For overland adventures, life on the road, or just an elevated and more comfortable campout experience, here are our picks for the best rooftop tents.

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If you&#;ve never slept in a rooftop tent, it&#;s hard to imagine how different it is from sleeping in a traditional tent. In general, we&#;ve found that rooftop tent sleeping has certain key advantages over sleeping in a tent on the ground.

Rooftop tents offer a bird&#;s-eye view of your surroundings, airflow that&#;s unheard of in a ground tent, protection (and peace of mind), and generally superior comfort for sleeping.

The drawbacks: Unlike a ground tent or a tow-behind camper, when your tent is on your roof, you have to break camp before you drive away. And, for those who make nighttime visits to the loo, there&#;s a ladder to negotiate between you and relief (unless you&#;re willing to get creative).

Also, if your dog gets to share the human bed, practice your one-handed ladder climb before you attempt to hoist them up. Multiply that effort if you have more than one dog.

Not every rooftop tent fits every vehicle or every budget. But some tents work for almost every car or truck. Rooftop tents are all pricier than even the plushest backpacking tent, but if you&#;re able to invest, you won&#;t regret it.

Once you&#;ve decided if a rooftop tent is right for you, it can be tricky to pick out the right model. In recent years, the GearJunkie team and our greater network of expert gear testers have researched and sampled all of the leading styles on the market. We&#;ve used these tents for overlanding, car camping, and cross-country roadtripping. We&#;ve closely examined their features at trade shows and expos in far-flung corners of the globe.

After hundreds of nights of elevated sleeping and hours of poring over specs, we&#;ve decided that the rooftop tents on this list are the best of the best. Rooftop tents are still a young development in the world of life on the road. We expect that they&#;ll only get better.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended models. Our handy comparison chart, buyer&#;s guide, and FAQ will help you make an informed purchase.

Editor&#;s note: This guide received an update on April 8th, , and now includes five additional awesome rooftop tents. We&#;ve added the Sparrow 2 and the four-season Falcon 3 EVO from Roofnest to the lineup, along with the rugged iKamper BVD Duo. We&#;re also excited to introduce two new brands to our guide with the inclusion of the unique Dometic TRT 140 Air inflatable RTT and the Sylvan Sport Loft.

The Best Rooftop Tents of

Best Overall Rooftop Tent

iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini

Specs

• Dimensions open

  102" x 101" x 48"

• Dimensions closed

  57.5" x 55" x 13"

• Sleeping footprint

  83" x 51"

• Peak internal height

  46.5"

• Weight

  125 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  N/A

• Minimum bar spread

  N/A

Pros

• Fits all vehicles

• Ultrafast setup

Cons

• Mattress may be too firm for some campers

Berne Broudy

Best Rooftop Tent for Maximum Headroom

Roofnest Sparrow EYE 2

Specs

• Dimensions open

  84" x 48&#; x 40"

• Dimensions closed

  85" x 50" x 11.5"

• Sleeping footprint

  83" x 49"

• Peak internal height

  44"

• Weight

  130 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  650 lbs.

• Minimum bar spread

  28"

Pros

• Tent-top storage bag included

• Solar panel mount on the roof

• Super easy to open

Cons

• 270-degree views, not 360 degrees

• The low ceiling at the foot cuts down on internal storage space

Berne Broudy

Best 3-Person Rooftop Tent

Yakima SkyRise HD

Specs

• Dimensions open

  96" x 56" x 48"

• Dimensions closed

  58" x 48" x 17"

• Sleeping footprint

  N/A

• Peak internal height

  N/A

• Weight

  115 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  N/A

• Minimum bar spread

  26"

Pros

• Super easy to mount

• Locks securely to your roof

Cons

• Lighter fabrics flap more on windy nights

Berne Broudy

Best Four Season Rooftop Tent

Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO

Specs

• Dimensions open

  83&#; x 50&#; x 58&#;

• Dimensions closed

  83&#; x 50&#; x 8&#;

• Sleeping footprint

  80&#; x 47&#;

• Peak internal height

  58&#;

• Weight

  140 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  650 lbs.

