The Best 6 Rooftop Tents

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Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The Best 6 Rooftop Tents

Let’s face it. There’s something incredibly gratifying about tossing everything you own into the back of your car and setting off to wherever the road takes you.

Ditch the comforts of an air-conditioned hotel room and rough it out. We aren’t talking about mainstream camping, like driving with an airstream or a plush RV attached to your vehicle.

It is not a perfectly groomed campsite with a power supply, a well-manicured lawn, and fellow campers for company.

Explore the wilderness, where even soft ground, devoid of rocks and divots, might be a luxury.

Key Takeaway

This webpage is a guide to rooftop tents (RTTs) by Outdoor Gear Lab. It provides information on rooftop tents, the different varieties available, and the pros and cons of using them.

• • Rooftop tents are portable ones mounted on a vehicle’s roof rack.
  • They offer a comfortable and safe sleeping space with a good view.
  • Rooftop tents are popular with campers who want to avoid setting up tents on the ground or dealing with creepy crawlies and predators.
  • There are two main types of rooftop tents: hardshell and softshell.
  • Hardshell tents are more expensive and heavier than softshell tents, but they are easier to set up and offer more protection from the elements.
  • Softshell tents are a good option for first-time rooftop campers or those on a budget.
  • Bi-fold and wedge are two designs of softshell tents. Bi-fold tents offer more space and are better for multiple campers, while wedge tents are better for taller users or those expecting bad weather.

Here Are The Best 6 Rooftop Tents

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best rooftop tents.

As always, we have selected models in every price range, variety, and configuration, ranging from one-man tents to capacious ones for large families who fancy climbing onto a rooftop to sleep.

Do you find yourself veering towards such a lifestyle?

It’s incredible, we tell you. Boasting rights among the guys and pictures that are gram-worthy. But it takes a certain amount of prep, without which you’d be caught in situations that can be very uncomfortable.

Like pitching a tent on a surface that’s too uneven or in the middle of a runoff or having to camp in an area that comes alive post-sunset with creepy crawlies and large predators.

Oh, did we mention inclement weather? Imagine that perfect evening being dampened by a sudden storm. Don’t get us wrong here.

There’s nothing more exhilarating than driving up to a remote location where you have the canopy of the stars above you and the murmur of the crickets to lull you to slumber. But at the forefront, your priority should be a comfortable and safe resting place. One that does not require you to spend hours digging or breaking your back, hammering cheap metal stakes into the ground.

Enter the rooftop tent or the RTT.

In recent years, the rooftop tent has gone from a vanity item to a lust-list one. More and more campers secretly yearn for one of these do-it-all shelters, which can be set up anywhere without breaking a sweat. If you were one of the few contemplating rooftop tents but didn’t know whether these would be worth your time, attention, and hard-earned money, then you are at the right place.

Today, we will decode these portable camping shelters. By the end of this blog post, you will be armed with enough information about RTTs to make a choice.

What are rooftop tents?

Rooftop tents are portable shelters that can be installed on your vehicle’s roof rack (or an aftermarket one), giving you a comfortable and safe sleeping place with a vantage-point view to boot. These tents initially gained traction among recreational campers and researchers who had to gruel it out in the Australian Outback and the African Savanah. It kept them elevated off the ground, negating the perils of on-ground camping.

Here is a quick video to show you how these types of tents work.

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There are no creepy crawlies (or big cats) to be bothered about, no flash rains to worry about, and no more cramping into a pigeonhole-sized car if you arrive too late to set up a full-sized tent on the ground. These portable tents are set up in minutes and are incredibly stable. Their design makes them an excellent pick for someone who doesn’t want to invest in a full-sized RV or a trailer.

You can get one of these for the price of renting a trailer for a week. They are also available in various shapes, sizes, configurations, and price points. You can find one small enough for yourself or one big enough for a family of three.

So, we wouldn’t blame you if one of these caught your attention and you seriously considered putting your Airstream plans on the back burner. However, if you are shopping for RTTs, get ready to be greeted with tech specs, configurations, and jargon that sounds like a Chinese schoolboy wrote it in the fourth grade. Here are the different types of RTTs currently available in the market.

Types of Rooftop tents

There are two types of rooftop tents: hardshell and softshell. Every other rooftop tent is a spinoff of one that might be advertised as a distinct ‘Type,’ but it’s not.

Rooftop tents

As the name implies, these have two hard outer shells made either from fiberglass or aluminum, which fold to form a protective layer packing everything else, like the mattress, within. Hardshells are expensive, typically costing over $2000, even for a basic one-person model. Also, they are heavier than softshells and are available in two styles.

The Pop-Up: The Pop-Up hardshell tent features two hardshell layers, with an upper half raised entirely to form a rigid structure with four vertical walls.

