For guys who've spent years chasing the call of the wild, there's nothing quite like gearing up for a backcountry trip that tests your limits. But let's face it, as we get older, those flimsy canvas tents on the roof of your rig start to feel more like a hassle than a haven—especially when bears are sniffing around or a storm rolls in. Enter the Mammoth Overland SKL, a game-changer that's shaking up how we think about rooftop shelters. This isn't just another tent; it's a rugged, hard-shell camper built with the kind of engineering that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.
Picture this: you're out in the middle of nowhere, miles from the nearest pavement, and you need a spot to crash that's as tough as your old work boots. Mammoth Overland, hailing from Woodinville, Washington, has a reputation for crafting gear that laughs in the face of Mother Nature's worst moods. They've got trailers that can handle apocalyptic scenarios and campers designed for brutal winters. Now, they're bringing that same unbreakable spirit to the SKL, which they call a rooftop camper to set it apart from the pack. The big standout? Zero soft fabric anywhere. That means no worries about tears, leaks, or wildlife restrictions in bear country where canvas is a no-go. It's all about security and peace of mind when you're far from home.
Image credit: Mammoth Overland
What sets the SKL apart starts with its roots in aviation. As a subsidiary of Vashon Aircraft, a U.S.-based plane maker, Mammoth builds this thing with the precision of an airplane. We're talking riveted aluminum monocoque construction—fancy term for a seamless, super-strong shell that's lightweight yet nearly indestructible. At just 300 pounds in its base form, it won't bog down your truck or SUV like some heavier setups. And with an R5 insulation rating crammed between the inner and outer layers, it's ready for four-season adventures. Forget the zero insulation in most tents that leaves you shivering or sweating; this one keeps condensation at bay and maintains a comfy temp no matter if it's scorching summer or freezing fall nights.
Deployment is a breeze, too—pop it open in about 30 seconds flat, thanks to a redesigned front door that folds up from the floor. Once it's up, you've got a deployed size of 89 inches long by 59 inches wide by 64.8 inches high, plenty of headroom for sitting up without banging your noggin. The sleeping area is king-length with a width that's right between a full and a queen mattress, so two grown adults can stretch out without feeling crammed. No more elbow wars or rolling off the edge in the middle of the night. Inside, natural light pours in through six signature porthole windows, giving it a bright, open feel during the day. Come evening, dual LED strips light things up, and a three-speed bi-directional electric fan keeps the air circulating fresh.
Power is where the SKL really shines for those extended off-grid hauls. It comes standard with a 6Ah Renogy battery pack tucked into the roof structure, enough to run the basics without a hitch. But if you're the type who likes to push further into the wilderness, you can bump it up to a 104Ah battery for an extra $1,500 or go all-in with 208Ah for $3,000. The whole setup is pre-wired for solar panels, so hooking up your own system to trickle-charge on sunny days is straightforward. That means more time fishing, hiking, or just kicking back with a cold one, less time hunting for outlets or generators.
Image credit: Mammoth Overland
On the outside, durability is the name of the game. The aluminum shell shrugs off branches, hail, or whatever else the trail throws at it, unlike fabric that can rip or soak through in a downpour. Add the optional roof rack for $500, and you've got space for up to 500 pounds of static gear—think kayaks, bikes, or extra fuel cans—without compromising the setup. That's over 1.5 times the camper's base weight, making it a beast for hauling. Two auxiliary flood lights on the sides, powered by that integrated battery, light up your campsite or the path ahead, handy for those late-night arrivals or early morning departures.
Mammoth didn't skimp on the details that matter to serious overlanders. The stowed dimensions—89 by 59 by 18 inches—keep a low profile on your roof, not much taller than some other hard-sided options out there. And weighing in at 330 pounds with the mid-tier battery or 360 with the big one, it's manageable for most full-size vehicles. This is gear built for guys who value reliability over gimmicks, the kind that lets you focus on the journey instead of fussing with your setup.
If you've ever stared at your old rooftop tent after a rough trip and thought there had to be a better way, the SKL might just be it. Starting at $11,500, it's an investment in adventures that last. Reservations are open now on Mammoth's site with a $1,000 deposit, and production fires up in the first quarter of 2026. In a world where gear often promises more than it delivers, this rooftop camper from Mammoth Overland feels like the real deal—tough, thoughtful, and ready to redefine how we hit the backcountry. Whether you're planning a solo escape or a trip with a buddy, it's the kind of upgrade that makes those long drives worth every mile.
