The Best Rooftop Tents For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Rooftop Tents
Best Rooftop Tents

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent

Elevate your camping experience with the Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent. This innovative tent attaches to your vehicle's roof, providing a comfortable and secure sleeping space in just minutes. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent

Embark on an unforgettable camping journey with the spacious Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent. This tent is designed to accommodate up to four people and offers convenience and comfort in the great outdoors. Read Review

3. Best Design: Overland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tent

Experience camping in style and comfort with the Overland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tent. Crafted from premium materials and equipped with thoughtful features, this tent provides a luxurious outdoor accommodation option. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Body Armor Rooftop Tent

Elevate your camping experience with the Body Armor Rooftop Tent. This durable and waterproof tent offers a cozy and convenient shelter on your outdoor adventures. Read Review

5. Best Comfortable: Campoint Rooftop Tent

Experience the ultimate convenience and comfort of camping with the Campoint Rooftop Tent. Designed to fit various SUV Jeeps, this waterproof tent offers durability and easy setup, perfect for your outdoor adventures. Read Review

Do you want to get away from it all and experience the great outdoors? What better way to do so than to spend the night sleeping under the stars in a rooftop tent? Rooftop tents are becoming increasingly popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, providing the perfect combination of convenience and privacy for the ideal outdoor experience. With the growing popularity of the rooftop tent, there is now a wide selection of tents available on the market, all with different features, materials, sizes, and prices. To help you find the best rooftop tent for your needs and budget, we have researched and compiled a list of the best available rooftop tents.

We have considered price, weight, interior size, and materials to ensure you get the perfect rooftop tent for outdoor adventures. So, if you're looking for the ideal rooftop tent, you've come to the right place! Read on to find out more about the best rooftop tents currently available.

After extensive study and analysis over a 18 hours, We think the best rooftop tents is Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent. Its easy and quick setup allows you to maximize your time outdoors and minimize the hassle of traditional ground tents. You can consider Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are worth considering, and we've put up a helpful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent
Our Score:
9.8
Smittybilt

This tent features a rugged and durable construction, thanks to its 600D heavy-duty ripstop polyester material. Its easy and quick setup allows you to maximize your time outdoors and minimize the hassle of traditional ground tents. Moreover, the optional annex can be added to the bottom of the deployed tent using sturdy zippers. The annex provides privacy and creates additional space for cooking, changing clothes, and other activities. With windows and mosquito netting, it ensures a pleasant camping experience.

The materials used in the construction of this tent are carefully selected for their performance and durability. The tent frame poles and telescoping ladder are made from lightweight yet robust anodized aluminum, while the hinges are made from stainless steel. Nevertheless, the ladder that comes with it is not very stable. But with proper caution and usage, it remains a reliable and functional tent component.

TOP Choice #2 Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
9.7
Smittybilt

The Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent is the perfect choice for those seeking a spacious and hassle-free camping solution. Its generous size lets you comfortably sleep up to four people, making it ideal for family outings or group trips. This tent unfolds in seconds to its full height, eliminating the need for tent pegs and ropes commonly associated with traditional ground tents.

The Overlander XL boasts a fully waterproof construction, ensuring you stay dry and cozy even during unexpected rain showers. You can rest assured that inclement weather won't compromise your camping experience. With its durable materials and meticulous design, this tent offers all the features you need for a memorable and comfortable camping trip.

However, it's important to note that it is specifically designed for trailer use and incompatible with SRC cage kits. This limitation is in place to ensure the tent's optimal functionality and safety. If you're looking to set up camp on a trailer, this tent is an excellent choice.

TOP Choice #3 Overland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tent
Our Score:
9.5
Overland Vehicle Systems

The Overland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tent is the epitome of quality and luxury in the camping world. Its poly-cotton ripstop construction ensures exceptional durability, capable of withstanding the demands of the outdoors. The tent's body is made of marine-grade 600D ripstop polyester, providing a waterproof barrier to keep you dry in rainy conditions.

