Winter camping is quite popular these days. When all of the campgrounds are shut down, roof top tents make it possible to explore and camp where ever your car can get you.
This article will list some of the best roof top tents for winter and cold weather camping in an informative and unbiased way. If you already own a roof top tent (RTT), I will also lay out some ways to winterize it as well as what specific features to look for in a 4-season roof top tent.
It is simple to look up “4-season RTTs” on google or manufacturer websites, but what are you really getting? I will talk you through each of the all-season RTTs I would personally buy, including what I like and don’t like about them!
Best Winter Roof Top Tents
Skycamp 2X
What’s great about this RTT?
What’s missing in this RTT?
Recommendation
Thule Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3 with Annex
Tepui is an all-around great RTT manufacturer. They provide a quality product for a fair price, making it a very popular brand among campers. This RTT is one of Tepui’s heavy-duty models and can handle any weather conditions you put it in.
| Price | Weight | Dimensions (open) | Capacity |
| $2,749.95 | 192 pounds | 122″L x 56″W x 52 in”H | 3 |
What’s great about this RTT?
As you can tell from the title of the tent, an annex is included with the purchase of this tent. The annex encloses the ladder which makes for a large sheltered area.
The ruggedized Autana has a thick 360 gram polyester-cotton canvas. The fabric is also water-resistant, has dual stitched taped seams, and is UV/mildew resistant. These features add up to making sure you stay dry!I would argue the fabric is one of the most important features for a 4-season softshell RTT. With these specs, you will stay plenty comfortable in heavy rain or snow.
The internal frame is fully wrapped which makes it built to last through any environment. You also get the much need anti-condensation mat with this RTT!
What’s missing in this RTT?
This tent offers everything you could want in a RTT besides some luxuries like built-in lighting or USB plug-ins. It is a softshell which means you will have to knock off the snow or rain as it pools up on the tent. Either way, you will stay dry throughout the night!
Recommendation
Even though this is a softshell tent, I would highly recommend it for all-season camping. You will be plenty warm and it will last you many winters! Tepui is a great brand that is loved by many RTT users so you know you’re getting an awesome tent for cold weather camping.
Roofnest Falcon
Roofnest makes some really great RTTs for a fair price. I consider their tents to be some of the best in the industry in terms of value. The Falcon is no exception and it’s fully aluminum clamshell design makes it great for all-season use!
| Price | Weight | Dimensions (open) | Capacity |
| $3,395 | 140 pounds | 90″L x 50″W x 60″H | 2 |
What’s great about this RTT?
For starters, the Falcon comes with an anti-condensation mat. The mattress is a plush 2.75 inches thick and extremely comfortable. You pop the Falcon open in no time with the assisted gas struts.
The wall material of the Falcon is a polyurethane polyester/cotton blend that has a waterproof rating three times the amount of a backpacking tent. This thick canvas is tough, retains heat, and can handle high winds while allowing minimal noise.
The tent is completely waterproof and the clamshell design is great for mountain weather. Being able to face the shell right into the wind makes a great barrier and prevents cold air from getting in. You can also add crossbars to haul extra gear for your trip.
What’s missing in this RTT?
The Falcon is just 7″ in height when shut, which is insanely slim. I would like to see a little better insulation in the shell itself for added heat retention. You also don’t have the option to add an annex. Other than that, this tent would be a solid winter choice.
Recommendation
The Falcon can fit any vehicle type and is very affordable. I love the way it looks and the comfort level is on par with some of the best. For a couple looking to buy a RTT that can handle tough weather and need to be ready to go in a moment’s notice, this is a competitive option.
Maggiolina Extreme
What’s great about this RTT?
What’s missing in this RTT?
Recommendation
Overall, this tent can handle any weather you take it in. For the price, you’re getting a solidly made tent. There are just a few lacking features I would like to see at this price point.
CVT Mt Rainer Extended (Summit Edition)
CVT is yet another high-quality tent manufacturer. They are more well-known for their softshell tents. While hardshells may have a slight upper-hand in cold weather use, softshell RTTs are still plenty capable.
