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What Are The Best Rooftop Tents?
Jonathan Holmes
Let's face it. There's something incredibly gratifying about being able to toss 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 either.
Definitely not a perfectly-groomed campsite that boasts of power supply, a well-manicured campground, and fellow campers for company.
Just explore the wilderness, where even soft ground, devoid of rocks and divots might be a luxury.
The Best 10 Rooftop Tents in 2020
Types of Rooftop tents
Things to consider before you shop for the best rooftop tents
Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best rooftop tents in 2020.
As always, we have selected models in every price range, variety, and configurations ranging from one-man tents to capacious ones for large families who fancy climbing on to a rooftop to sleep.
Sit back and enjoy the read.
Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent-S
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The Skyrise is Yakima's smallest, most affordable rooftop tent that can comfortably house two adults.
There's also a medium-sized option for three people.
It features an aluminum pole frame that is incredibly light, yet sturdy and wobble-free.
In fact, the entire setup weighs less than 100 lbs. and should be compatible with even the smallest of SUVs. Further, it features a tool-free mounting system which makes it a cakewalk to pitch and dismantle the tent after use.
The woodland camo exterior looks straight out of the tactical survivor's handbook. But it isn't limited to aesthetics.
The fabric is 210D nylon with a PU coating; breathable and waterproof, clubbed with mesh panels to keep it airy and light.
Stargazing? Check. Keeping an eye on the surroundings? Check.
Keeping your nights comfortable is a 2.5" foam mattress that extends from wall-to-wall. No more crashing in a damp sleeping bag or waking up with sore joints.
The Skyrise features rainflys that extend in all four directions to provide run off and to keep your tent as dry as a bone.
The medium-sized model has 35 sq. feet of living space. Perfect for three people.
The best part? You can grab the small one for less than thousand dollars (small size). That's a steal folks.
Lightweight, softshell RTT for up to 3 people
210D Nylon fabric with PU coating
Aluminum pole frame
No-tool mounting system
Rainfly on all four directions for run off
2.5" thick foam mattress from wall to wall
35 sq feet of living space
Foldable ladder
Mesh windows to keep it bright and ventilated
Woodland camo exterio
Bullet point 2
None that we could find.
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
With the overlander, Smittybilt has secured its place as one of the best outdoor brands with products that don't cost an arm and a leg.
This is a comfortable, cozy and extremely sturdy rooftop tent that can house up to 3 people. It is 95" long and 55" wide and comes with a high-density foam mattress that extends from end to end.
The max weight capacity is a whopping 661 lbs. The frame poles are Anodized aluminum and extremely sturdy, considering how light they are.
This keeps the tent as steady as a rock even in a small storm. Set up is reasonably simple. But if you get stuck at some point, there are a bunch of instructional videos on YouTube that can be very helpful.
Smittybilt throws in a telescopic ladder in the bundle which serves as a lever to pop it up. The ladder has wide rungs and there are grab handles on the top that make it easy to enter and exit the tent.
The fabric is 600D rip stop polyester and there's a PVC cover thrown in for good measure, which serves as a terrific rain cover if need be. Inside, there are four storage pockets which is roomy enough for your knick-knacks and there's a shoe bag attached to the exit, which is a thoughtful addition.
LED strip lights will light up the tent at night and in case you prefer stargazing, it comes with a sunroof that can be removed. Mosquito screens will keep the tent airy even if you are using the rainfly and the PVC cover on a stormy night. Overall, we couldn't be more impressed with the Smittybilt Overlander. It ticks all the right boxes at a very impressive price point.
Compact, roomy RTT for up to 3 people
Anodized aluminum frame
51" of headspace, 95" long for taller users
PVC cover for storm, rain and UV protection
Mesh windows with mosquito screens
LED strips on the inside
Four storage pockets
One shoe bag
Easy mounting and dismantling
Tepui Explorer Autana Rooftop Tent, OLIVE...
The Autana 3 is a stylish, comfortable rooftop tent with roomy interiors and a drop-down annex that gives you an additional 56 sq. feet of living space.
Perfect for a small family, or a group of 3 campers (or five people if you are planning to use the annex to house two more.).
