The Roof Space 2 Hybrid Roof Tent – 15 ½ Roof Tents in Direct Comparison

A roof tent that transforms into a panoramic terrace? Sounds unbelievable, but the Roof Space 2 hybrid roof tent makes it a reality. We tested the € 3,600 shape-shifter to see how it stacks up against the competition in terms of setup, installation, and everyday use.

We put the 15 ½ most exciting roof tents to the ultimate test – with 25 first-timers, seasoned campers, two toddlers, two dogs, and one giant teddy in tow. Epic road trips included. Check out our buyers’ guide and get the full rundown on all the roof tents we tested.

Founded in 2020, Roof Space is a North German company specialising in hybrid roof tents, currently offering two models: the larger Roof Space 4 and the two-person Roof Space 2 on test. Thanks to a 202 x 133 cm mattress, it comfortably accommodates two travelers. However, what sets Roof Space apart are the gas struts that make opening the tent easier, and the unique feature of unzipping part of the roof to create a panoramic sunroof. For those planning to stay in one spot a little longer, the brand also offers add-on tents – perfect for setting up a fully-fledged base camp.

Hybrid Roof Tent Roof Space 2: Prepping and Installation

Like the two other hybrid roof tents from qeedo and VICKYWOOD, the Roof Space hybrid roof tent comes ready to install, with pre-mounted rails already in place. That said, mounting it to the car is a bit more involved. Instead of user-friendly hand screws, it comes with self-locking nuts that need to be tightened with a ratchet. On the upside, the ratchet is included in the box.

The steel brackets used to bolt the tent to the roof rack are heavy and sturdy, but unlike some competitors, they’re not pre-shaped or coated: just plain metal plates. That means there’s a real risk of scratching your roof rack. The tent weighs just under 70 kg, which is manageable for four people to lift onto the car.

Assembly and Disassembly

Once you’ve memorised the few steps required to set it up, pitching the Roof Space 2 roof tent becomes a breeze. Thanks to gas struts and a snap-on pull cord, the shell opens with minimal effort. Then it’s just a matter of propping up the entrance with two spring steel poles, and optionally doing the same for the side windows to improve airflow and let in more light.

Speaking of airflow: the 3D mesh underlay is integrated into the mattress, just like in the qeedo Freedom Hybrid. One frustrating step required in the initial setup is securing the mattress to the tent floor with countless snap buttons. It’s a tricky task – every time you press one down, another one pops off somewhere else. But once most of them are fastened, the mattress stays in place, and this issue shouldn’t come up again in the future. Update: Roof Space has since made improvements here, replacing the push buttons with clip fasteners.

Interestingly, the Roof Space 2 Hybrid roof tent features a dual stability system. Unlike the other models in our hybrid roof tent test, the ladder isn’t a fixed structural element. In theory, solo travelers could detach it and pull it inside. That’s because the tent is stabilised by both a steel cable system and interlocking aluminum base plates. One word of caution, though: don’t underestimate the strain on your roof rails if you put too much weight on the overhanging section.

When packing up, you can leave either the bedding or the ladder inside, but not both. That would make it difficult to close the shell properly. Best to stash the ladder in the car. The strap used to pull down the tent can be secured in place while you tuck in the tent fabric all around – no wrestling needed.

Overall, setting the tent up and taking it down are the easiest among the three hybrid models on test – as long as the manufacturer’s claim holds true that the newer versions come with the light strips and inner frame covers already installed. We had to Velcro them in place ourselves with the model on test, which is an awkward and curse-filled process involving lots of fiddling around the inner frame.

The Roof Space 2 Roof Tent in Action

The Roof Space 2 hybrid roof tent impressed us with a generously roomy interior – we measured 123 cm from the top of the mattress, more than the other two hybrid models on test. That extra headroom instantly makes the space feel more open and comfortable. The skylights bring in plenty of natural light and let you stargaze in comfort at night. Prefer it dark? Just zip everything shut and switch to full blackout mode. The built-in LED lighting is pleasantly soft, but the switch lacks tactile feedback and sometimes needs a couple of presses before it actually turns on.

Hands down, the standout feature of the Roof Space roof tent is its panoramic setup, allowing you to unzip roughly a third of the tent above the mattress – it’s almost like sleeping under the stars, but with shelter. During the day, the terrace-like space is perfect for lounging or playing. And if you want to keep the bugs out at night, we recommend the optional mosquito net for the panorama mode – available for € 150.

Handy in the rain: both side windows and the entrance have small rain canopies that can be propped up with poles. Unfortunately, the large rear window can’t be opened, which means noticeably less airflow compared to something like the qeedo Freedom Hybrid 2+.

In terms of storage, there’s still room for improvement. While there is a shoe bag included, it was already stuffed full with just two larger pairs (sizes 42.5 and 45), making it impossible to close. The interior organisation is also a bit sparse: just two small side pockets. That said, the massive 250 cm interior length leaves plenty of floor space for bags and clothes. There are also several loops inside to hang up lamps or other gear, which is a nice touch.

As practical as the internal gas struts are for setup and takedown, they do come with a few downsides when camping: for one, they take up valuable sleeping space, and it’s easy to bump into the exposed steel edges when rolling over at night. They also get in the way a bit when opening the windows, though all zippers in the Roof Space roof tent run smoothly and are easy to handle. That said, internal struts have one clear advantage: the outer tent wraps around the outside of the base, which helps keep water from getting into the shell.

When it comes to sleep comfort, we risk sounding like the Princess and the Pea. However, the mattress is definitely on the firm side for side sleepers. If that’s you, we’d recommend bringing an extra topper for a better night’s rest.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at the Roof Space 2?

You don’t need a bulky off-roader to head out on an adventure with the Roof Space. Thanks to its compact size of 156 x 136 x 24 cm and a weight of under 70 kg, it even looks sleek on smaller vehicles. The Roof Space offers tons of versatility, from a cozy hideaway to an open-air rooftop terrace. Ultimately, it’s a great pick for anyone who values flexibility and a fuss-free setup on the road.

Our Conclusion on the Roof Space 2 Hybrid Roof Tent

The Roof Space stands out with its easy handling and generous flexibility – perfect for all kinds of travelers, from open-air lovers to rainy-day campers. If you like being in control of how open, breezy, or cozy your setup is, this one ticks all the right boxes. But there’s a catch: at € 3,599, it’s priced well above the other two hybrid models on test – and in the end, it just doesn’t offer enough added value to justify the premium. It’s a shame, really – it had all the makings of a favourite.

Tops

• Rooftop terrace vibes
• Plenty of space for gear and clothes inside the tent
• Easy setup

Flops

• Price

Tip: Side sleepers, take note: bring a mattress topper

For more info, visit roofspace.de.

The Test Field of the 2024 and 2025 Roof Tent Group Tests

Click here for our big group test – 15 ½ roof tents in direct comparison

All roof tents in test: Front Runner Feather Lite (Click here) | Decathlon MH 900 (Click here) | Vickywood Cumaru Light 127 ECO (Click here) | Yakima SkyRise HD Tent MD (Click here) | Qeedo Freedom Air 2 (Click here) | Thule Foothill (Click here) | Gentle Tent Sky Loft (Click here) | Arcta Vento (Click here) | Thule Approach M | Intrepid Geo 3.0 (Click here) | Naturbummler Alu-Kraftkiste (Click here) | Thule Outset (Click here) | Naturbummler Flitzer I L (Zum Test) | qeedo Freedom Hybrid 2+ (Click here) | VICKYWOOD TEAK 135 (Click here) | Roof Space 2

Words: Susanne Feddersen, Felicia Nastal Photos: Jan Fock