A New, Feature-Packed & Versatile Hardshell Rooftop Tent
Rooftop tents (RTT) are a great addition to your overland build as they are typically easier to set up and are more secure than a ground tent. Not all tents are created equal though, and it can be challenging finding the right fit for your needs.
The new Ursa 1300 tent from Ironman 4×4 is a great option for those looking for a ton of thoughtful features in a small footprint that can fit most vehicles. Also, it all comes with a price tag that may surprise you, in a good way.
Exterior
The Ursa 1300 packs a lot of features in a small package. Due to its smaller footprint, it fits most SUVs and truck beds.
Closed, its dimensions are 65″ L x 48.8″ W x 12.6″ H.
When open, there’s a spacious interior with dimensions of 63″ L x 80.6″ W x 52.4″ H which can fit roughly 2 adults and 1 child. It weighs in at 160 lbs, about average for the market segment.
The exterior is made from durable ABS plastic with an aluminum honeycomb metal bottom to disperse weight. The tent boasts a 660 lb. static load rating. The tent is made out of ripstop poly cotton and polyester Oxford. Finally, there are gas struts for quick and assisted opening.
Despite being built to last, Ironman 4×4 still includes a 3-year warranty.
Interior
The interior has very comfortable bedding with a 2.4-inch thick mattress made of high-density foam. Underneath is an included anti-condensation mat.
Since it is a clamshell design, the tent folds outward to create more interior room. This allows for a mattress that is 59.8″ W at the head, 51.2″ W at the feet, and 78″ L.
Features
The Ursa 1300 is feature-packed with creature comforts. Let’s run through the most notable ones.
Windows
To start, it was designed with stargazing in mind with a ceiling window so that you never have to leave the tent.
There are also two other windows to support ventilation. All windows feature mesh netting to keep bugs out.
Easy, Fast Set Up
The tent is super easy to set up and takes less than a minute, including setting up the rainfly. It takes less than 2 minutes to pack everything up. With practice, I’m sure it can be done much faster.
The gas struts make opening the tent as simple as undoing the two latches and pushing up on the hardshell. The struts do the rest. Once it’s open, pull the ladder down, fold down the floor, set up the rainflys, and you’re good to go.
Integrated LED Lights
Another awesome feature is the integrated interior and exterior LED lighting which can be powered via the provided USB cables. Ironman also sells solar panels that seamlessly fit on top of the hard shell that can be used to power your electronics.
The lights are dimmable and the color temperature can be easily switched between three settings; cool white, yellow, and warm yellow.
Heating/Cooling Port Hole
Finally, if you’re camping in harsher temperatures, there are integrated port holes in the tent for a heater or air conditioner.
Mounting & Installation
The Ursa 1300 keeps installation super simple with the (4) provided clamps that fit a variety of bed racks and crossbars. For example, I have the All-Pro Off-Road bed rack and was able to install the tent with the provided t-bolts and knobs.
Review
I have always been a bit skeptical about RTTs and whether they were worth the money. After testing out the Ursa 1300 for a few months, it has completely changed my mind. Now, I can’t see myself ever going back to a ground tent.
The ability to open the skylight window and look out at the stars or change the mood with the lighting inside the tent has been my favorite feature of the tent so far. I have also noticed that I wake up more refreshed after a night of camping due to the super comfortable mattress.
After many adventures in the Ozarks, known for causing pinstripes and paint damage, the ABS hardshell has held up great. While there are minor scratches from tree limbs, it has held up better than expected. With some basic cleaning and scrubbing, most blemishes go away and the tent looks as good as new.
Final Thoughts
The Ursa 1300 is a tent that packs many useful features and comforts into a compact package. This makes it a great option for anyone looking for a RTT with a smaller footprint that’s suitable for crossovers or a short bed truck. The quick and convenient setup and take-down support an on-the-go lifestyle that can keep up with all of our adventures.
For its price and value with features typically found in more expensive options, I highly recommend checking this tent out if you’re in the market!
