Topoak Galaxy 1.0 Rooftop Tent Review

I was skeptical about Topoak Galaxy 1.0 Considering similar aluminum hardshell wedge style models like the popular Roofnest Falcon 2 cost over $3,000. I’ve seen and used “cheap” rooftop tents (RTTs) that felt junky and very flimsy. It reminded me of cheap lawn furniture.

However, when I received the Topoak Galaxy 1.0, I quickly realized that it was not a cheap copy of the existing RTT. Yes, it looked eerily similar to the Roofnest Falcon series, but the aluminum hard shell felt sturdy and the tent itself looked legitimately weatherproof. So, I decided to install it in my Subaru Outback Wilderness and give it a good run. Especially considering the fractional price.

I kept the Galaxy 1.0 in my car for four months and deployed it on several overnight trips with my 11-year-old daughter and her dog buddy. We were all pleasantly surprised by this RTT value proposition.

in short: The price of Topoak Galaxy 1.0 cannot be ignored when compared to its competitors. RTT also performed well above its weight class, despite being much cheaper than other products. Easy to use, comfortable, resistant to moderate precipitation, and proved durable throughout the testing period. I don’t think there is a better ratio of funds to performance. Included in hard shell RTTs currently available on the market.

Topoak Galaxy 1.0 Rooftop Tent Review

For a much cheaper RTT than others, the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 had surprisingly sturdy construction and a wealth of features.

The Galaxy 1.0 arrived in a cargo truck, nicely packaged in cardboard, wood, and foam ($299 shipping to anywhere in the continental United States). Topoak insures all shipping, but judging from the way it was packaged, I don’t think the RTT could be damaged unless it was handled very roughly.

Installation method and main specifications/features

After unpacking everything and forcing my burly climbing friends to come over, we hoisted the 176-pound RTT onto the Outback’s Thule crossbars. Once positioned, installation only took a few more minutes. I secured the four brackets with two handles each and completed the entire process.

It’s worth noting that it didn’t include a way to lock RTT to the crossbar. Topoak includes a crossbar for those who don’t have one.

Main specifications of hard shell and tent

The sturdy-feeling 83″ x 56″ x 8″ hard shell is made from aluminum alloy. Closes with two metal buckles with a keyed, low-security lock. At best, they would discourage casual openings of RTT, but deploying a tent is a far cry from stealing a tent, so I wasn’t concerned.

Four large hinges connect the hard shell, and two gas-filled struts assist in opening and closing. Tent height is 53 inches at the top and the floor is 79 inches by 52 inches. Lined with a 2-inch thick high-density foam mattress with a quilted cover and moisture barrier. It also has a mesh bottom layer to help dry moisture from condensation. Topoak says it’s a good size for “two adults and one child.”

The tent’s fabric is 280gsm ripstop polycotton canvas, which the brand says is highly breathable. The removable fly is made of 420D waterproof oxford fabric and has a water pressure resistance of 6000 mm.

The Topoak Galaxy 1.0 features a unique U-shaped bar inside that is said to increase the tent’s internal volume by 35% when the user swings it upwards and backwards. For a wedge-style RTT, the Galaxy 1.0 had a much more open feel than a “standard” wedge RTT.

All three available side walls have large perimeter zippered doors with mesh panels. The included telescoping ladder can be installed under these doors. The roof has a zippered panel and two vents near the top of the tent.

Main features of Topoak Galaxy 1.0 RTT

The tent is equipped with facilities suitable for living in a limited space. The suspended panel has six pockets that can be separated from the roof to store bulky items such as camping blankets. Every available wall has at least one flat pocket.

A USB-powered LED light strip is mounted in the top corner of the ceiling and controlled by a wired remote control that reaches the floor.

Topoak comes with a removable shoe bag that hangs outside the tent. I don’t know why I didn’t come up with this myself. When using RTT, I don’t like storing wet and dirty shoes inside the tent. However, if you leave your shoes at the bottom of the ladder, your feet will hurt when you use the ladder, and your shoes will be exposed to the elements.

The tent has elastic loops on the outside. When the tent is open, it appears in a slot in the hard shell. When the tent closes, the rubber pulls the walls in. Finally, the fly has a large transparent window for stargazing.

Topoak Galaxy 1.0 Rooftop Tent in the Field

Although I was impressed with the Galaxy 1.0’s construction and features, I was still skeptical about its actual performance. A few nights in the summer with my 11 year old daughter and dog takes shape.

First, the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 was quiet on the roof. With no fabric cover flapping in the wind and a short 8-inch profile, it was mostly quiet compared to other RTTs I’ve used in the past few years. Not surprisingly, I got about 1.5 mpg more fuel economy than my last tent on the roof. Thule Approach M.

