The Best Rooftop Tents
There’s nothing quite as fun as hitting the road and camping out under the night sky. Rooftop tents are a great option for those who love camping but don’t love dealing with some of its common hassles. Most importantly, they make setup simple and can provide protection from the creeping crawling critters that might try to cross your path at night. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite rooftop tents that will be perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
X-BULL Rooftop Tent
A cozy space for the whole family
Suitable for most weather conditions, this standard-size polyester rooftop tent from X-BULL can comfortably sleep between two and three people. Complete with a waterproof top, rainfly, and screened-in windows, this tent ensures your camping experience is worry-free. There’s also plenty of space inside the tent to hang your gear and store items in its built-in pockets. Best of all, the tent comes with an aluminum expansion ladder to make getting in and out of your tent a breeze.
Pros:
- Can be used in all seasons
- Fits two adults with ease
- The tent frame is made of anodized alumina, ensuring its stability
Cons:
- Requires a separate roof rack to install
KingCamp Hard Shell Rooftop Tent
Sturdy against the strongest storms
When it comes to standing firm against the most difficult of weather conditions, the KingCamp rooftop tent is the clear winner. The roof of this tent is made of a durable ABS hardshell and protected with a waterproof coating, ensuring that you can camp comfortably in any weather condition. Plus, the built-in foam sleeping pad can accommodate two people without the need for an additional air mattress. Whether it’s rain, wind, or shine, the KingCamp rooftop tent ensures that you’ll be sleeping like royalty.
Pros:
- Comes pre-assembled
- Plenty of wiggle room inside
- Hydraulic struts allow the tent to open with little effort
Cons:
- Lacks rooftop screen for ventilation
Pumbba Single Sleeper Rooftop Tent
If you’re shopping on a budget, the high prices of many rooftop tents may be discouraging. Fortunately, this pick from Pumbba can provide awesome car camping at a fraction of the price. Made of durable Oxford fabric and sealed with a waterproof coating, it’s sure to keep you dry on rainy nights. And thanks to the mesh screens, bugs will be kept out of your tent without sacrificing ventilation. It comes with a storage bag as well as detailed assembly instructions. The tent is easily moveable, even after it’s already set up. That means you can move it on and off your car’s rooftop anytime you want to camp on the ground.
Pros:
- The compact size makes it easy to transport
- Simple setup and disassembly
- Way more affordable compared to most other options
Cons:
- If you plan to camp on your car’s rooftop, you’ll need to get a base for this tent to sit on
Tuff Stuff Rooftop Tent with Attachable Annex
More than just room for sleeping
If you’re looking to have a bit more private space, the Tuff Stuff rooftop tent comes with an attachable annex that affixes to the bottom of the tent. With the annex set up, this more than doubles the amount of covered space available to you, allowing you to fit in additional people and enjoy a bug-free lounging area. As a bonus, you can easily store items inside the tent while you’re on the road, freeing up space inside your car for other essentials.
Pros:
- With annex included, can sleep between 3 to 5 people
- Comes with an additional under-tent storage hammock
Cons:
- Requires heavy-duty crossbars to hold up the weight of the tent
Smittybilt Rooftop Tent
Camping made simple
Fitted with a waterproof top, rainfly, and windows with mosquito netting, Smittybilt’s rooftop tent is a great choice for your average camper. However, this tent really shines when it comes to the setup. Installing it on your car roof is intuitive and simple while popping it up for camp is nearly effortless. Better yet, the interior is fitted with some additional creature comforts such as LED strips for lighting and a 12V power adapter for your electronics. Whether you’re sleeping or getting some cover from the sun, Smittybilt’s tent will keep your camping trip hassle-free.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Comes with mounting brackets
- Includes a super sturdy ladder
Cons:
- It weighs over 116 pounds, so certain vehicles will have compatibility issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a rooftop tent a good choice for camping?
Since they are elevated, rooftop tents keep you off of the ground while also ensuring that critters stay out of your tent. They are also typically easier to set up once they are mounted to your car and only need to be popped up to be ready for use.
How can I camp more comfortably?
When spending time camping in the great outdoors, always be sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray. Also, a hat can keep the heat off your head while a hot water bottle can keep the cold away. If you plan on hiking or backpacking, bring an extra pair of socks. As experienced backpackers know, slipping into a dry pair of socks after a long sweaty day can be blissful.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.