• Minimum bar spread

  N/A

Pros

• Four-season ready

• Extra aerodynamic

• Super slim but able to store bedding

• Optional insulation kit

• Available in XL

Cons

• One of the pricier tents

Berne Broudy

Best Rooftop Tent for Overlanding

iKamper BDV Duo

Specs

• Dimensions open

  59&#; x 90&#; x 56&#;

• Dimensions closed

  6-¾&#; x 90&#; x 56&#;

• Sleeping footprint

  83 ¾ " x 53 ¾

• Weight

  200 lbs

• Static weight capacity

  n/a

• Minimum bar spread

  n/a

Pros

• Four-season

• Spacious

• Super fast setup

• Low condensation

• Loads of accessories

• Low profile&#;under 7&#;

Cons

• Heavy

• Can sleep in only one direction

• One set of ladder pins has to be moved to relocate ladder

Berne Broudy

Dometic TRT 140 Air

Specs

• Dimensions open

  86&#; x 57&#; x 45&#;

• Dimensions closed

  86&#; x 57&#; x 13&#;

• Sleeping footprint

  N/A

• Peak internal height

  N/A

• Weight

  103.7 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  N/A

• Minimum bar spread

  28&#;

Pros

• anti-condensation mat under the mattress

• Thin and comfortable mattress

• Inside and outside storage pockets

• One of the best-vented RTTs

• Sets up fast

• Extremely compact

• The lightest RTT in this roundup

• Tool-free installation

• Compatible with accessory crossbars

Cons

• No space for blankets and pillows inside the folded tent

• Like anything inflatable, one of the tubes could get a hole if you&#;re not careful

• Louder than some others on the roof

• Ladder stores outside the tent

Berne Broudy

Sylvan Sport Loft

Specs

• Dimensions open

  82.6&#; x 50.7&#; x 41.3&#;

• Dimensions closed

  82.6&#; x 50.7&#; x 11&#;

• Sleeping footprint

  48" x 80"

• Peak internal height

  39"

• Weight

  116.8 lbs

• Static weight capacity

  480 lbs

• Minimum bar spread

  n/a

Pros

• Compact enough to fit on most vehicles

• Sets up and packs down fast

• Massive ceiling storage nets

• Comes with a fan/light combo

Cons

• Windows are smaller than in other RTTs

• Mattress is more basic than some other RTTs

  The company is the world’s best Roof Top Tent Off-Road manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• Mounting hardware is more basic than on some RTTs and it requires tools

• Internal storage pockets are hidden behind hydraulic arms

• Ceiling storage nets take up headroom

Berne Broudy

Roofnest Sparrow 2

Specs

• Dimensions open

  84&#; x 48&#; x 40&#;

• Dimensions closed

  85" x 51&#;

• Sleeping footprint

  84" x 48"

• Peak internal height

  40&#;

• Weight

  130 lbs

• Static weight capacity

  650 lbs.

• Minimum bar spread

  n/a

Pros

• The redesigned shell has internal ribs for increased structural integrity

• Ruggedized ABS shell with Line-X ruggedized anti-scratch coating

• Bedding fits inside

• Can support Roofnest&#;s crossbar system that holds up to 160 lbs of cargo on top

• 2.8&#; memory foam mattress

Cons

• On a car without a rear bumper, it&#;s hard to get to the ratcheting close strap

• The hook ladder has to be removed before closing the tent which makes it hard for shorter people to close the tent

Berne Broudy

Smittybilt Gen 2 Overlander Tent XL

Specs

• Dimensions open

  122" x 76" x 51"

• Dimensions closed

  76" x 47" x 11.5"

• Sleeping footprint

  92.5" x 74.8"

• Peak internal height

  N/A

• Weight

  148 lbs.

• Static weight capacity

  770 lbs.

