If you are considering installing a Hawk's Nest but are finding it difficult to install due to its structure, why is the Crow's Nest Regular recommended?
Apr 08, 2025
There's more than one way to travel.
For those drawn to the FELDON SHELTER world and considering the Hawk's Nest:
The Hawk's Nest series is
a hard-shell rooftop tent designed for those who want to start their journey smart and fast.
✔️ Quick setup in seconds
✔️ Classic design and understated presence
✔️ Designed for easy installation with a low vehicle height
Travel as an extension of everyday life.
The speed with which you can depart at a moment's notice attracts many users.
Vehicles that cannot accommodate the Hawk's Nest
While the Hawk's Nest is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, there are some cases where installation is difficult due to its structure.
- Only two crossbars can be installed.
- Static load capacity is limited to approximately 60-75kg.
- The roof is too short, making it impossible to secure mounting positions.
- Mini vehicles (Jimny, Hustler, N-BOX, etc.)
Especially regarding load capacity, FELDON SHELTER officially specifies safety as the top priority for these restrictions.
👉 Click here for the official guide on load capacity and installation on mini vehicles.
The Crow's Nest Regular: A Return to Basics, Chosen Amidst Such Conditions
When it's discovered that the Hawk's Nest cannot be physically installed,
many people still express that they don't want to give up on their travels.
For such individuals, the Crow's Nest Regular is chosen as a realistic and positive alternative.
✔️ Lightweight design at approximately 54kg
✔️ Can be installed with two crossbars
✔️ No need for pegging; setup takes approximately 5 minutes
✔️ Side entry allows for high freedom of access
✔️ Shape makes it easy to install on vehicles with low roofs
There's something important not to misunderstand here. The Hawk's Nest is a well-made tent. It's thin, keeps the vehicle height low when stored, and deploys in just a few seconds. For those who want to start their journey smart, it's the perfect companion.
So, what's the appeal of the Crow's Nest? The joy of spreading it out with your own hands, the panoramic windows that open all around, and the space available under the extended tent. On top of that, it's lighter than the Hawk's and more affordable. While both are "ready-to-go" tents, the Crow's Nest offers a greater sense of openness and play once you arrive. That's the Crow's Nest.
The 5 minutes it takes to set up will change your travel time.
Setting up the Crow's Nest isn't as instant as the Hawk's Nest.
However, that's where the charm, adventure, and excitement of this tent lie.
Remove the cover, pull out the ladder, and set it up.
Compared to a hard shell, a soft shell might seem a bit more troublesome, but it's incomparable to a typical ground tent. No need to thread poles, hammer pegs, or constantly readjust the direction – all that hassle is gone. The Crow's Nest Regular sets up a sleeping space in about 5 minutes, without even needing to use pegs. You don't have to worry about ground conditions or weather. While it might seem more work compared to a shell type, among tents as tools, it's surprisingly light and nimble.
That "little bit" of time brings with it the silence of grinding coffee beans in the morning,
or lighting a vintage lantern.
Just "a little bit" of preparation raises the temperature of your journey slightly.
For those who appreciate that feeling, this time will surely be a reward.
👉Click here for setup instructions(YouTube)
Usage that doesn't end with opening it.
The Crow's Nest unfolds like a book. The sleeping area itself isn't significantly different in size from a hard shell. The difference lies underneath.
The Crow's Nest Regular creates a sheltered space directly beneath the unfolded tent. You can set up chairs, or temporarily place wet gear and clothes – it allows for uses that go beyond just the roof. With windows opening on all four sides, allowing wind and scenery to pass through, you feel connected to the outdoors even while inside.
If you want a larger sheltered area, there are also Extended and Family options where the tent extends outwards. You won't get wet getting in and out, and there will be shade around the ladder. However, these require pegging and thus take longer to set up. For quick deployment and immediate immersion in your travels – the Regular is still the best fit for lightness.
It's taller than the Hawk's Nest? Still.
"Just right for carrying freedom."
Because the Crow's Nest has a soft-shell structure, its height when stored is slightly greater than that of the Hawk's Nest.
Care must be taken in environments with height restrictions, such as multi-story car parks.
However,
"Just right for carrying freedom."
Reference vehicle: RAV4 (6BA-MXAA). Height from ground to top of rooftop tent is 2180mm.
Crossbar used: THULE WingBar Evo.
Instead of strictly adhering to city rules,
choose what suits your travel style.
That's the position of the Crow's Nest Regular.
📏 Hawk's Nest vs. Crow's Nest Regular Specifications Comparison (Accurate Version)
| Model Name | Storage Size | Deployed Size | Weight | Entry | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Pro (Grey) | Width approx. 128cm × Height 16cm × Length 225cm | Width approx. 128cm × Height 155cm × Length 225cm | Approx. 72kg | Rear | Thinnest model. Slim design considering vehicle height restrictions. |
| Standard (Grey) | Width approx. 128cm × Height 20cm × Length 225cm | Width approx. 128cm × Height 155cm × Length 225cm | Approx. 84kg | Rear | Slightly taller when stored than Low-Pro, with more space for bedding. |
| Wide (Grey) | Width approx. 143cm × Height 20cm × Length 225cm | Width approx. 143cm × Height 155cm × Length 225cm | Approx. 88kg | Rear | Expanded mattress area. For families and large 4x4s. |
| Side (Grey) | Width approx. 143cm × Height 20cm × Length 225cm | Width approx. 143cm × Height 125cm × Length 225cm | Approx. 90kg | Side | Side access specification. Easy entry/exit during setup. |
| Crow’s Nest Regular (Black) | Width approx. 141cm × Depth 120cm × Height 40cm Weight: 54kg | Width approx. 141cm × Depth 240cm × Height 125cm | Approx. 54kg | Side or Rear |
Lightweight, compatible with 2 bars. Setup approx. 5 mins. The joy of unfolding is also a charm. |
A convincing choice for those who prioritize safety.
The Crow's Nest Regular is not
something you choose "because it didn't fit."
The fact is that many people ultimately choose this option because it meets structural requirements and guarantees safety.
✔️ Weight, installation method, and setup time are all practical.
✔️ Designed to maximize travel freedom within height restrictions.
✔️ For those who enjoy a style that embraces a little extra effort.
✔️ If pegging isn't an issue, the Extended is also recommended.
You shouldn't decide on a rooftop tent based solely on whether it "fits."
What kind of journey awaits you beyond that?
Choosing the tent that suits your journey is the most important thing.
Choose it not because it can't be mounted, but because you want to take this journey. The silhouette of the Crow's Nest on your car will inspire your next journey every time you see it. Roads not yet traveled, places not yet discovered. Just looking at your parked car, your heart is already on its way. The Hawk's Nest has that power too, but the fabric-clad shape of the Crow's calls to travel even more strongly.
The Crow's Nest has a proven track record of being used for travel by numerous YouTubers (Yukiyuki-san, Ussiy-san, Kenta-san) due to its ease of use.
It's the best "classic" style FELDON SHELTER rooftop tent that perfectly matches your car and your travel pace.
Photo by @feldonshelter @philharris__ @emmaorchard