These usually come with internal struts and gas-powered lift mechanisms that make them a breeze to set up. Just unlatch a few buckles, the upper half raises, and the tent springs into the erect position. Extend the ladder, and you are ready to roll.

It can even be done with one hand in less than a minute. Some models have mechanical lift mechanisms that must be deployed with a crank instead. While this takes more effort, it is less prone to failure during extremely low temperatures.

It can also sustain a larger load. Small groups and families prefer pop-up RTTs as the four vertical walls provide ample living space. Two to three campers can easily sit upright in a pop-up RTT.

The Wedge: The Wedge-styled hardshell RTT has a hinged upper hardshell layer that only opens from one end.

These are easier to deploy and provide more space length-wise, making them a slightly better pick for taller users. The caveat is that vertical usable space is limited to the head or the entryway, which makes it difficult for two people to sit upright. The wedge might be a better option if you expect a lot of rain or precipitation.

The sloped roof provides runoff and redirects strong winds. But if you are a group of two or three campers, you might elbow each other as you jostle for space.

Softshell RTTs

Softshell rooftop tents are a great starting point for first-timers or campers not ready to make a substantial upfront investment while wetting their toes in rooftop shelters. These typically have a foldable frame with a hard floor, a mattress, and interconnecting PVC or nylon walls. They are lighter than hard shells and must be manually deployed and folded.

Some newer models do incorporate gas struts, though. Despite their compact size when folded, softshells are capacious compared to their hardshell kin. There’s tons of living space inside, making them a favorite with groups and small families. These are available in two styles.

Bi-Fold: If you have ever been intrigued by the picture of a full-sized tent that extends beyond the sides of a tiny vehicle’s roof, then it is the bi-fold rooftop tent.

The Bi-Fold is a popular design that’s spacious and

great for multiple campers. It features a supporting frame with fabric walls sandwiched between two bottom plates. The entire unit is compact enough to fit snugly on the roof rack of even a small SUV or crossover vehicle.

Some models feature an overhang with a foldable ladder that can be mounted on the ground and locked. The ladder then serves as a support for the bottom of the tent and as an entrance from underneath, which is more secure than an outside entrance. Setting up the bi-fold is a cakewalk. You must reach the roof rack, unlatch a few buckles, and pull up the solid framework until the fabric gets taut.

Folding it might be slightly more cumbersome as you have to tuck in a lot of fabric between a tiny plate. As we mentioned earlier, a bi-fold, when deployed, can easily house up to three campers. It offers a lot of living space and vertical usable space as well.

Pull-Up: The pull-up softshell RTT is a smaller, basic model with foldable upper plates pulled up until the frame is erected and the fabric is tight.

The bottom plates on these models are not folded, and you do not need to tuck a copious amount of fabric between the plates when folding. So, these are easier to deploy and fold and lighter than Bi-fold tents. The caveat is that the sleeping and living space will be the same when folded and deployed, just like hard shells.

So these are preferred by solo campers or can house two campers at best. Some models offer a folding ladder that can then be mounted on the outer edge of the base to enter the tent. This design was first introduced by ‘Freespirit Recreation’ as part of their wildly popular adventure series.[/vc_column_text]

Hardshell vs. Softshell

Which is a better pick? That depends on the comfort you seek, the configuration you seek, the type of vehicle you own, the amount of cash you are willing to spend, and the number of people using the tent. Each type has its share of pros and cons. Hardshell rooftop tents: Despite the higher upfront cost, many seasoned campers prefer hard shells for the following reasons.

Pros

• They are sturdier than softshells in extreme weather conditions. They make no noise, even in extremely windy conditions, and there is no risk of the tent getting bogged down under rain or precipitation.
• It is easier to deploy and fold down after use. Electronically assisted folding mechanisms and the two hardshell surfaces make folding effortless. Choosing a hard shell makes sense if you spend a lot of time on the road. It will make your life a lot easier.
• It is more durable, as the outer shells provide years of use.
• Low on maintenance. Just detach the fabric walls and wash it to clean. As far as the hardshell casing is concerned, they can be washed with the vehicle.
• They are more comfortable as these can accommodate thicker mattresses.
• Everything, including the bedding and light gear, can be stowed inside. The average height of a hardshell case is 12-15”, so if you delete the bedding, it becomes a roomy storage bin for transporting gear.
• It has a very low-profile design that will adapt to your car’s shape when folded.
• Very aerodynamic design. The wind resistance is minimal.
• Some models also offer additional storage

Cons

• Sizeable upfront investment as even a simple model can cost well more than $2000
  It will eat up most of your roof space.
• It can only accommodate small mattresses and a limited number of campers
  You will most likely need to invest in an aftermarket ladder.

