The 7 BEST Rooftop Tents for Epic Adventures (2023 Guide)

Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best rooftop tents on the market! From basic rooftop tents offering essential protection from the elements to the most comfortable and spacious tents available, our expert blog post will help you find the best rooftop tent for your adventure!

Even if you don’t have a spacious RV or campervan, you can still enjoy a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors with a rooftop tent. Rooftop tents are perfect for travelers who want the comforts of home with the flexibility of sleeping anywhere in nature.

Not only are rooftop tents more affordable than buying a full motor home, but they also have huge advantages over traditional camping tents. As they are elevated off the ground and many come with built-in mattresses for extra comfort, you can say goodbye to backaches and neck strains (while avoiding all the creepy crawlies you find down on the earth).

In addition, they’re easy to set up, with most tents only taking a few minutes to pop open, leaving you with plenty more time to go out on adventures.

When it comes to purchasing the best rooftop tent, you’ll notice that there are plenty of models, brands, and styles to choose from, which makes it difficult to pick out which kind is best for your trip.

We’ve curated a list of our top favorites, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for when choosing the best rooftop tent for your van.

The Best Rooftop Tent

Before you choose one of the best rooftop tents, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. Not only should you look for a tent that’s spacious enough for your entire group, but you’ll also want one that is made for a wide variety of weather conditions.

In addition, you might want to consider cost, weight, and how easy it is to install and set up on your roof rack.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our list of the top essentials for any road trip here!

Front Runner Rooftop Tent

This easy to set up rooftop tent comes with everything you need to get started, including a sliding ladder and all mounting hardware, plates, and tracks. If you need extra shelter space, you can also purchase the annex tent add-on, which can seamlessly attach to the main part of the tent.

We also can recommend the Quick Release Tent Mount Kit, which allows you to remove the intact tent from your roof in just a few seconds. That way, you can set up or take down your tent without the hassle of climbing on top of your rooftop!

PROS	CONS
* All-inclusive kit * Lightweight (93 pounds) * Durable, waterproof fabric * Plenty of add-on options	* Small interior space * The mattress could be more comfortable

iKamper Skycamp 2x Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

And when it comes to construction, the Skycamp 2x is one of the most durable rooftop tents we’ve tested. The tent is made from 300gsm polycotton canvas, and the fiber-reinforced shell has an aluminum honeycomb floor for added strength. And similar to other models, it also comes with a detachable waterproof rainfly (in case you get caught in a torrential downpour.)

The biggest disadvantage of the Skycamp 2x is cost. At over $3,000, it’s definitely a big upfront investment. But if you’re looking for a quality hard shell tent that you can travel in full time, then the Skycamp 2x is one of the strongest and sturdiest rooftop tents to buy.

PROS	CONS
* High-quality materials and aluminum flooring * Can be set up in minutes * Spacious and roomy * Built-in skyview for stargazing * Lightweight for a hard shell tent (121 pounds)	* Expensive * Mount brackets and support channels are not included

Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 Tent

The floor area is just under 20 square feet, so it’s better suited for one or two people at the most. However, the Tepui Low-Pro 2 Tent is one of the best outdoor roof top tents for part-time or first-time campers.

PROS	CONS
* Reputable brand * Lightweight (105 pounds) * Made from durable, recyclable materials	* Not super spacious

Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4 Tent

It comes with a high-density foam mattress as well as an extended canopy entrance for extra privacy. There are even four interior pockets (one for each person!) where you can store and organize your personal belongings or camping gear.

At 190 pounds, it’s not the lightest rooftop tent available, so you’ll need to make sure your van and roof rack can support the added weight.

PROS	CONS
* Capacity to sleep up to four people * Reputable brand * Made from durable UV and mold-resistant materials * Canopy and annex extension	* Heavy (190 pounds) * Might require multiple people to set up

Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Tent

Inside, the Explorer Kukenam is particularly roomy, with a peak height of 52 inches. It can comfortably sleep three people, although a family with two younger children might be able to squeeze by.

This rooftop tent does include a plushy foam mattress and a telescoping ladder, which justifies the somewhat high price point. However, any accessories (like the attachable privacy annex) will need to be purchased separately.

PROS	CONS
* Reputable brand * Durable and weather-resistant materials * Ideal for all seasons	* Takes 10 minutes to set up * Does not come with a privacy annex

ARB Simpson III Rooftop Tent and Annex

And the cozy 2.5-inch foam mattress will have you soundly snoozing in no time.

As with most outdoor tents, the Simpson III is made from high-quality materials, like the UV stabilized laminated welded PVC cover and waterproof, poly/cotton ripstop canvas. It’s made to survive almost every weather condition.

But in case something does go wrong, you can rest easy knowing that each purchase is backed by ARB’s fantastic 2-year warranty.

We also love that the lower-level annex is included, so you won’t have to debate back and forth if you really need the extra space for changing or storage (trust us-you do!)

* PROS	CONS
* High-quality materials * A reputable Australian brand with a 2-year warranty * Spacious and roomy ( Easy to set up thanks to bungee cord system * Bedding can be stored inside even when closed	* Expensive

iKamper Skytent 2.0

The most impressive feature of this roof top tent is the King sized high-density foam mattress. It’s made from high-quality memory foam so that you can get a good night’s rest even in the middle of the woods.

The tent can sleep up to four guests (two adults and two kids) and weighs 160 pounds when mounted, which is reasonable for a tent of this size and capacity. We know it might be hard to cough up the money, but we guarantee that the iKamper will survive all those rugged outdoor journeys for years to come.

PROS	CONS
* Plush King size mattress * Easy to set up (just one minute) * Premium materials * Roomy interior (45 inches peak height)	* Very expensive price point

Choosing the Best Rooftop Tent

Ready to learn more about how to choose a rooftop tent? Let’s dive into it.

