Rooftop tents were originally engineered to keep overlanders safe off the ground in Africa and the Australian Outback, but more adventurous campers are looking to these rooftop shelters to quickly set up camp in almost any location. They make trailhead camping a breeze (and keep your hitch free to haul bikes or a boat). Whether you’re planning a long car-camping trip or an off-road tour of backcountry trails, consider a rooftop tent to make your trip easier and more convenient, and the wilds feel just a little less remote. Once you install one on a roof rack on your SUV or truck (some also fit cars), setup at camp takes just minutes. Just lift the roof, drop the ladder, and your camp is set for the night.
Check out quick reviews below of our top five rooftop tents, or scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those tents plus other high-ranking options.
Expert Pick
A versatile, hybrid rooftop tent and cargo box with durable hardshell construction.
Total Expert Score: 98/100
A practical rooftop tent that comes standard with an extra room.
Total Expert Score: 95/100
A mid-priced, secure rooftop shelter with a stunning view of the stars.
Total Expert Score: 94/100
The lightest rooftop tent that even solo adventurers can install and set up.
Total Expert Score: 91/100
Try this tent in your truck bed for all the benefits of a rooftop-tent without the high price.
The Benefits of Rooftop Camping
For overlanding (the combination of camping and off-roading), the main perk of a rooftop tent is that you can set up camp almost anywhere. No need to worry about finding a flat spot on rugged terrain or staying away from critters on the ground. They’re easy to pitch once installed, and most come with a plush foam mattress. They may also fulfill your childhood dream of having a tree house!
Though a rooftop tent limits your ability to carry bikes on a roof rack, most designs allow multiple setup options, so you can set up the ladder and/or an annex room (which connects to the tent for additional space) to the side of your vehicle and still access bikes from a hitch rack. They’re also a great option for cyclists because you can still get around camp by bike when the pitched tent renders your car unusable during your stay.
However, rooftop tents can be quite an investment, so you’ll want to ensure they are compatible with your vehicle, roof rack, and lifestyle before buying. Check the owner’s manual of your roof rack and vehicle to see if a tent’s weight is under the limit. Many weigh more than 100 pounds, so you’re gonna need a friend or two to help you install and remove. If you plan on keeping it on the roof rack between trips, know that they can decrease your car’s fuel efficiency and may affect its handling as well. (Larger SUVs and trucks like these off-road vehicles are generally better equipped to handle the weight.)
Soft Shell vs. Hard Top Tents
Soft-shell fabric models closely resemble regular car-camping tents and are often lighter and more affordable. However, hard tops provide more durability and protection when driving or while camping in inclement weather. Soft tops are generally easy to unfold, but hard tops can be even easier, popping open like a cargo box or clamshell. Some hard-top-tent manufacturers are also starting to release hybrid designs, like Tepui’s Hybox, which converts to a cargo box when you’re not camping. The biggest difference between soft and hard shells may be the price: Most soft shells range from under $1,000 to $2,000, while hard tops can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
How We Rated Them
We researched 18 expert sources and 1,100 consumer reviews to select the top seven rooftop tents of the year. To determine our Total Expert Score, we calculate the ratings from trusted publications such as Gear We Are, HiConsumption, and Gear Junkie, and convert them to a 100-point scale to make it easier for you to weigh the best options. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of consumers who rated the product at least 4 out of 5 stars on retail sites like Amazon, REI, and Backcountry.
Best Hard Top
Tepui Hybox
Total Expert Score: n/a | Consumer Score: n/a
A versatile, hybrid rooftop tent and cargo box with durable hardshell construction.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 55 x 84 x 13 in. | Open Dimensions: 55 x 84 x 43 in.
Total Weight: 175 lb. | Material: Cotton, Polyester
Pros
- Insulated interior with sound damping
Cons
- Expensive
- Low 37-inch interior height
Durable and aerodynamic aluminum hard shell
Considering a rooftop tent but don’t want to sacrifice valuable rooftop cargo space? The Tepui Hybox is a hybrid cargo box and hard-top tent! If you unzip the fabric walls and remove the three-inch foam mattress, you’ll have a storage space of 23 cubic feet. Like other hard-shell rooftop tents, the Hybox is more expensive than soft-shell alternatives, but its dual-purpose design gives you more bang-for-your-buck. Instead of having to take down a three-season tent from the roof, just leave the Hybox on your rack for your traveling needs all year-round.