Softshell rooftop tents:

Despite seeming like a tepid version of their hardshell counterparts, softshell rooftop tents are popular with families. They offer many other advantages over hardshell tents, which are worth considering. Here are some of them.

Pros

• It’s an affordable choice. Depending on the brand and model, you can pick one that costs less than $1000.
• With electronically assisted lifting mechanisms, deploying a full-sized tent for six people can take as little as a minute.
• Tons of interior living space
• Lightweight
• The small footprint makes them compatible with a lot of small vehicles
• Some models feature an attachable annex extending over the vehicle’s sides and running to the ground. This is like an additional room accommodating the ladder and providing tons of extra storage.
• Most models feature raised window covers that can be opened using spring-assisted rods. Partially opening these provide runoff during rains and offer excellent protection from the sun.
• A bi-fold model can house up to 6 campers at a time, which is impressive for the tent’s size when folded.

Cons

• The bigger the tent, the clumsier it folds down after use. If you have never folded one of these, we recommend you practice it. Also, it will require an additional pair of hands—not a one-person job.
• If the conditions are windy, there will be a lot of flapping, which might make it challenging to get a peaceful night’s sleep. Manufacturers these days throw in guy wires that can be used to stake the tent down. But this will only reduce the noise to an extent, not stop it completely.
• After a few months or years of use, the waterproof coating on some fabrics tends to deteriorate with continual exposure to UV radiation.
• The fabric starts to soak water rather than deflect it in heavy rain. Thankfully, there are many cheap aftermarket solutions for this.
  If you have a bi-fold, it will have a sizeable brick-shaped profile even when folded due to the sheer amount of material that it tucks in. Not only is this more noticeable than a hardshell, which looks sleek, but it will also cause more drag, especially if you have a crosswind. A pull-up is slightly better.
  The all-fabric construction might make it lighter, but no matter what the manufacturer says, the fabric is prone to tears and rips. Also, the brick-shaped profile extends the height of the setup. There’s a risk of it getting damaged on a road with low-hanging obstacles.

Things to consider before you shop for the best rooftop tents

You’ve decided which type of rooftop tent best suits your camping needs.

You have no clue what features to look for while selecting one of these. For example, which hardshell material is better, aluminum or fiberglass?

Which type of fabric is more durable?

Don’t fret. We have you covered.

Here are some essential factors to consider when shopping for a rooftop tent.

Hardshell material

When it comes to hard shells, there’s fiberglass and aluminum.

Fiberglass is lighter and extremely durable, both on the trail and on the road, and it is cheaper. However, it is not as impact-resistant as aluminum.

So, if you accidentally drive into a low-hanging tree limb, the upper shell may crack.

It can be repaired, mind you. But repairs aren’t cheap.

Aluminum is stronger than fiberglass. And can withstand more substantial impacts without having as much as a scratch to show.

The tradeoff is weight. Aluminum hard shells are heavier, so you need a roof rack to support that weight. Also, you will be spending much more on the gas with that heavy a rig on the roof.

Softshell fiber usually has two layers of fabric. There’s a lighter, breathable, but durable main layer made of fabrics like polyester/cotton 280g, which is covered by a heavier, rainfly layer with a fabric like Polyester 420D. While this is not the be-all for fabrics, it is a decent thickness and can withstand the wear and tear of rugged use. Many brands also throw in a PVC cover with sealed zippers.

Look for heavier aluminum bases that give the tent more stability when expanded, particularly on a windy day. Lastly, check the thickness of the mattress. We guess 2 inches is a reasonably good thickness.

We know it’s subjective. Some people find it too flimsy. But the thicker the mattress, the heavier the setup, so choose accordingly.

Weight and the rack

The weight of the tent will vary from one model to another. It also depends on the additional accessories and aftermarket fittings you add to the setup. But even the lightest softshell rooftop tent that can house two people will weigh at least 85 lbs. out of the box without anything additional added.

It would help if you had a rack that can support that weight. If you still don’t have a rack, here are some details you need when shopping for one.

Total tent weight: Check the product specification sheet.

Compatibility: Ensure you select a rooftop rack compatible with a rooftop tent. Not all racks are.

Dynamic weight capacity: Check the dynamic weight capacity of the car roof and that of the aftermarket roof rack. The dynamic weight capacity will determine whether your car can sustain the weight of the tent while you are driving. Contrary to what many think, most cars aren’t rated to haul a truckload of stuff on the roof.

The 2021 Toyota Rav4, for example, has a max dynamic weight capacity of just 100 lbs. If you throw in a roof rack, you have to subtract the weight of the rack from the total.

