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The most comfortable and convenient way to camp, these car roof tents will elevate your experience. Car Top Camping Tent
I grew up in a camping family and always loved the feeling of sleeping under canvas. But it wasn’t until my husband and I hired a 4x4 with an Eezi-awn car roof tent for a three-week safari across Namibia that I realized just how much easier camping is when you swap a ground tent for a rooftop one. Instead of messing about with tent poles, pegs, and guy ropes for half an hour, I was able to fold our tent open by myself in under three minutes. Breaking camp was just as quick — especially useful when racing the sunrise to the top of Sossusvlei’s Dune 45. Being high off the ground also means not having to worry about snakes or spiders making their way into your sleeping space.
Car roof tents, also known as rooftop tents or RTTs, come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. I asked Travis Titus, owner of Colorado-based camper and overland rental company Titus Adventures, what features are most important to think about when buying your own. He advocates for hardshell car roof tents over softshell ones for their superior aerodynamics and easier setup. Softshell ones are the more budget-friendly pick, though, and can be just as durable. Being able to store bedding inside your car roof tent is a plus, too, while other features Titus says could be useful include cross bars on top of the tent for adding other gear and brackets for attaching an awning. To help you make the right choice, we’ve researched and tested some of the best options for every taste, trip, and budget so you can level-up your camping experience.
It’s compact and light enough to suit most vehicles and can be set up in under three minutes.
It’s not as spacious as some other models.
The Skycamp 3.0 Mini is the latest two-person rooftop tent from popular brand iKamper. It’s the model Titus recommends for couples who are new to rooftop camping and also the one that his company rents to customers who want to install a tent on their own vehicle. That’s because at 125 pounds, it’s light enough to be compatible with most hatchbacks and compact cars. Even SUV and truck owners may prefer this tent’s smaller footprint for its fuel efficiency, or for the space they can save on their roof rack for other gear. The tent can be installed using iKamper’s own Raconteur racks or using the included universal mounting hardware.
Despite its small size, a fold-out extension means the tent still feels surprisingly spacious for up to two people. It’s easy to set up (the process takes approximately three minutes), with a hard shell that can accommodate sleeping bags and pillows even when closed. This saves time at camp and also leaves you with more free space inside your vehicle.
The tent is also made from sturdy 300gsm polycotton canvas that blocks out light for an undisturbed night’s sleep. The material is breathable in summer, with convertible canvas/mesh windows for added ventilation. Rated for all four seasons, the tent’s insulated inner shell and comfortable high-loft, polyfoam mattress provide warmth while minimizing condensation. A ripstop polyester rainfly and waterproof zippers also make the tent impervious to rain. Our favorite feature? The signature Skyview window for optional stargazing. Finally, iKamper guarantees free repairs or replacement of defective parts for two years from the date of purchase.
The Details: 57.5 x 54.75 x 48 inches open | 57.5 x 54.75 x 13 inches packed | 125 pounds | Polycotton canvas, ripstop polyester, and aluminum | Waterproof
It’s made to last from high-quality, ultra-durable materials yet is still light enough to set up alone.
You can’t close it with your bedding inside.
The Eezi-awn Series 3 Roof Top Tent is the one that sparked my love of rooftop camping after spending three weeks in one on a road trip around Namibia. It’s the go-to brand for many African safari outfitters, and the fact that ours was still in great shape after hundreds of outings on some of the roughest roads around is testament to its durability. The materials are top quality. I’m talking 420-gram polycotton canvas woven with impregnated wax thread, a PVC rainfly with reinforced mounts, YKK zippers, and stainless steel hardware.
Even the thick PVC cover is built for adventure with welded seams and an integrated ratchet for securing everything firmly in place. The folding platform design makes for an easy single-handed setup (I did it myself many times while my husband was busy making a campfire), while the interior is made light and airy by four large windows and doors. Each one features mesh panels that effectively keeps out mosquitoes, even in the humid Caprivi Strip. Other highlights include four internal pockets and a comfortable, 2.5-inch foam mattress.
The Details: 96 x 55 x 51 inches open | 48 x 55 x 11 inches closed | 130 pounds | Polycotton canvas, PVC, stainless steel, and aluminum | Waterproof
This rooftop tent is spacious, sturdy, and surprisingly lightweight for its size.
It isn’t compatible with all vehicles, so be sure to carefully read through all of the specs.
