After doing endless hours of research to find the perfect roof top tent (RTT), I was left frustrated and unsure. The best I could do was read biased internet reviews and watch long youtube videos to draw my own conclusions.
After that experience, I knew there was an opportunity to make a much more informative and helpful article for all prospective RTT buyers. I will touch on the biggest factors to consider when choosing between RTTs, as well as some pros/cons of each respective tent style.
I have grouped together over 30 of the best RTTs based upon their price, style, and sleeping capacity. For me, these are the most important factors to consider. Once you narrow it down in a general way, you can start to knit pick features of the tent.
Even better, I have included a downloadable PDF that contains a flowchart. Each set of questions you answer will lead you closer and closer to your ideal roof top tent! This buyer’s guide is simple, informational, and most importantly helpful.
Features to consider
First, let’s quickly cover some features you should look to compare and consider when shopping around for a RTT!
Size. Do you need to fit two, three, or four people? Some tent styles are much better than others for accommodating large parties.
Price. You should set a spending limit for yourself, RTTs are pricey and you can often find some with very similar specs for less money.
Weight. How many people will be helping you mount the tent and how much weight can your rack system/vehicle hold? Be cognizant of this when choosing between tents.
Durability. How often will you be using it? A handful of times in a season or 30 days a year? Hardshells are typically more durable but can range from plastic, fiberglass, to metal shells. Softshells are only protected by a PVC cover and the tent is all fabric. Both are durable in their own right, but some more than others.
Seasonality. Do you plan to camp in all 4-seasons? Consider a tent that is rated for 4-season use or at least can be upgraded with insulation and anti-condensation mats through the manufacturer. All-season tents will usually be fitted with thicker fabric and better insulation.
Level of comfort. Mattress thickness can vary dramatically from 1.5″ to 3.5″. While any RTT beats the ground, this is a difference-maker. For a thin mattress, many campers add a mattress topper to get a better night’s sleep. With a fold-out tent, you will probably have to take the bedding and topper out after every use. While a hardtop can usually fit extra bedding and already have a thicker more premium mattress.
Style/design. Are you looking to buy a fold-out, clamshell, pop-up, or hybrid design? Each has its own set of pros and cons. And which style is most attractive to you, hardtop or softshell?
Ladder. The length of a ladder is usually more than enough for all vehicles, if not, extensions are often sold separately. Sliding ladders are good but can be a pain to set up. Telescoping ladders are more premium and easier to lock into place.
Vehicle type. Whether you have a sedan, compact SUV, full-size SUV, or truck will drastically guide your RTT options. For smaller vehicles, you need the lightest and most compact tent you can find. While full-size SUVs and trucks can pretty much take their pick!
Looks. So may or may not care how the tent looks, but it is a fair consideration to give. Not so much color, but more so how the RTT sits on your vehicle. Hardshells are more inconspicuous with their sleek and minimalist design. Since softshell are foldable, they stick out more.
Driving. RTTs will have an effect on your fuel efficiency and change how your car drives. The increased wind resistance will force you to drive slower. Hardshells are more forgiving here since they are more aerodynamic. There are many variables that play into this as well rather than just the tent itself.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s find the best tent for you! To accomplish this, I made a flowchart which is in this downloadable PDF.
Once you have your group, refer back to this page and read through the options I have listed for you. You can also explore the other groups just to see what is out there.
Soft Shell RTT Groups:
Group 1 (Under $1,500 for 2 people)
Tent
Specs
Smittybilt Overlander ($900)
This tent is $900 on Amazon (w/ free shipping). Weighs 117 pounds, has a sliding ladder, LED lighting inside the tent, 2.3” thick mattress, and a load capacity of 661 lbs. This is the most popular entry-level RTT because it is durable, yet affordable for any camper looking to enter the roof tent world.
Tepui Explorer Series Ayer 2 ($1,299.95)
This ultra-compact and lightweight tent is just 95 lbs. It is rated for 4-season use, has a 2.5” mattress, and a massive 8’6” telescoping ladder! This tent is very cozy and will keep up with any couple’s adventures. Tepui is a staple in the RTT community and offers a great line of tents from top to bottom.
