dawn in the mountains: try out rooftop tent camping

What does it actually feel like to be on the road with a roof tent? Imagine it’s early in the morning, the sun is just rising and you’re up at 1,500 meters above sea level – with a roof tent! Sounds like a crazy trip, doesn’t it? Today I want to tell you about the adventure night from the YouTube channel Motorreport in the mountains, where bloggers Anja and Matthias spent the night in an iKamper roof tent for the very first time.

You can find out more about iKamper roof tents here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

On the road in the large version: Skycamp roof tent

The two bloggers had the Škoda Enyaq Coupé as their base vehicle, and on the roof of the car they had a roof tent called the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. As usual with the Skycamp models, the Skycamp 3.0 is available in a Mini Edition and a large version. They had the large version here, which offers space for up to four people. Anja and Matthias slept in it to see how spacious it is.

Tip! You can read more about this roof tent size here: Rooftop tent for 4 people.

Setting up the roof tent: Let the adventure begin!

Anja put up the roof tent for the very first time at the very beginning. To put up the roof, she first had to unlock the eyelets with the key and then fold down the tent. Now they could fold up the roof in pairs. The wind was blowing quite strongly, but the roof almost raised itself. Depending on the dynamic load capacity of the vehicle, the ladder can either be stowed directly on the roof tent or in the trunk. In the video, it was stowed in the trunk. Next, it was locked into place, extended and the roof tent was up.

Once at the top, the awning could be erected, which was surprisingly easy. The awning already came with poles that just had to be inserted into the brackets on the tent. And Anja already had a protective roof over her head.

You should remember this procedure for your first roof tent assembly:

1. Unlock eyelets with key
2. Folding down the base plate
3. Fold up the roof in pairs
4. Ladder in the roof tent or trunk depending on load capacity
5. Engage ladder & set up securely
6. Insert awning poles into brackets

Freezing temperatures & wind: experience & advice

For the overnight stay, Anja and Matthias decided to close the roof tent completely. It has three layers: the outer layer, a fly screen and a blackout blind. This meant they could be sure that they would not only stay dry, but would also be protected from insects. During the night, however, they felt the wind. The thermometer read around 5 °C. They reported that thinner sleeping bags would not have been a good idea.

As a conclusion to their first night in the roof tent, they had these suggestions for improvement: Wrap up thick and maybe put something under the mattress. But challenges aside, the view from the roof tent in the morning was simply breathtaking. When they opened the windows, a breathtaking panoramic view awaited them. Even the wind wasn’t so bad.

For your next roof tent adventure: Warm sleeping bags & put something under the mattress.

Unforgettable experience in a rooftop tent: adventure

On the whole, the rooftop tent experience was certainly unforgettable, but the bloggers are more likely to be occasional campers. One thing is for sure: it was an adventure that they will remember for a long time to come. However, those who want to travel in a smaller vehicle and be as close to nature as possible should definitely find happiness in a rooftop tent.

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Are you considering buying your own roof tent after reading this experience report? There are countless manufacturers on the market. So that you can get to know the most important ones, you should read on in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

However, you not only need an overview, but a recommendation as to which roof tent is best suited compared to others can also help you. Then it won’t be so difficult to choose the right roof tent. You can find our roof tent favorites here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Our top recommendation: selection, models & their advantages

Here you have already got to know a small selection of our favorites, but there are many more brands in the sky of rooftop tent brands. For a detailed overview of 13 rooftop tent suppliers, you can read on here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Challenges & restrictions with a roof tent

The freedom of camping in a rooftop tent is undoubtedly tempting. A quick and uncomplicated set-up, the prospect of breathtaking places to spend the night and the opportunity to experience nature up close are just some of the reasons why more and more adventure-seekers are opting for a rooftop tent adventure.

Of course, camping with a roof tent also has many advantages, which you can read about here:

• Roof tents Advantages

However, as with everything in life, there are also some disadvantages and limitations to consider. You can get an even better overview directly from the source: Rooftop tent disadvantages (Campwerk).

Expensive abolition: why it’s still worth it

You may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets at the beginning. Rooftop tents are often a little more expensive than conventional tents. This is because they are specially built and made of high-quality materials. But don’t worry, it pays off! Rooftop tents are still cheaper than most caravans and motorhomes and can be used for many camping adventures to come thanks to their robustness and durability. After all, you’ll save yourself the expense of other accommodation when you’re on the road because you’re equipped with a roof tent.

Here are a few important things regarding the costs:

• Purchase price more expensive, but cheaper than caravan/mobile home
• Investment pays off in the long term, as no more hotel costs

Pay attention to the fuel: additional weight

Of course, the additional weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. Your driving behavior can also be affected by the additional weight. However, it is fair to say that this does not come close to the fuel consumption of a caravan or motorhome. In comparison, the roof tent is lighter and puts less strain on your car. There is also a maximum speed limit for some roof tents. You should definitely adhere to this to prevent accidents and save fuel.

Other disadvantages are:

• Increased fuel consumption, but less than a motorhome
• Speed limit, but fewer accidents & fuel consumption

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Watch out for lightning!

Most rooftop tents can withstand rain and wind, but in the event of a heavy storm or thunderstorm, it is better to stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. Of course, this also means costs, but on average it is still cheaper than staying in a hotel for your entire vacation. A roof tent does not have a closed metal construction like a car. In addition, it is in an elevated position due to its place on the car roof. This can quickly make lightning strikes dangerous. However, you can simply sit in the car during thunderstorms with lightning.

Pofi tip: Always check the weather forecast so that you can plan accordingly.