Static weight capacity: The static weight capacity of the car and the rack will determine whether it can sustain the weight of the tent and all the people who will sleep inside it. Typically, this shouldn’t be a problem because car roofs are designed to bear the weight of the entire car in the event of an accident that causes a rollover. Also, the tent floor and the roof rack will distribute the load evenly.

Ease of use

How easy is it to mount the tent to the rack? How easy is it to deploy and then fold down after use?

Is the frame sturdy enough to withstand heavy winds? Does the fabric rustle in the wind even when it is staked down?

What about the quality of the latches, zippers, and mattresses? Does the zipper lock securely?

How many windows are there? Are the windows protected with no see-um mesh? What about mosquito screens?

These tiny details get overshadowed by other ‘seemingly important’ things. But once you are out in the middle of nowhere, these tiny things might make or break your experience.

So pay attention.

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Last Line Of Defense

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Lifting mechanisms

Most rooftop tents are designed for easy one-man setups, even if they do not include an assisted lifting mechanism.

So, once you attach the ladder to the face of the rack, it’s usually as simple as unlocking a few latches and pulling up the tent until the fabric becomes taut and the frame clicks into position.

It is entirely doable, but an electronically assisted lift mechanism is undoubtedly more straightforward. On a tiring day, when you have hiked for hours, it can mean choosing between watching your tent magically unfold or doing it yourself.

Many hardshell tents come with gas struts. Some have mechanical systems. Both work equally well.

However, gas struts might malfunction when the pressure drops dramatically during extreme cold weather. If you opt for a softshell RTT, double-check whether it comes with an assisted lift mechanism.

Living space

How much room do you need to comfortably sleep in a rooftop tent?

Again, that’s subjective. A taller person would need more legroom than a child or a teenager.

Ditto with the width, which a heavier person would require more than two or three petite users.

Most hardshell tents have an average length of 85”, which should suffice for most people to lie down straight. The width varies from 48” to 55”, and some models may have a more comprehensive design.

If you plan to share the space with a fellow camper, look for a tent accommodating at least three to four people. That’s the thumb rule.

The hardshell you select will determine the headspace in the tent. A hinged one will have limited headspace, whereas a pop-up will have more uniform headroom.

When it comes to softshells, though, the sky is the limit. You can find bi-folds with enough room for a family of six to lie and sit comfortably.

Children can even stand upright in some of the expedition-grade models.

However, don’t consider a rooftop tent an alternative to an on-ground one. Instead, treat it like a weatherproof sleeping bag; most serve their purpose well.

The ladder

All tents come bundled with a ladder that leans on the face of the tent or hangs by the side. Some bi-folds have ladders as additional legs to stabilize the base platform.

While most stock aluminum ladders can support the weight of an average-sized adult, aftermarket ladders are sturdier and have heavier maximum weight ratings.

These are also the telescoping variety that can be extended further while dismantling the tent.

Again, it’s unnecessary, but you must seriously consider investing in one if you will spend a lot of time on the road.

KingCamp Roof Top Tent

SLEEPING CAPACITY
2 person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
Pounds vary
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door

Thule Tepui Foothill Tent

SLEEPING CAPACITY
2-person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
108 pounds
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door

Body Armor 20010 SKY RIDGE PIKE

SLEEPING CAPACITY
2 person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
168 pounds
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door

THE VAGABOND XL ROOFTOP TENT

SLEEPING CAPACITY
3-4 person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
117 pounds
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door

THE Rambler Hardshell Rooftop Tent

SLEEPING CAPACITY
2-person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
157 pounds
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door
INSULATED BASE AND CEILING

Skycamp® 3.0 is our newest 4-person hardshell rooftop tent

SLEEPING CAPACITY
4-person
PACKAGED WEIGHT
165 pounds
NUMBER OF DOORS
1 door

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to iKamper

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Additional features

Some tents come bundled with an annex, like an additional living area. Others allow you to attach an aftermarket annex or an awning. This isn’t a mandatory purchase, but the extra room can be used for storage if you are a family or a small group.

Also, an annex that extends to the ground keeps one part of the car shaded. Other than this, grab shoe bags, tiny LED lights, USB-powered fans, a porta-porty, or any other brand of portable toilet if it works for you.

In the wild, most people use tiny containers for urinating in case of an emergency. Otherwise, they avoid doing it by drinking less water close to bedtime. But if you have kids and they’ve got to go, you’ve got to look for workable options.

Would you like to see the stars when you crash for the night? Look for a tent with a transparent roof or a removable screen.

Do you camp mainly in rainy country? Look for rainflies that extend to all four sides of the tent rather than just one or two sides.

Closing thoughts

That sums up our list of the best rooftop tents. We hope you enjoyed reading it and have enough information to decide.

If you feel we missed anything, please let us know in the comment box below, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

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