Tepui Low-Pro 2 ($1,499.95)
Coming in just under our budget is another Tepui tent that weighs 105 lbs and measures only 7” in height when packed. This tent features a redesigned A-frame to optimize space and headroom inside the tent. Also, Tepui added a thermoplastic engineered construction which is a fancy term for indestructible. Similar specs to the Tepui Ayer 2, but far more durable if that is a concern of yours!
Group 2 (Above $1,500 for 2 people)
Tent
Specs
FSR Adventure GS 49” & 55” ($1,595 or $2,145)
The FSR tents feature a specially designed tri-layer fabric to protect against rain, wind, and snow in all 4-seasons. It is very lightweight at 102 lbs (49″) and 118 lbs (55″). This tent features dual gas struts for a speedy 60 setup! To top it off, it has a very comfy 2.75” mattress. For the price, this tent is very impressive.
CVT Mount Shasta ($1,895)
Weighing 117 lbs, this tent features awesome skylight views, an annex, and a generous 3” thick mattress! This tent is premium with every material put into it. You can upgrade to a summit edition which costs $2,695. This upgrade will get you thicker tent fabric, insulated flooring, an anti-condensation mat, USB ports, and much more. If you’re going to be camping a bunch or during the winter, upgrade to the summit edition every time!
Eezi-Awn Series 3 ($2,150)
This South-African based company offers many great RTTs. This one in particular is extremely durable with double-stitching and a 420-gram poly-cotton canvas. Providing a 2.5” mattress for plenty of comfort, when inside you can open up windows and doors on all four sides of the tent for maximum airflow. For how thick the tent fabric is, it still weighs only 110 lbs. The thick fabric allows for 4-season camping as well. To top it off, the Eezi-Awn Series 3 has a bungee system to assist with the setup process making it faster and easier than your average foldable RTT.
Group 3 (Under $1,750 for 3 people)
Tent
Specs
Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland 3 ($1,378.65)
This beast of a tent weighs 180 pounds, comes with an annex, and can be set up in just five minutes. You can store all of your bedding inside the tent freeing up that valuable storage space within your car. The mattress is a friendly 2.75” thick and can be opened from the side or back of the tent. I would argue the only downside to this tent is how heavy it is, but for the price and what you get in return, it is a very impressive package.
Tepui Kukenam Explorer 3 ($1,699.95)
This 4-season RTT comes with an 8’6” telescoping ladder and 600D ripstop poly-cotton that will protect you from the heaviest wind and rain. The classic A-frame design offers plenty of headroom and features massive windows for great views. The mattress is a modest 2.5” thick and the weight of the tent is just 130 lbs. I almost bought this tent myself, but I opted for a cheaper option. The few extra hundred dollars you pay for this tent is well worth it.
*The Smittybilt Overlander can also be put into this group because it is technically a 2-3 person tent (refer to group 1 for more information)
Group 4 (Above $1,750 for 3 people)
Tent
Specs
FSR High Country 55” ($2,395)
Seeing these tents in person has made me really fond of them. They offer such a unique design that is both streamlined and durable. The frame is very rugged yet weighs only 141 pounds. It has a comfy 3” thick mattress, mildew resistant fabric, and a 7’5” telescoping ladder that can be used on either side of the tent. There are many tiny convenient features that FSR has added to this tent. Overall, the speedy setup and very strong frame of this tent are what attracts me to it.
CVT Mount Rainer ($2,195)
The Mount Rainer has two editions, the pioneer and summit edition. The pioneer is perfect for a casual camper that is looking for a tent that will last them many years to come. It weighs 145 pounds, has the comfy 3” mattress, a 280-gram poly/cotton ripstop fabric, and a sliding ladder. This model may sound basic, but it is made of the highest-quality materials. Now, the summit edition cranks it up a notch witch 360-gram fabric, a heavier rainfly, telescoping ladder, insulated floor, LED lighting, USB ports, anti-condensation mat, and much more if you can believe that. The price point of the Summit edition is $2,895. I feel that the added cost is very fair with all of the upgrades you get when you move up to the Summit edition. It is also much heavier at 193 pounds.
Tepui Ruggedized Series Kukenam 3 ($2,299.95)
If you enjoy winter sports, hunting, or camping in all conditions, this is the tent for you. It features 360g dual stitched fabric which is 40% thicker than its base models. As well as, an anti-condensation mat, gear anchor points, and a diamond plate base for added durability. Weighing in at 180 lbs, this tent is ideal for adventurers looking for a tent to keep up with their lifestyle.
Group 5 (Under $2,500 for 4 people)
Tent
Specs
Smittybilt Overlander XL ($1,264.99)
This tent weighs only 139 pounds yet has the load capacity to hold 770 pounds! It has a sliding ladder, LED lighting inside the tent, and a 2.3” thick mattress. Just like the standard sized Smittybilt Overlander which sleeps 2-3 people, this is one of the most popular entry-level roof top tents. The XL version is model 2883, while the standard size is model 2783 in case you need this for a reference. This is probably the most value you will get for a 4-person RTT at this price point. Again, if you’re just getting into roof tent camping save your money and see if you really like it!
Tepui Explorer Series Autana 4 with annex ($2,399.95)
This is Tepui’s largest roof top tent in their entire fleet. The annex is included with this model and the tent has Tepui’s flagship 8’6” ladder. It weighs 150 lbs (180 w/ annex) and is rated for 4-season use. The fabric is 260-gram, while the mattress is 2.5” thick. A very well-rounded RTT that can be used during any time of the year.
Tepui Ruggedized Series Kukenam 4 ($2,499.95)
The Kukenam is the heavy-duty version of the Autana. You may think for only $100 more, why not just buy this model? Well, that’s completely rational if you don’t mind forfeiting the annex. You can always buy it separately. The specs of this tent feature a 360-gram fabric (40% thicker than other models), anti-condensation mat, and gear anchor points. The mattress, ladder, and sleeping capacity are all the same. If you plan on camping in harsh conditions I would go with this model, it is better insulated and made with more durable materials. One thing to note, this tent weighs a whopping 210 pounds NOT including the annex (30 pounds), so be sure you have a vehicle to carry this load.
Group 6 (Above $2,500 for 4 people)
Tent
Specs
FSR High Country 80” ($2,895)
This massive RTT offers a quick 60 second set up, 360 views, and 4-season use. This tent provides a massive living space while having an optimal lightweight design. The mattress is a premium 3” thick and the ladder telescopes up to 7.5 feet. The design and shell of the tent are very durable and aerodynamic, providing a perfect tent for winter, rain, and high winds. The high headroom and massive sleeping space are very hard to come by for this price.
X-cover by iKamper ($3,199)
The X-cover has a very unique design as it requires no cover. iKamper’s patented design has some very differentiating features. First, there is an optional crossbar you can purchase to put on top of the tent to haul bikes, kayaks, skis, etc. A true game-changer for sporty campers. The tent can be set up in just 3 minutes, weighs only 120 pounds (insanely light), and comes with iKamper’s mounting brackets 2.0 which allow for a quick mounting/takedown process. iKamper has a ton of accessories you can buy to add better insulation, comfort, or luxury to the tent. This is a special tent from an amazing company, I highly recommend it!
CVT Mount Denali ($2,695)
This tent is exceptionally great for families, friends, or siblings! It comes with two twin sized mattresses that can be separated by a divider. Each “room” then has its own ladder and door. Now this tent comes in two editions. The Pioneer, which has a 280-gram fabric, 3” mattress, and sliding ladder. This model also weighs 172 lbs. Your other option is the Summit edition priced at $3,295 (weighs 247 lbs). This edition upgrades a heavier rain fly, 360-gram fabric, telescoping ladder, anti-condensation mat, LED lighting, USB ports, shoe bags, and much more! In my eyes, both are fantastic options. It depends on how luxurious and weather resistant you need your RTT to be!
