Roofnest
Roofnest designs and direct-to-consumer sells hardshell and softshell rooftop tents, awnings, and camping accessories for overlanders, family campers, and vehicle-specific owner cohorts in the United States, operating from Boulder, Colorado with a Los Angeles warehouse since 2016.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBoulder, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Roofnest does
Roofnest is a Boulder, Colorado-based designer and direct-to-consumer seller of rooftop tents and complementary camping gear, founded in 2016 and operating as a private company with 1-10 employees. The company manufactures hardshell rooftop tents (Condor fold-out series in aluminum or PC/ABS shells, Falcon clamshell series with a proprietary U-bar design, and Sparrow pop-up series) and a softshell entry-level line (Meadowlark), with pricing spanning roughly $1,695 to $4,595 per tent. Core proprietary technology centers on the Rest EZ Sleep System (self-inflating foamcore air mattress with bamboo sheets), the Awnex modular awning and annex system that mounts directly to Roofnest tents, a quick-release mount enabling tent removal in approximately 15 minutes, and integrated 6-channel accessory crossbars supporting up to 150 lbs of off-road gear. Tent weights range from 90 to 240 lbs, with 2000-3000mm waterproof ratings and sub-one-minute hardshell setup times.
The business is built on a D2C e-commerce model (Shopify storefront at roofnest.com) supplemented by a dealer locator network, with tents shipping via LTL freight from a Los Angeles warehouse operated with logistics partner Rocket Shipping and accessories shipping via UPS Ground. Financing is provided through Bread Pay (Comenity Capital Bank) at 0% APR for 6-12 months, and a GOVX discount program serves military, first responders, government employees, and teachers. Revenue streams are one-time hardware purchases (tents, awnings, accessories) rather than subscriptions, with attach revenue from series-specific accessories, mounting hardware, and partner-brand resells (Jackery, Ignik Outdoors, LavaBox, Vanultra). The customer base is entirely consumer, segmented across overlanders, family campers, and vehicle-specific owner cohorts (Subaru, Toyota, Jeep), and the company is led by founder Tim Nickles with a small management team including a Director of Sales.
Roofnest firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Roofnest
- Legal name
- Roofnest
- Website
- https://roofnest.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Roofnest designs and direct-to-consumer sells hardshell and softshell rooftop tents, awnings, and camping accessories for overlanders, family campers, and vehicle-specific owner cohorts in the United States, operating from Boulder, Colorado with a Los Angeles warehouse since 2016.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Roofnest industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing (336214)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Tents, Shelters & Sleep Systems Retail (CRAMAMAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Camping Furniture & Camp Kitchen Retail (CRAMAMAC)
Keywords
Where Roofnest is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulder
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Roofnest business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
Revenue model
- Rooftop Tent Sales: One-time purchase of rooftop tents ranging from $1,695 to $4,595. Hardshell and softshell models sold directly to consumers through e-commerce. Primary revenue driver.
- Awnings and Annexes: Complementary awning products (180°, 270° wing awnings) and annex systems priced from $149 to $1,395. Sold alongside tents or separately.
- Accessories and Parts: Tent covers, insulation kits, mounting hardware, bedding accessories, and replacement parts. Prices range from $15 to $699.
- Financing Services: Partnership with Bread Pay (Comenity Capital Bank) offering 0% APR financing for 6-12 months, enabling higher ticket purchases
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level softshell tent for first-time buyers |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Mid-range hardshell tents for couples and families |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Premium large-capacity hardshell tents |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wing awnings for shade coverage |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Awnex bundle systems with awning and annex |
| Subscription | Monthly | Financing options for affordable monthly payments |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Roofnest product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Roofnest designs, manufactures, and sells rooftop tents for overlanding and vehicle-based camping, offering hardshell (aluminum, ABS, hybrid) and softshell models that mount to vehicle roof racks. The company sells complementary awnings, annex systems, mounting accessories, and bedding products, distributed direct-to-consumer via e-commerce with a dealer network and financing options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Falcon Series: Hardshell clamshell rooftop tent series designed for frequent campers and overlanders, featuring quick setup and hybrid ABS/aluminum construction.
- Condor Series
- Meadowlark Series
- Sparrow Series
Quantifiable outcome
- Setup time under 1 minute for hardshell tents
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Roofnest
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Roofnest technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature6 records
Roofnest partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- JackeryminorJackery portable power stations and solar panels sold as partner brand accessories. Products include Explorer 1500 v2 ($999-$1,299), Explorer 1000 v2 ($549-$999), SolarSaga 200W solar panel ($379-$699), and SolarSaga 100 Air ($249). Roofnest resells Jackery products through partner brand accessories section.
- VanultraminorVanultra roof top tent locking mounts ($165) and quick release mounts ($449) sold as partner brand accessories. Products feature universal design, lockable security, and corrosion resistance.
