Yakima Pitches the SkyRise, a Rooftop Tent

File this one under “Aaron’s Christmas Wishlist.” The SkyRise is Yakima’s first entry into the tent market, but seeing as how it mounts to your roof rack, it makes sense. Instead of searching for the perfect spot free of roots and rocks to make camp, you just put your vehicle in park and pop up …

By Aaron Chamberlain
July 28, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

12 comments

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The new SkyRise rooftop tent from Yakima (all images courtesy of Yakima)

File this one under “Aaron’s Christmas Wishlist.”

The SkyRise is Yakima’s first entry into the tent market, but seeing as how it mounts to your roof rack, it makes sense. Instead of searching for the perfect spot free of roots and rocks to make camp, you just put your vehicle in park and pop up the tent. For those who like to car camp (like me), it looks like the SkyRise will make getting into the woods quicker and easier.

The tent itself is constructed from 210D ripstop nylon, with a waterproof polyurethane coating. For star-gazing, the SkyRise has a mesh roof. Should the weather turn on you, there is a rainfly included as well. Two sizes of the SkyRise will be offered. The small will fit two adults, while the medium will sleep up to three. Full specs from Yakima are below.

Shared features:

Rugged 210D nylon tent body is certified fire-resistant, breathable and exceptionally lightweight
Mesh panel improves ventilation, allows view of starry skies
210D nylon rainfly with PU coating is waterproof and durable
Spring steel rainfly poles are light and strong
2.5-inch high-density foam mattress with waterproof bottom
Fast and simple vehicle attachment – no tools required
Universal crossbar compatibility
Locks to base rack with SKS (Same Key System) Lock Cores for added security

SkyRise Medium

Dimensions: 56” x 96” x 48” H (expanded); 56” x 48” x 12” (folded)
Weight: 90 lbs.
Sleeps 3 adults
MSRP: $1,349
Available: Spring 2017

SkyRise Small

Dimensions: 48” x 84” x 42” H (expanded); 48” x 42” x 12” (folded)
Weight: 75 lbs.
Sleeps 2 adults
MSRP: $999
Available: Spring 2017

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12 Comments

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Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Jul 29, 2016

I have a RTT and use it on top on my pickup shell. The static weight load for a vehicle is higher than the dynamic rating . My wife & I (over 400 lbs. with the tent weight) sleep in our with no damage; of course, we haven't engaged in any heavy calisthenics either.
@Jerry Stoeckigt's point on breaking camp is valid and I'm considering buying an off road trailer carry mine.
I haven't tried the Tentsile Stingray Tree Tent, but it looks like a cool alternative.

1 reply

Jerry Stoeckigt 2014
Jul 28, 2016

I have seen these and while they look pretty awesome, I wonder about the practicality in many situations. If you have a self sustained base camp it would be great. But if want to head into town for a burger and beer, groceries or more band-aids, you have to completely break camp. If you want to check out another trail head, same drill. It seems like more work than its worth, when an air mattress costs $25.00, takes no space and gives you a lot more travel options. Just my thinking.

RidingPastor North Carolina // 2009
Jul 29, 2016

that is an excellent point never thought of that.

0 reply

I would buy a hammock with bugnet plus tarp and sleep wonderfully in the woods.

Jadama 2016
Jul 28, 2016

Unfortunately the maximum roof load for most cars is between 110lbs and 220lbs (50kg - 100kg). I think even if some weight is distributed to the ladder that won't work for an adult. I don't think the car will collapse, but perhaps it will have a negative impact in a warranty case.

Brice Pollock 2017
May 8, 2017

Yakima says that you can exceed the weight as long as you are not driving:
https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002660548-Why-can-I-exceed-the-165lb-vehicle-weight-limit-with-my-SkyRise-

AUTHOR

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Jul 28, 2016

I was wondering about that too.

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Jul 28, 2016

What does the tent look like when it's all packed up? Is it basically just a flattish box that you open up like a pop-up camper?

Can't post images here but you can see pictures in my review:
http://www.bricepollock.com/gear-review-yakima-skyrise-car-top-tent-2-person/

Yeah it folds up into a box that's only about a foot tall.

ironhead700 Ontario // 2009
Jul 31, 2016

over a grand for a tent???????

mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Jul 31, 2016

Several concerns listed above, but you've hit the nail on the head Ironhead. Wow, for that money you could get a high end four season tent and do anything from car camp to K2. Has anyone mentioned how much more difficult it would be to go the bathroom at night. lol. It's like a bunk bed which imo loses its "cool" at about age 10. I'd go with a regular tent and do the awning thing with my truck before I would do this.

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