Hard Shell RTT Groups:
Group 1 (Under $3,000 for 2 people)
Tent
Specs
FSR Odyssey 49” ($2,695)
This compact hard-shell weighs only 134 pounds but has a weight capacity of 750 pounds. It also features a clamshell-like design. The shell is made of honeycomb plated aluminum for extreme durability. The mattress is on the thinner side at 1.25”. However, this insanely sleek and good-looking design of the tent is just 7” thick when closed, offering a great drive and improved aerodynamics. With the add-on rack you can stow up to 250 pounds of gear on top of the Odyssey tent. The tent is also equipped with FSR’s tri-layer technology for better breathability and insulation. Some LED lighting also comes with the tent. At this price, you get a great looking and versatile RTT. I’ve never slept on the mattress, but it is slimmer than most other RTTs so you may need to get a mattress topper for added comfort!
Tepui Hybox ($2,995)
The Tepui Hybox is your classic pop-up style but is very unique with its ability to convert from a RTT to a cargo carrier. By simply unzipping the tent fabric, you can quickly make this change back and forth. It has a comfortable 3” mattress, is rated for 4-season use, and has a 8’6” telescoping ladder. You can store the ladder in or out of the RTT which will add/drop the weight of your RTT by 20 pounds. My only complaint with the Hybox is that there is no condensation mat included, however, they can be bought separately through Tepui’s website. The tent is very durable with its honeycomb shell and Tepui backed quality.
Roofnest Sparrow Eye ($2,895)
The Roofnest Sparrow Eye displays the true clamshell hardtop design. It weighs in at 130 pounds and is 11.5” thick when closed. The tent is constructed of a fiberglass shell with a weight capacity of 650 pounds. The mattress is a solid 2.75” thick and the ladder extends to 8.5 feet. Some other cool features include an area for a solar panel to be installed, built-in gear storage, and the ability to enter the tent from three different points. Now, if you prefer the pop-up style RTTs, you can look at the Roofnest Sparrow model which is priced the same as the Sparrow Eye. This tent wouldn’t serve you best in the winter, but certainly can be winterized with some external upgrades! Overall, I really like what the people at Roofnest are doing.
Group 2 (Above $3,000 for 2 people)
Tent
Specs
Roofnest Falcon Aluminum ($3,395)
The Roofnest Falcon is made of an aluminum body and a reinforced honeycomb design for maximum strength. This clamshell-style RTT weighs just 140 lbs and is a nice slim 7” thick when closed. There are three doors to enter the tent from, a 2.75” mattress, and an attachable rack to carry bikes, kayaks, or any gear you want to haul. The set-up process for this tent is about as simple as can be. For a couple looking to maintain a low-profile look and durable build, this is the pick for you!
Skycamp 2x ($3,199)
All of the iKamper RTTs come with their bracket mounting 2.0 system which allows for a quick and easy unmounting/mounting process. The Skycamp 2x can be opened in just 60 seconds. The mattress is made of high-density foam and is 1.8” thick. The shell is double layered and has an inch of air insulation, optimal for keeping cold air out. The tent is made of lightweight materials and only weighs 120 pounds. iKamper offers a great range of accessories and add-ons to tailor your tent perfect to you. All of the RTTs produced by iKamper are extremely high-quality and made to last!
Skycamp Mini ($3,499)
This iKamper produced tent comes with a spin. The tiny but mighty Skycamp Mini can fit any vehicle, with its compact and fold-out design. The honeycomb floor ensures maximum durability and the air-insulated shell makes for a perfect 4-season capable tent since it is condensation resistant. Almost all of the same features match between this model and the Skycamp 2x. The most obvious difference being the compact size and foldable design! Both are great options; it just depends on which style you prefer and what your vehicle can fit.
Group 3 (Under $3,500 for 3 people)
Tent
Specs
Roost USA Explorer ($3,348)
This USA made RTT can be opened in 30 seconds and has a ¼” fiberglass shell. It is rated for 4-season use and has a 2” foam mattress (available upgrade to 3”). It weighs 163 pounds and is made of heavy-duty components to prevent wear and tear. The ladder telescopes and is 8.5 feet in length, with an extension option of 10.5 feet if needed. This is a solid tent with no insane luxuries or frills, but it is high-quality and will get the job done for the casual camper! A nice addition is Roost offers a five-year warranty to the tent, even though you probably won’t need it!