• Minimum bar spread

  N/A

(Photo/4 Wheel Parts)

Pros

• Great price

Cons

• Some reported quality control issues

• For some racks, the provided hardware was too short

Berne Broudy

Rooftop Tent Comparison Table

How We Tested the Best Rooftop Tents

Testing the Thule Tepui in wet autumn conditions; (photo/Berne Broudy)

The GearJunkie team is composed of overlanders, auto experts, and seasoned car camping fanatics. Over many years, we have tried and rigorously tested nearly every kind of camping gear on the market &#; including rooftop tents.

Our lead tester for rooftop tents is Berne Broudy. Based in Vermont, Berne has amassed over 20+ years of hiking, cycling, climbing, ski touring, and overlanding. Berne&#;s broad portfolio of outdoor activities has added up to many nights of camping outdoors &#; many spent in a rooftop tent.

To compile this list of the best rooftop tents of , Berne and the rest of our team combed the market and compared the pros, cons, and specs of dozens of models. We&#;ve mounted tents on rigs of all shapes and sizes &#; from compact sedans to full-sized trucks. We&#;ve spent many nights &#; some glorious and others full of tosses and turns &#; testing the quality and comfort of rooftop tent mattresses.

Our assessment process is detail-oriented. No subtle feature or flaw goes unnoticed. On this list, we&#;ve included a wide variety of excellent rooftop tents to meet all sorts of needs. From compact SUV drivers to large-family road trippers, at least one of the models on this list should be a good fit.

For more info on car camping options, take a look at GearJunkie&#;s guide to truck campers and motorhomes.

Checking out the window awnings on the Roofnest Sparrow 2 (photo/Berne Broudy)

Buyer&#;s Guide: How to Choose the Best Rooftop Tent

What Fits Your Vehicle?

Not every rooftop tent will fit every vehicle. Know the load capacity of your roof rack, and the distance between your roof rack bars to determine if a specific rooftop tent will fit. The spread of the bars is the distance between the front roof rack crossbar and the back one. Most rooftop tents have a &#;minimum bar spread&#; spec. Before purchasing a rooftop tent, be sure to physically measure your rack&#;s spread to ensure your rack and tent are a match. 

When in doubt, contact the rooftop tent manufacturer and verify that your planned setup will be safe and sound. Many tents on this list can work with sedans, trucks, trailers, and everything in between &#; provided you&#;ve got the proper rack and mounting system.

What Else Do You Need to Carry?

Some rooftop tents require you to carry the access ladder inside your car. Other tents incorporate the ladder directly into the tent&#;s packed-away design. Some tents have accessory options, including awnings and extensions. Typically, these will need to be stored separately inside a car or truck bed.

As for sleeping bags, and pillows, many rooftop tents can be fully folded and tucked away with the bedding stored inside. This feature is more common in hardshell models.

Some rooftop tents with smaller footprints leave extra space on your roof for bikes, boats, and other gear. Of course, the square footage of your leftover roof space will depend on the size of the tent and the dimensions of your rack.

Some hardshell rooftop tents provide gear storage on top or space to mount a solar panel. In most cases, you&#;ll need to purchase additional racks to utilize the roof of your tent&#;s shell for storage space.

Hardshell vs. Softshell

Hardshell rooftop tents tend to be easier to set up, but they&#;re also more expensive; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Hardshell rooftop tents are sleeker looking when compressed and more aerodynamic. They also tend to be lower clearance when packed &#; an important consideration for those planning to park in a garage.

In general, hardshell rooftop tents are quick and easy to set up and pack up. Most come use hydraulic struts that do most of the heavy lifting for you. Softshell tents typically come with traditional aluminum or fiberglass poles that require assembly. Inflatable tents are relatively new to the market. They&#;re almost as quick and easy to set up as a hardshell, and can be spacious inside.

Some hardshells have useable storage space on top of the outer shell. But many are wedge-shaped and don&#;t give you 360-degree views.

Softshell rooftop tents are generally similar to traditional camping tents. They tend to be less expensive and harder to set up. But they usually have great airflow and some are large enough to accommodate three to five people.

Space vs. Weight

Rooftop tents typically sleep two to five people and fit a double to a king-size mattress. The bigger the tent and mattress, the heavier and more cumbersome the rooftop tent.

