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The 6 Best Rooftop Tents To Elevate Your Camping Experience In 2024

Rooftop tents have emerged as a simpler, more comfortable alternative to traditional ground tents in recent years. Unlike pitching on the ground, these tents conveniently pop open from atop your vehicle, offering features like windows and plush mattresses to enhance your camping experience. With options ranging from budget-friendly softshells to rugged hardshells, the best rooftop tents prioritize ease of setup and ensure a restful night's sleep. Below, we've ranked six rooftop tents, including standouts like the Yakima SkyRise HD Medium and the budget-friendly Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander XL.

These days, a rooftop tent exists for just about any environment, any family size and any vehicle (yes, even you out there with the Porsche 911). The following six options represent an accurate sampling of what’s available, along with our breakdown of who they’re best for and some of the basic specs to consider with each model.

Best Rooftop Tent Overall

The Perfect Model For Most Adventures

MOST POPULAR

Yakima SkyRise HD Medium

Tent Style: Pop-up square | Packed Dimensions: 58 x 48 x 16.5 inches | Weight: 114.6 pounds | Sleeping Capacity: 3 people 

Yakima has long manufactured car-adjacent products, and if their success says anything, it’s that they typically do it right. With enough room for three people and four-season protection, the SkyRise HD 3 features a sturdy base, easy installation, plenty of customization options and more. Yakima outfits the exterior with ripstop polyester fabric and a waterproof PU (polyurethane) coating to keep moisture at bay through spring and winter, and a waterproof rainfly adds an additional layer of protection against nasty weather.

Inside, the tent’s unique frame geometry offers plenty of usable space (over 37 square feet, to be exact) while extra-large doors, windows and mesh panels make it incredibly easy to enjoy the view from your perch. A 2.5-inch thick foam pad offers plenty of long-term comfort, and it comes in a removable cover that’s easy to clean when your adventures come to an end.

At $2,499, this isn’t the cheapest RTT on the market, but you get your money’s worth with plenty of sleeping options, improved durability and serviceability. 

Pros:

  • Quality construction resists wear and tear
  • Open-view rainfly seals out the elements without ruining the view
  • Extra-large windows boost natural light and airflow

Cons:

  • At over 100 pounds, you’ll need two people to install this RTT
  • Included mattress may not be comfortable for some

Best Budget Rooftop Tent

An Extra-Large Option That Still Costs Less Than The Competition

Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander Tent XL

Tent Style: Slim pop-up square | Packed Dimensions: 65 x 56 x 16 inches | Weight: 170 pounds | Sleep Capacity: 3-4 people

Smittybilt is a lesser-known name in the rooftop tent space, but the overland brand makes solid tent options at a more reasonable price point than many of its competitors. Case in point, the extra-large version of the Gen2 Overlander offers an astonishing amount of room with far more physical space than most rooftop tents, but it costs less than many of its counterparts. Of course, all that space makes for a heavier, bulkier footprint that requires at least two people to get it on or off a vehicle, but it’s a worthwhile trade if you’re in need of a king size bed and don’t feel like going over budget. Once installed, it folds in and out quite easily and offers all of the weatherproofing you’ll need to enjoy three-season camping.

Completely self-contained, all the bedding and accessories store inside the tent when it’s not in use, freeing up critical storage space in your rig and saving time when it comes to packing the tent away. Because Smittybilt has an established history building overland equipment beyond tents, this model comes with durable hardware, including stainless steel hinges and steel rainfly poles, as well as an aluminum telescoping ladder. For the total package, it’s a solid value with a good range of customization options within the Smittybilt ecosystem.

Pros:

  • High weight capacity of 770 pounds
  • Wide floor plan offers room for a king size bed and 3-4 sleepers

Cons:

  • Tough to install on a truck bed
  • Very heavy and cumbersome to move
  • Specific installation equipment is required

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tent

A Roomy Rooftop Dwelling That Delivers King-Sized Comfort

iKamper Skycamp 3.0

Tent Style: Hardshell pop-up rectangle | Packed Dimensions: 90 x 60 x 15 inches | Weight: 230 pounds | Sleep Capacity: 4 people

Ask anyone who’s owned a rooftop tent whether they prefer a hardshell or softshell design, and nine times out of ten they’ll favor the former over the latter. That’s because hardshell tents, while heavier and more expensive, are much easier to set up and far more durable. And that’s exactly why we like iKamper’s Skycamp 3.0 tent.

