Napier Backroadz SUV Tent Review

One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for camping and overlanding enthusiasts is arguably a quality tent. After all, when going off-the-grid, your tent is where you’ll spend most of your time when not enjoying the great outdoors. Being able to get a good night of sleep and feeling comfortable when inside your tent will often make or break your trip.

While there are tons of decent standalone tents on the market, there is one particular type that can be fitted to your car, effectively increasing the storage space and configuration possibilities.

SUV tents, also frequently called “overlanding tents,” are basically an extension to your vehicle, allowing you to either sleep in your car and use the tent as a storage area or vice-versa. If you are on the lookout for a quality overlanding tent for your next trip off the beaten paths, you should definitely take a look at the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent. It’s one of the best models currently offered on the market, and it’s also quite affordable.

To help you determine if it’s the right SUV tent for you, we’ve tested it, reviewed it, outlined the most essential features and the pros and cons.

Let’s dive in.

Features of the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent

Size, weight, and materials

The Napier Backroadz SUV tent is quite roomy. It measures 10’x10′ and features a dome-like shape with the highest point reaching up to 7 feet. In case of rain, the polyethylene bathtub floor will also prevent water from accumulating on the ground from flooding the tent.

The roomy interior offers plenty of space, meaning that up to 5 adults can use it comfortably. The sides are made from polyester taffeta, and two interlocked poles are used for the structure. The rods are made from fiberglass, keeping the tent stable and sturdy while reducing weight.

Indeed, the entire tent, including the poles, only weighs a little over 2 pounds and easily fits in the carry bag provided. When packed, the carry bag only measures 12x12x36 inches, making the Napier Backroadz tent super easy to move around.

Internal features

On the inside, you get a basic tent with a few extra goodies. A lantern holder hangs on the middle’s highest point, ensuring maximum illumination throughout the entire tent at night. There’s also a special pocket to store your gear, but let’s be honest, that’s pretty much only big enough to hold a wallet and a phone. If you have quite a lot of equipment and personal belongings, think about bringing some storage solution with you – or leave everything in the car.

External features

The exterior also offers a few interesting features. You get a big door on the front along with three smaller meshed windows, ensuring excellent ventilation in hot weather while protecting you from insects and bugs.

The Napier Backroadz tent also features a rainfly to prevent rain from entering the ventilation holes. However, while the setup does a decent job of keeping you and the tent protected, abundant rain may still leak inside the tent. However, each opening has a zipper enabling you to close off the view and further prevent leaks.

Full protection

The Napier tent essentially creates a bubble from the back of your car. When you tighten the tent around the hatch and close the windows, you get complete protection from insects of small animals.

Universal fit

Some SUV tents are designed to fit a specific make and model, but that is not the case with the Napier Backroadz. It will fit perfectly with most crossovers, minivans, or SUVs. The tent’s sleeve goes over the rear hatch of the vehicle and can be tightened with straps. That being said, I would strongly recommend using magnets and a couple of tie-down straps for an even tighter fit.

Better safe than sorry, right?

Buy a tent, plant a tree

On a positive note, Napier also signed a partnership with “Trees for the Future” and will plant a tree for every Backroadz SUV tent sold.

Pros

• Quick installation
• Fit 5 adults comfortably
• When folded, the tent is relatively small
• Carry bag included
• Big meshed windows
• Can be used as a standalone tent
• Napier will plant a tree for every tent sold

Cons

• Water can leak from the vents in case of really bad weather

Highlighted Features

• Fits almost any vehicle with a hatch
• Plenty of room
• Sturdy design
• High-quality materials
• Can be attached/detached from the vehicle at will

FAQs

Can I fit the Napier Backroadz to a lifted car?

In most cases, it should fit on a lifted vehicle. Of course, if you have a 12-inch lift, maybe not. However, anything up to a 6-inch lift shouldn’t be a problem.

How easy is it to set up?

The process can get finicky the first time you set it up, but it shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. Set the tent material on the ground and start threading the poles along the edges. Once they are in place, tighten them on the bottom. The tent will take shape, and the last step is to reverse your car into the hatch opening and tighten the straps.

Can I use my car’s hatch without removing the tent?

Yes. The tent is designed to provide enough height clearance for you to open the hatch.

Is it okay to leave my car running while the tent is on?

We would strongly recommend you avoid it. Of course, when the tent is set over the hatch, the exhaust from your car remains on the outside. Nonetheless, the exhaust gases can enter the tent through the material, windows, and vents. On top of that, the hot exhaust gases can also damage or melt part of the tent.

If you need to start your vehicle to recharge your car battery, or any other reason for that matter, disconnect the tent from the vehicle and move it forward. Once you are ready to shut down the engine, back up the car and re-attach the tent in a jiffy.

Can I install the tent without attaching it to a car?

Yes, you can use the Napier Backroadz as a standalone tent. This way, no need to buy two tents, depending on whether or not you intend to use the extension feature.

Final Verdict

Let’s be honest; the perfect overlanding tent doesn’t exist. Different tents have different features, and some are better suited to specific camping styles. There are some with more pros than cons and vice versa, but you should expect some drawbacks at the end of the day. We can say the same about the Napier Backroadz SUV tent.

It is a decent product, offering plenty of room for up to five adults, and can be installed on a wide range of vehicles. It gets the job done – and for the price, it’s a really good deal. However, take into account that it can leak in very bad weather. Oh, and the manufacturer mentions that it’s not suitable to be used in winter. It’s mostly a 3-seasons tent; 4-seasons if you are lucky enough to live in a hot climate.

All in all, if you are looking for a pretty comfortable overlanding tent that will fit your whole family without costing an arm and a leg, the Napier Backroadz SUV tent is the one you should get.

Trust me; you won’t regret it.