Most rooftop tents weigh between 100 and 200 pounds &#; an important spec to know, especially in relation to your roof rack&#;s recommended capacity.For a family of three or a couple with a dog, we like the Roofnest Falcon 3&#; a roomy and comfortable option with a plush wall-to-wall mattress.

If your roof space is limited and you&#;re looking for a svelte on your roof, full size when unfurled sleeper, the Dometic TRT 140 Air is compact and well suited to smaller rooftops.

The Dometic TRT 140 Air gets structural support from inflatable tubes. (photo/Berne Broudy)

Manual vs. Automatic Opening

Some hardshell rooftop tents lift with a gentle nudge, whereas most softshells have to be flipped open manually and the awning bars inserted. Rooftop tents with gas struts that lift the tent open are becoming more common. They often cost more, but they&#;re convenient &#; especially when you&#;re setting up your tent in the rain.

Whatever tent you buy, initial assembly can be challenging with a steep learning curve. Some tents offer the option to ship fully unassembled. That can save you up to $400, and it can take hours and tools to build the tent platform and attach the tent to it before you load it on your roof. 

Once assembled, rooftop tents require a heavy lift to get the tent onto a vehicle&#;s roof rack. Pan to get a hand from a friend or two depending on the weight of the tent and the height of your roof. While you can repeatedly install and uninstall, it&#;s always an awkward operation.

Durability

Rooftop tents are a major investment &#; they can cost up to $. Take care of your investment, and it will last for many years. 

We recommend storing your rooftop tent in a dry, covered place when not in use. When the tent isn&#;t on your roof, place 2x4s or 4x4s on saw horses to mimic your roof bars and store the tent on top in the same orientation that the tent was on your roof. Go easy on the zippers, struts, ladders, and poles &#; these intricate mechanical components tend to break first. And always thoroughly dry the inside of your tent after use. 

In our experience, all of the rooftop tents on this list offer competitive durability when properly cared for.

Take extra care with moving parts such as ladders and gas struts; (photo/Berne Broudy)

FAQ

What is the benefit of a rooftop tent?

Rooftop tents get you off the ground, providing a great view. In most situations, they also provide more airflow than you&#;ll get when you&#;re sleeping in a tent on the ground.

When your tent is on the roof of your vehicle, you&#;re also out of the dirt and away from creepy crawly things on the ground. That makes a rooftop tent feel more secure.

Most rooftop tents are super quick and easy to set up. And when your tent is on your roof, it&#;s always with you, which can inspire some great impromptu adventures.

Rooftop tents typically come with a mattress and some can store bedding even when the tent is packed.

Can you put a rooftop tent on a car?

Many rooftop tents are designed to be mounted on cars. But not every tent will fit every car. The size and weight of the tent need to match the size and carrying capacity of your car&#;s roof rack.

For best results, use aftermarket bars, not standard factory-installed racks. Also, check the automaker&#;s and the roof rack manufacturer&#;s websites for compatibility.

Why are rooftop tents so expensive?

Rooftop tents are more expensive than most ground-staked tents because of the materials required to build them. Rooftop tents are built on a strong and stable base. In some cases, that base folds for storage without losing structural integrity. Rooftop tents must withstand weather off the ground, where winds and rain can be severe. And they have to be weather-proof as a semi-permanent fixture on your roof. That&#;s a whole lot more complicated than creating a structure with a fabric floor that gets placed on the ground. They come with a mattress and a ladder too.

What is the cheapest rooftop tent?

You can buy a rooftop tent for under $1,000. It&#;s also possible to pick up a used one at a significant discount. As with campers, some people get excited about the idea of owning a rooftop tent, but they end up selling the tent because they don&#;t use it as much as they thought they would.

If you&#;re buying used, don&#;t forget that not every tent will fit every vehicle.

Will a rooftop tent affect my gas mileage?

Yes. In our testing, we saw up to a 20% drop in fuel efficiency with a rooftop tent on the car and a mix of highway and local driving.

If I want to bring my dog into my rooftop tent, how do I do it?

