Rooftop tents have hit the mainstream for travellers worldwide, and iKamper continues to be a growing brand in no small part due to the Skycamp 4X model.

Skycamp 4X vs Skycamp 4X 2.0

We’ve previously reviewed the iKamper Skycamp 4X, so for those familiar with the tent, I’ll start with a quick look at the main improvements.

1. The 2.0 includes a world map for planning your global adventures!
2. The memory foam mattress is now thicker
3. It now has smart side straps to effortlessly tuck the canvas inside the shell during the closure
4. It comes with tension poles for the end windows, not just the entrance
5. The ladder rungs are more horizontal for more comfortable barefoot climbing

The 2.0 is almost entirely better and full credit to iKamper for incorporating customer feedback into a fresh model so rapidly. The only negative, and it’s a small one, is that there is slightly less space inside for storing bedding due to the thicker mattress. Some travellers are removing their doona and pillows if they have space in their vehicle. Others are using down hiking sleeping bags which are highly compressible or self-inflating mattress like the comfortable MegaMat range from Exped to allow for this gear to fit inside.

Pitching the iKamper 4X

If you haven’t experienced hardshell rooftop rents, they are easy to setup. First up unlock the iKamper and give the lid a push upwards, the gas struts will take over.

Undo the ladder retaining velcro and fully extend the ladder. There is a net cover for the foot of the ladder. It’s designed to both catch dirty and stop the ladder rubbing during travel. It can come off at this point

Using the ladder as a lever, unfold the base of the iKamper. It’s an easy manoeuvre.

From here climb up and install the two tension springs over the entrance. When you need the shade over the end windows, you can install the tension springs for those too.

For extreme winds, the iKamper comes with clip-on sleeves that hold the hardshell open. In these types of conditions, it’s best to pack up your awning and position the vehicle hardshell to the breeze. It will deflect the wind better, and it also means the entrance is in the lee of the weather.

Packing the iKamper Away

The iKamper is almost as quick to pack away. First up organise your bedding. If you’re using an Exped mat, deflate it, if you choose to leave sleeping gear up top position it neatly along the hinge with any bulk towards the deeper back. The mattress is in two parts position the smaller section on top of the base at the door edge.

Leave each window roughly half to quarter open to let the air escape. Next, use the ladder to fold the floor back up, the bulk of the fabric will pull out the way during this process.

Collapse the ladder, section at a time, and velcro it back in place.

Grab hold of the closing strap (wide) and two tuck straps (narrow) and pull the lid closed while tucking in the side canvas, with a small gap remaining pop the straps inside and finish closing the shell by hand.

Features We Like

The sunroof is such a simple idea, it’s a surprise it’s not more common. Nothing beats gazing at the stars from the comfort of a mobile treehouse!

Of course, the king size mattress is hard to beat. It’s perfect both for couples seeking some luxury and small families.

Small details like the ladder not obstructing the rear door are another simple bonus.

The zip on iKamper Annex Room and Awning is fast to set up and compact to carry. They add exceptional versatility to this setup.

Build Quality and Weight

Over the last couple of years, we’ve tested the iKamper Skycamp 4X, Skycamp 2X and now the Skycamp 4X 2.0 across Australia. You can see some of the trips they have been on here.

The fine dust and water have stayed out, they haven’t leaked, and we’ve sustained no damage but the odd scratch.

Premium two-person rooftop tents usually range from 60 to 100 kg. The iKamper Skycamp 4X 2.0 weighs 73 kg, which when considering the additional internal room, is impressive.

Learn More

For more technical information and pricing visit iKamper Australia or iKamper United States.

Mike Collister

Founder of Adventure Curated, Mike has spent his life outdoors. He has represented Australia as a slalom kayaker, guided whitewater expeditions in Nepal, and taught outdoor education and wilderness medicine. He’s paddled the Kimberley’s Fitzroy River in the wet season, across the Bass Strait and has explored many of Australia’s remote areas by 4x4.