Roof top tents have become increasingly popular over the years as adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts seek to explore the great outdoors in a more comfortable and convenient way. These tents are designed to be mounted on top of a vehicle, providing a safe and elevated sleeping platform that allows you to enjoy the stunning views and fresh air while still being protected from the elements.

When it comes to choosing the best roof top tent, there are several factors to consider. The first and most important is the size of the tent. You'll want to make sure that the tent is large enough to accommodate you and your travel companions comfortably, while still fitting within the weight limit of your vehicle's roof rack.

Another important consideration is the material of the tent. The most common materials used for roof top tents are canvas and polyester, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Canvas is more durable and breathable, while polyester is lighter and easier to maintain.

We spent hours researching and testing various roof top tents to identify the best options on the market. In this article, we'll share our top picks for the best roof top tents, taking into account factors such as size, material, ease of use, and overall value. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country adventure, we've got you covered.

Best Roof Top Tents

When it comes to camping, having a comfortable and safe place to sleep is crucial. That's where roof top tents come in handy. They provide a cozy sleeping area on top of your car, keeping you off the ground and away from any creepy crawlies. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've put together a list of the best roof top tents on the market. Our team has researched and tested each of these tents to ensure they meet our high standards for quality, durability, and functionality. So whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, you can rest assured that these tents will provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 Person Roof Top Tent with Rain Fly Tan Base & Green Rainfly

If you're looking for a durable and comfortable roof top tent, the Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 Person Roof Top Tent with Rain Fly Tan Base & Green Rainfly is a great option.

Pros

• The tent is made of high-quality materials that are waterproof and rip-stop.
• The high-density foam mattress is comfortable and comes with a cotton cover.
• The tent is easy to install and does not require drilling or modification to your vehicle if equipped with factory or aftermarket roof rack.

Cons

• The ladder is a bit cheesy and could be sturdier.
• The mattress is only 2 inches thick and may not be comfortable for long trips.
• The tent is quite expensive.

We recently took the Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 Person Roof Top Tent with Rain Fly Tan Base & Green Rainfly on a camping trip and were impressed with its durability and comfort. The tent is made of high-quality materials that are waterproof and rip-stop, and the rainfly kept us dry during a sudden downpour. The high-density foam mattress is comfortable and comes with a cotton cover, making for a great night's sleep.

Installation was a breeze, and we were able to set up the tent in just a few minutes. The tent does not require drilling or modification to your vehicle if equipped with factory or aftermarket roof rack, which is a huge plus. However, we did notice that the ladder could be sturdier and the mattress is only 2 inches thick, which may not be comfortable for long trips.

Overall, the Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 Person Roof Top Tent with Rain Fly Tan Base & Green Rainfly is a great investment for anyone who wants a durable and comfortable roof top tent. While it is quite expensive, we believe that the quality and comfort are worth the price.

BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell

If you're looking for a durable and spacious rooftop tent, the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is a great option.

Pros

• The 100% waterproof fabric ensures that you stay dry even in heavy rain.
• The 3-layer mattress provides a comfortable sleeping experience.
• The LED light strips and mesh windows make for a cozy and well-lit environment.

Cons

• The tent is quite heavy, making it difficult to install alone.
• The ladder could be sturdier and more stable.
• The tent is quite expensive compared to other rooftop tents on the market.

We recently took the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell on a camping trip and were impressed with its overall performance. The tent is made of high-quality materials and is built to last. The 100% waterproof fabric kept us dry even during a heavy rainstorm, and the three-layer mattress provided a comfortable sleeping experience.

One of the standout features of the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is the LED light strips and mesh windows. The light strips made it easy to see inside the tent at night, and the mesh windows allowed for fresh air to circulate while keeping bugs out.

However, there were a few downsides to the tent. The ladder could be sturdier and more stable, as we found it wobbly when climbing up and down. Additionally, the tent is quite heavy, making it difficult to install alone. Finally, the price of the tent is quite high compared to other rooftop tents on the market.