Although hardshell RTTs are loved by many experts for their compact, aerodynamic design, there are still several reasons to choose a traditional softshell tent. Most importantly, they’re lighter and considerably cheaper than their hardshell equivalents. The Yakima SkyRise HD Medium is a great soft-sided choice made from durable 600-denier ripstop polyester with a strong aluminum frame. It weighs in at 115 pounds, can accommodate up to three people, and combines a PU coating and waterproof rainfly to provide complete protection from the elements.
It takes approximately three minutes to set up and take down, with an auto-close ladder function and guy lines for securing the tent in high winds. In summer, ventilation is provided by large, mesh-paneled windows and doors, making it suitable for year-round use. And while you’ll be able to admire your surroundings and enjoy plenty of light when the windows are open, the tent is also completely dark when they’re closed. The tent features tool-free, lockable vehicle mounts and requires a crossbar spread of between 26 and 40.5 inches.
The Details: 96 x 56 x 48 inches open | 58 x 48 x 17 inches packed | 115 pounds | PU-coated ripstop polyester, and aluminum | Waterproof
When closed, the rooftop tent measures just eight inches tall.
Despite being the most low-profile tent on this list, it isn’t the lightest.
If, like me, you love the idea of a rooftop tent that will have as little impact as possible on the aerodynamics of your vehicle, the Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO is a great choice. Its completely redesigned, low-profile top shell stands just eight inches tall when closed, making it easy to leave on without affecting your fuel consumption too much. It also makes it a better fit for garages with limited clearance. The shell is made from sturdy ABS with a Line-X coating for maximum scratch, impact, and UV resistance.
The tent sleeps two and utilizes an innovative U-bar design to increase head and foot space by over 30 percent in comparison with traditional clamshell styles. When traveling in between campsites, you can store your bedding inside the closed tent box. Oversized, mesh-screened windows provide maximum visibility and ventilation, while the polycotton fabric is fully waterproof. The tent comes with a two-inch memory foam mattress, a telescoping ladder, and detachable pockets. You’ll need a crossbar spread of between 30 and 50 inches.
The Details: 80 x 58 x 47 inches open | 83 x 50 x 8 inches packed | 140 pounds | ABS, aluminum, and polycotton canvas | Waterproof
This tent’s narrow profile makes space to add more adventure gear on top of your roof rack.
It’s weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
I love the unique design of the Thule Tepui Foothill, which has been specially developed to take up limited space on your roof racks, leaving enough room for bikes or even a kayak to be mounted alongside. It’s symmetrical (meaning you can mount it on either side of your vehicle,) aerodynamic, and roughly half the width of other rooftop tents when closed. When open, it extends over the edge of your car roof to provide a comparable amount of interior space suitable for up to two people.
The tent comes with a 1.5-inch foam mattress. Knowing how grubby camping gear can get on a multi-day wilderness adventure, I like that the mattress has a removable, machine-washable cover. Panoramic windows and two skylights provide plenty of ventilation and the ability to stargaze from bed; while internal pockets and exterior attachment points keep your belongings organized and easy to find in the dark. The tent is rated for four seasons; however, bear in mind that it’s water-resistant rather than waterproof.
The Details: 84 x 47 x 37 inches open | 84 x 24 x 9.5 inches closed | 122 pounds | Ripstop polyester and aluminum
This tent allows you to save money without sacrificing on space.
It’s pretty heavy, which may affect fuel consumption and make it harder to install without help.
Softshell RTTs are the way to go if your budget is limited. The Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander Tent is far less expensive than other options, yet it still sleeps two comfortably and offers a similar amount of interior space. It’s durable too, with an anodized aluminum frame and a 600-denier ripstop polyester canopy. The latter is impregnated with polyurethane for impressive weather resistance while a waterproof rainfly provides an added layer of protection from the elements.
Inside, generous windows with fine-mesh mosquito screens provide plenty of visibility and airflow. At night, you can close the privacy screens to shut out any ambient light and still use the LED strip to locate things in the dark. The tent includes a telescoping ladder and is completely self-contained, meaning that you can store all bedding and accessories inside it while you travel. This frees up space in your vehicle and reduces the time needed to set up camp. Finally, a two-year warranty provides peace of mind.
The Details: 95 x 56 x 51 inches open | 154 pounds | PU-impregnated ripstop polyester, polyurethane, aluminum | Waterproof
This car roof tent offers king-size comfort for up to four people.
It’s only compatible with SUVs and trucks — it won’t fit on your standard hatchback.
