These three essentials are as close to foolproof as it gets, the kind of practical gifts that land well with absolutely anyone who spends time outdoors.

Bushbuck Thermal Bottle (720ml or 950ml) A dependable thermal bottle keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. Ideal for camping, the gym, or daily use.

Bushbuck Dry Toes Waterproof Merino Socks These socks are a best seller for a reason. In soggy conditions, they’re worth their weight in gold. A reliable pick for hikers and hunters alike.

Bushbuck Beacon 300 Ultralight LED Head Torch An ultralight torch that punches above its weight in beam strength. Perfect for early starts, late finishes, and camp chores.

Bushbuck 350ml Insulated Cup A gift that’s guaranteed to get real use. You can’t go wrong owning more than one either. Keep one in the truck and another in your pack, ready to roll whenever the next adventure calls.

If you want a gift that’s guaranteed to be used, appreciated, and quietly bragged about on the next mission, you simply can’t go wrong with any of these.

You can safely drive at normal road-legal speeds (typically 100–110km/h in NZ and AU) with a properly installed rooftop tent. Stick to the posted limits, reduce speed in strong winds, and ensure your roof racks are weight-rated for the load.

No, rooftop tents aren’t harmful to your vehicle when installed correctly and kept within your car’s roof-load limits. Using strong, compatible roof racks and tightening all mounting hardware ensures weight is distributed safely across the roof structure.

They may affect fuel economy slightly, but they won’t damage your vehicle when fitted properly. Choosing a low-profile, aerodynamic hard shell model like the Bushbuck Armourdillo® helps minimise this impact.

Before starting, ensure your vehicle can support a rooftop tent. This involves checking the roof rack's compatibility and weight capacity. We recommend using roof racks rated to support 100kg.

Essential pre-installation checks: Verify the roof rack's weight limit (100kg recommended) Confirm tent compatibility with your vehicle Review the manufacturer's installation guidelines

These steps help prevent issues during installation.

You will find all required tools included with the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Hard Shell Rooftop Tent, which keeps preparation simple. A measuring tape and ladder are helpful, and a crew of four is ideal for the lift. With two people at the front and two at the back, the tent can be raised smoothly without scraping your vehicle. The shortest side opening aluminium roof tent on the market, the Busbuck Armourdillo® is lighter than it looks, but teamwork keeps things controlled.

These installation steps are for the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Hard Shell Rooftop Tent, although the overall process is standard across most rooftop tents and can be used as a reliable guide for similar setups.

1. Position your vehicle and gather your crew. Lift from the bottom panel, raising the tent to your waist, then your shoulders and finally above your head.

2. Mount from the back of your vehicle to reduce the chance of scratches. Make sure the thinner pointy end faces the front.

3. Gently slide the tent onto your roof rack or bar system. Align it carefully before securing.

4. Insert two square headed bolts into the rail beneath the tent, sliding one to each side of your crossbar.

5. Fit the bottom bracket under the crossbar so it sits neatly over the bolts.

6. Thread one nut on each bolt and tighten them together using the provided 17 mm spanner.

7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for the remaining three brackets. Once all four are tight your tent is secure.

The Bushbuck Armourdillo® takes as little as one to two minutes to put up once installed, which makes it ideal for quick overnighters.

Even the toughest rooftop tents benefit from simple upkeep, and a little care goes a long way in preserving their longevity. Keep the windows open for airflow while the tent is in use, and always let it dry fully before packing it away to avoid mould. Clean dirt or stains with mild detergent and warm water, and give the outer shell a quick wash whenever you clean your vehicle. Re-apply a waterproof treatment to the tent fabric every year or two to keep it performing at its best.

The beauty of hard shell rooftop tents is how quickly they spring to life when you roll into camp. After a long day, the last thing you want is a slow, fiddly setup. With a hard shell, it’s as simple letting the tent open using the telescopic ladder, and erecting the tent canopy.

If you want to see just how effortless it is, watch the Bushbuck Armourdillo® setup instructions video here.