This 'palace-on-wheels' as they call it, is built out of rugged 600-denier 260-G polyester cotton with a rainfly made of PU coated 420D polyester.
This means that it can weather torrential rain with zero problems while keeping the interiors dry.
Also, it's rip-proof and breathable, which will keep the living space airy even when you have the rainfly extended and zipped.
The 5/8″ aluminum tube frame gives it unparalleled stability when extended. When folded down, it has a very low profile, unlike cheap softshell tents which tend to stick out like a sore thumb.
Moreover, it weighs just 130 lbs. with a max load capacity of 600 lbs.
Lining the interiors is a 2 ½" thick high-density foam mattress with a removable, washable cotton cover.
4 internal pockets are provided for storage and there's an integrated 8 ½' telescopic ladder for entering the tent through the vestibule.
The Autana 3 is available in 3 muted shades. So, if tactical camo doesn't excite the kids, you can try one of these.
Luxury rooftop tent for up to 5 people
Large 56 sq. ft annex included in the package
260-G polyester main layer with 420D rainfly
Rip-proof and breathable
5/8" aluminum frame
Weighs just 130 lbs.
Max capacity of 600 lbs.
4 internal storage pockets
3 muted shades
Tuff Stuff Elite Rooftop Tent with Annex...
Large families with 4 or more people are often left with limited choices while shopping for the best rooftop tents.
The Elite from Tuff Stuff can comfortably house 5 people in the main tent and 4 more in the lower annex which can be purchased separately.
Even if you don't by the annex, you will be thrilled with the room on offer in the main tent.
It is 95" long, 79" wide and is 52" tall. With the overhang, it is 132" long. So there's ample living space and storage space for your gear.
The platform is lined with a 2" thick high density foam mattress and unlike normal rooftop tents, this one comes with two telescopic ladders to enter and exit.
The entire structure is supported by 1" thick, tubular aluminum frames.
280G polyester bottom layer, PU coated rainfly, PVC cover, YKK zipper, windows with a mesh and no-see-um mosquito net, sun roof, it ticks all the boxes that families look for in a cozy, safe, rooftop abode.
Large rooftop tent for up to 5 people
Optional lower annex that can house 4 more
132" long and 79" wide
2" thick high density foam
Sun roof with mesh screen
PU coated rainfly
Tubular aluminum frame
Great value as it costs almost the same as some of the other tents in this list
Front Runner Roof Top Tent
Weighing just 88 lbs., the Front Runner is the lightest rooftop tent in tent in this list.
It is perfect for solo travelers who might find it difficult to mount heavier setups all by themselves. That said, there's enough room in the Front Runner to comfortably sleep two.
It is 51" wide and 93" long, which can be a capacious living area for two campers. Or for one with ample storage space.
The interiors are lined with a 2" thick mattress, windows come with insect screens, there's a sunroof for stargazing at night and there are two large storage pockets to keep your essentials handy.
The zippers lock upwards to ensure privacy and there's a PVC cover as well as a rainfly to keep you cozy during rain or snow.
When folded, it is just 7" tall (without the telescoping ladder), which makes it one of the lowest profiles among the best rooftop tents in 2019.
If you were skeptical about one of these due to wind drag, then you can toss that aside and go for it.
Lightweight rooftop tent for up to 2 people
93" long and 51" wide
2" high-density foam mattress
Weighs just 80 lbs.
7" height when folded
Comes with a rainfly and a PVC cover
Telescopic ladder
No annex or extra bells and whistles
Raptor Series 100000-126800 Offgrid Voyager...
Raptor Series, the hardcore, off-roading company known for its affordable range of camping gear brings to you the OFFGRID Voyager tent, a lightweight tent that has been featured in numerous publications.
It is a design that has undergone numerous revisions and will continue to do as the manufacturers discover new ways to improvise it.
It is a wedge-styled tent with an aluminum bottom and upper shelf that sandwiches a 2.95" foam mattress and other camping accouterments. When folded, it is unbelievably sleek and minimizes air drag even when you are cruising.
Gas struts make it a cinch to open and close with one hand as well.