Historically, the best way to get your dog into the rooftop tent with you is the one-handed underarm carry or a harness carry. Keep in mind that once your dog is up, you&#;ll need to get it down too, both when you&#;re breaking camp and when your furry friend has to pee. If you have a big dog or a squirmy dog, consider letting it sleep in the car.

My rooftop tent ladder hurts my feet. What should I do?

Rooftop tents all come with a ladder that clips or hooks to the tent. If it feels harsh on your feet, or you&#;re not 100% comfortable climbing a ladder, get iKamper&#;s HC Steps. The HC Steps are a fabric covering that Velcros over the rungs of your rooftop tent&#;s ladder, turning each ladder rung into a step

Should I buy an awning?

Depending on the tent, an awning can turn your rooftop tent into a full basecamp, providing an enclosed area out of the wind, sun, rain, and other weather for cooking, gearing up, and hanging out. The biggest downside besides the cost is that adding an awning adds setup and breakdown time.

How hard is it to install a rooftop tent on my car?

How hard it is to install a rooftop tent on your vehicle depends on the tent, and what you&#;re driving. Plan to have at least one other helper, and preferably three to lift your tent onto the roof of your vehicle. If you drive a truck and the tent is going on top of the cab or cap, make sure to recruit tall friends. 

Once the tent is on top of your vehicle, you&#;ll have to install brackets and bolts. Many rooftop tents now boast tool-free installation. Some still require ratchets or wrenches. To install bolts in the rooftop tent frame you&#;ll need to lift the corners while sliding those bolds into their designated slots. It&#;s helpful to have a second person to help. 

Depending on the tent model, some assembly is often required. For example, some tents come with noise-reducing inserts you only have to install the first time you use the tent.

Can I heat my rooftop tent? 

Yes! Many rooftop tents have a special port for a diesel or electric heater. Follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for safe heater use inside your rooftop tent. Some electric climate control units will heat and also cool your tent.

Roof Top Tent &#; the Ultimate Guide

Adventure is a treatment of souls that ensures inner peace. Camping is one of the best ways of going on an adventure with family or friends. To make the experience memorable, we need to plan everything perfectly. That includes the location selection, campfire, meals and snacks, and a comfortable sleeping bed.

A rooftop tent provides all the facilities even more like traditional tents. Here we will talk about how a rooftop tent can change the whole camping experience with comfortability and safety.

What Is a Rooftop Tent?

A rooftop tent or RTT is a modern camping tent that is mounted to a four-wheeler vehicle. The term RTT was first introduced to the world in the s. After that time, this innovation completely changed the camping experience.

However, a rooftop tent is a set of accessories that includes a bed and a comfortable environment for sound sleeping. It is mounted on the top of a vehicle with the help of the roof rack. So, you can avoid uneven and muddy ground during camping.

The design and other criteria of this tent depend on many things including the vehicle design and climate of the area. Overall, the rooftop tent or the RTT is the future of a comfortable camping experience.

Why Should You Buy a Rooftop Tent?

The Rooftop tent has some mind-blowing benefits and features. Here are some non-negotiable reasons why we should buy a rooftop tent.

Quick Setup and Packing

Unlike other traditional tents, rooftop tents are easy to set up and pack. It is a kind of automatic system that needs a little human help. In that case, ground-compatible tents need to manage poles and other things to install properly. That takes plenty of time and shortens the enjoyment of camping.

On the other hand, the rooftop tent needs up to 5 minutes to fully install. That not only reduces time but also increases the camping time. Most RTTs have built-in mattresses and pillows, so you can just get in and lie down. In addition, those tents have multiple automatic operations for installation and packing. That means you don&#;t have to invest more time to pack the tent before relocation.

Off-the-Ground Camping Enhanced Safety

Camping is an awesome way of enjoying a holiday or quality time. It connects us with nature and the root. That&#;s why camping in nature like forests, hills, and countryside become popular among all people. However, it is a brave decision to camp in the wild alone or with a group.

