There was a time when camping meant pitching a tent and putting your camping cot (or other sleep setup) together soon as you arrive at camp. As fun as that may be, it’s a bit of a chore, especially when all you want to do is relax after a long day of driving. If you’d rather not be doing all that, you might have a better time just using a rooftop tent.
Rooftop tents have exploded in popularity the past few years, for good reason. Instead of spending your first few hours at camp setting up your shelter, you already have it in place, ready to simply pop-up or fold out from the top of your vehicle. Heck, most rooftop tents even have a comfy mattress ready to lie down on, sparing you from having to set up a separate sleep system.
The best rooftop tents share some similarities with traditional tents, sheltering you from rain and wind, so you can get some peaceful rest in the wild. However, they do offer a much different experience, especially since they give you a much higher vantage point that allows for a more expansive view of your surroundings. Being off the ground also means you’re spared from the many hassles of traditional camping, like damp grounds and wildlife, all while getting to enjoy stronger breezes, which is excellent during hot and humid nights. It’s like being on a sheltered camping hammock, but without the more laborious setup.
The best rooftop tents come in a variety of designs, ranging from affordable softshell options and more durable hardshell shelters to premium overlanding models built to withstand the harshest conditions. These are the best rooftop tents for an easier, more comfortable time at camp.
SmittyBilt Overland Gen 2 Tent
Pros
- Affordable price
- Roomy
- Rugged build
Cons
- Not as durable as more premium options
If you’re on a limited budget, softshell rooftop tents are, hands down the way to go. Just make sure you get a softshell with a rugged build that can withstand the hazards of the backcountry and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this overlanding design. This is the second-gen version, which improves many of the complaints from the original, such as incorporating a telescoping ladder, swapping out Velcro in favor of zippers, and adding windows onto the rainfly. All that, of course, on top of the things that made the original version so popular, such as the roomy interior (sleeps two with plenty of room to spare), the 600D ripstop body, and the anodized aluminum frame, as well as the potent weather resistance, waterproof rainfly, and generously-sized windows for plenty of airflow. It has privacy screens for shutting out ambient light when it’s time to doze out and an LED strip when you need a faint light in the middle of the night. We also love the fact that it’s completely self-contained, allowing you to store all bedding and accessories inside the tent when it’s collapsed.
Topoak Galaxy 1.0
Pros
- Unique shape creates roomy interior
- Inexpensive for an aluminum hardshell tent
- Comfortable mattress
Cons
- Some parts not as well-made as others
- No locking options
Another excellent value option, this hardshell rooftop tent delivers many of the same features as more expensive options, even coming with a pretty unique internal U-bar that creates its unusual-looking shape. We’ve found this shape to be particularly roomy compared to standard wedge-shaped offerings, although it does look like it’s about to keel over when looking at it from the outside. There’s plenty to love about the tent, from the thick mattress and the weather resistance to the ample venting options and the various storage pockets. However, it’s apparent they did make some compromises to get it to the lower price point. For instance, we experienced some amount of water getting in during a rainy evening, which we were able to trace and patch up. We also noticed some wear on the U-bar after a while, although everything seems decently-built enough to last a couple of years of heavy use (and maybe longer for those who only plan to use it a few times a year).
Thule Tepui Foothill
Pros
- Well-made and solidly built
- Only uses part of the roof rack
- Excellent airflow
Cons
- Doesn’t have room for storing accessories when collapsed
Our favorite part of this softshell rooftop tent is that it leaves so much room on the roof rack, allowing it accommodate other cargo even with the tent in tow. The outfit estimates it to be around half the width of other rooftop tents, which probably tracks, since you can easily fit a bike on the roof rack even with the tent on there (heck, you might even fit a kayak). When deployed, the tent extends over the edge of the car roof, allowing it to provide ample interior space for two people, with the option to install it on either side of the roof since it has a symmetrical design. We love the panoramic windows and two skylights, allowing for excellent views inside the shelter, as well as the interior pockets and attachment points for stashing your gear. The mattress feels a little thin but is surprisingly comfy, even coming with a removable and machine-washable cover. Compared to other softshells, this tent just feels so well-made, with excellent fit and finish. Do note, this is just weather-resistant, not fully waterproof, so you may get some leaks during particularly inclement weather.