And while you’re at it, check out our newest blog post filled with the best tips for car camping.

Hardshell vs Softshell

Before you settle on which roof top tent to purchase, you’ll need to decide whether you want a hardshell or a softshell tent. There are pros and cons to both models, although your final decision will likely come down to price and durability.

Softshell tents are similar to your typical hiking/camping tent. They are usually made out of canvas or nylon and attached to your vehicle roof using hinges and poles. Because they can extend longer than your roof surface, they’re often larger than hardshell tends, which is great if you need a bit of extra space.

While softshell tents are generally more affordable than hardshell ones, they do have their limitations. Without a stable hardcover, softshell tents are less wind and rain resistant, which means they can be noisy during the night. They’re also more prone to mold and water damage, which could shorten the lifespan of your tent.

On the other hand, hardshell tents have fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic covers, which makes them more durable and weather resistant. They’re also easier to set up since you don’t need to connect poles or prop up the fabric like you would with a softshell.

But because most hardshell tents “pop up” like a clamshell on hinges, they can only be as wide or long as the roof itself.

Another downside to a hardshell tent is the price. They can easily cost $1,000 or $2,000 more than a softshell tent.

Capacity

The best rooftop tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, accommodating anywhere from one person to six guests inside.

However, keep in mind that the manufacturer’s advice on tent capacity might not be as comfortable as you may think. Most roof top tents come with their own mattress, which is only equipped to sleep a certain number of people.

Unless you’re planning on rubbing shoulders and touching toes with each of your tent mates, you should read the exact measurements to see if it’s enough to fit your desired number of travelers.

Interior space

Measuring a tent’s interior space can be tricky. The measurements listed on the box are usually for the widest and tallest points in the tent, which means they won’t necessarily be roomy enough to stand or fit in that king size mattress.

It’s always a good idea to see the tent roof top before you purchase, in order to get a good feel of how much space it has inside.

If extra space is important, then you might consider looking for a model that has an attachable annex. An annex is great if you need extra sleeping space, a room to store your belongings, or an area where you can stand up and get changed.

Weather resistance

As we mentioned earlier, both softshell and hardshell tents are constructed with durable materials that can withstand numerous outdoor elements. However, hardshell rooftop tents tend to have stronger structures, which reduces wind and rain noise while also making them more stable in the long run.

Softshell tents are built to keep you safe and dry, but you might have to deal with annoying flapping noises during a rough wind or rainstorm. And since they’re exposed to the elements, they tend to start deteriorating faster than hardshell roof tents.

When looking for the best rooftop model, you should check how many seasons the tent can withstand. While some tents are weather-resistant for all four seasons, some of them aren’t suited to survive rainstorms or blizzards.

Insulation

Some roof top tent models have the option to add extra insulation, which is extremely helpful if you’re traveling off the grid to colder climates. They can also be useful if you aren’t sleeping in an all-weather sleeping bag.

However, you probably won’t need an insulated roof top tent if you’ve purchased a warm sleeping bag or plan on camping during the warm summer months. But if you’re looking for an all-around tent that can withstand each season, then you’ll need proper installation to keep you warm during those chilly evenings.

Ventilation

Spend any amount of time in a tent, and you’ll soon realize that having ventilation is crucial for your comfort.

Most high-quality rooftop tents are designed to provide proper airflow with mesh panels and zippered windows. And unlike normal camping tents, rooftop tents also have the benefit of sitting off the ground, so you’ll also get airflow from underneath the bottom.

If you’re considering a soft-shell tent, look for a model that has breathable fabric and a rain fly, so you can still enjoy a fresh breeze even on a rainy evening. Hardshell tents should also have enough room between the fabric and the cover in order to reduce condensation.

Ease of Setup/Takedown

One of the biggest factors when choosing the best rooftop tent is the ease of setting it up and taking it down. Having the ability to set up your tent quickly is vital, especially if you’re moving to a new location each day.

In terms of set up, hardshell tents are the most convenient. In fact, some of them can even be propped up in just under a minute, which is perfect for on-the-go campers.

Softshell tents take a little more time since you’ll have to connect the poles and put on the awning. It does become faster the more you set it up, although the time saved is nothing compared to the ease of setting up with a hardshell tent.

Weight

Let’s face it – even the best rooftop tents will still add a significant amount of weight to your campervan or truck.

And because they’re usually mounted onto your van roof racks, you can’t necessarily remove them when things get too heavy.

That’s why it’s important to take the weight into account when deciding which model to purchase.

Some of the lightest tents weigh around 100 pounds, while the heavy-duty hardshell models clock in above 200. You’ll also need to consider the weight of your mattress, bedding, and/or sleeping bag as well.

Aerodynamics

Heavy, bulky rooftop tents can have a major impact on the performance of your vehicle. Generally speaking, the heavier the tent, the lower the gas mileage will be when driving long distances.

Besides getting a lightweight tent, you can also opt for a low-profile design that is more aerodynamic because the height of your tent can also impact gas mileage. Please take note of the tent’s closed dimensions when comparing your options, which will tell you how high the tent sits when it’s packed away.

Durability

Although most rooftop tents are built to withstand harsh elements and normal wear and tear, some models are more durable than others. These tents have thicker fabrics, sealed seams, and stronger metal components and zippers.

Hardshell tents are also more durable compared to softshell ones since the hard cover offers protection against the outdoors.

Maintenance

Regardless of which model you decide to purchase, you should take extra steps to prolong the life of your tent. After each use, it’s important to make sure the tent is thoroughly dried, or else you run the risk of mold. You can open all the windows to let it air dry or leave it to sit in a dry, shady area before packing it up.

After your trip, we also recommend cleaning your tent with water or mild soap, or laundry detergent.

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