They offer the Mt Shasta in two editions, but for cold weather camping, you have to go with the Summit edition. I also recommend the extended fly style because it has a covered porch and if you attach the annex it will enclose the ladder too!
| Price | Weight | Dimensions (open) | Capacity |
| $2,995 | 176 pounds | 56″W X 132″L X 50″H | 2.5 |
What’s great about this RTT?
This RTT comes with a 360 gram poly-cotton ripstop fabric, much thicker than the average 280 gram you find in 3-season RTTs. You also get an insulated floor and heavy-duty rainfly, both are ideal for winter camping.
With CVT’s Mt Shasta you get a ton of luxury! LED lighting, USB ports, waterproof cover, a softer mattress, and an anti-condensation mat! This extra comfort will make the difference for staying warm and cozy throughout those cold nights.
The extended version costs an additional $200, but I think it is well worth the covered porch and enclosed ladder you get with the included annex.
What’s missing in this RTT?
The only thing that lacks in this tent is just the simple fact that it is a softshell style RTT. It will take longer to breakdown and setup while being more difficult to close if the fabric freezes up. These are both considerations to assess when buying a softshell.
Recommendation
This is an amazing RTT with supreme quality. It will undoubtedly keep you warm and dry in all weather conditions! Most importantly, these are very comfortable tents that will last you years to come.
Alu-Cab Gen 3
Alu-Cab is a South African based company and made the Gen 3 to handle high heats and extremely cold temperatures. The fully aluminum shell makes for a very durable tent with plenty of mountain options.
| Price | Weight | Dimensions (open) | Capacity |
| $4,099 | 194 pounds | 90.5″ x 55″ x 78.7″ | 3 |
What’s great about this RTT?
You can close the tent with your bedding inside, which is key for winter camping when you have all of those blankets and sleeping bags. On the point of insulation, the Gen-3 is generously lined with a closed-cell foam material in the walls that offers fantastic heat retention. Alu-Cab also provides an awning cover for the tent’s rear door, which will prevent rain, snow, and frost!
One of the more notable features is the USB and 12V plugins for the Gen-3. You can even buy a matching solar panel for an additional $500-$1000, depending on the number of watts you need. This would be nice for heating blankets, electric heaters, or any other camping accessory you would need to power in some cold weather.
What’s missing in this RTT?
There isn’t much missing with this beautifully made tent. You will be plenty warm and comfortable when sleeping on the Gen-3’s three-inch mattress. You’re paying a good amount of money for this model, some competitors may have air circulation vents at the same price point. So that feature would be cool to see added!
Recommendation
You really can’t go wrong with this option. It will probably be the last RTT you ever need to buy since it will last you for many many years!
Hardshell vs Softshell RTT
There are a few major advantages a hardshell has over a softshell RTT. First, as I mentioned when going over the Tepui and CVT tents, snow and rain will pool up on top of the tent. Therefore, the fabric of the tent will be put under significant stress. You just need to know that water and snow builds-up which needs to be cleared off frequently.
Next, it can be cumbersome closing a softshell tent when frozen. It can stiffen up and be difficult to close. Also, getting the cover back on when that is wet or frozen isn’t too much fun either.
Lastly, the shell on a hardtop provides a great barrier between getting wet and high winds. At the end of the day, you will have to pay more for a hardshell, but this is a solid reason to “shell” out the extra cash!
Roof top tent winter features
Before we jump into my favorite winter RTTs, it is important to go over which distinct features you should look for in an all-season tent.
- Insulation
- Anti-condensation mat
- Tent style
- Size
- Fabric
- Annex
Insulating your roof top tent
It is crucial for winter campers to keep the warm air in and cold air out. Depending on the brand and style of RTT you buy, they have differing levels of insulation in the fabric and base of the tent. Some tent manufacturers even line the fabric of the tent with insulated foam cells for optimal insulation!
Winter camping calls for an anti-condensation mat
I almost consider this a must if you are a consistent winter camper and here’s why. When the heat builds up inside your tent, there can be a lack of ventilation, which makes condensation build up inside your tent. If you ignore this long enough you will be a cold-wet-unhappy camper.
I would recommend buying this anti-condensation mat from Tepui. They make fantastic products and the size of the matt will likely be identical to any RTT!
Certain roof top tent styles are better equipped for winter
This plays a factor in winter RTTs because a hardshell will have an advantage of better insulation. Whereas a softshell will allow heat to space through the roof more easily.
It’s not to say softshell RTTs won’t do great in winter conditions, but having a shell will provide a better waterproof and insulated layer from snow or rain. Additionally, hardshell tents can handle higher winds and be much quieter when doing so.
The size of your roof top tent is a factor for winter camping
Bigger is better right? Well not so much in this case! A smaller area is much easier to heat than a large space. So, if you have a massive four-person tent it will be more difficult to keep it warm. Whereas a nice and cozy two-person tent will warm up much quicker and likely stay that way!
When buying your roof top tent know which fabric to buy
When looking for an all-season RTT you should check the specs of the fabric and its thickness. Many tent manufacturers market their tents as 4-season but some have much thicker fabric than others.
For example, a normal RTT will likely have about a 260-gram fabric. While you will find some four-season RTTs that will go all the way up to 360-gram fabrics. This measurement just points to the thickness of the fabric which will help with insulation and weather resistance.
Something else to consider about the fabric is the material itself. Breathability and water-resistance are two things you should take a look at. A higher-quality fabric will allow air to circulate into your tent better which is important for oxygen and avoiding condensation build-up.
Adding an annex is a great accessory for winter camping
Some RTTs come with one but many offer an option to buy this accessory separately. Annexes are great for many reasons but sticking just to cold-weather advantages, the list is still significant.
An annex can be attached directly to your tent and depending on the model RTT you have, it will enclose your ladder, offering some cover from the elements. This provides another barrier of insulation by sealing the entrance to your tent. If you don’t feel comfortable with a heater directly in your tent, you can put it in the annex and the heat will rise into your tent.
This sheltered space provides a place to eat, relax, and be protected from bad weather.
Tips for winter camping in your RTT
Here are some unsolicited winter camping tips before we finish up this article!
- Ventilation/airflow. It is important to crack a window and allow air to circulate throughout the tent. It will allow more oxygen to flow in and prevent condensation build-up.
- Heater. You should absolutely bring a heater. Here is a quick summary of the one I use and recommend! You can bring a cookie sheet to place to the heater on. This prevents any damage to your tent and gives you a place to make your coffee in the morning or set your drinks.
- Mattress pads and sleeping bag. It would be a wise choice to add a mattress pad for an added layer between you and the tent. Also, get a sleeping bag that is rated for zero degrees or below temperatures.
- Pee bottle. One not so pleasant tip is bringing a pee bottle… Unfortunately (or luckily), the ladies can’t use this tip. But it helps not having to open the tent door and letting all of the warm air out in the middle of the night.
- Tote for extra clothes/towels. Pack extra clothes and towels in a container that will keep them dry. You never know if you will get wet or need extra layers of clothing.
- Jackery power station. The Jackery power station is essentially an electric generator. You can bring it right into your tent and power a wide variety of items like an electric heater, electric blanket, laptops, and phones!
- Warm food. Bring a stove along for the camping trip so you can eat warm food. It will help keep your body temperature up and can heat up coffee or tea super fast! Here is my recommended camping grill!
Winterize your current roof top tent
I wrote a more in-depth article on Insulating Your RTT. It has general winter camping tips for RTT users, as well as some creative tricks for winterizing your current tent. If you’re considering camping in winter conditions for the first time, I would give it a quick read!
Conclusion
There are several RTTs that are particularly great for cold weather use. These key features vary slightly across the different brands but are easy to compare to one another once you know what to look for.
If you’re not looking to buy a new RTT you can make plenty of upgrades to your current set up and use it in the winter months. The name of the game is to stay warm and dry, which almost all RTTs can do!