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

Seokwoon Yoon: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

Seokwoon Yoon always manages to combine a variety of textures and materials that are unusual and unexpected. His collections are often inspired by nature and incorporate organic shapes and movements. Yoon often translates his inspiration using the trompe l’oeil technique, creating a unique combination of art and ready-to-wear – Such is the case with his concept for F/W 2023 Seoul Fashion Week.

Metamorphosis and fashion, according to Seokwoon Yoon, definitely have some things in common. Just as metamorphosis involves progress, SEOKWOON YOON discovers beauty in the process. Once again, Yoon’s signature style can be found by means of oversized shapes, creative draping technique and unconventional twisted constructions.

Yoon’s inspiration for the new collection: the metamorphosis and its unfinished beauty

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Seoul Fashion Week

Ajobyajo: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

Ajo’s designs are all in the name of streetwear. The looks are cool and casual and influenced by numerous subcultures. The inspiration behind the designs: bringing together the many underground cultures of South Korea.

Also this season the typical signature of Ajo can be found on the catwalk. The clothes are adorned with social, rebellious messages. The models are distinguished by their very individual, extraordinary charm. Ajo’s inclusion is unique and admirable. Instead of resorting to the typical beauties of the fashion industry, drag queens, seniors and people with disabilities grace the catwalk, in line with the motto: What’s the beauty in non-mainstream, non-mainstream?

The basic idea of Ajobyajo: What is the beauty of non-mainstream, non-mainstream?

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Seoul Fashion Week

Greedilous: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

Loved by celebrities and influencers worldwide, fashion label Greedilous has made a name for itself within the last few years as one of South Korea’s most popular fashion brands. While founder Younhee Park’s designs continue to have an undeniable presence in Seoul, they have recently found their way into international showrooms in Hong Kong, France and the US. Always at the forefront: Park’s love for innovative graphics paired with intricate silhouettes. Not anyway, Park has come to be called the “Queen of Print.” Her collections are progressive and cosmopolitan with strong visual effects that can be found in print, shape, fabric and pattern design.

This season, the theme is “Focus on Yourself,” combining the free-spirited sensibility of the ’70s with glam and rock elements and casual and feminine athleisure details. In doing so, the Y2K trend is interpreted in a retro and futuristic way to express the greed for a culture of self-realization.

The theme of the fall / winter collection of Greedilous: Focus on yourself

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Seoul Fashion Week

Tuesday: W.E4.Fashion Day with Rebekka Ruétz, Marcel Ostertag & more

For the first time in the history of Berlin Fashion Week the four designers Rebekka Ruétz, Marcel Ostertag, Kilian Kerner and Danny Reinke present together a new concept for Fashion Week 2023. Under the motto “Hand in Hand, together for Berlin” the four designers show their new collection in the Bolle Festsäle. The goal: to stick together and work together! The W.E4. Fashion Day is to enrich Berlin in the coming years and strengthen its image as a fashion metropolis.

Check out outfits from the runway here:

• Rebekka Ruétz
• Marcel Ostertag
• Kilian Kerner
• Bobkova

Wednesday: Damur, Namilia and Marc Cain

At the Berlin Fashion Week shows by Anja Gockel or Marc Cain can not be missing, of course, for many years they are regularly represented at the Fashion Week. But also Ukrainian designers present their collections. A highlight is the comeback of Namilia, after three years off the catwalk.

Check out outfits from the runway here:

• Dzhus
• Damur
• Anja Gockel
• Litkovska
• Namilia
• Marc Cain

Thursday: Haderlump and Jean Gritsfeldt

On Thursday there will be shows from Berlin-born label Haderlump and Ukrainian fashion brand Jean Gritsfeldt. Both collections feature experimental and innovative designs that make you think.

Check out outfits from the runway here:

• Haderlump
• Jean Gritsfeldt

Conclusion

Three days Berlin and finally again Fashion Week with shows, side events and of course the many fairs. Also this year the Berlin Fashion Week has shown how diverse and beautiful Berlin Fashion can be. My highlights are definitely the W.E4. Fashion Day, with designs by four designers who have been closely associated with Berlin Fashion Week for years, the long-awaited comeback of Namilia and the touching fashion of Ukrainian designers, who have been more than welcome at Berlin Fashion Week for a year now.

Berlin Fashion Week: Story

Berlin Fashion Week is an annual event dedicated to the presentation of new fashion collections for the upcoming season. It was created in 2003 by the Berlin fashion fair Premium Exhibitions and since then it is held twice a year, usually in January and July.

The event serves as a platform for German and international designers to present their latest collections. Over the years, Berlin Fashion Week has become an important event in the international fashion industry and attracts numerous visitors and media representatives from all over the world every year.

During Fashion Week, numerous fashion shows, exhibitions, parties and other events take place. Berlin Fashion Week is also known for its support of up-and-coming talent and its focus on sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.

Fashion Week Berlin AW23/24

Shows & Runway Highlights – 3 days on the road at Berlin Fashion Week with shows by Marcel Ostertag, Damur, Anja Gockel, Killian Kerner and many more. Here are the highlights for you:

• Fashion Week Berlin AW23/24

Damur: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

The “Reviver” collection is dedicated to the idea of a second chance in life. Starting from models in need who found their way to a second chance in life in fashion, to the use of flowers that would have been disposed of if they were not in the show. Damur’s collection features unsystematic cuts, a rich mix of soft and hard ruffles, and large and small, delicate but fun cutout details.

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Lina Green

Kilian Kerner: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

This season stand out high-quality sequins in wet look and on denim, tulle with rhinestones, pants and shirts with glitter cords, as well as closed fabric slits and looks with glass plates. The dominant colors are pink, lemon, orange, gold, blue and black. Sheer fabrics, open backs and low-rise pants make Kilian Kerner’s collection sexier than ever, transforming the designs into sophisticated day and night looks!

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Marcel Ostertag: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

The looks of the show were characterized by black latex and imposing fake fur coats. Here, the colors red, black, mint, blue, off-white and cream enter into a liaison with the exclusive prints. For Peter Hahn, the designs are convincing with classic, elegant cut patterns in chic coats and blazers.

Fashion show: Live

Runway: Highlights

Designs for Peter Hahn

Photo Credits: Sebastian Reuter (Getty Images)

Litkovska: Autumn Winter Looks 23/34

In terms of visual aesthetics , Litkovska remains true to his raffined,art-inspired chic. Weightless fringe dresses and crocheted accessories sit alongside tailored, masculine suits and elaborate gowns. Litkovska ‘s styles areunited in their diversity: solemn and down-to-earth, androgynous and feminine, with perfect lines and charmingly chaotic silhouettes, they embody youthful energy in a modest, intimate way.

Runway: Highlights

Photo Credits: Finnegan Godenschweger