Speaking from experience, we can confidently tell you that the best rooftop tents can easily elevate your camping experience. For us, it’s such a comfortable way to get that much-deserved sleep. They offer adventurers like us a comfortable and weather-protected sleeping space that’s a breeze to set up and take down. But with so many options on the market, it’s not surprising if some people need help in choosing the right tent. This is exactly why we’re here. Today, we want to show you our favorite options. We’ve tried using them before and they didn’t disappoint at all. Whether you’re a solo camper or a group of three, read on and learn more about our picks!
Table of contents
- Dithoko Rooftop Tent
- Naturenest Rooftop Tent
- Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer
- Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld II Hard Shell Roof Top Tent
- Freespirit Recreation High Country Tent
- Thule Tepui Foothill
- Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Tent
- Yakima Skyrise Rooftop Tent
- Front Runner Rooftop Tent
- Thule Tepui Autana
- Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent
- Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent
- Thule Tepui Kukenam
- Our Verdict!
- How to Choose the Best Rooftop Tents
- Is it a good idea to have a rooftop tent?
- Are roof tents comfy?
- Are rooftop tents noisy?
Dithoko Rooftop Tent
13
Say hello to Dithoko Rooftop Tent, the first option on this list which happens to be the cheapest, too. With a price tag of under 1,000 USD, at first, we thought this was going to be a cookie-cutter tent. Luckily, we were wrong. The materials are surprisingly durable, including the buckles and zippers. It also has a pretty good size for two people. During testing, we were able to stay inside comfortably while having some of our gear with us, too.
When we tested the tent, the weather was fine. However, there was one buyer on Amazon who said the tent could withstand a thunderstorm. And to be honest, since we’ve tested a lot of rooftop tents, we don’t see that much difference in terms of quality compared to more expensive tents. So, if you’re searching for a reliable yet cheap rooftop tent for yourself, this should be a top contender.
Pros
- It’s extremely easy and fast to open and close.
- It comes with 10 storage bags, which is a lot.
- Aside from being a waterproof tent, it’s also UV-resistant.
Cons
- The quality of the stitching is so-so.
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Naturenest Rooftop Tent
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What we have here is the Naturenest Rooftop Tent, a hardshell tent that provides amazing space for campers who want to rest comfortably. One of the things we love the most about this tent i that it comes with some of the most complete accessories. Aside from a soft mattress and adjustable ladder, you’ll also receive an LED strip, luggage cross bars, shoe bags, and storage bags.
The highlight, however, is its pop-up support technology. We were surprised by how easy it was to open the tent. All it took us was three seconds. In addition to that, the zipped mesh window offered us both protection and ventilation and the large interior allowed the three of us to sleep without being on top of one another.
Pros
- It’s extremely easy and fast to open and close.
- It comes with 10 storage bags, which is a lot.
- This tent is waterproof and UV-resistant.
Cons
- The quality of the stitching is so-so.
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Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer
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Perfect for couples and solo campers who want to enjoy the great outdoors, we highly recommend checking out the Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer. This tent is both durable and water-resistant without sacrificing breathability, keeping you cool during those warm nights. With a self-supporting frame, setting the tent up was easy for us and we didn’t need anybody’s help.
Moreover, the interior of this tent is spacious and comfortable. There were two of us and we were able to rest comfortably, which was also thanks to the plush mattress. Additionally, there’s a large vestibule that can be used to store some of your extra gear. Also, among all of its color options, we think the Haze Gray variant is the best.
Pros
- There are four internal pockets for your gear.
- The fabric of the tent is weather-resistant.
- It’s available in several colorways.
Cons
- Some people think the mattress should be thicker.
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Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld II Hard Shell Roof Top Tent
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Best for Trucks. Those planning to go camping with their family should take a look at the Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld II Hard Shell Roof Top Tent. This tent is spacious enough to sleep everyone comfortably. The hardside roof is weatherproof, and the 420D Oxford ripstop rainfly provides even more protection. We also had an easy time setting the rooftop tent up thanks to the two nitrogen-charged struts and the three-piece cantilever design.
Ventilation is never a problem with this tent as you can always easily roll up the windows. There’s also a skylight in the ceiling! When it comes to comfort, we love the memory foam mattress and pillows. As if that’s not enough, there are two external pouches for your shoes, a blanket, as well as a storage loft!
Pros
- Depending on which variant you get, it can sleep up to four people.
- There are tons of smart bonus accessories.
- This overland rooftop tent offers great four-season protection.
Cons
- The large capacity means it’s more expensive.
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Freespirit Recreation High Country Tent
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We love the Freespirit Recreation High Country Tent a lot. It’s so spacious and comfortable to use, even when the weather is a bit cold. The wall insulation, EPE foam floor, and foam mattress make all the difference. There were three of us, and all of us were able to stay inside comfortably. Heck, we even still had enough room to move around.
During testing, we didn’t have any problem setting the tent up. And according to most buyers, they feel the same. Also, this may be the perfect choice for those looking for a rooftop tent that’s compact when packed up but spacious when opened. It’s small enough to fit on the roof of smaller SUVs. Best of all, it’s not that expensive!
Pros
- It’s a nice option for owners of a small SUV.
- The overall durability of this tent is worth praising.
- It offers so much space for three people.
Cons
- Weighing 150 lbs, it’s a bit heavy.
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Thule Tepui Foothill
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Best for Small Vehicles. Designed to be compact and easy to use, the Thule Tepui Foothill is one of our favorite products on this list. There are so many things to like about this tent. For one, it folds up into a long, narrow shape and takes up so little space on your roof rack. This means you’ll still have enough room for your other gear like cargo boxes, bikes, and even kayaks.
This tent can sleep up to two people comfortably. During testing, we could even sit up without hitting the roof of the tent. We were also spoilt by the plush, low-profile foam mattress that provided us with a comfortable sensation. Better yet, the mattress comes complete with a removable and machine-washable cover. Need more convincing? Check out the review from flowmountainbike.com!
Pros
- It has room for your other gear on the roof.
- We’re fans of its compact and lightweight design.
- It’s easy to set up and take down.
Cons
- This tent is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors.
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Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Tent
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The Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Tent is a big, four-season tent that has captivated countless campers. Compared to other rooftop tents on the market, this one has more space inside without costing you more. This flawless formula makes it one of Smittybilt’s most popular tents. If you have a lot of important stuff you want to keep inside the tent, you can even get the XL variant.
Once installed, this tent offers you unmatched weatherproof protection. During testing, we were able to finish setting the tent up in under 10 minutes. Also, the weather back then wasn’t the best. There was slight rain and wind, but we were fully protected throughout testing. Though we have to admit there was a little noise when the wind was strong. For the full specs, click here!
Pros
- It can accommodate a weight of up to 770 lbs.
- Perfect for a group of three or four.
- This tent can withstand harsh weather easily.
Cons
- It’s significantly heavier than some of its competitors.
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Yakima Skyrise Rooftop Tent
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When we first found out about the Yakima Skyrise Rooftop Tent, we were immediately reminded of regular car camping tents. It’s one of the most tent-like options on this list. When we were inside, we were able to sit up comfortably without worrying about hitting the roof. Also, weighing 115 lbs, it’s more lightweight than we thought it would be.
The material of this tent is also worth praising. The 210D nylon is both light and highly breathable. Paired with the mesh panels, the overall experience of using this tent is nothing short of comfortable. Also, we love how the mesh panels allowed us to stargaze at night. So, if you’re a group of three looking for a reliable rooftop tent that resembles mainstream tents, this is the one!
Pros
- There are also two skylights for stargazing.
- Assembling the tent is effortless.
- The rainfly is waterproof.
Cons
- Attaching the rainfly was a bit challenging for us.
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Front Runner Rooftop Tent
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Level up your camping game with the Front Runner Rooftop Tent! This is a lightweight and easy-to-set-up model that’s designed to accommodate two people. We’ve tested this tent before and it left a deep impression on us. It kept us off the chilly ground and let us have a comfortable sleep. And while the mattress is only two inches thick, it was good enough for us.
Another thing worth highlighting is the polyester cover, which is washable and moisture as well as mildew-resistant. When we tested the tent, the weather was a bit hot. Thankfully, once we unzipped the skylight vent windows, we could immediately feel the fresh air. Considering its features and friendly price tag, this should be a nice choice for all kinds of campers.
Pros
- At 95 lbs, it’s among the most lightweight options available.
- The low-profile design makes it more wind-resistant.
- With side-release buckles, assembling the tent is easier.
Cons
- You’ll need a Front Runner roof rack to set the tent up.
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Thule Tepui Autana
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The Thule Tepui Autana offered us everything we needed, which was why we included it on this list. One of the things that we enjoyed the most during testing was its foam mattress. It was super comfy and let us have a good rest. The interior was also roomy enough for the three of us. And with two huge sky windows, ventilation was never a problem for us.
Furthermore, this softshell tent comes with an entrance awning. We think it’s extremely useful, especially for protecting the ladder from rain and stormy weather. It also gives you some privacy from your neighbors. A tip from us: at night, open the sky windows and take off the rain flap! That way, you can admire the stars above you from inside the tent.
Pros
- It comes complete with an annex.
- This tent offers superb weather protection.
- You can remove the rain flap easily.
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive.
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Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent
3
Best Budget. Smittybilt is a reputable tent brand that’s known for producing top-notch tents, and the Overlander Rooftop Tent is no different. Thanks to its polyurethane canopy, this tent is able to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. But what impressed us the most during testing was its ladder. 18 inches wide, it’s one of the widest offered by rooftop tents.
When it comes to its assembly process, this tent doesn’t disappoint either. It was relatively easy to set up and take down for us, and we think it’s a great option for those who want to spend more time exploring and less time fussing with their gear. It should be noted, though, that it doesn’t come with a ratchet set. But since this is a budget tent, it’s not really a big deal anyway.
Pros
- This rooftop tent is affordable but doesn’t sacrifice quality.
- It’s both durable and sturdy.
- You can add the capacity with the included annex.
Cons
- We found it a bit awkward to take off the Velcro cover.
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Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent
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Best Hardshell. When it comes to hard shell rooftop tents, nothing can beat this one. The Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent is a reliable option that offers a lot for the price. With a durable, hard top and an ABS bottom, this tent is 100% weather-resistant and easy to clean. In addition to that, we also had a good night’s sleep thanks to the two-inch high-density foam mattress.
One of the biggest selling points of this tent is its ease of setup. We were able to open and close the tent in just about two minutes, making it the perfect choice for those who want to get on the road quickly. Not to mention, with the extendable aluminum ladder, you don’t have to worry about carrying one with you. Overall, this is a great choice for camping trips of all lengths.
Pros
- It can sleep up to two adults comfortably.
- The wide door and windows allow air circulation.
- It can also be used as a roof storage box.
Cons
- This tent is quite heavy.
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Thule Tepui Kukenam
1
Best Softshell. Sitting on top of this list is the Thule Tepui Kukenam. This is an extremely popular tent that’s loved for not only its durability but also its comfort. This is a softshell tent, and during testing, we were able to set it up and take it down easily. We were able to complete the entire process of assembling the tent in about 10 minutes. For easy transport, it also comes with a carrying bag.
“Thule Tepui Kukenam deserves getting all the love. It’s a breeze to use and its overall quality is hard to beat. We also like how spacious it is.”
WOW Travel
This tent is spacious enough to comfortably sleep up to three people. It comes with a soft and high-quality mattress, so you don’t have to separately get one. Based on our experience, this tent offers plenty of headroom, even if you’re the taller one in your group. And thanks to the mesh panels, we never felt suffocated no matter how long we were inside. Learn more about this tent by watching its product introduction video on YouTube!
Pros
- Thanks to the included telescoping ladder, you don’t have to get extensions anymore.
- It’s resistant to the UV and mold.
- A versatile choice that everyone can set up easily.
Cons
- There’s no entrance awning.
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Our Verdict!
All of the rooftop tents above are different and unique in their own way. Need some suggestions on which one to consider? We’ve categorized some of them according to the following criteria, so take a look!
- Best Softshell: Thule Tepui Kukenam
- Best Hardshell: Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent
- Best Budget: Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent
- Best for Small Vehicles: Thule Tepui Foothill
- Best for Trucks: Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld II Hard Shell Roof Top Tent
How to Choose the Best Rooftop Tents
Just like any other tent, there are so many things you should consider before choosing which rooftop tent to get. Let’s take a look at some of these key features!
Vehicle compatibility
The most important thing is to ensure the rooftop tent is compatible with your vehicle. So, you have to make sure of their compatibility. Don’t forget to also check the weight limits, roof rack compatibility, and the installation process.
Weight
Of course, the weight of your rooftop tent affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Aside from that, it also affects its support. Your vehicle should be strong enough to support the weight of a tent and the number of people who will stay inside.
Size and capacity
Some rooftop tents can sleep only two people, while others can sleep three or four. So, always consider the tent’s size and how many people it can accommodate. It should provide enough space for the intended use.
Installation
If you can’t even install the rooftop tent, chances are you won’t even use it. That’s why it’s important to consider how easy it is to assemble and take down the tent and decide whether you need someone’s help to set it up or not.
Weather resistance
Not all rooftop tents are designed the same. Some are more weather-resistant. They can keep the water out, protect you from UV rays, and come with a rainfly to keep everyone inside dry. You’ll want to consider when and where you’re going to use the tent and decide how much weather resistance you need. But if your tent isn’t waterproof, you can always use these best tent waterproofing sprays.
Is it a good idea to have a rooftop tent?
It depends. If you have a vehicle that supports a roof rack and need a secure as well as comfortable place to sleep, then you can consider a rooftop tent. However, if you do a lot of off-road camping, it may not be the best option.
Are roof tents comfy?
Of course! Generally, rooftop tents are more comfortable and it’s a more luxurious way to have a good night’s sleep when you’re camping.
Are rooftop tents noisy?
Just like regular tents, rooftop tents can be noisy when in high-wind areas.