The living space is 82" long and 52" wide, which means that two campers can sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. Moreover, it is lined with as LED lights, USB cords and a bunch of storage pockets to store your knick-knacks.
Despite the add-ons, it weighs just 192 lbs. and comes with the option to attach Alu-Cab's load bars which will allow you to use the hardshell to mount solar cells or rack bicycles, and so on.
Overall, we are very impressed with the OFFGRID Voyager.
Lightweight aluminum-based hardshell RTT
Sleek and aerodynamic when folded
Option to attach load bars
Comfortable in all-weather conditions due to the closed-cell foam lining
LED lights, USB cords, and storage pockets
95" thick foam mattress
Styled design that doesn't leave too much headspace
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Roofnest Roof Top Tent (Black, Sparrow)
The Eagle is Roofnest's biggest offering that's 82" long and 51" wide. That's enough room for two campers and a child (and a dog if the campers are petite, as mentioned by a customer in a glowing review on an online shopping site).
The eagle is a pop-up styled hardshell RTT with a fiber-reinforced ABS plastic shell which is lighter than aluminum. The eagle weighs just 145 lbs. with the mattress included. The webbing walls that connect the two shells are made of PU-coated polyester walls.
So, even in a heavy downpour, you will stay as dry as a bone. Opening and closing are facilitated by stainless steel gas struts. So, you can just climb on the 8.5' telescopic ladder comes with the bundle, unbuckle a few straps and the eagle pops into position.
There are doorways on either side for easy access and multiple windows with mesh lining to keep things bright during the day. In the living space, you have a 3"-thick HDF mattress that keeps you comfy when you desperately seek some shuteye.
Also thrown in are a bunch of removable storage pockets. When folded, it is 11.5" tall only. That's less than a foot and will conserve fuel while minimizing drag at high speeds.
Lightweight ABS plastic and fiberglass Shell
Stainless steel gas struts for opening
Comes with an 8.5" ladder
Entryway on both sides
Windows with mesh lining
3" HDF mattress
ABS plastic may not be as durable as aluminum, especially if you run into low hanging obstacles
Freespirit Recreation Adventure Series Auto...
The term 'automatic' might seem gimmicky when used to describe a rooftop tent because you cannot expect it to function without some sort of manual input. You'd at least have to clamber up a ladder and undo some buckles. Not with this one.
The FSR A49H can be opened at the touch of a button on the remote that it ships with. And if you accidentally forget to pack the remote before leaving home, it can be synced with a free application on your smartphone and opened within 30 seconds.
Again, at the touch of a button. This hardshell-softshell hybrid RTT features an ABS plastic hardshell case and waterproof polyester walls. When folded, it has one of the sleekest profiles that we've seen in a rooftop tent. 'Wind drag? What's that?' It weighs a petite 140 lbs. and is 80" long and 48" wide. That's enough room for two.
But for tall, heavy users, that's enough room for one. It does come with a weight capacity of 750 lbs. by the way. There's a 2 ½" HDF mattress lining the bottom and there are storage pockets, one of which is lined with a USB power port for charging your devices. A 5-watt solar panel is among the neat extras that come with the package.
Lightweight hybrid RTT for the solo camper and their pet
One touch opening and closing with FOB remote control
Bluetooth compatible with a mobile app for opening and closing
ABS plastic outer shell, polyester walls
Mesh windows
Max weight capacity of 750 lbs.
2 ½" HDF mattress
5-watt solar panel
May not be the best of options if you are looking for a roomy hardshell for two people
Tepui LoPro 3 Tent: 3-Person 3-Season...
Tepui have been at the forefront of innovation in the outdoor gear space and the Hybox is a prime example of the same.
At first glance, it is a quintessential hardshell rooftop tent. But when you are not camping, just unzip the canopy, remove the 3" thick mattress inside and bingo, it transforms into a cargo box with 23 cubic feet of storage space.
This alone makes it complete value for your buck even if you are an occasional camper who doesn't camp more than twice a year.
Tepui really take the term 'hybrid' seriously. Everything about the Hybox is a hybrid.
