If you are undecided between the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL and the 23Zero Kabari roof top tents, this comparison guide will help you make an informed decision. Keep reading.
So what this is about
You have two high quality products here, hard shell roof top tents built in the same style. It is best to start with some good pictures and videos. So here is the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL:
The picture shows it open and ready to use. Note that it has three openings and you can use them all as doors. In the video below you can see more:
Here again there are three doors and you can access the shelter from any of the three sides, dependent on the car of course. Here is a video to see more:
Common features
I already mentioned some features, and to continue to stress that these are clamshell type hard shell roof top tents. Some people call them also wedged roof top tents, just to know. They are extremely easy to use with their gas assisted struts that lift the lid auto-magically.
They come with a mattress and a ladder included, and these are stored inside of the hard shell box where they remain during transportation. Note that you can also keep all your bedding inside, and this is simply amazing in view of their thin boxes.
The shell box is aluminum in both tents, and the fabric is also the same type, a high-quality polycotton, a blend of polyester and natural cotton. Both shelters have a built-in elastic shock cord band for canvas pack up assistance. This helps a lot when it is time to close the tent and go.
Note also that they both come with a 2-year warranty. So this is plenty of common details, but let’s see about differences.
Differences – side by side comparison
So here is my formal comparison table with some important features listed for comparison, and I give + or – where appropriate, to one or another shelter, or to both as you will see.
Weight
Iner area
Peak height
Box thickness
Materials
Mattress
Extras
Price
Roofnest Falcon 2 XL
23Zero Kabari
Weight: They are both heavy and the difference is negligible, so I give them both a minus. You have 175 lb (79 kg) in the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL, and 173 lb (78.5 kg) in the Kabari.
So I am not really impressed. They may be too heavy for some cars’ allowed dynamic weight on the roof.
Inner area: You have a bit more in the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL, it offers 3.2 square meters. In the 23Zero Kabari you have 2.8 m². In any case, this is plenty of area for two adults.
Peak height: It is slightly better in the 23Zero Kabari where you have 61.5 inches (156 cm) peak height. In the Falcon you have 60 inches (152 cm).
Box thickness: This is impressive in both, but the Falcon 2 XL is only 6.5 inches (16.5 cm), as compared to 8 inches (20 cm) in the Kabari. I do not remember any other roof top tent that could match this.
Materials: The fabric is polycotton, so this is an excellent material. It is thicker in the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL where you have 320 g/m² as compared to 280 g/m² in the 23Zero Kabari tent. This means it should be heavier and stronger, and also less noisy in the wind.
Note that the 23Zero Kabari is with what they call the LST (light suppression technology). This means it is pitch black inside, in other words, this is a dark rest roof top tent.
But the black-out coating is also from inside in the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL, and this is again a dark rest type tent. So all in all, here I give advantage to this tent.
Mattress: You have more cushion in the 23Zero Kabari where the mattress is 3.1 inches (8 cm), and you also have a 20 mm padded anti condensation mat.
The mattress is 2 inches (5 cm) in the Roofnest Falcon 2 XL, plus an anti-condensation mat.
Extras: I give + here to both, and here is why. The 23Zero Kabari has the following:
- It has 2 zippered power cord entry points. Not many roof top tents have this feature.
- It comes with extruded aluminum perimeter profile with T slots for optional accessory mounting. They have Kabari Roof Bars available so you can place them on the lid of the box and keep there up to 80 lb (36 kg) even when the lid is open.
- There is a storage set with multiple pouches on the lid from inside, with one clear pocket for a pad.
- A vent is built-in above the door. This is essential to have when it rains and it is windy so you have to keep the windows closed and awning removed.
- Zippers are of extra good quality.
However, note that Roofnest Falcon 2 XL also has plenty of extra features:
- A USB-powered LED light strip is included.
- Attachment for accessory cross bars on the lid. With such cross bars you can have up to 150 lb (68 kg) of weight on the roof top tent when it is closed, and 75 lb (34 kg) when open. So you can sleep inside while the gear is still on the roof.
- It has two accessory channels on the side to attach awnings, etc.
- It has a large and removable storage set with one clear pocket to watch movies.
- There are two side pockets as well.
- You have vents on the sides.
Price: Giving the same minus to both makes no much sense except for expressing my dissatisfaction with their very high prices.
Places to buy
Roofnest Falcon 2 XL:
23Zero Kabari:
Summary
In conclusion, it is not surprising that this Roofnest Falcon 2 XL vs 23Zero Kabari Roof Top Tents comparison yields almost the same score for both products.
There are differences, but many of them are not so important and some are negligible. But mattress thickness difference is indeed substantial.
It makes sense to focus on the features listed under extras. Even there you can see similarities, but some features are indeed extras like LED and cable ports, you have them in one and not in another shelter.
Let me know what you think. Did I miss mentioning something important? There is a comment box below.
Check also my comparison Roofnest Condor XL vs iKamper Skycamp 3, these are also clamshell type tents but expandable type. The same type is presented in my BadAss Rugged Clamshell Roof Top Tent and iKamper BDV Duo text comparison.
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.