Weighing 230 pounds, it’s nearly three times heavier than the lightest tents on the market, but the four-season protection and king-size mattress offer degrees of comfort that other tents simply don’t. Designed to pop open and fold down in one minute, it’s perhaps the easiest tent to use on this list, and the features—windows, storage pockets, an insulated roof and a telescoping ladder, among others—make it that much more appealing. It delivers such a comfortable and convenient experience that whenever the time comes to vacation, you’ll probably choose to live out of your car for a few days instead of flying to a foreign destination.

Of course, all this praise doesn’t mean the Skycamp 3.0 is perfect. You’ll need at least two people to install it, the weight will put a dent in your fuel economy and like most hardshell tents, it’s expensive. But if you can look beyond these minor flaws or simply want a no-holds-barred rooftop tent, this is the one to get.

Pros:

  • Fiberglass, scratch-resistant shell boosts durability
  • Roof and floor insulation provides four-season comfort
  • Spacious interior offers plenty of space for people or equipment

Cons:

  • Incredibly expensive
  • Heavy
  • The stock 2.5-inch mattress isn’t all that comfortable

Best Lightweight Rooftop Tent

A Tent That Weighs Next To Nothing

Front Runner Outfitters Rooftop Tent

Tent Style: Pop-up square | Packed Dimensions: 52.4 x  49 x 13 inches | Weight: 93 pounds | Sleep Capacity: 2-3 people

Choosing a Front Runner tent unlocks an ecosystem of add-ons and options to let you build out your rig, which can be a definite added value. But even without the brand’s roof racks, cargo boxes and off-grid accessories, this particular setup features a mattress that doesn’t take up all the interior space, so there’s room for smaller items like shoes or a small bag of essentials. In spite of the fact that this tent weighs a mere 93 pounds, it holds up just fine to wind and rain, making it an ideal option for those looking to shave a few pounds.

However, it won’t hold up to the element of time quite as well: The overall build is not as tough as, say, a Yakima option, so factoring in longevity will be key. The tent features an aluminum frame and full-cover rainfly, but tits poly-cotton ripstop construction isn’t indestructible, especially with longterm exposure to high and low temps and UV light. That said, it does come with a high-density foam mattress, plenty of windows, hanging pockets and all the universal mounting equipment you could ever need to install this rig on your car, truck or SUV.

Pros:

  • Supremely affordable at close to $1,200
  • Wide range of Front Runner Outfitters add-ons
  • Manageable weight and footprint

Cons:

  • Not as durable as many RTTs
  • Large amount of zippers and clasps can be annoying during use

Best Low-Profile Rooftop Tent

Improved Aerodynamics In A Streamlined Package

Thule Tepui Low-Pro

Tent Style: Pop-up square | Packed Dimensions: 50 x 43 x 10 inches | Weight: 98 pounds | Sleep Capacity: 2 people

Compact cars and SUVs with less real estate than would normally be required for a big, burly rooftop tent need something lighter and smaller, and that’s what makes the Thule Tepui Low Pro option such a great choice. At 10 inches tall when closed, it features a very low profile to keep you moving at reasonable highway speeds, and the 98-pound static weight is very manageable for two people to handle.

Inside, the domed canopy makes it easy to enjoy the space without hitting your head and an assortment of windows offer loads of natural light. The tent’s thermoplastic materials are both durable and 100% recyclable, and weather protection allows all manner of moisture to roll off the tent without soaking the interior.

Pros:

  • Quick installation reduces setup frustration
  • Ventilation reduces heat and moisture buildup in warm weather

Cons:

  • Small capacity doesn’t leave additional room for equipment
  • No external storage option while in transit 

Best 4-Person Rooftop Tent

Tuff Stuff Overland Elite

Tent Style: Pop-up square | Packed Dimensions: 79 x 48 x 16 inches | Weight: 194 pounds | Sleeping Capacity: 4-5 people 

If you have a family of four or five campers, then you all belong in this spacious rooftop tent from Tuff Stuff Overland. Of course, what that really means is it can house four people in true comfort. The tent has a massive 96x77-inch mattress and can be divided into two rooms by a privacy wall, so it’s great for couples or for four-person families where the parents get one room and the kids, the other.

To go along with the two rooms, the Elite also has two entry doors and two ladders, as well as shaded windows on two sides and another set of windows that, along with the doors, mean six openings that can provide plenty of airflow. And when the weather turns nasty, close the windows up and trust the rugged poly-oxford rainfly for protection.

With a big tent comes a lot of weight: This model weighs nearly 200 pounds, so it’s a beast to install on your vehicle the first time.

Pros:

  • Huge 800-pound weight capacity
  • Privacy split wall creates two rooms
  • 420D poly-oxford rainfly sheds downpours

Cons:

  • Quite heavy at nearly 200 pounds
  • Included instructions might be hard to follow

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Here at Forbes Vetted, we understand the stress and anxiety that comes with purchasing pricey equipment like a rooftop tent. That’s why we strive to offer accurate, trustworthy assessments that are the result of intensive research, check-ins with experts and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of outdoor gear and equipment and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.


How We Chose The Best Rooftop Tents

With decades of camping and outdoor industry experience under our belts, Vetted’s writers and contributors used firsthand experience to create a list of rooftop tents that satisfy most campers. From there, we extensively researched each of the tents in greater detail, poring over specs and features before tapping friends, experts and brand product managers for additional thoughts and feedback. We then cross-referenced that information with hundreds of online reviews from real-world customers—people like you who bought a rooftop tent with their own money and went on to share tales of their experience.

Keep in mind that the recommendations you see here are always changing. As we test new models and look into other options, we update this guide to reflect our findings, with the latest update coming at you March of 2024.


What To Consider When Shopping For A Rooftop Tent

Ready to invest in a rooftop tent of your very own? Before you do, there are several important variables you should consider to ensure you choose the one that’s right for you, from capacity and vehicle compatibility.

Vehicle Compatibility

If a rooftop tent doesn’t fit on your vehicle, it won’t serve you for a single second. Ensure that the RTT you’re eyeing is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle, and be sure to check weight limits, roof rack compatibility and installation requirements. Most rooftop tent manufacturers allow you to plug in the year, make and model of your vehicle to determine whether or not it’s compatible with a specific tent.

Size And Capacity

The size and capacity of a rooftop tent will influence whether or not it meets your needs. Consider the tent's size in terms of sleeping capacity (number of occupants) and overall dimensions when folded and unfolded. Make sure it provides enough space for your intended use.

Insulation And Ventilation

Read reviews and check out tents in-person whenever possible to evaluate the design’s insulation and ventilation properties. A solid rooftop tent should eliminate condensation and promote airflow to keep occupants comfortable.

Installation

If a rooftop tent is difficult to install, there’s a greater chance that you won’t want to use it. Consider how easy it is to set up and take down the tent, and make note of whether or not you need a second set of hands to help you do so.

Weight

The weight of a RTT affects not only your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency but its support as well. You should first invest in a roof rack setup that supports the weight of a tent, and the number occupants that will be sleeping in it.

Weather Resistance

Keep an eye out for waterproof and weather-resistant materials, sturdy zippers and a rainfly to keep you dry. Some rooftop tents are designed to combat rain, sleet and snow, while others will serve you only when the sun is out. Consider when and where you intend to use your rooftop tent, as this will dictate how much weather resistance it needs.

Durability

Read user reviews and expert opinions to gauge a tent's long-term durability and performance. If reviews suggest the tent will last years or seasons to come, it’s a good sign that the tent is durable and ready for all your adventures.


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