Yakima SkyRise HD
Pros
- Lots of room inside
- Thick and plush mattress
- Easy to mount and dismount
Cons
- Loud during windy nights
At just 115 pounds, this softshell rooftop tent is pleasantly lightweight, making it relatively easier to install compared to the heavier behemoths in the list, especially since it installs and takes off completely tool-free. This tent looks and feels a lot like a traditional ground tent, from the 600D nylon body and the PU-coated rainfly to the aluminum poles that give the tent its structure, making it a great option for those switching to rooftop shelters for the first time. Inside, it has a wall-to-wall mattress that’s a generous 2.5 inches thick with a removable cover for easy cleaning, as well as mesh windows and a pair of skylights for maximizing airflow and enjoying the views. Other features include an auto-close ladder function, guy lines for securing the tent in high winds, and enough room to sleep three people.
Thule Approach M
Pros
- Easy to deploy and stow
- Very comfy dual-density mattress
- Robust softshell build
Cons
- Expensive for a softshell
One of the most striking softshell options we’ve ever seen, this rooftop tent comes with a unique shape that’s just absolutely fun to look at. We mean… look at it. Initial setup is a little tough but manageable, although putting on the rainfly can be a bit of work, but it’s well worth the extra effort, especially with a tent this pretty. Once everything is up, though, it offers plenty of room for two adults with a bit of space to spare, as well as a dual-density foam mattress that’s easily one of the most comfortable you can probably get from a rooftop offering. It’s got good weatherproofing, too, with the rainfly really doing excellent work of keeping the elements out. The tent packs away pretty quickly, with no need to walk around the car and stuff stray fabric from every direction, which is much appreciated. With all that said, it feels a little too expensive for a softshell these days, but it also just might be the best softshell option currently in the market.
- A more modern tent shape delivers an extra spacious interior and more living space for you and your…
Roofnest Condor 2 Overland XL
Pros
- Spacious and roomy
- Crossbar compatibility
- Very comfortable
Cons
At this price range, you’re likely looking at rooftop tents that can stick around your camping trips for many years. As such, you will be looking at hardshell options with impeccable build and finish. That’s exactly what you get with this model, which uses an extended platform and mattress to maximize the living space inside. This XL version has a two-inch thick memory foam mattress that accommodates three people with room to spare, as well as a rugged and weatherproof build that should see it shelter you through every weather. We love the polycotton tent material with blackout coating that really creates a perfect sleeping environment, as well as the HVAC port that lets you funnel in a heater or AC line for even more sleeping comforts. Other niceties include a stamped aluminum shell with locking latches, interior and exterior LED lights, full mesh zip and canvas doors and windows, and six internal pockets for storage. It can even be reinforced with optional crossbars that let you load it up with 150 pounds’ worth of bikes, boats, and other cargo. Is it overkill? Probably, but if you’re looking for a top-end option, you can’t go wrong with this tent.
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
Pros
- Fits even smaller vehicles
- Blocks out light and rain very well for comfy slumber
- Excellent polycotton material
Cons
- Mattress might be too firm for some
We love the fact that this rooftop tent is so compact and light, it can fit on practically any car, even hatchbacks and compacts. Like other small profile tents, it uses a fold-out extension that spills beyond the roof’s edges to create extra room inside the shelter, making it possible to sleep two people without being too cramped. We love the polycotton canvas material that effectively blocks out light to help you sleep soundly, while being perfectly breathable, so air can still circulate. Plus, it’s got windows for extra ventilation when you need it, including the outfit’s signature Skyview windows, which you can use when you remove the fly. The base of the tent uses honeycomb aluminum panels that capture air and provide extra insulation for the included mattress. Do note, the mattress is on the firmer side, which we love, but might not be to your liking, so those who prefer a more plush sleeping surface might need to swap it out for something softer. Despite its small packed size, it actually accommodates accessories well, sparing you from having to carry beddings and other gear inside the car.