There is one important point. The handles used to secure the tent to the crossbars rattled loose several times in quick succession. Therefore, it is mandatory to replace these with nylock nuts.

setting

Like other wedge style tents, the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 was the quickest to assemble of the RTT styles. Simply unbuckle the two clasps and push the lid upwards. The gas struts did the rest. I then pulled down the elastic loop that pulled the side wall of the tent, extended and attached the ladder, and crawled inside.

The next step was to swing the U-shaped extender bar back. Then extend the two arms, snap them onto the extender, and lock them to keep the tent roof and back panel open. This upper section of the tent actually extended well beyond the back of the tent floor. This “bump out” immediately made the tent feel more cavernous than other wedge-style RTTs with vertical back panels.

That was it! This process took less than 2 minutes once started.

Life with Topoak Galaxy 1.0 RTT

Easy setup is great, but it doesn’t matter if your RTT is too cramped, uncomfortable, or collects condensation like a cold beer can on a hot day.

Thanks to the extender bar, the voluminous interior felt much less cramped than other similarly sized wedge RTTs I’ve used. When I lay down, I felt a luxurious space. When I sat down, I was able to change my clothes without my arms hitting my fellow tent members, the tent walls, or the ceiling.

The foam floor was just enough for me, who weighs 164 pounds, to sleep on my side. I didn’t get to the bottom of the foam, but it was definitely more comfortable to sleep on. This wasn’t a deal breaker at all. It’s easy to throw on a sleeping pad.

The floor was large enough for my daughter, dog, and me. I’m 5’11” and my sleeping bag has never touched a wall or hit a child. I call this a “2 adults, 1 dog” RTT. The adults were able to sleep without waking each other, but the dog was bound to have a conflict with someone at some point.

The various storage areas kept the floor mostly empty and made the tent feel larger than it actually was. Clothes, headlamp, my daughter’s art supplies, food bags, and water bottle were all still on the floor.

The LED light bar is simple so I was really happy to have it there. The inside of the car is so bright that you don’t need headlamps.

weather resistance

Where I live is very humid and condensation is always a concern. In most of the cases I’ve tested, single-walled RTTs have had to rely on ventilation through doors, which are usually numerous. Galaxy 1.0 was no exception. If it had been colder, we would have needed to use a proper sleeping bag and leave at least two doors partially open to prevent condensation.

Although the brand claims the fabric is breathable, in my opinion it is not functionally breathable. But I think there are a lot of waterproof and breathable membranes used in assault tents, shells, footwear, and other apparel products used in the real world.

Unfortunately, the weather during the test period was mild. I only slept in a light rain and didn’t experience anything other than a light breeze inside the tent. The tent remained waterproof all night with light rain.

unload

The process of storing the Galaxy 1.0 for travel was the exact opposite of setting it up. If one thing went wrong, the hard shell wouldn’t close and you’d have to remove the ladder and start over. But once I learned a few simple steps, I was able to close the hard shell using the long webbing handles, stuff the remaining tent fabric inside, and close the buckles in less than 5 minutes.

Considering the price and my experience with more expensive RTTs, I felt the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 was an amazing value.

Some notes

The functionality was great especially considering the price. But that’s my job, so I look for flaws. Galaxy 1.0 also had some issues, but they were minor and seemed fixable.

Aside from having to replace the handle, I was a little worried about the buckle on the hard shell clasp. It closed easily with just one of the two hooks that fit into the bar on the other part of the buckle and a few bends.

This did not require special forces. If I closed it like this, the buckle would get twisted and it would be difficult to open it. I found that doing this too many times could break or break the hook, but it appeared to be replaceable.

I also would have liked an optional mounting system that included a lock, but you’ll need at least two people to use the RTT. But that’s what happened, and owners of this tent should keep that in mind when parking in high-traffic or less reliable areas.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, I didn’t experience even mild inclement weather while testing the Galaxy 1.0, so I can’t comment on its weather resistance beyond light rain and a slight breeze.

Conclusion about Topoak Galaxy 1.0

First, the Galaxy 1.0 has an MSRP of $1,299 (it was on sale for $1,199 at the time of this writing), making it an incredible value. With its aluminum alloy hard shell and cavernous volume, it’s hard for me to say anything better about the RTT.

Yes, I would have liked to have used thicker, denser foam for the floor, but I had a small issue with the hard shell closure buckles. But it seems like both of these can be fixed if needed.

Time will tell if the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 can withstand more severe weather and if its longevity is on par with other RTTs. I’ll update this review if I find any issues with either. But for now, I declare it to be the best value in RTT.