Roam Adventure Desperado vs Roofnest Falcon 2 XL

The Roam Adventure Desperado and Roofnest Falcon 2 XL rooftop tents share a number of common features and may look similar. But there are some important differences that are discussed here in detail.

Roam Desperado and Roofnest Falcon 2 XL similarities

These two tents share a number of common features, that is the reason for comparison. Here you have some of the most important similarities:

  • These tents are both built as clamshell structures. This implies certain features and this also makes them very easy to use.
  • They are non-extendable type. This means that the sleeping area is determined by the size of the hard shell box.
  • Aluminum box is in both. So these are true hard shell roof top tents.
  • The top is completely flat in both tents.
  • You have three access points in both. This means you can position the included ladder at any side that suites you best.
  • Awning on three sides is very similar, see the pictures below. It is supported with rods that you attach manually.
  • They come with LED included. This is a useful feature, no need to add any extra light system.
  • Both have plenty of inner pouches for storage.

See how the Roam Adventure Desperado looks:

Roam Adventure Desperado.
Roam Adventure Desperado.

Here is the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL for comparison:

Roofnest Falcon 2 XL.
Roofnest Falcon 2 XL.

Some differences

In the table below you can see some differences regarding parameters and features:


Weight, lb (kg)

Box thickness, in (cm)

Mattress, in (cm)

Inner size, in (cm)

Area, sq.m

Price

Views

Fabric

Cross bars included

Roam Desperado

180 (82)

10 (25)

2.75 (7)

80 x 49 (203 x 124)

2.5

$$

4 sides

polyester

yes

 Falcon 2 XL

175 (79)

6.5 (16.5)

2 (5.1)

86 x 58 (218 x 147)

3.2

$$$

3 sides

polycotton

no

 

Some of the differences are obvious, so there is no need to elaborate in details. The difference in weight is not substantial, and perhaps the same holds for the box thickness.

The mattress is thicker in the Desperado tent, and the difference is important in particular if you are a side sleeper.

Inner size: Here, the advantage of the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL is obvious. It is very long, suitable even for the tallest users. It is also very wide, and this is a true 2-person roof top tent.

The price: This may fluctuate, but as of the moment of writing this text the difference is around $300.

Views: This is about windows. From this perspective, the Roam Adventure Desperado is better than almost any other tent of this type. It has a window also on the side where such tents normally have hinges, see the picture:

The rear window in the Roam Adventure Desperado tent.
The rear window in the Roam Adventure Desperado tent.

This is good also for ventilation, and the design is such that it offers far more volume in that normally low area of the tent. So this is a big advantage.

Fabric: I like the dark fabric of the Roam Adventure Desperado, but I would always rather have a polycotton like in the case of the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL tent. Note that Roofnest describes the design as a dark rest as well.

Cross bars: The Roam Adventure Desperado comes with cross bars included. This is not so with the Falcon 2 XL, although it also has the same side rails that allow for using such cross bars.

So the cross bars are a big bonus with the Desperado tent, you can see them in the picture below.

The Roam Adventure Desperado cross bars.
The Roam Adventure Desperado cross bars.

My rating

Based on all mentioned in the text above, here is my rating. I give + for a feature where one or another tent is better:


Weight

Box thickness

Area

Fabric

Cross bars

Windows

Mattress

Price

SCORE

Roam Desperado

4/8

Falcon 2 XL

4/8

 

As you see, the score appears to be the same for both. But I am sure that not all + signs have the same importance, at least not for every person. More in the summary below.

Places to buy

Roam Adventure Desperado:

Roam Adventure

Roofnest Falcon 2 XL:

Roofnest

Final thoughts

In summary, this Roam Adventure Desperado vs Roofnest Falcon 2 XL comparison shows the same score for both tents. But not all differences are equally important, and we also have different preferences. Here are a few tips to consider.

  • The area and dimensions are the features where the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL is much better. If you are a very tall person, this is what will be your main feature. The same is if you will be using the tent with your partner. You have far more space in this tent.
  • On the other hand, you have a thicker mattress in the Roam Adventure Desperado. If you are a side sleeper, this may be the most important feature for you.
  • The included cross bars are a great bonus with the Roam Adventure Desperado which is also less expensive itself. So if you know that you will transport some bulky items as well, this is the most important feature for you. But bear in mind, you can order such cross bars and use also with the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL.
  • The extra window on the low side in the Roam Adventure Desperado is a great feature, both for ventilation and views.

Do let me know what you think, there is a comment box below. For more stuff of this type please check under the category Roof Top Tents.

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.

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Hi, I am Jovo, the founder of this Off-Ground Tents site and several other outdoor sites. I have been mountaineering for almost 40 years already, and I have created this site to use as a reference for various types of above ground tents.

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