The Ultimate Guide to Roof Top Tents: Benefits, Features, and Why They’re Perfect for Adventure Seekers
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Roof top tents (RTTs) have gained immense popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and overlanders for their convenience, comfort, and versatility. Designed to be mounted on the roof racks of vehicles, these tents transform your car, truck, or SUV into a mobile campsite. If you’re considering a roof top tent for your adventures, here’s everything you need to know.
A roof top tent is a compact, foldable shelter installed on a vehicle’s roof. They are typically constructed with durable materials, such as weather-resistant canvas, aluminum frames, and reinforced bases, making them suitable for all seasons.
Roof top tents come in two main types:
Roof top tents are perfect for adventurers who value mobility, comfort, and freedom. Whether you’re exploring off-grid destinations, taking road trips, or camping with family, an RTT eliminates the hassle of traditional tent camping. With no need for level ground and minimal gear requirements, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the great outdoors.
Roof top tents are revolutionizing the camping experience, offering unmatched convenience, comfort, and flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, investing in a high-quality roof top tent can elevate your adventures to new heights—literally.
Ready to take your outdoor escapades to the next level? Explore top-rated roof top tents and gear up for your next adventure today!
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AUTOHOME: When experience makes all the difference.
Having pioneered the commercial rooftop tent concept in , Autohome secured the first worldwide patent, boasting over 65 years of history. Since then, the company has continuously advanced and perfected premier-grade rooftop tents, setting the standard for rugged usage and inspiring numerous imitations on the market today. Crafted by hand in Rivarolo Mantovano, Italy, Autohome is committed to ongoing research and development, establishing new benchmarks for quality, durability, and safety. Many Autohome products hold the prestigious International Certification of TÜV SÜD Rheinland, affirming the excellence of the world’s original and best-selling tent.
Using only the finest European-sourced materials and renowned performance fabrics, our hand-laid fiberglass hard-shell tents are engineered to withstand the most extreme climates worldwide. Designed with a seamless blend of form and function, our tents epitomize enduring performance year after year. Backed by our 5-year warranty, we are proud to say we have tents still in regular use that are older than almost every other roof tent company in existence.
For those seeking rooftop tent excellence on their adventures and those who must rely on performance, the choice is evident: Autohome. Join the legacy and ensure that an Autohome tent becomes a lasting fixture in your family’s adventures for years to come.
Autohome USA has been the sole distributor of Autohome rooftop tents in the United States since .
Camp King Industries continues to develop and build the toughest roof top tent on the market today. This aluminum shell roof top tent comes fully insulated and finished with a carpeted interior and an ultra-comfortable mattress. Premium build quality using Australian materials means you can sleep like a baby even if you’re exploring rugged, remote terrain.
Built Tough. These tents are fully TIG welded, premium powder-coated, and secured with a specialized Orlock riveting system making it one of the most structurally solid units out there. The full tent body is made from Australian-Made Wax Convertor Coolabah Tear stop canvas AS.2.18. (military grade). Good luck finding that at your local fabric shop.
Quick Set-Up. This clamshell roof top tent is designed to be set up or packed down in a matter of minutes. This tent was made with adventure and convenience in mind featuring ample space for all of your bedding. Life is too short to muck about with packing away your favorite pillow.
Fun Facts: New 4″ thick high density memory foam mattress – Ultra thick memory foam is great for side sleepers! Extra-Long Full/Double Size Mattress (53″ x 85.5″) completely fills the floor of tent for wall-to-wall comfort with no mattress shifting. Closed cell foam (water resistant) insulated roof and high quality seals to prevent dust and water entry. Massive internal opening height (5′ 7″) for a spacious internal sleeping area. Optional Camp King crossbar system so you can carry additional gear on top of the tent. Oh, and so much more!
Warranty: World Class warranty – 5 Years on Camp King workmanship, 5 years on the Canvas (deterioration and fading), and 1 year on incidentals such as latches, handles, and struts.