When you’re ready to camp, the Hybox has space for two people as well as two doors and two windows—all with “no-see-um” mesh. The canopy doors can also be transformed into awnings with the window spring rods. Released in December 2018, the Hybox does not have many expert and consumer ratings yet. However, it has already earned best-product-of-the-year awards from experts such as Gear Patrol and Popular Mechanics.
Best Annex Room
Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland
Total Expert Score: 98/100 | Consumer Score: 98% give it 4 stars or higher
A practical rooftop tent that comes standard with an extra room.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 56 x 48 x 14 in. | Open Dimensions: 56 x 96 x 52 in.
Total Weight: 132 lb. | Material: Cotton, Polyester
Tuff Stuff Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent with Annex Room
Tuff Stuff Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent with Annex Room
Pros
- Spacious with multiple hooks and pockets
- Waterproof exterior storage bag included
- Three large, well-ventilated windows with mesh screens
Cons
- Zippers to annex room may leak
- Poor instructions
Most rooftop tents have annex rooms, which connect your tent to the ground level, but you have to purchase separately. Tuff Stuff, however, sells an all-in-one package at a reasonable price. The tent’s foam mattress fits two adults, and the 90 x 90-inch annex room can accommodate even more campers. Or just use the annex tent as a fully enclosed dining, storage, or changing space that you can actually stand up in! The retractable ladder can also be folded away for more interior space.
You can set up the Ranger Overland tent over the rear or side of your vehicle, and users report that it’s easy to install with two people in 1 to 2 hours and to unfold in just minutes. Amazon reviews also noted this tent’s high quality for the lower price. “From what I can tell, this tent is built with the same quality and materials as the higher-priced tents on the market,” said one.
Best 3 Person
Yakima Skyrise 3
Total Expert Score: 95/100 | Consumer Score: 75% give it 3 stars or higher
A mid-priced, secure rooftop shelter with a stunning view of the stars.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 56 x 48 x 16 in. | Open Dimensions: 56 x 96 x 48 in.
Total Weight: 115 lb. | Material: Nylon
YAKIMA Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent-M
Pros
- Breathable but still waterproof and weather-resistant
- Lightweight and accessible
Cons
- Some report difficulty locking ladder in place
Yakima has expanded from the roof-rack market into rooftop tents with the Skyrise series. Switchback Travel wrote that the Skyrise “offers the right combination of price, usability, and weather protection.” The breathable mesh sunroof offers increased ventilation as well as a view of the stars, and the waterproof rainfly and double-layer windows keep you protected from the elements.
The Skyrise is also compatible with other Yakima accessories like an annex room, kayak rack, and more. Many users claimed that it kept them cool in hot weather, warm on chilly nights, and dry during rainstorms. One reviewer on REI also emphasized, “Seriously, opening a children’s pop-up book is about the same level of difficulty as pitching the Yakima SkyRise.” In addition to the medium three-person size, it also comes in a small two-person model.
Best 2 Person
Front Runner Feather-Lite
Total Expert Score: 94/100 | Consumer Score: 100% give it 4 stars or higher
The lightest rooftop tent that even solo adventurers can install and set up.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 53 x 49 x 8 in. | Open Dimensions: 53 x 134 x 55 in.
Total Weight: 93 lb. | Material: Oxford tent fabric
Pros
- Lightweight and easy set-up
- Heavy-duty fabric cover
Cons
- Loose ladder
If you’re concerned about the weight and fuel-efficiency of a rooftop tent, consider Front Runner’s Feather-Lite model at less than 100 pounds! Sportprovement claimed that it’s “an excellent option for anyone looking to travel light.” The Oxford tent fabric is still strong, breathable, and waterproof. It also features interior storage pockets, Velcro overhead light loops, and a mesh roof window.
Because of its light weight and low 8-inch packed height, you can feel comfortable leaving it on your roof rack. But if you’re only a casual camper, it’s still a breeze to remove and re-install. One reviewer on Front Runner’s website wrote that they bought the Feather-Lite tent because “it is one of the lightest that I saw and has a quick-release mechanism. This tent is so easy to put on and take off.”
