Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Rooftop Tent - Features

Check out the Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Rooftop Tent here:
Canvas: www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-h...
Eco: www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-h...
Plan your next road trip with rooftop royalty, thanks to the Ridgeback Hard Shell Rooftop Tent from Darche. Its leading class interior includes both natural and internal USB-powered LED light, encased in premium quality polycotton canvas or recycled polyester Oxford.
With aluminium construction, self-repairing coil zips and twin-needle reinforced stitching, the Ridgeback is as lightweight as it is heavy-duty. Its sleek, unique profile turns the heads of every envious outdoorsman, with a compact design minimizing wind drag and overall vehicle stature - so you can raise the ride height and navigate the metro landscape.
Breathe easy and dream deeply with the zippered sky window, built-in air vents and three full-width doors allowing exceptional ventilation. The deluxe 55mm memory foam mattress, removable cover, water-resistant base, and anti-condensation mat mean you can camp comfortably in your rooftop hotel room. Fine insect mesh windows help keep the mozzies at bay, while internal side and roof storage pocketing secure your valuables away.
From downpour to drought, its 3000mm water rating, taped seams, and high-profile automotive rubber weather seals reduce infiltration of heat, wind, and moisture. Shield from severe UV with UV50+ protection, and handle humidity with the removable fly - your fresh air circulator and invisible insect armour.
With a 2.3m aluminium telescope ladder complimenting most vehicle heights, and roof-rail accessory kits available, the Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Rooftop Tent elevates every road trip. Thanks to its German-engineered gas struts, you can park and pack your portable home effortlessly. A simple flick of the latches guarantees an easy and efficient one-person set-up, allowing you to enjoy supper before sunset.
00:00 - Intro
00:13 - Product overview
00:43 - Materials
02:50 - Ladder
03:32 - Dimensions and specs
04:03 - Weight rating considerations
04:44 - Internal dimensions
06:25 - Internal features
09:22 - Frame
09:56 - Packing with bedding
10:48 - Summary

[@travelsolo2677]

Very good explanation video. I like this RTT, it’s on the this side which imo looks neater on the vehicle.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It does fold down to a neat profile. ~ Ben

[@HammerRocks]

With you current Easter Specials, this RTT is priced right. So I just placed an order (along with the roof rails). Looking forward to receiving it. 😃

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Enjoy adventuring with your new rooftop tent, Hammer Rocks. ~ Ben

[@HammerRocks]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks Ben. Finger's crossed since this is a first generation for this style of RTT from Darche, there isn't any issues with the design and function, like other cheaper 1st gen RTTs in the market.

[@grant8th663]

Great review mate. I just sold my kings RTT and looking for a new clamshell RTT. This is on my list. Cheers, Grant.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Happy shopping for your new RTT, Grant, let us know if you need any advice on the Darche or 23Zero models. ~ Ben

[@4bnewb969]

Good review 👍 There is quite a number of clamshell RTT’s on the market and they are all the same - just a bit short for tall people. For mounting on a rear DC ute canopy (like an ARB) you would need to position forward so you can open the rear canopy door - do you know what length overhang you can have past the support points (canopy roof bars)? Cheers

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Good advice thanks, 4BnewB. Darche don't specify an overhang allowance, they simply state in the manual that the tent should be 'as centred on the roof bars if possible'. Based on this information I'd say the overhand on one side should be as close to being the same as the overhang on the other side as possible, and you probably need to apply some common sense regarding what a suitable overhang will be at each end, it will also be dependent on the roof rails that you have. ~ Ben

[@nearlygnarly6526]

Are there ladder mounts on all three sides? If not can you purchase extras?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There's only one set of ladder mounts provided, but they can be moved to wherever you need them. ~ Lauren

[@travelsolo2677]

What is the cost for one and are there any attachment points on the roof , for say a solar panel?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Check out the current pricing here, Travel Solo - www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-hard-shell-rooftop-tent-canvas. As for attaching things to the top, you'd need to add the roof rails to do this - www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-hard-shell-roof-rails. ~ Ben

[@touringwithtyrone4933]

Guys I know this is an older video so hopefully the questions come through. I am looking ay the canvas Darche hard shell RTT. #1.I already own a Darche 270d awning wit the wall set. Does this awning fit on the RTT? #2 In terms of packing up, is the canvas easier to tuck in or the rip stop material? #3 Darche also make a set of roof bars (for me Id use solar panel/s) do you sell these as well?..... Hoping that you can assist. Mike

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hi Mike, #1 - You might be able to attach it but this isn't recommended, the awning would be best having it's own independent sturdy mounts so as not to warp the rooftop tent chassis. #2 - I haven't compared packing the different fabrics, but going by just about any other product that is available in both a canvas and a synthetic, the synthetic is almost always easier to pack away. #3 - We sure do - www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-hard-shell-roof-rails When setting all of this up keep your roof load rating and GVM in mind, the combination of this tent and your awning will be in excess of 100kg alone, add your roof rails and solar panel and it will equal a fair bit of weight on top of your car. ~ Ben

[@67katman]

Where are the darche roof top tents made?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I believe primarily in a Darche dedicated factory in China, but there would be varying components that are made elsewhere. ~ Lauren

[@GB-cm6yy]

What is the mattress thickness ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You can see all those details on our website if you are interested, G B - www.snowys.com.au/ridgeback-hard-shell-rooftop-tent-canvas. The mat is 5.5cm with a 1cm anti-condensation mat underneath. ~ Ben

[@placesweexplore]

How does it perform in the wind 💨

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Being a hardshell, it will be abit more solid in wind and flap around alot less than a fully canvas option. If you're expecting wind, the best outcome would be to orient your vehicle into the wind so its primarily hitting the back hinge and pushing along the top of the hardshell. You'd likely get the most issues with cross wind. Hope that helps! ~ Lauren

[@placesweexplore]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks a lot. I will buy one for our trip in February 2024. where to order and is a fitting possible? I am located near Adelaide. Cheers

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@placesweexplore you can order online for delivery - but you will have to be home to sign for it - or you can purchase in person at our Adelaide store. Snowys isn't a qualified RTT installer, but a few doors down from the Adelaide store there is Bridgestone Tyre & Auto, who are. Most customers who are not able to install themselves just book in with Bridgestone on the same day they want to pick up the tent. Hope that helps! ~ Lauren

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I like it but it's on the expensive side for a Chinese made RTT.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It's not cheap by any means, Fatman Overlanding. In terms of Chinese made, that really comes down to the quality control of the company overseeing the manufacturing process. Darche is reputable and the quality of gear they produce is top notch, I'd confidently say that price is a reflection of quality here. ~ Ben

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@SnowysOutdoors Hi Ben. My reference to it being "Chinese made" is not relating to the quality. Some products made in China are very good. I'm more referring to the labour cost (compared to Australia). The price of this RTT is nudging on Aussie (or Sth African) made RTTs. Or does this have an added Darche tax?

[@JasonfromBiripiCountry]

​@@fatmanoverlandingI was speaking with tentworld, and they say darche warranty is alot better than say a STH Africa made RTT of similar pricing

[@jamesaay1]

Not midgeproof? Deal breaker that is

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm yet to see any shelter that is happy to lay claim to being midge proof, jamesaay1, the little blighters get in anywhere. ~ Ben

[@krump743]

Was looking good til the weight came into it. We are in 2022, and no company can build a roof top tent clam shell for anything less than heavy. Its a travesty lol.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, not lightweight by any stretch of the imagination, krump 7, and something buyers need to consider before purchase. ~ Ben