The hardshell is a patent-pending material that's a blend of ABS, aluminum and honeycomb polypropylene panels. The fabric canopy is a blend of 260g cotton and polyester rated to 3000mm of rain exposure. So you can be rest assured that you will stay dry and cozy even if its pouring cats and dogs outside.
When used as an RTT, it is 81" long and 51" wide. That's enough room for two adults.
It comes with two entryways and two windows, all lined with no see-um mesh for protection from insects. An 8.6' telescopic ladder is included in the bundle.
Lightweight hardshell RTT / Cargo box hybrid
ABS plastic, aluminum and polypropylene blend hardshell
Weighs just 155 lbs. without the ladder
Two entryways and two mesh windows
6' telescopic ladder
23" of cubic space for storage
Supreme Wheel Chock- 2 Pack
If the upfront investment doesn't bother you, then there's no better pick than the Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent from Tuff Stuff.
This top of the line, pop-up hardshell has the best in-class features like panoramic 360-degree views and multiple storage pockets to keep your stay comfortable.
At 89" long and 64" wide, there's enough room for three or four people. The 41" height is comfortable enough for a tall user to sit upright.
The hardshell is ABS plastic and the fabric is a proprietary aluminized polyester that's UV-resistant, waterproof and solar-reflective.
The windows have insect-proof mesh that allows airflow in extremely hot weather. Further, there are dustproof ventilation points lined throughout.
The Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent comes with a range of impressive features.
Capacious hardshell for a family of 4
Gas struts for opening and closing
Panoramic 360-degree windows with insect-proof mesh lining
Solar powered ventilation fan
Multiple storage pockets
Opens and closes in less than 30 seconds
Hefty price tag that's almost double the cost of a softshell
Do you find yourself veering towards such a lifestyle?
It's amazing, 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 having to pitch a tent on a surface that's too uneven, or is in the middle of a runoff. Or having to camp in an area that comes alive post-sunset with creepies, crawlies, and large predators.
Oh, did we mention inclement weather? Imagine that perfect evening being dampened. with a sudden storm that 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.
The rooftop tent has gone from a vanity item to a lust-list one in the past few years. More and more campers secretly yearn for one of these do-it-all shelters, that can be set up just about anywhere without breaking a sweat. If you were one of the few who were contemplating rooftop tents but didn't know whether these would worth your time, attention and hard-earned money, then you are at the right place. Today, we will decode these portable camping shelters for you. 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 originally 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, thereby negating the perils that come with on-ground camping.
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No creepy crawlies (or big cats) to be bothered of, no flash rains to be worried 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 set up in minutes and are incredibly stable. The very design makes them a great pick for someone who doesn't want to invest in a full-sized RV or a trailer yet. Why you can get one of these for the price of renting a trailer for a week. Also, they are available in a gamut of 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 really blame you if one of these caught your attention and you are now seriously considering putting your airstream plans on the backburner. However, if you are shopping for RTTs, get ready to be greeted with tech specs, configurations and jargon that sound like it was written by a Chinese schoolboy in the fourth-grade. Here are the different types of RTTs available in the market currently.
Primarily, there are two types of rooftop tents, the hardshell and the softshell. Every other rooftop tent is a spinoff of one of these that might be advertised as a distinct 'Type', whereas it's not.
Hardshell Rooftop tents
As implied by the name, these have two hard outer shells made either from fiberglass or aluminum, which fold down 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 that is raised completely to form a rigid structure with four vertical walls.
These usually come with internal struts and gas powered lift mechanisms that make it a breeze to set up. Just unlatch a few buckles and the entire upper half raises and the tent springs into the erect position by itself. Extend the ladder and you are ready to roll. Can even be done with one hand in less than a minute. Some models have mechanical lift mechanisms instead that need to be deployed with a crank. While this takes more effort, it is less prone to failure during extremely low temperature. Also, it can sustain a larger load. Pop-up RTTs are preferred by small groups and families as the four vertical walls provide ample living space. In fact, 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 it also redirects strong winds. But if you are a group of two or three campers, you might find yourself elbowing each other as you jostle for space.