One of the best things I ever did was head out on a three-week camping trip around South Africa’s national parks with my husband and 18-month-old daughter. Kids love the freedom of life on the road and you’ll make some of your very best family memories if you take them with you. Titus recommends the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 for families of four (it’s the model he has installed on all of his rental Land Cruisers). With a king-sized footprint and plenty of head room, he calls it the ideal choice for those who want maximum space.
The aerodynamic hardshell is made from fiber-reinforced plastic with space inside for storing bedding — a big plus when you have gear for multiple people to fit in your vehicle. The tent is four season rated, with a waterproof ripstop polyester rainfly, an insulated shell, and mattress to keep you warm in winter, and convertible mesh windows to provide ventilation in summer. I love the stargazing window, and the privacy blinds that block out the light when needed. The tent comes with universal mounting hardware for most trucks and SUVs.
The Details: 129.5 x 101 x 48 inches open | 85.5 x 55 x 13.5 inches closed | 165 pounds | Fiber-reinforced plastic, polycotton canvas, ripstop polyester, and aluminum | Waterproof
Most rooftop tents include a universal mounting system that allows them to be installed on different vehicle makes and models. That doesn’t mean they’re all compatible with all vehicles. Titus says that most mid- to large-size SUVs will be able to hold a tent somehow, while crossover vehicles (think the Subaru Outback or the Toyota RAV4) should be able to handle smaller tents.
He says that trucks have their own challenges — that’s because some tents are longer than the truck bed and therefore need to be elevated to extend over the cab. If you have a hatchback, the smallest, lightest, and most compact car roof tents may be compatible, but you’ll need to check the requirements carefully. These include the minimum and maximum crossbar spread, and the maximum weight that your roof racks can bear.
The tools, amount of time, and number of people needed to install a rooftop tent varies considerably depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Most are designed to be installed independently at home as opposed to getting a professional to do it for you at a vehicle workshop. However, that’s always an option if you don’t feel confident and are happy to pay. Titus says that the iKamper tents are among the easiest to install, but you may want to install it with help to ensure the tent is safely secured.
A car roof tent represents a considerable investment — even the least expensive on this list will set you back close to $1,500. Therefore, it makes sense to prioritize durability so that the tent will last long enough to justify this expense. Hardshell and softshell tents can be equally durable as long as the materials used are of a high quality. For hardshells, look for a strong but light ABS or fiber-reinforced plastic shell. For softshells, thick polycotton canvas with a waterproof coating is the best option. Even if you live in a typically dry area, I’d recommend purchasing a tent that’s waterproof rather than water-resistant, because you never know when the weather might take a turn for the worse.
The simple answer is yes, rooftop tents are safe for cars as long as you don’t exceed your roof rack’s weight rating. Titus says this rating can be tricky to find — look for the dynamic weight rating (how much weight the vehicle can support while moving) and the static weight rating (the weight it can support when stationary). The weight of the tent must not exceed the dynamic weight rating, and the weight of the tent with all gear and people inside must not exceed the static weight rating.
Titus also recommends steering clear of platform racks because they make installation difficult and add a lot of unnecessary, top-heavy weight that can make your vehicle more likely to roll in the event of an accident. He also advises that it may be necessary to upgrade your suspension, especially at the back, if you buy a particularly heavy tent.
It’s important to consider aerodynamics when choosing a rooftop tent because this can have a direct impact on fuel efficiency. In the long run, a more aerodynamic car roof tent can save you a considerable amount of money. Hardshell tents are typically the best choice from this perspective because they’re sleeker, lower, and less boxy than traditional softshell tents. Super low-profile models like the Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO are a good option. However, weigh the higher initial cost of a hardshell tent against how often you plan on using it before making your final decision.
As long as it’s safe and legal to park a vehicle, you can sleep in your rooftop tent. That’s because rooftop tents are entirely self-sufficient and don’t need any of the things that ground tents require, like space to pitch and ground soft enough to insert tent pegs into. Concrete? Fine. Rocks? No problem. I once camped in a grocery store parking lot. But you do need to check local rules and regulations to make sure you’re not breaking any laws — many places prohibit vehicles from parking overnight, while others must be kept clear for safety reasons.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel and adventure gear for more than 10 years. She is a big fan of rooftop camping, having spent three weeks exploring Namibia’s remote national parks in a Toyota Hilux fitted with the Eezi-awn Series 3. In addition to spending hours researching popular car roof tent brands, she consulted the expert opinion of Travis Titus, owner of Colorado-based camper and overland rental company Titus Adventures.
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