James Baroud Odyssey Rooftop Tent Review

The James Baroud Odyssey is easily one of the most premium, luxe, and well-designed rooftop tents (RTT) on the market. It has some of the more intuitive features I've seen on an RTT, and its standout performance (almost) makes the sticker shock worth it. It's a hefty investment, but it will quickly become your backcountry Taj Mahal of choice for everything from cross-country road trips to occasional weekends in the mountains. As the cherry on top, it also won’t impact your gas mileage as much as some other RTTs, due to its aerodynamic shell. Below, I dig into my experience with this incredibly livable rooftop tent. To see how the Odyssey stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best rooftop tents.
 

Table of Contents

• Interior Space
• Integrated Mattress and Sleeping Comfort
• Shell Materials and Durability
• Weather Resistance and Insulation
• Setup and Takedown
• Interior Features
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Interior Space

Rooftop tents tend to be hit-or-miss, and for me, the James Baroud Odyssey was an easy win. I like feeling connected to the outdoors when I camp, and the Odyssey delivers 360-degree views that flood the space with light and air. At the foot of the tent, the full-width window covering unzips to reveal an unobstructed panorama, while large corner openings at the head and dual side doors (also mesh-lined windows) keep things bright and airy. On warm summer nights, the abundant ventilation keeps the interior cool, and I never tired of waking up to sweeping views in every direction. The 30.4 square feet of internal space and 39 inches of height make it a roomy home for two adults, with space for a kid or two (or a dog). When surprise rainstorms roll through, the windows zip closed in seconds, sealing out the weather quickly so you can get back to sleep.
 

Integrated Mattress and Sleeping Comfort

A rooftop tent is only good if you can snag some serious "Zs" at night—and the Odyssey delivers comfort in spades. I found the included high-density mattress much more comfortable than other RTTs I've snoozed in. It is supportive yet plush, and feels very premium for how much volume it takes up. Contributing to a cozy night of sleep, the internal space is thoughtfully designed to boost comfort and function. All of the exposed aluminum inside the tent, around the bottom and on the struts, is covered in PVC fabric to reduce the chance of condensation buildup. It's also nice not to accidentally rub against exposed aluminum at night. The tent base has a thick lining to keep out ambient noise and boost insulation on chilly nights. All told, I've gotten some of the best sleep in the Odyssey over any other RTT I've tested.
 

Shell Materials and Durability

Offered in three colorways, the Odyssey pairs sleek styling with serious weather protection. The 4mm-thick ABS plastic hardshell is coated for UV resistance and shaped with aerodynamics in mind—James Baroud modeled the profile after a whale shark, resulting in a notably low drag coefficient in their testing. The fabric walls are equally distinctive: a three-layer construction combines a waterproof exterior, a thin polymer foam core for insulation, and a soft, porous inner layer that absorbs moisture. This design not only delivers full blackout for sleeping and dampens outside noise, but also plays a key role in combating condensation—a common headache for rooftop tent users. To further keep interiors dry and comfortable, a built-in, solar-powered ceiling fan actively vents moisture from within. Durability overall has been stellar, and I haven't experienced any issues over many months of testing.
 

Weather Resistance and Insulation

As mentioned above, the three-layer construction of the fabric walls provides adequate insulation in chilly temps, but for true winter camping, you'll probably want to bring a winter sleeping bag, and maybe some extra insulation like a sleeping pad to supplement the mattress. I tried to camp one winter night with just the included mattress and a zero-degree sleeping bag, and felt quite chilly on my back and rear. Especially on windy nights, as wind whips underneath the tent, it cools the mattress a good deal—but I've experienced this with every RTT I've tested. That said, I've had no issues with weather resistance, and the waterproof wall fabric keeps moisture out while retaining breathability, so the tent doesn't feel overly stuffy in harsh rainstorms. I do wish that there were awnings that could be erected over the windows, which would allow you to open up the windows in light storms to boost ventilation. The built-in solar fan helps mitigate moisture buildup, but it doesn't do a standout job on its own if all of the windows are closed in a storm.
 