Softshell RTTs
Softshell rooftop tents are a great starting point for first timers, or for campers who aren't 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 hardshells and mostly need to be deployed and folded manually. Some newer models do incorporate gas struts though. Despite the compact size when folded, softshells are capacious as compared to their hardshell kin. There's tons of inside living space, which makes 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 very popular design that's capacious enough for multiple campers. It features a supporting frame with fabric walls that sandwich in 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 into it from underneath, which is more secure as opposed to an outside entrance. Setting up the bi-fold is a cakewalk. You just need to reach up to 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 in between a tiny plate. Like 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 that features foldable upper plates that are pulled up until the frame is erected and the fabric is tight.
The bottom plates on these models are not folded. Nor do you need to tuck a copious amount of fabric in between the plates when folding. So, these are easier to deploy and fold. And are lighter than Bi-fold tents. The caveat is that the sleeping and living space will be the same when folded and deployed, just like hardshells. 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.
Hardshell vs. Softshell
All said and done, which one of these is a better pick? That depends on the kind of comfort you are looking for, the configuration that you seek, the type of vehicle you own, the amount of cash that you are willing to spend and the number of people who will be using the tent. Each type has its own share of pros and cons.
Hardshell rooftop tents: Despite the heavier upfront cost, a lot of seasoned campers prefer hardshells for the following reasons. Pros
They are sturdier than softshells in extreme weather conditions. No noise even in extremely windy conditions. No risk of the tent getting bogged down under rain or precipitation.
Easier to deploy and fold down after use. Electronically assisted folding mechanisms and the two hardshell surfaces make it effortless to fold. If you spend a lot of time on the road, then it makes total sense to go for a hardshell. It will make your life a lot easier.
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.
More comfortable as these can accommodate thicker mattresses.
Everything, including the bedding and some light gear can be stowed inside it. The average height of a hardshell case is 12-15". So, if you remove the bedding completely, it becomes a roomy storage bin for transporting gear.
Has a very low profile design when folded that will adapt to your car's shape.
Very aerodynamic design. The wind resistance is minimal.
Some models also offer additional storage
Sizeable upfront investment as even a simple model can cost well in excess of $2000
Will eat up on most of your roof space
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 in fact quite popular with families. And they offer many other advantages over hardshell tents which are definitely worth considering. Here are some of them. Pros
An affordable choice. Depending on the brand and model, you can even pick one that costs as less as $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
The small footprint makes them compatible with a lot of small vehicles
Some models feature an attachable annex that extends over the sides of the vehicle and runs all the way to the ground. This is like an additional room that accommodates the ladder, as well as provides 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 amazing for the size of the tent when folded.
The bigger the tent, the clumsier it is to fold down after use. If you have never folded one of these before, then we recommend that you spend some time practicing it. Also, it will require an additional pair of hands. Not a one-person job.
If the conditions are windy, then there will a lot of flapping which might make it difficult to get a peaceful night's sleep. Manufacturers these days throw in guy-wires which 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 or use, the waterproof coating on some fabrics tends to deteriorate with continual exposure to UV radiation. In heavy rain, the fabric starts to soak water rather than deflecting it. Thankfully, there are many cheap aftermarket solutions for this.
If you have a bi-fold, then it will have a large brick-shaped profile even when folded, due to the sheer amount of material that it tucks in. Not only is this more noticeable as compared to a hardshell, which looks sleek, it will also cause more drag, especially if you have cross wind. A pull up is slightly better.
The all-fabric construction might make it lighter. But hey, fabric is prone to tears and rips no matter what the manufacturer says. 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.
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Alright, you've made up your mind on which type of rooftop tent best suits your camping needs.
Only, you have no clue what features to look 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 of the important factors to consider when you shop for a rooftop tent.
Hardshell material
When it comes to hardshells, there's fiberglass and aluminum.
Fiberglass is lighter, extremely durable, both on the trail as well as on the road, and the cheaper of the two. The caveat is that it's not as impact-resistant as aluminum.
So, if you accidentally drive into a low-hanging tree limb, there is a possibility of that upper shell cracking.
It can be repaired mind you. But repairs aren't cheap.
