Rooftop tents are exactly that: a tent in which the sleeping area rests on top of a vehicle roof. Other rooms of the tent can rest on the ground give you a more spacious enclosure.
While regular tents are perfectly adequate for many camping and hiking trips, a rooftop tent does have some advantages, particularly if you’re looking for a less rugged camping experience, or are fond of a good night’s sleep outdoors(who isn’t?).
Rooftop tents are an ideal solution for anyone keen on exploring the great outdoors while maybe not so keen on sharing a bed with bugs and critters. The elevation of a rooftop tent gives you a level of separation from the ground, keeping you a safe distance from any local wildlife that might find their way into your tent. Being elevated can also be of particular benefit if the ground is wet, muddy, or uneven.
With a rooftop tent, you can say goodbye to a long and often frustrating set-up. There are no pegs, pins, or poles to misplace or struggle to construct. You simply pick your parking spot, uncover the tent, and pop it up. Fixing a ladder on is also usually a quick and easy process. Using the roof of your car as your base also means you won’t have to waste time searching for flat ground to pitch a tent on or have to carefully pick out all of the rocks from under where you’ll be sleeping. A rooftop tent promises a level floor for your camping trip, and they all come ready equipped with a built-in mattress, providing an element of luxury in the wilderness.
Regular tents need to be lightweight because campers will often need to carry them on their back. Rooftop tents don’t have this limitation because they will obviously be transported by your vehicle. The advantage of this is that heavier, more durable materials can be used, making rooftop tents more hardwearing against adverse weather and also better capable of retaining heat.
Users of rooftop tents also know that there is also something a little magical about sleeping in an elevated tent, bringing back childhood memories of treetop dens and forts. If this raised way of camping appeals to you, you’ll need to consider which rooftop tent will best suit your needs. Elements to reflect on will be the size you need to accommodate your family or camping buddies, and whether the tent will fix onto your roof rack or the one you plan to purchase.
Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent with Annex Room
This highly rated rooftop tent includes a pre-installed 2.5-inch thick foam density mattress, which will easily accommodate two adults. Extra family members can lodge in the included annex tent, which is large enough to fit a queen-sized mattress in, or, alternatively, a dining table with camping chairs for a separate eating or food preparation space.
The annex tent is fully enclosed, including the floor, and features a zip door to allow access directly to the vehicle. The main tent features three windows with awnings and has enough space to store bedding when folded to make more storage space available inside your vehicle.
The tent is universal and will mount to most roof racks. All hardware and tools that you will need for assembling the tent are included. Assembly is a job that takes around one to two hours. The ideal mounting height for the rooftop tent is 76″-78″ above the ground. This allows enough space for the ladder to be fixed at a safe angle.
The tent is constructed from 280g polycotton fabric with a waterproof coating. It is resistant to rips, tears, UV damage, and mold.
TMB Motorsports Green Pop Up Roof Tent
This universal rooftop tent will fit most vehicles that are fitted with roof racks. With an aluminum frame, a canvas body with PU coating, and a PU plastic roof shell, this product is extremely durable and hardwearing. It features a 2-inch thick pre-fitted mattress pad with dimensions of 82” x 47”, and included with the purchase of the product are additional accessories, including a flashlight, an extra storage bag, and a ladder.
The shock-assisted arms mean that assembly is quick and easy, and the tent stays in position without any trouble after it is ‘popped’ up. With an interior dimension of 82″ x 47″ x 34″ when the tent is fully opened, the space is generous. Snap straps make for an efficient closure of the tent, with inner and outer zips to assist.
Users of this rooftop tent love how solid it is for the price and note that it is a comfortable size for two adults.
DANCHEL OUTDOOR Hard Shell Rooftop Tent
This white and gray rooftop tent features a 1.7-inch thick mattress pad fitted to a solid hardwood board base. All windows and doors feature netting screens to prevent bugs from entering your sleeping space with a zipper for secure closure. The roof is made from durable ABS plastic, which promises not to break or shatter.
The product includes an additional storage bag along with a ladder and a flashlight. With open dimensions of 83” x 50” x 35,” it will accommodate two adults and potentially a small child. When closed, the tent has space to store sheets and camping pillows, freeing up extra storage space inside your vehicle for all your camping vacation essentials.
Being universal, this rooftop tent will fix onto most roof rails and mounts.
Freespirit Recreation Adventure Series M49 Roof Top Tent
This clever rooftop tent has a patented design that pops up in an incredible thirty seconds, so you can get right to enjoying your trip with no wasted time. The aluminum alloy frame is surrounded by polycotton rip-stop canvas, which has been treated with a UV, mold, and mildew-resistant coating. Specially designed to tolerate heavy rain and wind, the polyurethane seam tape and double stitched edging makes this tent watertight, protecting you against any adverse weather you may encounter.
