Rooftop tents have become increasingly popular among camping enthusiasts in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use. Rather than having to lug around a large tent and find a flat, dry spot to set it up, rooftop tents allow you to simply park your vehicle and set up camp on top of it. But with so many different rooftop tents on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best rooftop tents and what sets them apart.

In-depth review

1. Tepui Kukenam Sky 3

The Tepui Kukenam Sky 3 is a three-person tent that provides plenty of space and comfort for a small camping party. It’s made from high-quality ripstop nylon and features mesh windows that provide plenty of ventilation. This tent also comes with a variety of useful features, such as a built-in telescoping ladder and a waterproof cover that keeps the tent dry in wet conditions.

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Pros:

  • Provides plenty of space and comfort for a small camping party
  • Made from high-quality ripstop nylon
  • Includes a built-in telescoping ladder and a waterproof cover
  • Mesh windows provide plenty of ventilation

Cons:

  • Can be quite heavy and difficult to set up for some users

2. Yakima Skyrise

The Yakima Skyrise is a versatile rooftop tent that can accommodate up to three people. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to set up, with color-coded poles that make assembly a breeze. The tent is made from a durable, waterproof fabric that keeps you dry in all kinds of weather conditions. It also comes with a built-in foam mattress and a detachable rainfly.

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Pros:

  • Versatile and can accommodate up to three people
  • Lightweight and easy to set up with color-coded poles
  • Durable, waterproof fabric that keeps you dry in all weather conditions
  • Includes a built-in foam mattress and detachable rainfly

Cons:

  • Not as spacious as some other rooftop tent options
  • Can be quite warm in hot weather due to a lack of ventilation

3. Smittybilt Overlander

The Smittybilt Overlander is a rugged and durable rooftop tent that is perfect for off-roading and other outdoor adventures. It’s made from heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester and features a waterproof cover that keeps you dry in even the heaviest rainstorms. This tent also comes with a comfortable foam mattress and includes a sturdy ladder that can support up to 265 pounds.

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Pros:

  • Rugged and durable with a heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester fabric
  • Waterproof cover keeps you dry in even the heaviest rainstorms
  • Comes with a comfortable foam mattress and sturdy ladder
  • Can be used in a variety of outdoor adventure situations

Cons:

  • Can be heavy and difficult to set up for some users
  • Not breathable

4. Thule Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam

The Thule Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam is a high-end rooftop tent that provides superior protection and comfort in even the toughest environments. It’s made from a tough, reinforced fabric that can withstand heavy rain, wind, and snow. The tent also features a heavy-duty aluminum frame and a built-in skylight that provides plenty of natural light during the day.

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Pros:

  • Provides superior protection and comfort in tough environments
  • Made from a tough, reinforced fabric that can withstand heavy rain, wind, and snow
  • Comes with a heavy-duty aluminum frame and built-in skylight
  • Ideal option for off-road trips and harsh weather

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Can be quite heavy and difficult to set up for some users

5. CVT Mt. Rainier Extended Stargazer

The CVT Mt. Rainier Extended Stargazer is a spacious rooftop tent that can comfortably accommodate up to four people. It’s made from a waterproof, breathable fabric that keeps you dry in all weather conditions. This tent also comes with a variety of features, such as a built-in mattress, a detachable rainfly, and multiple windows that provide plenty of ventilation and natural light.

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Pros:

  • Spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to four people
  • Made from a waterproof, breathable fabric that keeps you dry in all weather conditions
  • Features a built-in mattress, detachable rainfly, and multiple windows for ventilation and natural light

Cons:

  • Can be warm in hot weather due to a lack of ventilation

FAQs

  1. Can I install a rooftop tent on any type of vehicle?

Not all vehicles are suitable for rooftop tents. You will need to make sure that your vehicle’s roof can support the weight of the tent and that the roof rack is compatible with the tent’s mounting system.

  1. Are rooftop tents safe to use?

Yes, rooftop tents are safe to use if properly installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s essential to make sure your vehicle’s roof rack can support the weight of the tent and that the tent is securely attached to the roof rack. Additionally, it’s important to use caution when climbing up and down the ladder to enter and exit the tent.