Roofnest Falcon XL ($3,495)
The Falcon XL is made of an aluminum body and a reinforced honeycomb design for maximum strength. This clamshell-style RTT weighs just 160 lbs and is a nice slim 7” thick when closed. There are three doors to enter the tent from, a 2.75” mattress, and an attachable rack to carry bikes, kayaks, or any gear you want to haul. The set-up process for this tent is about as simple as can be. For a couple looking to maintain a low-profile look and durable build, this is the pick for you!
Roofnest Condor ($2,995)
The Roofnest Condor has a fold-out design for a compact footprint when closed, but a large layout when set up. The tent weighs 135 pounds, has an 8.5 foot telescoping ladder, and 2.35” thick mattress. The Condor’s shell is made of reinforced abs plastic and has a durable fabric to withstand heavy winds and rain. If you prefer the foldable style, this is a great option for you!
Group 4 (Above $3,500 for 3 people)
Tent
Specs
Alu-Cab Gen 3 ($4,099)
The Alu-Cab Gen 3 is an aluminum masterpiece. The South African made RTT is equipped with a 3” mattress, quick-release ladder, and USB/12V ports inside the tent. For an extra $550-1,000 you can add a solar panel to your RTT to power it. This is where the Gen 3 stands out from the rest. On top of those great features, this tent is extremely durable and looks like a tank! Speaking of tanks, it does weigh a hefty 194 lbs. The thick mattress and aluminum shell contribute to the weight of this tent. If you have the money, this tent won’t let you down!
Eezi-Awn Stealth ($4,300)
The Eezi-Awn Stealth is a goliath of a tent. Weighing 220 pounds, made up of aluminum and stainless steel, this tent can handle any environment you put it in. This RTT features a unique scissor mechanism that is in between a clamshell and pop-up style tent. This design allows for more headroom in the tent and an effortless set up process. The mattress is an extremely generous 3.5” thick, one of the thicker mattresses you will find on the market. You can’t go wrong with this RTT, it meets all of the highest standards you could look for in a RTT!
James Baroud Grand Raid ($3,739.95)
James Baroud produces top of the line RTTs throughout their entire fleet. This one in particular is their premium model. The Grand Raid weighs 145 pounds, has a 3” anti-moisture mattress, rated for 4-season use, and can withstand winds up to 60 mph! This model comes in two sizes, standard and XXL. The tent can be set up in less than 30 seconds, has interior storage, a solar-powered ventilation system, and much more! These tents sell themselves with all of their great features. The warranty is also very generous at 5 years.
Group 5 (Under $3,750 for 4 people)
Tent
Specs
Roofnest Condor XL ($3,195)
As Roofnest’s largest hard-shell tent, it has a foldable component to its design in order to fit up to four people. The Condor XL features a fiber-glass shell and weighs 160 pounds. When closed, it is 13” in height. The ladder is 8.5 feet long and the built-in mattress is 2.35” thick. The overall construction of the tent uses high-quality materials and has plenty of accessories you can add for a more luxurious feel. If you’re looking for a hardshell RTT to fit four people, but are on a budget, this is the best option available!
Group 6 (Above $3,750 for 4 people)
Tent
Specs
Skycamp 2.0 by iKamper ($3,899)
The Skycamp 2.0 is every campers dream RTT. iKamper produces extremely high-quality tents with great designs and features. The tent is a hard shell, but to accommodate four people it also implements a foldable component. Everything about this tent is premium from top to bottom, which comes at a price. This tent can be set up in just 60 seconds, a 1.8” high density foam mattress, telescoping ladder, and easy to install mounting brackets. The shell features an inch of air insulation, great for keeping the cold air out and warm in. The tent weighs a modest 155 pounds and can hold up to 900 pounds total. The shell flooring also has a honeycomb design for maximum strength and the thick fabric allows for 4-season camping. As one of the most expensive tents on the market, you certainly get what you pay for with this RTT.
My favorite picks
I carefully selected each of the tents selected. There are quite a few more that fit the criteria but I feel that these are the best options overall.
If you’re interested in more details on these tents going over specs, videos, and features, I have a couple of great articles for you! I created separate posts giving an in-depth look at my favorite hardshell and softshell RTTs. Click either link for a solid read and better look at some of the best tents in the industry!
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