- Ignik OutdoorsminorIgnik Outdoors heated bed covers sold as partner brand accessories. Products include Flipside Heated Bed Cover ($199.95) and Fleece version ($249.95) for cold-weather camping comfort.
- LavaBoxminorLavaBox portable campfires sold as partner brand accessories. Products include Original LavaBox Combo ($259-$297), Original LavaBox Fire Pit ($199), and Over Under Grill Thingy ($49).
- Rocket ShippingcoreRocket Shipping is the logistics partner managing all LTL freight shipments from Roofnest's Los Angeles warehouse. Customers receive tracking links and PRO tracking numbers for shipment visibility.
- GOVXminorGOVX ID verification service enabling military, first responder, government employee, and teacher discount programs for eligible customers.
- PrinsuminorPrinsu specialized tent mounting brackets recommended for platform rack installations (Prinsu, FrontRunner) where standard mounting access is limited.
- FrontRunnerminorFrontRunner quick-release tent mount kit (6-piece) recommended for FrontRunner platform rack installations where specialized brackets are needed.
- VanUltraminorVanUltra low-profile roof rack RTT mount recommended for platform rack installations requiring specialized mounting solutions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Roofnest competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Front Runner Outfitters: South Africa-headquartered overland accessories and platform rack company that sells specialized tent mounts compatible with Roofnest. Overlaps in overland ecosystem and quick-release mounting solutions, with global reach and broader overland product breadth.
- Yakima: Established vehicle rack and outdoor gear company (crossbars, cargo boxes) listed as a Roofnest-recommended crossbar partner. Broad incumbent with overlap in mounting/accessory ecosystem and far greater retail and dealer footprint.
- Smittybilt: Off-road and overland accessories brand offering rooftop tents (Overlander, Defender) at lower price points than Roofnest. Adjacent competitor in the overland/shade tent space with broader product breadth in bumpers, winches, and recovery gear.
- Thule (Tepui): Global outdoor and vehicle accessory incumbent whose Tepui line competes directly in rooftop tents, while its broader rack/cargo/awning portfolio overlaps with Roofnest's accessory ecosystem. Significantly larger scale, brand, and global distribution than Roofnest.
- Autohome (Maggiolina): Italian premium hardshell rooftop tent pioneer (Maggiolina, Columbus) with established global distribution and a long category reputation. Competes with Roofnest's premium Condor and Falcon hardshell lines at similar price points.
Regional players
- James Baroud: Portuguese hardshell rooftop tent maker with a strong European installed base and growing North American presence. Competes in the same premium hardshell category but primarily serves European and adventure-traveling customers.
Direct peers
- Go Fast Campers: Direct competitor in lightweight hardshell rooftop tents (SuperLite, Platform) targeting overlanders and truck/SUV owners. Comparable price points and DTC-led GTM model with similar vehicle-fitment focus.
- iKamper: Premium hardshell and softshell rooftop tent brand (Skycamp, X-Cover) with the closest direct product overlap to Roofnest's Condor and Falcon lines. Customers explicitly cite switching from iKamper to Roofnest in testimonials, confirming head-to-head competition in the same premium rooftop tent niche.
- Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT): Specialist rooftop tent manufacturer offering a wide model range from budget softshells to premium hardshells, with a comparable overlanding customer base and similar dealer-plus-DTC distribution strategy.
Emerging players
- Alu-Cab: South African overland canopy, rooftop tent, and accessory manufacturer focused on premium 4x4 overlanding — a comparable but more specialized overland customer base than Roofnest's broader vehicle-compatibility focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Roofnest social profiles
Digital presenceRoofnest financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Roofnest leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Roofnest funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Roofnest M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Roofnest
What does Roofnest do?
Roofnest designs, manufactures, and sells rooftop tents for overlanding and vehicle-based camping, offering hardshell (aluminum, ABS, hybrid) and softshell models that mount to vehicle roof racks. The company sells complementary awnings, annex systems, mounting accessories, and bedding products, distributed direct-to-consumer via e-commerce with a dealer network and financing options.
Is Roofnest a public or private company?
Roofnest is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was Roofnest founded?
Roofnest was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Roofnest based?
Roofnest is headquartered in Boulder, United States, in the North America region.
How does Roofnest make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Rooftop Tent Sales are the primary driver. The others are awnings and Annexes, accessories and Parts and financing Services.
Who are Roofnest's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Front Runner Outfitters, Yakima, Smittybilt, Thule (Tepui) and Autohome (Maggiolina). James Baroud is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Go Fast Campers, iKamper and Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT). Alu-Cab is listed as an emerging player.
Does Roofnest have an API?
No public API is recorded for Roofnest.
What industry is Roofnest in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAMAH, Tents, Shelters & Sleep Systems Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMAMAC, Camping Furniture & Camp Kitchen Retail. Its NAICS code is 336214.