If you want the best rooftop tent money can buy, this is it. James Baroud is a Porto, Portugal based fabricator that’s been making rooftop tents by hand for 25 years, they source the highest quality materials from within Europe, and their craftsmanship is incomparable to any tent in the market.
They buy aluminized canvas from the same Netherlands based supplier that produces NASAs space suit fabric. Their Italian ABS is coated in the highest rated UV protectant to prevent sun bleaching and cracking. The aerodynamic shape of the tents is designed for low drag and less impact to fuel economy.
Because the tents are made in Europe, they are bound by European REACH regulations that have the highest standards for protecting consumers from toxic chemicals such as PFAS and fire retardants. These chemicals are commonly found in tents produced in Asia and are known to cause cancer, especially in children.
Lastly, the design details are incredible. Every zipper pull is covered in rubber to reduce sound, there’s a solar fan that removes moisture, they sew with a two-needle flat felled stitch which creates stronger bonds and allows for super tight canvas stretch, velcro is reinforced with nylon backing to prevent tearing, interior aluminum is covered with poly-fabric to minimize condensation, walls zip down at the corners to allow for a full 360 panoramic view, every tent comes with a multi-function rechargeable hand light, plenty of space to store camping gear while its closed, and they offer the industry best 5-YEAR warranty!
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The long requested Condor Overland 2 XL has arrived. Just like our supersized Condor 2 XL but wrapped in a high-grade aluminum skin, the Overland 2 XL can take more campers to more places.
The Overland XL offers a generous sleeping area that accommodates up to 3-4 people. A stamped aluminum shell maximizes durability, while relocating the struts internally minimizes any potential snags and weather snafus. By boosting the overall carrying capacity with optional crossbars for toys and tools and six accessory channels for mounting off-road gear, the Overland 2 XL provides countless ways to prepare for your adventure.
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The Ursa is the perfect choice for any size vehicle with a small footprint to fit CUVs, SUVs, wagons, and most truck beds.
STAR-GAZING SKY WINDOWS: Sleep under the stars! Integrated star-gazing sky windows are built into the roof – simply roll back the protective fly and enjoy the view.
TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT CONTROL: There’s plenty of ventilation with 3 windows to help reduce condensation and awnings to help further protect from the elements.
HIGH-DENSITY FOAM MATTRESS: The included high-density foam mattress with a 3D anti-condensation mat provides support and comfort for a long night’s sleep.
HEATER HOSE INLET: Camping in cold weather? Our tent features a heater hose inlet for an external heat source such as a diesel heater.
SIMPLE SET-UP & PACK-DOWN: Simple set-up with two latches at the base of the tent, unlatch and unfold the tent with the assisted gas struts. Pack-down is as simple as folding the lid and locking the latches.
COMPACT ON-ROOF DESIGN: Sleek black hardshell casing with UV protection that’s compact for most CUVs, wagons, SUVs, and truck beds.
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The GALAXY Rooftop Tent:Designed to revolutionize the way outdoor enthusiasts experience camping, the GALAXY Rooftop Tent offers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and versatility.
The GALAXY tent is a revolutionary take on soft shell tents. Thanks to its gas strut mechanism, opening and closing this tent is a breeze, taking less than 40 seconds. Weighing a mere 45kgs and featuring its own aluminium rack system, the Galaxy is designed for effortless portability.
Crafted from durable 260GSM ripstop canvas, this tent boasts two large windows on each side and clear PVC in the roof for optimal star gazing experiences. Complete with a 70mm laminated high-density mattress, flysheet, two storage pockets on each side, and an aluminium extruded ladder, it offers both comfort and convenience.
Its innovative design enables easy installation or detachment with just two people, making it adaptable to any vehicle. When on the move, the tent folds down to a compact size of 210cm x 140 cm x 16cm and is safeguarded by a PVC cover, ensuring hassle-free transportation and storage.
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Experience the great outdoors confidently, knowing the BunduTop is a genuine, rugged off-road Roof-Top Tent. It’s been tested in countries around the world, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for the ultimate vantage point to enjoy nature.
Sleek and straightforward, the BunduTop is a unique, all-electric rooftop tent that is easy to set up and tear down. It comes in three sizes to suit different needs: the Standard and King tents are perfect for two adults, while the Super-king is excellent for families with ample space to mount it.
With 360-degree access and viewing, the BunduTop provides an unparalleled view of your surroundings. Its 100% aluminum construction makes it lightweight and heat-reflective, perfect for hot climates. The tent is designed to fit any rack on the market, from a simple 3-crossbar system to a full flat rack setup, making it easy to install no matter what your setup is.
The BunduTop is not just about adventure; it’s about comfort and convenience, too. Equipped with a 3” high-density foam mattress, air circulation fan, dual USB outlet, 12v Socket & LED Light, it’s your home away from home. With its SB50 Anderson plug connection, opening and closing the tent is as simple as pushing a button.
You don’t need to pack and unpack a separate bedding setup, as everything can be left in the tent. The tent deploys and retracts quickly and comes with a built-in rainfly, so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors without any hassle.
Want more information on canvas roof top tent? Feel free to contact us.
Choose the BunduTop for your next adventure and experience the freedom and convenience of an off-road Roof Top Tent that lets you go anywhere your heart desires.
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4×4 Colorado is becoming a leading business specializing in rooftop tents & camping gear, after-market off-road vehicle parts, and vehicle modification. With a keen understanding of the growing popularity and convenience of rooftop tent camping, we have become a go-to destination for individuals seeking unique and comfortable camping experiences.
At the heart of our offerings is a wide range of high-quality rooftop tent models designed in-house meant to elevate camping to new heights. These tents are meticulously crafted with durable materials and innovative features, ensuring durability, comfort, and protection against the elements.
Whether it’s a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, 4×4 Colorado has a diverse selection of rooftop tents to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to assist customers 6 days a week both online and at our brick-and-mortar location in Denver, CO. In addition to tent and camping equipment sales 4×4 CO also offers after-market vehicle part sales & full service at our Denver Service Department.
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The Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha Roof Top Tent epitomizes convenience and comfort for outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their camping experience. Designed for 2-3 adventurers, this tent offers a robust solution that fits neatly atop a variety of vehicles, ranging from trucks to SUVs. The Alpha model is noted for its quick and easy deployment system that allows campers to set up and break down their campsite in mere minutes, a perfect feature for those who prefer to spend more time exploring than assembling gear.
Constructed from 280 G Poly/Cotton Rip Stop, the Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha Roof Top Tent is built to withstand diverse weather conditions, ensuring it remains intact and comfortable irrespective of rain or sunshine. The tent’s base is made of sturdy aluminum with an insulated core, providing a firm and thermally controlled environment for sleepers inside, regardless of the external temperatures.
One of the tent’s standout features is its expansive windows and doors, which are designed with mesh screens to keep insects out while allowing for ample ventilation and panoramic views of the surroundings. The tent also includes a high-density foam mattress that guarantees a comfortable night’s sleep, essential after a long day of adventure.
The Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha Roof Top Tent also includes additional conveniences such as internal storage pockets and a retractable ladder. You can add on additional accessories such as awnings, shared walls or lights making it not only a shelter but a true home away from home in the wild.
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Hitents has been bringing you exceptional quality camping equipment since . Our goal was to provide heavy duty rooftop tents at an affordable price and we have been able to meet and exceed that for 8 years now!! Our 400g ripstop poly cotton canvas are the heaviest duty and most durable tent shells in the North American market and come standard on our Expedition Grade tents. For those of you that want a high quality tent but a little lighter duty then our Scout Edition line is for you, these use our very robust 280g ripstop poly cotton. Our products are globally sourced but stocked and warrantied from our shop here in California. We are a small family owned and run business and look forward to helping you get outfitted for your next adventure. We have 5 tent models to fit every need.
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XD Everest Tents are a peerless marvel in the realm of rooftop camping, meticulously engineered to elevate your outdoor escapades to unprecedented heights. With a fusion of groundbreaking features and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Everest Tents emerge as your quintessential abode away from home. Anchored by an aircraft-grade aluminum shell, these tents establish a new pinnacle in durability and resilience, safeguarding your sanctuary regardless of the terrain you traverse. The cantilever opening design revolutionizes your camping experience, seamlessly morphing your compact rooftop refuge into an expansive sleeping haven. This innovative design caters to adventurers yearning for both comfort and convenience, optimizing space without compromising on luxury. Fabricated from premium 320G Rip Stop material, the tent body epitomizes ruggedness and reliability, enduring the rigors of the wilderness with unwavering fortitude. Setting the Everest Tent leagues apart is its blackout interior coating, an ingenious feature that banishes all light intrusion. Whether chasing dawn’s first light or seeking a tranquil night’s rest, this attribute ensures an optimal sleeping environment conducive to rejuvenation. Within, a high-density foam mattress awaits, promising unparalleled comfort amidst even the most remote campsites. The aluminum honeycomb base not only enhances the tent’s structural integrity but also renders it light, facilitating effortless setup and closure. For the discerning adventurer craving versatility, the XD Everest Tents are available in 2-person configurations, complete with crossbars for additional cargo atop the tent. These bars provide a secure mount for bikes, canoes, or any essential gear, ensuring you’re primed for every outdoor endeavor that awaits.
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FSR, or Freespirit Recreation, is a family-owned and operated business with a sole focus on rooftop tents and outdoor camping equipment. Built for the everyday adventurer and the extreme outdoor enthusiast alike, FSR products are built to last. We pride ourselves on our proprietary Tri-layer, insulated tent material and our flagship RTT, the Evolution V2. This rooftop tent is the solution for any camper wanting to have all the necessary features in one tent. Fully insulated tent body, slatted floor design for superior ventilation and dispersion of condensation, integrated heater and A/C ports, 9” profile allows you store all of your bedding inside, set up time in under 60 seconds, and a full hardshell design allows for added crossbars to carry some of that extra gear on top. Truly built with the customer in mind and iterated upon based on customer feedback, FSR pushes the limits with product testing and innovation to ensure we create the best possible rooftop tents and camp equipment possible.
This year we celebrate our 10 year anniversary as a business. Our goal has always been to innovate and improve every product based on our customer’s feedback. In , we have exciting product lineups coming soon with kitchen systems, sleep systems and a couple of new tent designs that we have been testing for the past few months.
If you’re considering a rooftop tent that checks all the boxes, visit our website or give us a call today. Mention this article for an exclusive deal!
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Ultimate Resource Guide to Vehicle Supported Adventure
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Most people assume rooftop tents are a relatively new innovation, but they first emerged in Western Europe in the s. Back then, it was known as “auto camping” or “air camping” and was marketed as a way to avoid crowded hotels and save money. Fast forward a few decades to the s, and it seems like rooftop tents have suddenly exploded in popularity. So what’s been driving the new wave of adventurous “auto campers”? You only have to look at the types of vehicles on the road today to understand a major reason why rooftop tents are trending. In New Zealand, Australia, and other parts of the world, more people are buying 4WD vehicles — utes, trucks, SUVs and station wagons. As a result of this, off-roading and overlanding is also becoming an increasingly popular outdoor activity. It’s fair to say that rooftop tents have benefited from both of these trends as roof tents are most commonly fitted to 4WD vehicles. But rooftop tents didn’t just hop on the 4WD bandwagon and ride it all the way to the bank. There are several key reasons why rooftop tents have captured the imagination of adventurers the world over.
A well-designed rooftop tent can be set up in just a few minutes and packed down in the same amount of time. For a lot of people, this is much more appealing than mucking around with tent poles, pegs, and guy ropes that never seem to work how they’re supposed to.
A good roof tent costs a fraction of a campervan, caravan, or motorhome — and after a few years of use it probably works out cheaper than hotels, Airbnbs, and holiday parks. While the initial investment is nothing to snivel at, you’re essentially transforming your vehicle into your very own Airbnb on wheels.
What’s better is, the more your use, the faster it pays itself off. As if you needed another excuse to go on adventures.
One of the best things about roof tents is that they’re always set up and ready to go. After work on a Friday, you can chuck some clothes in a bag, buy some groceries, and head off into the wilderness for the weekend. All of your bedding and essentials can be conveniently packed away inside the roof tent, which means less time spent on planning and making sure you’ve got the right gear.
A rooftop tent allows you to camp in some of the most stunning, remote locations on earth. While it’s often possible to hike to these places with a normal tent, it takes a lot more time. With the roof tent, you can use 4WD tracks to access these areas faster. The best part is, you get to escape the crowds and noise of busy campgrounds. Hard to put a price on that.
If you live in a country with dangerous wild animals or insects, then a rooftop tent provides extra peace of mind. As a roof tent is screwed into your vehicle's crossbars and features more heavy-duty hardware than a tent you carry on your back, it’s also more secure and durable in wild weather conditions. This is especially true if you have a hard-shell rooftop tent, like the Bushbuck Armourdillo®.
Of course, a rooftop tent provides superior views to a regular tent. Having that extra elevation helps to eliminate any obstructions to your outlook. You could pay hundreds of dollars a night for a fancy hotel or resort with a scenic view, or you could get a rooftop tent and treat yourself to a “room with a view” whenever you want.
Another benefit of elevation is that you’re not sleeping directly on the damp, cold ground. You’ll also avoid the possibility of surface flooding under and around your tent in heavy rain. Some rooftop tents, such as the Bushbuck Armourdillo®, have insulation in the hard shell, which provides additional warmth and protection from the wind.
This is probably the most important question when you’re looking to buy a rooftop tent. It’s much cheaper to find a roof tent that fits your vehicle than to change your vehicle to fit your favourite roof tent. If you’ve got a decent SUV, 4x4 or utility vehicle, chances are it will be compatible with most rooftop tents on the market today. But it’s always a good idea to double check. The two numbers you want to check are:
Vehicle roof load rating (dynamic and static)
Crossbar (roof rack) load rating
As long as the roof tent weighs the same or less than your vehicle’s dynamic (moving) roof load capacity, it should be compatible. We recommend having roof racks with a load rating of at least 100kg and encourage our customers to use Rhino Rail Tracks (or roof racks of similar quality), especially if you’re planning on taking your roof tent off-road. Of course, you want to make sure the roof tent is compatible with the dimensions of your roof, not only its load capacity.
There are two main considerations when it comes to size:
The size of your roof and roof racks — both crossbar length and the distance between them
The size of the roof tent itself. Is it big enough for your needs?
Most roof tents will specify roof rack size requirements. For example, for the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent we recommend a minimum crossbar length of 100cm and a minimum distance between the bars of 75cm (recommended distance: 90-110cm). Choosing the right size for your needs depends on how many people will use the tent and personal preference. Most rooftop tents are designed for 1-2 people and allow around 700mm per person. So, if you’re after a 2-person roof tent, a width of about 140cm or 1.4m should be comfortable. If you’re planning to bring a child or dog along, you may want to consider something slightly bigger. The other size considerations are length and height. The average height of a man in New Zealand, Australia and the United States is 178cm, so most people will be looking for a roof tent that’s longer than that — around 2m is a safe bet as it allows extra space for gear. As for height, most rooftop tents will be designed to allow you to sit up comfortably, get changed, and get in and out quickly. We’ve found the optimal height to be around 1.1-1.3m. Obviously, a rooftop tent can’t be too big, or it will be too heavy. There’s always a balancing act between size and weight.
The design and layout of a rooftop tent has a significant influence on your camping experience. You want your roof tent to be functional, comfortable, and ultimately, to feel like home on the road. Here are some things to think about.
One of the main design considerations is how your roof tent opens. A side opening roof tent has its entrance on the passenger or driver’s side of the vehicle, whereas a rear opening roof tent has its entrance at the back. If your vehicle has a trunk, boot or rear door that opens upward, then a rear opening roof tent may prevent you from accessing it. However, a rear opening roof tent allows you to set-up at narrow campsites or roadsides. A side opening roof tent generally provides a wider sleeping area, suitable for two or more people. If you combine your roof tent with an annex or awning, you can access your vehicle from inside the annex. There’s no “better or worse” option when it comes to roof tent openings, but in general, people seem to prefer side openings as they’re more versatile. Our Ardvark Soft Shell Roof Tent has the option of both side and rear opening configurations.
There’s often not a lot of space for storage in a rooftop tent (that’s what the vehicle’s for), but you want to have easy access to the core essentials, such as clothes, shoes, outdoor gear. A simple and effective solution is gear bags fitted to the outside of the tent on either side of the ladder. You may also want to look for internal pockets and wardrobe for storing electronics and clothing you might use during the night or first thing in the morning. If you’re just using a roof tent for one person, there will always be plenty of storage space.
The other storage consideration is: Can you leave your bedding set up when the roof tent is closed? Hard shell roof tents, like our Armourdillo®, typically have more internal storage when the tent is closed. This allows you to store things like pillows and blankets when you're driving between campsites, freeing up space inside your vehicle. Most soft shell rooftop tents don't have storage space for bedding.
One of the greatest benefits of a rooftop tent is the elevated view you get from your “bedroom” so you want to make sure there are windows that allow you to appreciate it. Also, it can get pretty toasty when you’re camping in summer so having insect mesh fitted in the door, windows and air vents is essential for airflow.
Skylight windows are a luxury feature in some rooftop tents, which allow you to star gaze at night and wake up with the sunrise.
Obviously, you can use a head torch when you’re camping, but it’s much more convenient to have built-in lighting in your rooftop tent. With the Bushbuck Armourdillo®, we included both internal and external LED strip lighting, which can be plugged into a USB power bank. This is a ‘nice to have’ not a ‘must have’, but it adds a touch of homely comfort to your roof tent experience.
This one's a biggie. When you go camping, the less time spent setting up your tent, the better. Some roof tents take 30 seconds to set up, while others require a lot more time and effort. We've designed our rooftop tents to set-up super fast—both around the 30-second mark once you get the hang of it. Features like gas struts, self-deploying windows, and minimal poles, pegs, and ropes, can make a real difference to your set-up time.
We’ve got this far without even talking about the tent itself. When you’re buying a roof tent, the materials and quality of the tent are essential to how well it performs. Most rooftop tents will be made from a durable material, usually ripstop polyester, nylon or canvas. However, cheaper tents may not use quality fabrics. We recommend looking at the detailed specifications of the fabrics used and doing a Google search to understand how suitable they are for camping in a wide range of conditions. The fly and tent fabric should be waterproof, but may have different waterproof ratings (it’s more important for the fly to have a higher waterproof rating). The materials should also be UV-resistant as they’ll be exposed to plenty of sun on camping trips. If you’re serious about choosing the best rooftop tent, you’ll also want to take a close look at the hardware — mounting bars, bolts, screws, rivets, zips, latches etc. This is something we pride ourselves on at Bushbuck.
When you’re buying a roof tent, it pays to take a look at the accessories and add-ons you can purchase down the line, such as an annex, awning, wall body, or additional ground tent. All of these things can take your camping experience to the next level. You might buy a rooftop tent for yourself and a partner to begin with, but if you have kids in the future you may want extra space to bring them along. Or you may buy a roof tent with the intention of taking it on hardcore outdoor missions, but may also want to use it on more laidback family camping trips. Having the option of add-ons that increase the living space of your rooftop tent gives you the freedom to expand and adapt over the years. As an example, the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent has an Annex, Wall Body, and Airbeam Tent that can transform your roof tent into a multi-room camping set-up with kitchen, dining, storage and two extra bedrooms.
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