Fun, cozy, and comfortable rooftop tents occupy a space that falls somewhere between a traditional tent and an RV. These camp shelters are designed to mount to the top of a vehicle, offering an elevated sleeping experience along with enhanced mobility. They’re also a convenient way to set up camp just about anywhere you can park a truck or SUV, which is why they’ve exploded in popularity with car campers, overlanders, boondockers, and active outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Because growing appeal with a wider audience, an increasing number of manufacturers have introduced rooftop tents to the marketplace over the past few years. Those models vary in size and weight but offer similar performance and features. But not all rooftop tents are created equal, as there are definitely some that stand out from the crowd. We’ve sorted through the dozens of options currently available and compiled a list of our favorites. These are the roof-mounted shelters to have on your shortlist when it comes time to purchase one for yourself.
Photo Credit: Yakima
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rooftop Tent
At first glance, most rooftop tents look a lot alike, which may lead you to believe that they don’t vary much in terms of options or design. But that isn’t the case at all, as every manufacturer has put its own spin on these products. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider before buying a model of your own.
Size
Unlike ground tents—which vary in size from single-person options to models with enough space for an extended family—rooftop tents generally only have room for two to three people. That’s because they are built to mount to the top of a vehicle, where there is only so much real estate to go around. Be sure to check out how much square footage the tent you’re considering offers. It is nice to have enough room for at least two people, with some space left over for small gear items.
Weight
The weight of a rooftop tent directly impacts how easy it is to install or remove from a vehicle. Heavier models are more challenging to fit into place, which can make them difficult to take on and off. If you plan to leave the tent in place permanently, the weight won’t matter as much. But a lighter option may make more sense if you want to remove it from your car or truck when not in use. Keep in mind, having a rooftop tent installed will impact your vehicle’s gas mileage, so being able to remove it easily may be a nice option.
Hard Shell or Soft Shell?
Rooftop tents generally come in two varieties—hard shell or soft shell. Both options have positives and negatives, although most people tend to prefer a hard shell model. This type of tent has a rigid top and bottom, which makes it more aerodynamic when collapsed down for travel. Hard shell models also provide better shelter from the elements and usually takes less time to set up or take down. But they also tend to be heavier and cost more, too.
Conversely, soft shell tents are usually lighter and pack down to a smaller size while in transit, yet expand to provide more space at the campsite. They’re usually less expensive, but may not offer as much protection from the weather. Depending on the quality of the materials, they may not be as durable either.
Aerodynamics
As mentioned above, hard shell tents tend to be more aerodynamic than soft shell models. This might not seem all that important, but it can have an impact on gas mileage, especially when driving longer distances. Both types of tents will create more drag and add weight to your vehicle, but the smooth, rigid surface of a hardshell cuts through the air a bit more efficiently.
Vehicle Size
While rooftop tents come in a variety of sizes, the type of vehicle you drive will ultimately have an impact on which model you can go with. If you drive a compact car, you’ll have fewer choices, while a large truck or SUV will afford you a plethora of options. You’ll also need roof rails—or, in the case of a pickup, a frame of some sort—to mount the tent on. Keep that in mind as you shop.
That said, most manufacturers offer their most popular rooftop tents in a variety of sizes, allowing them to fit on a wider variety of vehicles. That means whether you’re driving a Subaru Crosstrek or a Ford Expedition, chances are you’ll have several options to choose from. You can also do a quick online search to see if a specific tent will fit your car, truck, or SUV, as compatibility charts and installation guides are easy to find on the internet.
The Best Rooftop Tents
Now that we know what to look for when shopping for a rooftop tent, these models make our list of the best options currently available.
