The Napier Sportz SUV tent is an eye-catching outdoor shelter that has a lot of space, and an attached screen room for bug-free camping. There is a lot of buzz in the camping community surrounding this tent, and with good reason.
One of 3 popular models from Napier, the Sportz is consider to be one of the better choices, along with the Cove and Backroadz models. It also has the option of connecting the ‘link’ tent beside it, which is an additional, useful function.
Definitely one for larger groups due to the sheer size of it, but you may be intrigued as to what else it offers for us campers. We’re going to dig in to the more notable features and key elements that make this a top SUV tent and a wise choice.
While it does command a higher price than some other models in its class, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Keep reading to find out why.
Table could not be displayed.Page Contents:
Napier Sportz SUV Tent Review
Our First Thoughts
SUV tents are great for serious campers that want to add a bit more comfort to their time spent in the great outdoors. The emergence of being able to sleep in your SUV’s cargo space is catching on, while letting you use the main tent in other ways.
The Sportz SUV model from Napier is a very large tent for holding multiple people and we think it ideal for families, or groups of friends. There is plenty of space inside and it comes with attached screen room which might just tip the scales in its favor.
Tents this size are not the quickest to setup or break down, but they do offer a lot of flexibility, and functionality. Waterproof and ready to take on triple-season camping, it’s a model that should be on the radar of anyone that is looking to upgrade to a larger-sized outdoor shelter.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
SUV Tent with Screen Room (84000 Model) |
Dimensions
Tent: 10 x 10 ft (100 sq. ft.) Screen Room: 7 x 6 ft (42 sq. ft.) |
| Height
7.25 ft. (6 ft. @ Screen Entrance) |
Weight
53 lbs. |
| Capacity
Up to 6 Adults |
Assembly
15 Minute Setup Time |
| Fabric & Material
Tent: Polyester Taffeta Floor: Polyethylene |
Poles
Tent: 5 Shock-Corded Fiberglass + 6 Steel Awning: 2 Steel |
| Waterproof
1200mm Polyurethane Coating, Bathtub Floor, Rain Fly with Taped Seams |
For Use With
SUV / CUV / Minivans |
| Seasons
Spring / Summer / Fall |
Warranty
1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
Overview of Features
- SUV Tent Connects to Your Vehicle
- Connects to SUVs, CUVs, Minivans
- 100 Square Feet Fits Up to 5 Campers
- Fully Waterproofed
- 2 Large Doors + 3 Windows for Excellent Venting
- Made with High-Quality Materials
- 1 Year Warranty
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
GOLD QUALITY – Airtight Seal
Connecting this tent to your SUV is what this shelter is all about, and Napier makes it super easy for you to get to get an airtight seal.
One side of the tent has a connectable sleeve that is outfitted with dual bungee bands: a band on the outside for a snug outer seal, and an interior band that provides the extra protection.
Once you have the sleeve over the hatch opening, you can use the provided straps and clips to connect the tent to the wheel wells, hatch opening, roof rack, and even the hood. These cinch straps get tightened by pulling them taut and you are now ready to camp in your car.
Easily Connected and Disconnected
PRO TIP 1: Always remember to keep your SUV’s exhaust pipe on the outside, to avoid toxic fumes from entering the tent.
PRO TIP 2: Make sure you pitch the tent first, and leave the sleeve connection as the final setup step. If you do it in reverse order, you run the risk of damaging or tearing the sleeve.
SILVER FEATURE– Relax Without the Bugs
This tent loves mesh. So much so that Napier has created the Sportz SUV tent with a dedicated 42 square foot screen room. While this room is floorless, you can invest in a footprint that will create a floor for you, while protecting the underside of the main tent from damage.
The screen room has a 6-foot T door entrance that makes coming and going simple, and large mesh walls outfit the front and sides.
Versatile and Can Also Be a Standalone Tent When the SUV is Needed Elsewhere
Screen rooms act as lounge areas that you can sit and relax in, enjoying nature without the worry of mosquitoes attacking you.
