Naturbummler Flitzer I Review: Cosy Hard-Shell Roof Tent

The Naturbummler Flitzer I is a comparatively affordable hard-shell roof tent with a supremely cosy interior and an extremely comfortable mattress. The rooftop dwelling pitches and packs in moments, sleeps two travellers in comfort, and two roomy entrances with awnings raise comfort well beyond rainy days. Quality, concept and value all convince.

Roof-tent owners are no longer campsite exotics, and the rational case is strong: no wrestling with pegs and poles, no muddy tent floor, no boot space lost, minimal pitching time and, in most cases, genuinely comfortable mattresses. Of the three common types — hard-shell, fold-out and inflatable — hard-shells serve the highest demands: pricier and heavier (around 60 kilograms), but pitched fastest of all since the box lid simply lifts or cranks up, free-standing without the ladder, better insulated and quieter on the motorway thanks to the flat profile. Mind the car's maximum roof load (50-100 kilograms, relevant only while driving) and the legal overhang rules: flush with the bumper in front, up to one metre behind, 40 centimetres per side, 2.55 metres of width and four metres of height maximum.

A little work precedes the recreation: the 59-kilogram polycarbonate box in anthracite (a white ABS version exists) wants three or four helpers onto the roof to spare the paintwork. The 2,490-euro dwelling measures 220 x 135 centimetres and a pleasingly flat 28 centimetres closed — garage storage benefits from a ceiling hoist. The golf-ball-textured surface shrugs off scratches, mounting rails are integrated into the underside, and sturdy stainless brackets fasten quickly to most standard crossbars with all hardware included, as is the aluminium telescopic ladder (to 2.30 metres) that sleeps inside the closed tent.

At the destination, four securing straps and a metal clasp are all that separate you from the first nap: modest effort pushes the lid up on four gas struts, the ladder hooks in at either entrance, and large awnings span over both doors with supplied poles. Windows with fine mosquito mesh sit in all four corners, rain drains line every side, and the breathable poly-cotton canvas walls (UV50+ sun protection, 3,000-millimetre water column) shrugged off an intensive garden-hose drenching, the high-pressure-sealed seams holding perfectly.

Two people stretch out fully in the 210 x 126-centimetre interior. Headroom of just under a metre is no ballroom but suffices for relaxed sitting. The ceiling wears a black flannel lining with red stitching for insulation — handsome enough to forget you are in a tent — and the fire-resistant, eight-centimetre viscose-foam mattress is neither too hard nor too soft: sleeping here feels like seventh heaven, with a removable, washable cover and flannel insulation beneath against cold and heat. Two three-compartment pockets swallow phone and wallet, a net under the ceiling stores clothing, four hooks hang lamps or a washing line, and the gas struts are fabric-sheathed against injury. Four windows and two entrances ventilate perfectly, heat escapes quickly, and effective blackout is assured for long sleepers.

Departure is as fast as arrival: press and pull the lid down by its long straps from ground level, fold the fabric inwards, close the metal clasp and straps — done. The robust outer shell needs no rain cover at all.

One practical point deserves planning before purchase: closed, the Flitzer I still occupies 220 x 135 centimetres of floor — or better, ceiling. The most elegant solution is hanging it from the garage roof with a pulley hoist, raising and lowering it for mounting season. The flat 28-centimetre profile helps, and because the ladder and even bedding can travel inside the closed shell, the car stays packed lighter than expected once the tent is up top.

Anyone seeking an affordable, high-quality and supremely cosy hard-shell roof tent should shortlist the Naturbummler Flitzer I. The shell is robust, the pitch takes seconds, two sleepers get ample space and light through two entrances and four windows, the quilted ceiling looks as good as it insulates, and the eight-centimetre mattress delivers genuinely restful sleep. The 59 kilograms and the large packed footprint are the honest costs of hard-shell comfort — the next adventure can come.