Best Truck Tent
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Total Expert Score: 91/100 | Consumer Score: 91% give it 4 stars or higher
Try this tent in your truck bed for all the benefits of a rooftop-tent without the high price.
Size: 6'4" to 6'7" regular full-size truck bed | Center Height: 5.6 ft.
Weight: 16 lb. | Material: Polyester Taffeta
Napier Napier Backroadz Truck Tent - Full Size Regular Bed (6'4" - 6'7")
Napier Napier Backroadz Truck Tent - Full Size Regular Bed (6'4" - 6'7")
Pros
- Affordable and accessible set-up
- Fully enclosed floor and rainfly
Cons
- No zipper covers for windows
While most rooftop tents work with both SUV roofs and truck beds, there are some truck-tent options at a cheaper cost. If you drive a truck, this model is a great compromise between regular car camping and rooftop tents: It keeps you off the ground, but comes with more space and height at a lower price. Napier’s Backroadz tent also features a full floor and rainfly to keep you clean and dry. Its larger space and lower distance from the ground makes it more suitable for family camping trips with young kids or pets. One Amazon reviewer said, “We’ve been able to camp some rough terrain that wasn’t feasible before with a ground tent.”
A truck tent does prevent you from using the bed for storage space on your trip, so you’ll need to find another spot for your gear when the tent is up. But you shouldn’t have to worry about it fitting your truck bed, since Napier offers a range of sizes, including regular full-size (6'4'' to 6'7"), full-size crew cab (5'6" to 5'9"), compact regular (6' to 6'1"), and full-size long (8' to 8'2").
Other High-Ranking Options to Consider
Tepui Baja Kukenam
Total Expert Score: 87/100 | Consumer Score: 91% give it 4 stars or higher
Tepui’s Baja Series tents will fulfill all of your rooftop camping dreams.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 56 x 48 x 12 in. | Open Dimensions: 56 x 96 x 50 in.
Total Weight: 108 lb. | Material: Nylon
Tepui Tents Tepui Tents Baja Series Kukenam 3 Ultralite Tent
Tepui Tents Tepui Tents Baja Series Kukenam 3 Ultralite Tent
Pros
- Versatile canopy options
- Durable and comfortable
Cons
- Pricey accessories
Tepui’s Baja Series offers highly customizable, quality tents to fit your camping needs. Its Zipper Gimp allows you to switch between mesh, lightweight nylon, and aluminum canopies depending on the weather conditions. One type of canopy and a detachable rainfly are included, but you must purchase others separately if you plan to camp in various climates.
The Kukenam’s A-frame design provides headspace to fully sit up and see through its large mesh windows. It sleeps up to three people on its 2.5-inch foam mattress. Gear Junkie concluded, “If you spend a lot of time on the road, this tent will provide you a luxurious night’s sleep just about anywhere you can park your vehicle.” Similarly, one reviewer on Backcountry said, “It feels like you’re retiring to a hotel on your car after adventuring all day.”
Smittybilt Overlander
Total Expert Score: 87/100 | Consumer Score: 89% give it 4 stars or higher
A budget-friendly option packed with luxurious features for Jeep owners.
Closed Dimensions (WxLxH): 48 x 56 x 10 in. | Open Dimensions: 95 x 56 x 51 in.
Total Weight: 138 lb. | Material: Polyester
Pros
- A lightweight and affordable option
- Heavy-duty and waterproof construction
Cons
- Primarily designed to fit Jeeps
The Smittybilt Overlander is designed by a company with years of experience producing accessories for Jeeps, but it can be installed onto other dual-track racks. Cool of the Wild notes that it’s “another lightweight option for cars with limited weight capacity” as well as “one of the most affordable rooftop tents on the market.” It boasts heavy-duty material and zippers, along with luxury features like interior LED strips, a sunroof, and shoe storage bags.
Many Amazon buyers claim that this tent can’t be beat at its price. “I really cannot believe how much you get for the money with Smittybilt,” wrote one. It has enough space for two to three people, and an XL size is available for less than $1,000 for families who need to fit up to four people comfortably.
Paige Szmodis is an editor for Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics, who researches and writes home, tech, and outdoor product reviews and news.