Setup and Takedown

The James Baroud Odyssey is about as quick and effortless to set up as rooftop tents get—less than a minute from start to finish. Four external clips keep the tent securely closed in transit; unclip them, give one end a gentle push, then the other, and the gas-assisted struts at each corner do the rest, lifting the roof smoothly into place. A small lever on each support locks the roof open or releases it when you’re ready to pack up. Closing is just as straightforward: sturdy grab points—a rubber-handled webbing strap at the foot and a fixed handle at the head—make lowering the roof easy and controlled. Even the ladder has a thoughtful home, zipping neatly into its own canvas bag that stores inside the tent between uses.
 

Actually mounting the tent on your car takes some time and energy, but it is quite intuitive and simple in the end. Strong polymer brackets run along two mounting rails for quick and safe attachment to most roof racks. In practice, I liked this system better than other RTTs I've tested, and the rails allowed me to move the tent back and forth until I felt like it was nicely centered on my car. Once mounted, the Odyssey glides silently down the road with minimal sound and no rattles, thanks to its aerodynamic shell. Of note, the Odyssey is offered in medium (143 lb.) and large (178 lb.) sizes, and each size suits different rigs and users better.
 

Interior Features

Inside the James Baroud Odyssey, the layout feels open and organized. With 39 inches of headroom from base to ceiling, I could sit up comfortably without brushing the roof, and the spacious gear loft—positioned at the foot of the tent so it doesn’t interfere with headspace—easily swallowed bedding and extra layers. Additional storage comes via side pockets for small essentials and a perimeter track system that accommodates T-track hooks, which let me hang items exactly where I wanted them. I did feel like the cargo net couldn't support much weight, which limits storage options a bit. Still, practical touches round out the experience: a rechargeable flashlight clips above your head for reading or illumination, and the tent’s shell can be outfitted with crossbars for carrying bikes, surfboards, or other gear, with swappable struts available for heavier loads.
 

A true headliner for me is the ability to integrate an LED lighting system that wraps around the perimeter of the ceiling. This add-on is sold separately for $156 (for the medium build), but it seriously improves the livability of the tent. That said, while I love the glow of these lights, there are a lot of modes to scroll through just to turn them on and off, and a lot of them are chaotic strobes that I feel like I would never use. Some other interior features also surfaced as cons for me: the velcro straps at the bottom of the doors are quite loud, making it tricky to discreetly hop out when nature calls late at night and not wake your partner. I also wish there were a bit more storage options.
 

What We Like

• Fantastic ventilation and views with 360° windows.
• Built-in venting fan.
• Full blackout curtains.
• Spacious interior.
• The included mattress is very comfortable.

What We Don't

• Cargo nets can't hold much weight.
• Ladder doesn't lock open.
• No weather protective awnings.
• Velcro at the doors is quite loud and may disturb a sleeping partner.
• Very expensive.
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

Over the past decade, rooftop tents have surged in popularity, with a dizzying range of designs now catering to every style of adventure. While the James Baroud Odyssey is undeniably one of our favorites, there are a plethora of other options to choose from. When weighing brands and models, your key factors will likely come down to capacity, price, and—perhaps most importantly—hardshell vs. softshell. Softshell tents remain a go-to for first-timers thanks to their lower cost, generous floor plans, and compatibility with add-ons like annexes and awnings. They fold out beyond your car's roof using poles and hinges, protected by a durable fabric shell. On the flip side, they’re more prone to condensation and mold, can be noisy in wind, and take noticeably longer to pitch and pack away than hardshells. If you’re after a quality softshell, we like Thule's Approach, while budget-minded travelers should check out Smittybilt's Gen2 Overlander. And for those willing to spend a bit more for a lighter, smaller option, the 90-pound Roofnest Meadowlark is another great choice.
 

Hardshell models, like the Odyssey, swap fabric exteriors for rigid fiberglass, plastic, or aluminum shells, typically opening via a hinge or lifting on all sides. They’re heavier and more expensive, with smaller interiors, but excel in durability, weather resistance, aerodynamics, and speed—many set up in under a minute. Some even allow bedding to be stored inside or feature crossbars for bikes and skis. For frequent movers or those chasing convenience and longevity, they’re often worth the splurge. One standout alternative to the Odyssey is Roofnest's Falcon 3 Evo Air. In the end, match your tent to your vehicle, budget, and camping conditions—because once you’ve slept in a rooftop tent, it’s hard to go back.
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