Amidst the influx of brands elbowing for space in the highly competitive rooftop tent market, one
company from the Netherlands has carved their own niche during the last 10 years of adventure
and manages to stay on top: femkes Rooftop Tents. The story began in 2012, when Femke and
Tim drove to Croatia for their annual holiday. I should point out that neither were new to outdoor
living at this stage and could already look back on decades of adventure travel. Therefore, it’s
unsurprising that they were in a position to identify some of the benefits and pitfalls of the popular
contemporary rooftop dwellings.
This was at a time when soft-shell tents dominated the market, with most of them still employing
many features adopted from much earlier generation products. Hard-shell rooftop tents had been
around for a while, but had yet to make a significant impact on the market. So, it was more of a
gut feeling than anything else that led Femke to disregard popular demand and focus on
developing hard-shell tents more adept at fulfilling her own needs.
Femke was working in advertising but, even though she enjoyed her job, she felt the industry was
becoming more superficial and it was time to change direction professionally. The thought of
spending more time outdoors and travelling further afield certainly fuelled her ideas regarding a
new tent business, and she embraced the challenge by setting out her first design.
MILESTONES
2014 The first prototype arrived: a blue tent with a fibreglass clamshell. The concept was good
except for the fibreglass, which didn’t fulfil Femke’s expectations in regard to recycling.
2015 The initial design evolved to include improved ventilation and an ABS clamshell was
specified. The next, sand-coloured, prototype was produced and shipped.
2016 The first twenty-foot container filled with commercial products arrived in the Netherlands,
sales were recorded, and a series of tests were completed in hot and cold climates across
mainland Europe and Scandinavia.
2017 Just as the company prepared to hit the button for mass production, a new manufacturing
partner had to be found. This was actually a blessing in disguise, because the new partner
brought innovative ideas to the table such as modified gas struts which improved user
experience.
2018 The business developed its own dynamic, the hybrid tent design attracted customers, and
the product range grew to include new designs and colours.
2020 Demand for hardshell rooftoptents flew through the roof in response to COVID restrictions and changes in travel preferences. By the end of April, sales had completely diminished the stock for the year and new container loads were rushed through the factories who were eager to provide support under these extraordinary conditions. Demand for hard-shells grew exponentially compared to their soft-shell counterparts. Enquiries poured in from across Europe which, in turn, triggered expansion of the international distribution network.
“It was great to see sales skyrocket through online sales, but we missed the personal contact with
our customers.”
2024 To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Femke and Tim are introducing their brand-new
aluminium Khosi family of tents which represents a further improvement on the already widely
popular checker plate clad ALU-Khosi.
A noteworthy feature is the ABS hard shell which has been treated to an upgrade in the form of a Raptor coating. Careful attention is paid to surface preparation and priming so that the finished
product can better withstand temperature fluctuation and the mechanical rigours of driving
through undergrowth and under overhanging branches. Extensive exposure to extreme real-life
climatic conditions and SGS testing completed the rigorous development programme.
Today, femkes Rooftop Tents comprise the largest selection of hybrid tents offered by a single
brand. Whether for one or two adults, or for families, the range includes many styles of products
to suit individual requirements and the type of car customers may have—it doesn’t always have to
be a 4x4.
Forthcoming events: Abenteuer & Allrad 2024, stand no. T10
Text by Michael Brailey @overlandeurope
