August 24, 2022 |  By Andrew McLemore

North Carolina’s SylvanSport releases its first rooftop tent (RTT). Aside from being cheaper than many of its competitors, it’s also noticeably lightweight for a hardshell RTT.

SylvanSport enters the rooftop tent game with LOFT, a tent suitable for cars, trucks, SUVs, and even the brand’s accessory kayak trailer.

The basic design involves four hydraulic assist arms, allowing users to set it up and pack it down in less than a minute, the company said. The familiar design also offers simple awnings, hanging interior storage, and a more-or-less full-size mattress.

This is the North Carolina company’s first foray into the rooftop tent market. So, what sets it apart from the competition?

“SylvanSport is known for creating lightweight towable trailers and their expansion into the RTT [rooftop tent] arena with the LOFT continues to allow access to the outdoors by more folks,” a company spokesperson said. “The LOFT, as compared to its direct competitors, is one of the most economical roof-top tents, coming in under the $3,000 price point. And it’s one of the lightest at 117 pounds.”

SylvanSport LOFT Rooftop Tent – Walkthrough from SylvanSport on Vimeo.

The LOFT also has high-end features like an “anti-condensation mat” under the mattress that aims to increase airflow and moisture absorption. An included portable and rechargeable fan/light combination system helps keep conditions inside hospitable.

Four openings close with either screen mesh or nylon weather panels, to control ventilation and keep pests out. The LOFT also offers several hanging organizer pockets and gear lofts for storage.

You can also mount the LOFT RTT on SylvanSport’s GO EASY kayak trailer, which opens up the range of vehicles it works with. As long as your car can tow the little 4′ x 4′ trailer, it should have no problem with the 117-pound tent.

We’d be cautious after that: the GO EASY rack only specifies a 165-pound carrying capacity.

Measuring 82” x 50” x 41” when open, the LOFT uses a molded shell made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It’s compatible with most rack systems, the company said.

The LOFT comes at a retail price of $2,795.

An award-winning journalist and photographer, Andrew McLemore brings more than 14 years of experience to his position as Associate News Editor for Lola Digital Media. Andrew is a musician, climber and traveler who currently lives in Cuenca, Ecuador, which he uses as a home base for adventures throughout the Americas. When he's not writing, playing gigs or exploring the outdoors, he's hanging out with his dog Campana.

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