You should pay attention to this in bad weather:

• Less stability during storms – solve with: one night in a hotel
• Do not set up in case of lightning – solve with: wait out thunderstorms in the car

During thunderstorms you can wait in the car and then set up the roof tent again!

No space for heavy furniture, such as cupboards

A rooftop tent is one of the most space-saving options for a vacation in the great outdoors. But due to its more compact size, the space in a roof tent is not comparable to the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motorhome. And of course you can’t permanently install furniture, you have to reassemble it every time. On the other hand, a roof tent is of course much lighter and cheaper, and you often have more sleeping space compared to a conventional tent.

You have these disadvantages due to the space in the roof tent:

• Less living space than in a caravan, but more sleeping space than in a conventional tent
• Less space for permanently installed furniture, but the roof tent is therefore also significantly lighter

Tip: With the right camping accessories, you can also stow everything important in the roof tent to save space!

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. Once you’ve unfolded the tent in the evening, you still have to fold it up to drive to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick assembly and disassembly, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-earned snack for dinner.

Short & sweet:

• Roof tent must always be dismantled first, but with a little practice it can be done very quickly

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

We’ve just told you a lot about the disadvantages, but perhaps we’ve been able to pique your curiosity with the solution to these disadvantages. If you would like to know more about roof tents, you can find many different models with different functions in this article:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

To make sure you find the right roof tent for your needs and have fewer disadvantages, you can find our shopping recommendations here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Problems can be solved – and then everyone is quickly happy again!

Advantages: Freedom on the car roof

Roof tent camping is becoming increasingly popular and not without reason. A camping vacation with a roof tent offers you many advantages. One of the biggest is that you are flexible and independent. You can camp almost anywhere as long as you can find a suitable pitch. You can discover new places without depending on fixed accommodations. So camping with a roof tent adds a sense of adventure and freedom to your travels.

Make sure you don’t sleep outside the campsite uneralubt. Read more: Wild camping.

Fold & go: Travel independently

When you want to travel further, you can simply fold up your roof tent again and drive off. Roof tents are usually quick to set up and take down. Most models have mechanisms that are designed to allow you to open the tent as quickly and conveniently as possible. You save time and can focus on exploring the surroundings faster. On the roof of the car they are also extremely space-saving and you hardly notice the roof tent on the onward journey – you can even continue to use the trunk as normal.

Small to large: different models

Unlike traditional tents, rooftop tents don’t require additional floor space. This means you usually don’t need a particularly large pitch either, which can be cheaper. Even with an awning, there are rooftop tents that require less space than a caravan or camper. For roof tent are also available for purchase in different sizes. There are different models and sizes of roof tents that can be adapted to different needs. Whether alone, in pairs or as a family – there are suitable options.

You can see the different sizes here:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Sleeping on the roof of the car: free from bad floors

The fact that your roof tent is on the car roof protects you from the cold or uneven ground. The ground plate, which is attached to the top of your car, is always straight. This way you can lie comfortably and not get stabbed in the back by a root in the middle of the night. Often it also gives you a better view and closeness to nature. Despite the feeling of being in the middle of nature, you are protected from curious animals.

In the middle of nature: but still weatherproof!

If you have a roof tent with hard shell, you usually also have extremely high stability in rain and wind. This means you are better protected from rain, moisture and other weather conditions. Nevertheless, most of the roof tent models have windows and sometimes even skylights. So you can experience the sunrise, the starry sky and the surroundings directly.

Overview: 9 advantages of roof tent camping

And finally, roof tent camping can be a social experience. Many campgrounds and meetings offer the opportunity to meet other campers and share ideas. For example, about these nine advantages of camping with a roof tent:

• Flexible travel
• Quick assembly and disassembly
• Space-saving
• Protection from animals & weather
• Versatility
• Proximity to nature
• Spirit of adventure
• Community
• Higher comfort & better view

Disadvantages & why it is still worth it

There are always two sides to the coin. A roof tent can also bring its problems. For example, the purchase price is first higher than most conventional tents or a one-night hotel stay. After that, however, the price is worth it, as there are rarely many more costs after the purchase price. With a hotel stay you would have to pay again for the next vacation, with a roof tent you have only a small fee for the campsite, because you have your sleeping place directly with it.

Pay attention to the fuel: extra weight

Of course, the extra weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. However, it is fair to say that this still does not come close to the consumption of a caravan or motorhome. The roof tent is lighter in comparison and therefore requires less load on your car. There is also a maximum speed for some roof tents. You should adhere to this in order to prevent accidents and to save fuel.

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Attention lightning!

Rain and wind can withstand most roof tents, but in case of a stronger storm or a thunderstorm you should better stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. A roof tent does not have a closed metal structure, like a car. Additionally, its place on the roof of the car puts it in an elevated position. This can make lightning strikes dangerous very quickly.

No space for heavy furniture, such as cabinets

A rooftop tent is already one of the space-saving ways to vacation in nature. But due to the more compact size, the space in the roof tent is not comparable with the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motor home. But in return, of course, it is much lighter and cheaper.

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. If you’ve already unfolded the tent in the evening, you’ll still have to fold it up to make one trip to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick setup and tear down, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-deserved snack for dinner.

Summary: 5 disadvantages

Here you can find an overview of all 5 disadvantages.

• Higher purchase price
• Slightly increased fuel consumption
• Not suitable for storm & thunderstorm
• Limited living space
• Must be folded in before moving on

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

If the advantages have made you curious, then you will find here the various roof tent manufacturers. You will find many different sizes, types and models, so you can find exactly the roof tent that suits you.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison