This was at a time when soft-shell tents dominated the market, with most of them still employing many features adopted from much earlier generation products. Hard-shell rooftop tents had been around for a while, but had yet to make a significant impact on the market. So, it was more of a gut feeling than anything else that led Femke to disregard popular demand and focus on developing hard-shell tents more adept at fulfilling her own needs.

Femke was working in advertising but, even though she enjoyed her job, she felt the industry was becoming more superficial and it was time to change direction professionally. The thought of spending more time outdoors and travelling further afield certainly fuelled her ideas regarding a new tent business, and she embraced the challenge by setting out her first design.

MILESTONES

2014 The first prototype arrived: a blue tent with a fibreglass clamshell. The concept was good except for the fibreglass, which didn’t fulfil Femke’s expectations in regard to recycling.

2015 The initial design evolved to include improved ventilation and an ABS clamshell was specified. The next, sand-coloured, prototype was produced and shipped.

2016 The first twenty-foot container filled with commercial products arrived in the Netherlands, sales were recorded, and a series of tests were completed in hot and cold climates across mainland Europe and Scandinavia.

2017 Just as the company prepared to hit the button for mass production, a new manufacturing partner had to be found. This was actually a blessing in disguise, because the new partner brought innovative ideas to the table such as modified gas struts which improved user experience.

2018 The business developed its own dynamic, the hybrid tent design attracted customers, and the product range grew to include new designs and colours.

2020 Demand flew through the roof in response to COVID restrictions and changes in travel preferences. By the end of April, sales had completely diminished the stock for the year and new container loads were rushed through the factories who were eager to provide support under these extraordinary conditions. Demand for hard-shells grew exponentially compared to their soft-shell counterparts. Enquiries poured in from across Europe which, in turn, triggered expansion of the international distribution network.

“It was great to see sales skyrocket through online sales, but we missed the personal contact with our customers.”

2024 To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Femke and Tim are introducing their brand-new aluminium Khosi family of tents which represents a further improvement on the already widely popular checker plate clad ALU-Khosi.

A noteworthy feature is the ABS shell which has been treated to an upgrade in the form of a Raptor coating. Careful attention is paid to surface preparation and priming so that the finished product can better withstand temperature fluctuation and the mechanical rigours of driving through undergrowth and under overhanging branches. Extensive exposure to extreme real-life climatic conditions and SGS testing completed the rigorous development programme.

Today, femkes Rooftop Tents comprise the largest selection of hybrid tents offered by a single brand. Whether for one or two adults, or for families, the range includes many styles of products to suit individual requirements and the type of car customers may have—it doesn’t always have to be a 4×4.

Forthcoming events: Abenteuer & Allrad 2024, stand no. T10

FEMKESROOFTOPTENTS.COM

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Unlike the majority of companies producing injection-moulded products, Markus set his sights from the outset on local manufacture. Design is essentially in-house and component manufacture is largely within a 50-kilometre radius of the head office and showroom, other than some components which are sourced in the south of Germany and a silicone membrane that is imported.

Markus enjoys travelling to remote areas and knew he had to find a viable alternative that would alleviate the chemical toilet related problem of having to regularly visit dump stations. Research led him to the well-established Scandinavian solution of compost toilets and an idea was born. He registered the website meinetrenntoilette.de as a sales platform for existing brands, learned form the pros and cons of those products, and listened to his customers. With all the knowledge he accumulated, it was only a matter of time before the TRELINO brand was founded with its own lineup of products which has now evolved into three product lines: Origin, Timber and Evo—plus a DIY kit for the discerning customer who needs something more unique and tailored to their specific needs, but more on that later.

ORIGIN

As the name indicates, this is the range that started it all. The main body is made of PE plastic and finished with a sturdy wooden lid. The range includes three sizes: S, M and L.

Whereas S is available in either white or anthracite, M and L are supplied in anthracite only.

TIMBER

The name is a bit of a giveaway. Other than the internal components, the body, lid and seat are all made from aesthetically designed birch wood and finished with an HPL coating. Whereas the not-so-clinical appearance trumps from a visual point of view, the wooden materials do make this range approximately twice as heavy as the purely plastic alternatives. Something to keep in mind if your vehicle has a weight problem.

Available in three sizes, S, M, and L, the most compact of the three is also available as a self-assembly kit.

EVO

This is the most refined lineup. Available in white or anthracite plastic, the lid is soft closing and the separator/seat component is more ergonomic. Materials used are ABS plastic.

Also available in three sizes, S, M and L.

INSTALLATION

TRELINO customers are about as diverse as they come. Some drive vans and trucks, some have tiny houses, others have garden sheds. And then there is the outdoor sporting fraternity who carry their TRELINO in the boot of their car for those moments when you simply have to go, but aren’t comfortable with disappearing into the woods with a shovel.

With the variety of sizes, materials and finishes, it’s fair to say there is probably a TRELINO model for every application and ambience.

As far as 4×4 drivers are concerned—and by that I mean the likes of the Land Rover, Toyota and G-class brigade—then the S size is the most practical candidate. And while you’re thinking about it, a sturdy wooden lid is a must if you happen to use your TRELINO as a step when getting something off the roof.
NOTE: At the time of writing, there is a new product in the final throes of development which is even more suitable for 4×4 drivers. Downsized, it will be lighter and more likely to fit into the confines of the vehicle. Watch this space for updates and a full detailed review in the near future.

CUSTOM-MADE

There are times when off-the-shelf products just don’t cut it. Well, TRELINO have gone the extra mile and provide the most important components individually.

If you have limited space or need something to fit seamlessly into your self-built interior, then a short talk with TRELINO’s staff will help you establish what you need. They won’t build it for you, but If you’ve gone to the lengths to create the rest, then building your own custom-made compost toilet won’t be a problem because the complex components and accessories are, indeed, off the shelf.

FUNCTION

The components and functionality of all the different models are essentially identical. If composting toilets are new to you, the principles are simple:

• The separator divides liquids, which travel through a syphon and silicon membrane into a canister, and solids which fall into a bucket lined with a plastic bag.
• The silicon membrane allows liquids to flow down into the canister and prevents spillage if you’re travelling on a bumpy road or off pavement. The urine canister has a solid screw-on lid for when you need to carry it and empty it down a toilet, for example. If you decide to empty a full canister of urine into the wild, consider tipping at least the same amount of water on top because otherwise the concentrated nitrogen content will do more damage than good.
• The bucket for solids is lined with a plastic bag. Before use, it’s advisable to put in a couple of handfuls of sawdust or a similar drying agent. After use, another couple of handfuls of drying agent are strewn on top to speed up the drying process which is vital to minimise any unpleasant smells. When the bag is full, it can be tied and deposited in a residual garbage container.

AVAILABILITY

TRELINO distributes their products across most of Europe; in the US they have their own distribution infrastructure, and they will gladly ship to anywhere else in the world.

If you’re interested in learning more, visit the TRELINO website or, if you’re in Stuttgart between the 13th and 21st of January, 2024, then go and say hi in hall 7, booth no. 7A63 at the CMT exhibition.

FROM €299 | TRELINO

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DEEJO—WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME?

In 2010, Stéphan Lebeau had a desire to “recapture the elegance of a timeless gesture from the past” and designed his first ultralight pocket knife.

Several years later, Luc Foin, Stéphan’s partner, was responsible for the art of personalisation by making it possible for a knife to reflect its owner’s character, memories or passion.

The raison d’être behind these state-of-the-art pocket knives is for them to find their presence as an everyday component in every owner’s lifestyle—everywhere and always.

The perfect accoutrement, and the perfect gift.

A QUESTION OF FAITH

Don’t be misled by their ultralight weights of 15 g, 27 g, and 37 g. Not to be belittled, these knives possess blades measuring 6 cm (2.36”), 8 cm (3.15”) and 9.5 cm (3.74”) respectively. Manufactured from stainless steel, the minimalistic skeleton body is largely responsible for the weight saving—a feature that, when combined with the slim blade and two-handed operation, is not typical for an overland lifestyle. If outdoors, then probably for weight conscious backpackers, you say? No, there’s definitely more to it.

GETTING PERSONAL

Navigate to the website and click “create my Deejo” where you can design your own knife in every detail. This is where the fun starts.

Once you have selected one of the three surface finishes—mirror, titanium or black—you have a basis upon which to build. You can choose from a wide range of tattoo designs which embellish one side of the blade and, in some cases, extend along the handle. The lower part of the liner, which also secures the blade when open, can be engraved with a name or short message of up to 35 characters.

Personalisation continues. You can choose between naked, five styles of wood, and two composite applications. Each knife has a strong pocket clip which stows the knife in a point-down position.

ACCESSORISE

With your knife complete, further enhancements include a sharpener which promises to keep the cutting edge in shape without scuffing the tattoo, leather sheathes for attaching to a belt or simply pocketing, and a collector’s box capable of storing 12 knives in individual slots—for those who crave a knife for every mood and occasion.

PUTTING IT ALL INTO PERSPECTIVE

There are a lot of choices when it comes to defining “your personal” Deejo. Regardless of the configuration, the personalised Deejo is generally ready for shipment within two working days. Once it arrives, unpacking the box is a revelation: holding the sleek knife for the first time is an experience. With the blade open, it is well-balanced with full control and a confident grip resulting from the constellation of skeleton frame, storage clip and wood detailed handle.

All surfaces are immaculately finished without any burrs or sharp corners. Slipping easily into a trouser pocket, the securing clip allows the knife to be settled deep in the pocket thanks to its generous design and ability to comfortably accommodate thick seams.

Tattoos are etched into the surface for durability. The sharpener is a worthwhile investment to help keep the engraving intact for as long as possible, especially if you, like me, never part with it in the field.

And then there’s the wow effect when you take out the knife to cut into a steak. The Deejo’s elegant functionality quickly becomes the topic of discussion.

CONCLUSION

Building yourself a personalised Deejo lets your own DNA flow into its character, and the chances of coming across an identical one elsewhere are pretty slim.

I can understand why some people need a collector’s box. Deejo is addictive.

deejo.fr | from €59,90

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