This tent benefits from a spacious sleeping area that incorporates lots of handy storage features to make your trip less stressful, including two hanging shoe pouches and several hooks from which to hang your belongings. Two air vents are built into the main body and are adjustable.
The included aluminum ladder extends to a maximum of 7.5 feet and is compatible with being used on both sides of the tent.
An ideal size for one or two people, this high-quality rooftop tent features plenty of windows and a large entryway to give you easy access as well as lots of viewing areas to the outside.
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Tepui Kukenam Sky Tent
This three-person tent is suitable for use in all seasons. It benefits from several windows and a sunroof, which all have mosquito netting and zippers, letting the breeze in and keeping bugs out.
The foam base is extremely comfortable for a camping trip, and the setup and fold down can be completed in under ten minutes. A PVC travel cover is included to make storing easy and to keep the tent protected from the elements when not in use.
Rugged and heavy duty, the polyester and cotton exterior is PU coated to ensure moisture cannot soak through the fabric. The tent is compatible with most roof racks as well as aftermarket roof bars.
Users rate this rooftop tent very highly, commenting that the tent, along with the customer service from the manufacturer, is exceptional.
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Offroading Gear Rooftop Tent
This compact roof tent weighs less than 100 pounds and is suitable for two adults. It works well with smaller SUVs and other vehicles and offers an easy assembly with all hardware and tools included.
The 2.25-inch foam mattress offers a comfortable night’s sleep while the fold-down window covers will keep the light out and help you sleep for longer. Extra-large windows allow the breeze to pass through while the mesh screens keep bugs out.
This tent can be mounted on the rear or either side of the vehicle for added user flexibility. Included is an aluminum ladder of 6 feet 5 inches, which allows you to access the raised accommodation easily.
Constructed of waterproof rip-stop polyester, the manufacturers claim that this tent is one of the most heavy-duty options currently on the market.
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Camco Vehicle Roof Top Tent with Annex
With an included annex, this rooftop tent offers superior space and comfort for sleeping outdoors. It includes tools and universal mounting brackets that will fit most aftermarket roof bars. It can be used in a variety of mounting positions, giving you the utmost flexibility, including fitting the tent to the left, right, or rear of the vehicle, or on a trailer.
Mesh-screened doors and windows allow ventilation while keeping bugs out. The raised rain fly keeps condensation at bay even during winter use and helps to keep temperatures down during summer use.
Users of this tent are impressed with the quality of workmanship, its durability, and ease of use. However, some users did note that the packaging in which they received the tent was not of a high standard and that some holes were created in the tent fabric during transit. All in all, this is a well-crafted tent with spacious accommodation at a reasonable price.
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Reliancer Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent
With open dimensions of 122″ x 55″ x 49.6,” this spacious rooftop tent is adequate for up to three adults. The fire-retardant double air mattress is 2.4 inches thick and composed of foam.
Both the sides and roof are constructed of polycotton fabric, which has a polyurethane coating for increased durability. With fully taped seams, the tent is designed to be 100% waterproof and able to withstand heavy rainfall. With a 50+ UPF protective level, the tent fabric will filter out 98% of UVa and UVb rays.
Purchase includes a telescopic ladder, which, along with the frame poles for the tent, are anodized aluminum. This makes them durable, yet lightweight. Mesh screens provide protection from bugs as well as giving good visibility and ventilation, while the window awnings will provide much welcome shade during summer months.
Handy storage pockets are found at various points within the tent to stow camping essentials and clothing items.
Easy to set up and pack away, the tent comes with a storage bag that will protect the product against UV rays and water damage while it is not being used. All hardware and tools needed to assemble the tent are included with purchase to make setup as stress-free as possible. For added flexibility, the tent can be set up on either side of a vehicle.
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
With a 661-pound maximum load, this tent can accommodate two to three people on the double foam mattress. The tent benefits from lots of added features that make camping more enjoyable, such as external shoe storage, a 12V cigarette lighter power adapter, interior LED strip lighting, mounting brackets, and an extra wide telescopic aluminum ladder.
Stainless steel hinges, 4 mm spring steel poles and rods, and rip-stop polyester coated in polyurethane all add to the durability of the tent.
Available as an added extra is a compatible annex tent that can attach with zippers if you require more space for additional campers or an area to get dressed or cook and eat.
Able to withstand adverse weather, this waterproof and UV-protected tent can be used in all seasons. It benefits from a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, who is a trusted name in the off-road industry.
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Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent
This tent can comfortably accommodate two adults, or three for a more snug fit. The wall-to-wall memory foam mattress is 2.5 inches thick, providing a more luxurious sleeping accommodation. The mattress is easy to clean, thanks to the removable cover.
A mesh sunroof gives a view of the stars and allows increased ventilation. The durable and waterproof fabric will keep you dry in wet weather and withstand high winds.
Quick and easy to assemble, this tent comes in a limited edition camo print that is both stylish and blends seamlessly into the landscape.