Many campers use their screen rooms for different purposes – storage, cooking, eating, and even sleeping if the weather conditions allow it. While the entire walls of the screen room are mesh, they have zip-up flaps that can be closed as we all know it won’t be sunny skies 24/7.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Not A Drip
Napier designed the main tent to use with a rain fly that serves two purposes. The first, is that the top of the tent has mesh panels. These obviously need to be covered when it rains. With a 1200mm water-resistant coating and taped seams, you can be sure no water will come in from the top when its attached.
The second purpose is it provides an awning at the side door entrance. This is perfect for providing some protection against the elements if you are storing your footwear or some bags here.
Huge Amounts of Space for Mattresses and Camping Tables/Chairs
In addition, it gives you another shaded area you can sit under when the sun is beating down. The screen room’s mesh walls zip shut as well, giving you a tent that provides all-around waterproof protection.
With a polyethylene bathtub floor, you get a highly durable bottom that can take heavy use, and keeps water and debris from being tracked into the shelter. Plus, the polyethylene component will keep ground water from soaking through the floor, ensuring you stay dry inside.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Connections
Got a big car that isn’t an SUV but you still want this tent? You’re in luck! The Napier Sportz SUV tent can be connected to multiple vehicles – SUVs, CUVs, and minivans. Taking it a step further, Napier has a tool on their website where you to enter your vehicle make and model, and they advise you which of their tents would be a perfect fit.
Standing Tall
With SUV tents allowing you to create a hybrid camping experience, what happens if you have to suddenly leave your campsite to pick up supplies, or in cases of emergency? Do you have to break everything down and set it all up again once you return? Not at all.
The tent can be used as a standalone shelter. Simply unbuckle the connecting sleeve, roll it up, and zip up that side of the tent. When you return, just re-attach!
Inside Job
Inside the tent you have a spacious 100 square feet of space that can be used however you wish, and over 7 feet tall of ceiling height for moving around unobstructed. There are also a bunch of extra features included that add to the cozy environment – gear lofts, 2 storage pockets, and a lantern holder.
With lots of mesh (2 large doors + 3 windows + dual skylight panels), you will have no shortage of airflow that can be regulated by zipping up the entry points. You can also zip up the door between the vehicle cargo and the main tent when you want to have a little privacy. An expandable carrying bag makes repacking easy, and it takes up little space so you can store it anywhere at home.
PRO TIP: You can use your car’s battery to charge up your devices and run electrical appliances like a fan or heater while inside the tent.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
How easy is this tent to set up?
This tent is not pre-assembled, and takes around 15 minutes to get everything connected and pitched. While one person can set it up, it will take a lot less time and be easier if you have a helper (or two). Once you get the hang of it, it should setup and breakdown even faster.
How does the sleeve attach to my SUV?
The sleeve attaches around the backside of your SUV easily. It has an elastic bungee around its edges which makes getting a snug fit around the vehicle simple. There are adjustable straps that connect to the wheel wells, hatch points, roof rack (if you have one), and a long strap that runs over the top of your car to clip onto the hood. Cinching them down will give you a nice, snug fit.
Does the tent come with stakes?
This tent does come with its own stakes, but as is standard with most tents, the stock stakes aren’t the greatest in terms of quality. We recommend investing in a heavy duty set that will ensure flawless performance and years of use.
How big is the storage case?
The tent can be broken down and packed into its 30″ x 12″ x 12” case for transporting and easy storage.
Our Final Thoughts on the Napier Sportz SUV Tent
There isn’t much to not like about this tent. The large interior provides sleep spots for multiple campers, and it can be configured for sleeping in your SUV or using as a standalone tent for some excellent flexibility. Of course, the screen room is a really nice bonus as well.
If there is one drawback, it’s that the price is on the upper echelon of the register (the old adage “you get what you pay for” comes to mind). But anyone that is looking for a tent that can do everything this one can, and wants one that will last for years, should seriously consider it.
