Are you wondering why so many people are buying rooftop tents? It’s become a phenomenon for a reason. Many reasons, in fact! There are many kinds of rooftop tents available and they make camping so much easier and more comfortable. But ease of use and comfort aren’t the only reasons to buy one of these tents.
5 reasons why you should get a rooftop tent:
1. Rooftop tents are easy to use
Unlike traditional ground tents, hardshell rooftop tents open in less than 60 seconds because they don’t require poles and stakes.
My iKamper has two locks that latch it shut. When you open it, two pistons help push it fully open. Then, you fold out the extra floor, pull down the ladder, and put two quick poles in the entryway. I timed it and can truly get it open and ready to camp in less than 60 seconds!
Of course, soft shell tents aren’t quick as quick and easy, so they don’t have this positive going for them.
2. They have a built-in mattress
Unlike a ground tent, rooftop tents come with their own built-in mattress that makes sleeping much more comfortable.
This is for both hardshell and softshell tents. You’re guaranteed to have a much more comfortable night of sleep, and you don’t have to haul around extra pads or an air mattress!
3. They’re off the ground
Ground tents are, obviously, on the ground. This opens you up to dealing with insects, rodents, and all kinds of other issues.
Plus, you have to find a flat spot with no rocks or sticks when you use a ground tent. A rooftop tent doesn’t need that; as long as the ground is relatively level or you use leveling blocks, you can put your tent anywhere you can get your vehicle!
4. You don’t have to carry them
Wherever you go backpacking or camping, you have to bring your tent with you. Many tents are heavy, and the lighter ones are expensive.
With a rooftop tent, you never have to carry your tent to your campsite again. Just drive up, throw it open, and viola! You’re good to go.
Plus, most rooftop tents have enough room in them to store your sleeping bag. So you don’t have to carry that, either!
5. They look awesome
Let’s be real; rooftop tents look really cool. Especially the iKamper.
If you want to be the king or queen of Instagram, having a rooftop tent to take photos in or of always helps. You can get those cool photos of your tent overlooking a lake or a cliffside from a higher vantage point.
Plus, the iKamper has a world map on the back of it, which makes for even cooler photo ops.
Which Rooftop Tent Should You Buy?
When buying a tent, there are some key features you should look out for. Mainly, keep an eye on price, weight, durability, and any warranties the company may have.
There are lots of rooftop tent options out there. They range from relatively affordable soft shell tents like the Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 to hardshell options like the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 or the Roofnest Condor XL.
The hardshell options are significantly more expensive (almost three times as much as a soft shell). However, they are much quicker to set up, easier to use, and are built to last longer. You don’t have to deal with all the poles to set it up and they come with a built-in hardshell roof to protect you further from the elements. And they can be put away very easily thanks to the straps connected to the shell.
Soft shells, on the other hand, are more difficult to use and set up but come at a much cheaper price.
So which tent you decide to buy depends on your needs. Do you want premium, long-lasting and easy to use? Go with a hardshell tent.
Do you want something more affordable and don’t care about set up time or spending more time taking care of it? Go with a softshell tent.
What Vehicles Can Use a Rooftop Tent?
You might think you need a pickup truck or big SUV to use a rooftop tent. You’d be wrong!
Believe it or not, there are rooftop tents that can fit on nearly any vehicle. You can even put them on a tiny Toyota Prius and turn it into a gas-saving camping machine!
That said, make sure you do your research and figure out how much weight your roof can handle and how heavy the tent you’re buying is. Be sure to factor in your own weight and the weight of anyone else camping with you, too! A simple Google search can reveal this information for you.
How Much Do Rooftop Tents Cost?
Rooftop tents cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,200. The softshell tents are usually in that $1,200 to $2,400 range and the hardshell tents are usually $3,000+.
The cost depends on the quality of materials used, extra features, craftsmanship, and brand popularity. The iKamper is the most expensive rooftop tent at around $4,200 and they’re also the first company to create a hardshell tent.
Cheaper options include softshell tents like the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 at around $1,200 and the CVT Mt. Bachelor at around $1,375.
Keep in mind that you definitely get what you pay for. Cheaper tents use cheaper materials that won’t last as long and may be more difficult to set up and put away.
Final Thoughts
Rooftop tents are convenient, fun, and easy to use. They are a popular choice for overlanders looking to get off the grid in cool, remote places around the world.
If you’re thinking about getting a rooftop tent, hopefully this guide helped you come to a decision on whether or not it’s right for you. They can be expensive, but personally, I’ve loved mine and would buy it again if I had the choice!
Also Read:
Can You Set up a Concrete Tent?