Because camping in the wild has some safety consequences. Though a strong tent might help in some cases. But above-ground tents are the most efficient solution. The rooftop tents are more reliable than ground tents for better safety and comfort.

Cooler Sleeping Environment

If you have ever experienced the treehouse then you will understand the concept of a rooftop tent. It is similar to a treehouse with better comfort and security. Unlike ground tents, rooftop tents have a wide range of ventilation facilities. Even some RTTs have built-in sky panels to see the sky from inside the tent.

On the other hand, it is suitable for all kinds of weather. Especially in the hot summer, the rooftop tent provides a cooler experience than traditional camping tents. It also comes in a comfortable mattress that ensures comfy sleep. Above all, RTT provides the necessary features to experience a comfortable stay during any season.

Unique Camping Experience

Traditional ground tents have so many limitations. As they stand on the ground, they are not suitable for the rainy season. On the other hand, a rooftop tent remains on the roof of a vehicle so it doesn&#;t get affected by mud and wetness. So, the pre-built mattress always remains dry and ensures healthy and sound sleep.

On the other hand, the RTT has wide access to the view of the surroundings. So, along with watching the sky, you can experience comfortable sightseeing. Besides all of the benefits, a rooftop tent provides easy installation and packing, comfortable and even ground, extra storage facility, etc.

Hardshell vs Soft Shell Rooftop Tents

Here is a comprehensive difference between hard-shell and soft-shell rooftop tents.

Soft Shell

Softshell RTT is the most common and inexpensive tent. It comes with a flexible fabric exterior with a soft cover. These types of tents can be folded up to 180 degrees. The manufacturing of this tent with light elements and fabrics made it lightweight. Soft shell tents are also super easy to install on vehicle rooftops. Usually, soft-shell tents are made for a total of four seasons. You can extend the lifespan of this type of tent by lighter uses like fewer uses.

Hard Shell

Hard shell rooftop tents are also known as champshell tents. It comes with a suitcase appearance that is made of fiberglass. It is also manufactured with aluminum or plastic materials that are available in a rectangular box or a hybrid expandable model box.

However, hard shell RTTs are more expensive than soft shells. On the other hand, they are more compact, easy, and fast-forwarding than soft shells. In addition, they also last longer and are compatible for all seasons. Therefore, a hard shell tent opens about 45 degrees in both directions. So, it might open in a triangle shape but the insight height and width expand to its proper limit.

How to Choose a Rooftop Tank Before Buying

Here are some important factors that you have to consider before buying a rooftop tent.

Ventilation

The main reason for buying a rooftop tent is the ventilation. It creates a huge impact during spending time inside the tent. So, before buying a tent you must consider checking how much airflow it maintains.

Weight

Excessive weight of the tent will cause several difficulties and that will reduce the comfort of the camping. So, consider the tent&#;s weight and buy according to the instructions of your vehicle about how much the roof can carry.

Internal Space

Efficient space management is the key to better tent manufacturing. So, you can make your tent buying experience a better investment depending on the internal space facility. The more the tent promises space the better.

Mattress Quality

Mattress quality is also one of the essential factors that need more focus. Because mattress quality and thickness ensure the comfortability of a good night&#;s sleep.

Price

The price of a tent varies on many things including, tent type, mattress quality, tent manufacturing material, size, and weight. So, the lower-grade tent will have below quality manufacturing and the price will be low. On the other hand, the price will increase according to the tent material grade and quality.

Vehicle Compatibility

The rooftop tent has a wide range of vehicle compatibility. Considering the growing need for camping facilities, the manufacturer is making vehicles that are compatible with rooftop tents. All the vehicles below mentioned are the best for mounting rooftop tents.

• SUV or Off-roaders

• Vans

• Campers

• Pic-ups

• Combi cars

Final Thoughts

The RTT is a next-generation camping equipment that is catching the limelight. This ultimate guide covers all the necessary information regarding the best way of rooftop tenting. UVPLASTIC is a leading supplier of hard shell roof top tents in China. If you are interested in RTT, contact us, now!

Want more information on Roof Top Tent Off-Road supplier? Feel free to contact us.

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