This tent features 110g fade-less gaze breathable windows, allowing excellent ventilation and airflow, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant sleeping environment. The high-density foam mattress with a soft cover provides a restful night's sleep, even on uneven surfaces. The insulated base, stainless steel hardware, and anodized aluminum poles further enhance the tent's durability and reliability. It has an adjustable ladder 81" and aluminum crossbars to mount securely to your rack. The only downside is that you must confirm your rack's weight capacity before use, as exceeding the limit may compromise safety.

4 Body Armor Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
9.3
Body Armor

The Body Armor Rooftop Tent is a reliable and robust camping solution. Its walls and roof are constructed with 280GSM ripstop-reinforced polyester/cotton canvas, providing excellent durability and weather resistance. This tent is polyurethane coated for 2000mm waterproofing, ensuring you stay dry even during heavy rain showers. Additionally, the separate rain fly, made from 420D polyester Oxford fabric, offers an extra layer of protection with its 2500mm waterproofing.

The covered entrance, skylight, and three large view windows with mosquito netting allow for ample natural light and airflow while keeping pesky insects at bay. The exterior awnings and interior zip-up closures provide added convenience and privacy when needed. Nonetheless, the frame rails may experience bending after prolonged use. While this doesn't affect the functionality or safety of the tent, it's essential to handle and store it with care to maintain its optimal condition.

5 Campoint Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
9.1
Campoint

The Campoint Rooftop Tent is a versatile and reliable choice for campers seeking convenience and comfort. Made from non-rip solid polyester-waterproof material, this tent ensures durability even in harsh weather conditions. The polyurethane-impregnated fabric adds an extra layer of protection, enhancing its long-lasting performance. The tent's anodized aluminum tent poles and stainless steel hinges guarantee stability and sturdiness.

Thanks to its user-friendly design, setting up the Campoint Rooftop Tent is a breeze. The 6.5 ft aluminum telescoping ladder extends up to 6 1/2 ft, providing easy access to the tent. This tent comfortably sleeps 2-3 people, and the included 2-inch thick high-density foam mattress offers a comfortable and restful sleep.

The minor drawback is that it would be best if it had the instructions that come with it. Although the setup is intuitive, some users may prefer having detailed instructions for reference.

6 Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2 Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
9.0
Overland Vehicle Systems

The Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2 Rooftop Tent is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and versatile shelter. Equipped with a 96" telescoping ladder featuring a locking strap and steel hinges, accessing the tent becomes a breeze. The ladder's robust construction ensures safety and stability during climbs. 

The Nomadic 2 Rooftop Tent is made of 600D heavy-duty poly cotton ripstop fabric designed to withstand the elements. It offers exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting use. The tent's rainfly is made of 420D heavy-duty polyester Oxford waterproof material, providing reliable protection against rain and snow, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your adventure.

Due to its robust construction and high-quality materials, this tent is slightly heavier than other options on the market. However, the added weight is a trade-off for the superior durability and reliability it provides.

7 Thule Foothill Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
8.8
Thule

This innovative tent boasts a low-profile and symmetrical design, making it a breeze to mount on either side of your vehicle. Setup and breakdown become a one-person job thanks to the telescopic internal frame poles, saving you time and effort. Moreover, the oversized panoramic rear window and dual skylights allow for maximum airflow and a mesmerizing stargazing experience. 

The Thule Foothill Rooftop Tent has been recently redesigned, resulting in a lighter weight without compromising strength and stability. This means you can confidently take it on your adventures, knowing it will withstand various weather conditions. This tent even ships with pre-installed mounting rails, making installation a breeze and ensuring extra protection during shipment.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that the low-profile design may limit headroom for taller individuals. However, Thule has cleverly addressed this by providing an extenuating solution. The symmetrical design allows for easy mounting on either side of your vehicle, so you can choose the side that best accommodates your needs.

More To Consider

8 Generic Car Rooftop Tent
Our Score:
8.7
Generic
9 Campoint Hard Shell Roof Tent
Our Score:
8.5
Campoint
10 Silverwing Soft Roof Tent
Our Score:
8.3
Silverwing

A Simple Way To Choose The best rooftop tents For You

Would you like to know how to select the best rooftop tents to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.

Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.

Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best rooftop tents to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best rooftop tents.

