Roofnest Sparrow XL vs Roofnest Sparrow Adventure XL

This Roofnest Sparrow XL vs Roofnest Sparrow Adventure XL comparison is about two almost identical hard shell pop-up roof top tents, but with one important difference. Find out here what this is.

Why this comparison

Here you have two roof top tents from the same brand, built in the same style and constructed by using the same materials. Below is my list of the most important shared features:

• The official capacity for both is 2-3 people. One could argue about this really, and I would say they are for up to two people only.
• They are the same type, i.e., pop-up hard shell roof top tents, see the picture. This means you have gas struts and the lid raises almost by itself, just a small nudge is needed.

• The same materials are used in the construction. This means you have ASA/ABS hard shell in both, and also the same polycotton 280 gsm fabric. This is a quiet fabric that makes no much noise in the wind, and it provides a bit of insulation.
• Both tents have XL in the name. This makes them different from the standard versions which this brand offers. So indeed you have Roofnest Sparrow and also Roofnest Sparrow Adventure, and they are just smaller and lighter versions but with the same features. This is good to know if your car roof cannot support the weight of these XL versions.
• Both tents come with the LED, and with a bonus privacy shelter which you need on the ground.
• The same 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) mattress is included.
• Both come with the same 8.5 feet (259 cm) ladder.
• You have the same peak height in both tents, and this is 40 inches (102 cm).
• They have openings on all four sides. Three of them can be used as doors. Note that all of them are a double-layer design, with zippered mesh and zippered panels. You also have rods for all of them to create awnings.
• An anti-condensation mat is included, an inner gear loft (the picture below), and storage pouches.
• All your bedding can remain in the tent, plus the ladder, so you have the bed ready all the time, no mess in the car.

In this video you can see how the standard Sparrow looks, the XL is just a bit larger:

Roofnest Sparrow XL vs Roofnest Sparrow Adventure XL differences

I have summarized the differences in the following table:

As you realize from the table, none of the differences in the parameters is really important and you can simply ignore this.

Though there is a difference in the price, and the Roofnest Sparrow XL is more expensive. You can follow the link and compare from your side as this may change in time.

Roof/lid gear transportation features

Both tents have indentation on the back part of the lid where you can transport your stuff. A waterproof storage bag is included and you can fix it in place with the attachment elements that are integrated into the roof.

However, the part where these two roof top tents differ is the cross bars attachment rails, and cross bars that are included with the Roofnest Sparrow Adventure XL.

This is a huge advantage of the Sparrow Adventure XL model, and I cannot understand how the price of the Sparrow XL can possibly be higher.

Rating

Based on the numbers and features mentioned above, here is my rating, with + given for the feature where one tent is better than the other. Obviously, not all of them are equally important:

The only rating that matters here is about the lid attachment features, and this is where the Sparrow Adventure XL is far superior.

What I dislike

Here are a few details and they apply to both tents:

• There are no vents. Yes, there are large mesh areas on all sides, but you might be forced to close the awnings in the case of strong wind combined with rain. In such situation you would want to have venting options.
• There are no boot bags. This may look like a small detail but it is important. 
• They do not offer accessory insulation. There are examples of roof top tents of this type where you can order an accessory inner insulating cocoon to use in winter conditions.

Places to buy

Roofnest Sparrow XL:

Roofnest

Roofnest Sparrow Adventure XL:

Roofnest

Final thoughts

Let me know what you think, there is a comment box below. You might want to check also my Roofnest Condor Overland and Roofnest Condor comparison. Check also my text about the Trustmade Nomad tent which is of the same type.

Bookmark this site and keep as a reference, you will always have new texts added here and this will keep you informed. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.