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule Approach
Available in three sizes, the Thule Approach is a modern and sophisticated rooftop tent designed to fit nearly any vehicle. The small version sleeps two people, the medium can squeeze in three, and the large has room for four, which is a bit of a rarity for these types of shelters. This soft shell model sets up very quickly and is fully ready to camp in less than three minutes, which comes in handy when rolling into a campsite late in the day. We love the large, panoramic windows that are perfect for stargazing and the optional awning and annex create a nice outdoor environment for relaxing outdoors. MSRP: $1999 (small), $2,499,(medium), $2,999 (large)
Buy the Approach directly from Thule
Photo Credit: Roofnest
Roofnest Condor Overland 2
Roofnest has been making some of the best rooftop tents for years, but the Condor Overland 2 just might be its best model ever. A durable aluminum hard shell and frame help keep weight to a minimum without sacrificing build quality in any way. Built-in accessory channels make it easy to haul your favorite gear, while the interior comes equipped with a 2″ memory foam mattress, skylight, three-way windows, and six built-in gear pockets. The tent even includes an internal duffel bag to store your bedding inside the tent while on the go. MSRP: $3,745
Buy the Condor Overland 2 directly from Roofnest
Photo Credit: Yakima
Yakima SkyRise HD
There are a lot of reasons why the Yakima SkyRise HD is an excellent option for anyone shopping for a rooftop tent. For starters, it is roomy enough for up to three people, with large doors on both sides providing excellent access. This soft shell model is also designed for four-season camping, providing good ventilation and cooling during the summer and protection from the wind and cold in the winter. Durable, easy to set up, and comes with a removable foam mattress for added comfort, this is an excellent addition to any adventure vehicle. MSRP: $2,499
Buy the SkyRise HD directly from Yakima
Photo Credit: iKamper
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
This hard shell rooftop tent is designed to fit on nearly any vehicle, including compact cars like a Subaru Crosstrek. That makes it a favorite with the active outdoors crowd looking for an option that sets up and breaks down quickly. Features include a waterproof rain fly, a large overhead mesh window for stargazing, and integrated quilting on the sidewalls that provide extra insulation on cooler nights. The included mattress even features an insulating layer to keep campers warm and dry when temperatures take a plunge. MSRP: $3,699
Buy the Skycamp 3.0 Mini directly from iKamper
Photo Credit: Alu-Cab
Alu-Cab Gen 3-R
A favorite amongst overlanders, the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R is easily one of the best rooftop tents on the market for those looking to spend extended amounts of time in the backcountry. Incredibly designed and well built, this model includes numerous nice touches that aren’t all that common on other rooftop shelters, like solar panel compatibility, heater ports, and an insulated hard shell roof and base. Excellent ventilation is also one of the hallmarks of the Gen 3-R, which comes equipped with internal lighting, USB charging ports, three-point access, an awning, and much more. If you’re planning a long-distance overland adventure, this is the model for you. MSRP: $4,399
Buy the Gen 3-R directly from Alu-Cab
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule Foothill
Thule earns another spot on our list thanks to its lightweight, compact, and affordable Foothill model. Smaller than most other rooftop tents on the market, this shelter is about the size of a traditional two-person ground tent. That makes things a bit cozy inside, but it leaves more space on the roof of your vehicle for hauling bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear. A large entry makes getting in and out a breeze, and two overhead windows provide plenty of light to reach the interior. Simple, functional, and well-built, this is a great option for budget shoppers. MSRP: $1699
Buy the Foothill directly from Thule
Photo Credit: Trustmade
Trustmade Hardshell Rooftop Tent
The Trustmade Hard shell Rooftop Tent has everything you could ask for in a vehicle-mounted shelter, with a few extra features to help it stand out from the crowd. This model comfortably sleeps two adults, comes with a thick and plush mattress, and includes detachable storage pouches for keeping essential items close at hand. Its hard shell casing and stainless steel frame make it extremely durable and add additional protection from wind and rain. Best of all, this tent can pull double-duty as a gear hauler, seamlessly converting into a cargo carrier when needed. All that at a reasonable price. MSRP: $1,749
Buy the Trustmade Hard shell Rooftop Tent from Camping World
Photo Credit: Overland Vehicles
Overland Vehicle Bushveld II
The Bushveld II from Overland Vehicle is another hard shell model that delivers many features in a compact package. This tent offers plenty of onboard storage, with two interior and six exterior gear pouches, two integrated shoe totes, and a duffel for stashing your bedding. It also has a built-in LED light strip, an anti-condensation insulating layer, and a comfortable memory foam mattress. Optional add-ons include an awning and an annex room. MSRP: $2,199.99
Buy the Overland Vehicle Bushveld II hard shell rooftop tent from Camping World
This is a rundown of our favorite rooftop tents from some of the top manufacturers in the outdoor industry. Any one of these models is a perfect shelter for the outdoor enthusiast looking for more comfort than a traditional tent offers. For additional options, check out CampingWorld.com.
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