Hard-Shell Vs. Soft-Shell Tents

There are pros and cons for both hard and soft rooftop tents. You should consider the travel type you are doing, and what you feel most at home with.

The Hard-Shell Tents are made from an aluminum, plastic or fiberglass shell which surrounds the fabric tent canopy. These tents have a greater lifespan and provide better protection inside. They also make it easy to set up and tear down. The advantages of hard-shell tents include being waterproof and windproof. The shell can be used to store bikes, paddle boards and solar panels. This tent is also more spacious and offers a comfortable mattress. A hard-shell tent is a great option if you are constantly moving and packing. There are downsides to tenting, such as the price and weight.
Soft Shell Tents: A soft shell tent is the best option for those looking for an affordable roof tent. This tent has the biggest benefit: it's affordable. The price of hard-shell tents is often two- to three-times more than those made from soft shell tents. The larger floor plans are another advantage. The soft-shell roof camping tents can be folded outwards from your car's roof and are available in many layouts that allow for additions such as awnings. They are more susceptible to mold and moisture, which can reduce their lifespan. Also, they make more noise when it's windy. Although hard-shell tents can be set up quickly, setting up soft-shell tents is much more difficult than setting up backpacking tents.

Space / Capacity

Some tents can hold two persons while others are designed to accommodate five people. The floor area, mattress size, and peak height are more important than how many people it can accommodate. These numbers can help ensure that you are comfortable.

Mattress

Some people enjoy sleeping on the ground in a simple sleeping bag, but that is no longer possible when you purchase a roof tent. It will come with a mattress. Thickness will determine the comfort level of your integrated mattress. You may find premium mattresses that have a memory foam or gel topper. You can purchase an after-market mattress if you aren't satisfied with the tent you have chosen. Make sure the mattress will fit into your tent.

You will need an anti-condensation pad and a mattress cover if the mattress does not include these. You will need a cover that is breathable, waterproof and washable. Your mattress should be allowed to breathe between each trip, even if you have an anti-condensation pad.

Ease Of Installation

Car tents usually require two persons to transport and set up. While some tents are very user-friendly, others can be more difficult and require some assistance from a hardware shop. You may find someone at the hardware or gear store who will help you with installation. It's important to ensure that the process of installing the tent is smooth if you plan on using it often.

Weather-Resistance

Car top tents are built for inclement weather. Make sure that your tent has full coverage to keep rain out. You might consider purchasing additional insulation if you plan to use the tent during colder months or higher elevations.

Size

The top-of-the-line tents can be heavy. Some tents weigh less than 100 pounds, while others can weight up to 300. Make sure that your vehicle can carry the weight of the tent and the tent will work with it. These ratings tell you the weight of your tent. You'll see a decrease in gas mileage if your tent is heavier than the vehicle. You should also ensure that your taller car fits under bridges, and in public places you wish to visit.

Rooftop tents can be so heavy that you might feel tempted to keep the tent in your car while you aren't camping. It doesn't matter if your vehicle is covered, garaged or stored in an area where it is protected. If not, the tent will be more susceptible to sun and moisture damage.

FAQs

What is a rooftop tent?

A rooftop tent is an elevated sleeping platform that mounts to the roof of your vehicle. It typically consists of a tent, mattress, and ladder, and provides a comfortable and convenient way to camp.

What are the benefits of a rooftop tent?

Rooftop tents offer several benefits, including easy setup and takedown, increased protection from the elements, and improved security. They also provide a comfortable and elevated sleeping platform, allowing for excellent views and star-gazing from the comfort of your tent.

What type of vehicles can a rooftop tent be mounted to?

Rooftop tents can be mounted to any vehicle with roof racks or crossbars, including cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans, and more.

How much weight can a rooftop tent hold?

The weight capacity of a rooftop tent will depend on the mounting system and the vehicle’s roof load capacity. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the mounting system and vehicle can safely support the weight of the tent.

How difficult is it to install a rooftop tent?

Installing a rooftop tent is relatively straightforward, but it does require some tools and knowledge. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take the necessary safety precautions to ensure proper installation. It is also best to have two people to help with the installation.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best rooftop tents to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.

Here you can select the WTRAVEL Rooftop Tent if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio