We all have our favorite pastime activity that we indulge in when we venture into the open, away from the hustle of city life. For some, it’s a quiet walk in the park. For others, camping and exploring the unknown are the things that bring them joy.
Roof top tents are more popular than ever before and for good reasons. They are incredibly comfortable to sleep in and much easier to set up than a ground tent, which makes them ideal for any overlanding experience.
Whether you’re planning a trip across the country or just a weekend adventure, make sure you’re prepared for the journey ahead. With that said, here’s a guide to the most reliable roof top tents for trucks and overlanding.
What To Look For When Buying a Roof Top Tent
When buying a roof top tent, you must consider your budget and the benefits. Once you understand those two factors well, making the right choice is much simpler.
- Hard shell and a soft top. There are two main types of roof-top tents, hardshell and softshell. Hard shell tents are much easier to install. However, they cost more and are heavier. Soft shell tents are often preferred due to their lightweight nature. The downside is they might not be as durable as hard shell tents when constantly exposed to the elements.
- Set up. You’ll want to ensure that the tent is easy to set up and take down. This will make it easy to use, even if you are not an experienced camper.
- Weight of tent. Since the tent will be on top of your vehicle, the vehicle and the roof rack should be able to safely support it.
- Size.The tent’s size matters regarding the sleeping area and when it’s stowed.
- Material. Material quality should be a priority when selecting a tent to ensure that it can withstand adverse weather conditions.
- Ventilation. Roof top tents can often retain excessive heat, making them unbearable without some form of ventilation. It’s essential to have proper ventilation to ensure you can sleep comfortably.
Overlanding can take several forms, but the most popular way is to go camping. Camping is the perfect solution to experience the outdoors, and that’s where roof top tents (RTT) come in. You can buy a cheap hardshell roof top tent to reduce your camping costs. Check out my buyer’s guide to learn how.
Without further ado, here are four of the best rooftop tents, in my opinion.
Roofnest Falcon
New and improved features make this popular tent even more versatile and practical. Some of the refinements include a change in the top shell, updated weatherproofing, and an improved ventilation system.
The top shell has been reworked to provide better ventilation and assist in minimizing water buildup on the exterior. Accordingly, there’s now an insulating foam layer between the two aluminum sheets.
In the next section, we’ll examine some of the main features of the Roofnest Falcon tent.
- Size. The interior of the Falcon is spacious, measuring 48 inches (1.22 meters) wide and 86 inches (2.2 meters) long: enough room for you to move around and get comfortable. The Falcon has a height of 60 inches (1.52 meters) and is also tall enough for you to comfortably sit up straight.
- Weight. The tent is light yet sturdy. It weighs just 160 lbs (72.57kg), making it easy to transport in most trucks, and it can support a load of up to 650lbs (295 kg)
- Tent material. The clamshell-style hard-top tent opens from one end while hinged at the other, forming a triangle shape. The three soft sides are made of 320 poly-cotton fabric with a waterproof rating of 3000mm.
- Mattress. The tent comes with a 2-inch (5.08-cm) thick memory foam mattress, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
- Sleeping capacity. With room for two people, it’s perfect for couples.
- Set up. The latches on the back keep the frame of the tent firm and secure when you’re not using it, and when you’re ready to open it up, simply release the latches and push the frame upward. The process is smooth and straightforward.
Pros
- Easy set up, fast opening and closing times
- It has a sleek aerodynamic design.
- The mattress is comfortable.
- The ladder is sturdy and firmly built.
Cons
- Limited amount of space inside to store extra bedding and other items.
- The netting inside is flimsy and doesn’t seem to be very durable.
- Expensive
In case you’re looking for a roof top tent that’s both stylish and functional, the Falcon from Roofnest is an excellent option. They offer a wide variety of roof top tents and accessories, so you can customize your tent to your liking.
ikamper Skycamp Mini
The ikamper Skycamp Mini is easy to set up, comfortably sleeps two, and fits almost any car. This is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, compact roof top tent.
Here are some of the features of the iKamper Skycamp Mini:
- Weight. The tent is light, weighing 125 lbs (57 kg).
- Size. When open, the tent has a height of 48 inches (122 cm) and a floor area of 83 by 51 inches (211 by 131 cm).
- Tent material. The tent fabric is a 300gsm poly-cotton canvas with a rainfly of waterproof polyester of rating 3000mm.
- Mattress.1.6 inches (4c m) thick high-density mattress.
- Shell. A double layer of fiber-reinforced plastic.
- Sleeping capacity. Two people.
Pros
- Compact and can fit a wide range of vehicles
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Very light but durable and tough.
Cons
- The mattress is not comfortable
- Expensive
Thule Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3
The Thule Tepui Ruggedized 3-Person Tent features an extended canopy entrance and annex, creating a protected stand-up indoor space for changing your clothes, storing gear, and more.
Here are the features of this tent:
- Weight. 192 lbs (87 kg)
- Size. Floor dimensions are 122 x 56 x 52 inches (3 x 1.4 x 1.3m)
- Tent material. Constructed from high-quality 360g stitched fabric.
- Sleeping capacity. Three people
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Comes with an extended canopy entrance with a removable annex.
- Has extra large internal pockets
- Has a sturdy aluminum frame
Cons
- The mattress is firm but a bit hard.
- Expensive for a soft roof top tent
Smittybilt Gen 2
The Gen 2 Smittybilt Overlander Rooftop Tent comes in two sizes and is designed with adventurers in mind.
The tent is super easy to install and makes for a comfortable space. Additionally, there is decent storage capacity inside the tent, so you won’t have to worry about leaving the tent to get your essentials.
The features include the following:
- Weight. 116 lbs (52.6 kg)
- Size. Open, the tent measures 95″ W x 56″ L x 51″ H ( 241 x 142 x 132 cm)
- Load capacity. 660 lbs (300 kg)
- Tent material. Heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester and light aluminum frame with stainless steel hinges.
- Sleeping capacity. 2-3 people for the standard tent and 3-4 for the XL.
Pros
- Several awnings protect against wind and rain.
- Not expensive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Water accumulating on top of the entryway
- The mattress is not so comfortable
- In cold weather, condensation can be an issue.
Tip: An aftermarket roof rack is an excellent investment for your car since they often have higher weight capacities than a factory-installed rack.
It’s essential to keep this in mind if you plan on regularly using your rooftop tent, as the tent’s weight can add up quickly and strain a lower-quality rack. The type of roof rack you have on your truck is crucial if you want your roof top tent to fit well and still have space in the bed of your truck.
Conclusion
Whether planning a camping trip or needing a reliable and comfortable option for occasional use, it’s vital to ensure that the model you’re considering will actually fit your car. Not all roof top tents are universal fit products.
Remember that some tents are designed for specific vehicle models, so it’s always best to consult with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility. A little research will help you find the perfect rooftop tent for your next adventure.