Aluminum is stronger than fiberglass. And can withstand stronger impacts without having as much as a scratch to show.
The tradeoff is weight. Aluminum hardshells are heavier which means that you need a roof rack that can support that weight. Also, you will be spending a lot more on the gas with that heavy a rig on the roof.
Softshell fiber Softshells usually have two layers of fabric. There's a lighter, breathable, but durable main layer made of fabrics like polyester/ poly cotton 280g, which is covered by a heavier, rainfly layer with a fabric like Polyester 420D. While this is not the be-all, end-all, when it comes to fabrics, it is a decent thickness and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with rugged use. Many brands also throw in a PVC cover with sealed zippers. Look for aluminum bases as these are heavier and give the tent more stability when it is expanded, particularly on a windy day. Lastly, check the thickness of the mattress. 2-inches is a reasonably good thickness we guess. It's subjective, we know. Some people find it too flimsy for their liking. 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 that you add to the setup. But even the lightest softshell rooftop tent that can house two campers will weigh at least 85 lbs. out of the box without anything additional added to it. So, you need a rack that can sustain that weight. If you still don't have a rack, then here are some of the details that you need when you go shopping for one.
Total tent weight: Check the product specification sheet.
Compatibility: Ensure that you select a rooftop rack that is 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 a lot of people think, most cars arent rated to haul a truckload of stuff on the roof. The 2017 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.
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 the mattress? Does the zipper lock securely?
How many windows are there? Are the windows protected with no see-um mesh? What about mosquito screens?
These are tiny details that get overshadowed by other 'seemingly important' things. But once you are out in the middle of nowhere, it is these tiny things that might make or break the experience for you.
So pay attention.
Lifting mechanisms
Most rooftop tents are designed for easy one-man setups, even if it does not come bundled with 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.
Completely doable all alone. But, an electronically assisted lift mechanism is undoubtedly easier to use. 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. But gas struts might malfunction during extreme cold weather when the pressure drops dramatically. If you are opting for a softshell RTT, double check whether it comes with an assisted lift mechanism.
How much room do you need to comfortably sleep in a rooftop tent?
Again, that's subjective. A taller person would need more legroom as opposed to a child or a teenager.
Ditto with the width, which a heavier person would require more as compared to 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". Some models may have a wider design.
If you are looking to share the space with a fellow camper, look for a tent that can house at least three to four people. That's the thumb rule.
The headspace in the tent will be determined by the type of hardshell you select. 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 6 to comfortably lie and sit upright.
Children can even stand upright in some of the expedition-grade models.
However, don't think of a rooftop tent as an alternative to the on-ground one. Instead, treat it like a weatherproof sleeping bag and you will find that most of them serve the purpose pretty well.
The ladder
All tents will come bundled with a ladder that leans on the face of the tent or hangs by the side. Some bi-folds have ladders that serve as an additional leg that stabilizes the base platform.
While most, stock aluminum ladders would support the weight of an average-sized adult, aftermarket ladders are sturdier and come with heavier maximum weight ratings.
These are also the telescoping variety that can be extended further while dismantling the tent.
Again, it's not necessary. But it's something that you must seriously consider investing in if you will spend a lot of time on the road.
Some tents come bundled with an annex, which is like an additional living area. Others allow you to attach an aftermarket annex or an awning. This isn't a mandatory purchase. But if you are a family or a small group, then the extra room can be put to good use for storage.
Also, an annex that extends to the ground keeps one part of the car covered in shade. Other than this, grab shoe bags, Tiny led lights, USB powered fans, porta-porty or any other brand of portable toilet if it works for you.
In the wilds, most people stick to using tiny containers for urinating in case of an emergency. Else, they just avoid doing it by drinking less water close to bed time. But if you have kids and they've got to go, then 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 clear roof or at least a screen that can be removed if need be.
Do you camp mainly in rain country? Look for rain flys that can extend to all four sides of the tent rather than just one or two sides.
That sums up our list of the best rooftop tents. We hope that you enjoyed reading this and that you have enough information to base your selection on.
If you feel that we missed out on anything, give us a holler in the comment box below and we'll get back in the blink of an eye.
Filed Under: Camping
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