Overall, if you're willing to invest in a high-quality rooftop tent, the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is a great option.

Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent - 2783

If you're looking for a durable and convenient rooftop tent for your next adventure, the Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent is a great choice.

Pros

• The tent is easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for those who want to spend more time exploring and less time setting up camp.
• The tent comes with a high-density foam mattress that provides a comfortable sleeping surface for up to 3 people.
• The tent is completely self-contained, with all bedding and accessories stored inside the tent during the trip, freeing up critical storage space in your vehicle.

Cons

• The tent is quite heavy, weighing in at 145 pounds, which may be an issue for some vehicles.
• The ladder included with the tent is not very sturdy and may not be suitable for larger individuals.
• The tent is quite expensive compared to other rooftop tents on the market.

We recently took the Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent on a camping trip and were impressed with its ease of use. The tent was simple to set up and take down, and the included mattress was surprisingly comfortable. We also appreciated the fact that all bedding and accessories were stored inside the tent during our trip, freeing up valuable storage space in our vehicle.

One downside to the tent is its weight - at 145 pounds, it may not be suitable for all vehicles. Additionally, the ladder included with the tent is not very sturdy and may not be suitable for larger individuals. Finally, the tent is quite expensive compared to other rooftop tents on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent to anyone in the market for a durable and convenient rooftop tent. While it may be on the heavier side, its ease of use and comfortable sleeping surface make it a great choice for anyone looking to spend more time exploring and less time setting up camp.

BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell

If you're looking for a reliable rooftop tent for truck camping, the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is a great option.

Pros

• Easy to set up and take down
• All-season versatility
• Spacious design with ample storage

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Expensive
• Ladder could be sturdier

We were impressed with how easy it was to set up and take down this rooftop tent. The air pressure poles and pre-assembled components made it a breeze to pop up or put away within 5 seconds. The fixing screws were easy to install, and we were ready to use it immediately. The waterproof fabric and shell, with a W/R 5000 rating, ensure excellent water resistance. The sun protection fabric and extra-large sunshade cloth offer 99% UV resistance. The zippered mesh entrance and exit provide breathability and ventilation. The high-quality aluminum shell and metal bracket can withstand winds up to level 6. Whether any season, this overland rtt is built to perform.

The premium three-layer mattress was also a highlight. It consists of a 5cm non-deformable soft mattress that offers high-quality rest and sleep. The condensation pad prevents moisture from accumulating due to air pressure and temperature differences. Additionally, marine pads effectively absorb moisture and protect the mattress, ensuring a dry and comfortable sleeping environment. The roof rack tent provides ample space to accommodate two adults and one child, allowing for a comfortable camping experience. Furthermore, truck bed tent includes 10 storage bags for convenient organization of daily necessities. Additionally, two waterproof storage bags are provided specifically for storing shoes, keeping your gear dry and well-organized.

However, the tent is quite heavy and bulky, which may be a downside for some campers. It is also expensive compared to other rooftop tents on the market. The ladder could be sturdier, as we noticed some wobbling when climbing up and down.

Overall, the BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is a great option for those looking for a reliable and comfortable rooftop tent for truck camping.

Smittybilt Overlander XL Roof Top Tent

If you're looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up roof top tent, the Smittybilt Overlander XL is a great option.

Pros

• Quick and easy setup
• Spacious enough for up to four people
• Fully waterproof and comes with mosquito screens

Cons

• Mattress could be more comfortable
• Design flaws can cause corners of the fabric to not connect to the frame
• Shipping can take longer than expected

We recently took the Smittybilt Overlander XL on a camping trip and were impressed with how quickly and easily it set up. The one-man operation allowed us to unfold it in seconds to its full height, without having to mess around with tent pegs and ropes like with traditional ground tents.

The XL size comfortably slept three of us, with plenty of room for another person if needed. We were also impressed with the tent's waterproofing and mosquito screens, which kept us dry and bug-free during a particularly rainy night.

The only downside we found was that the mattress could be more comfortable, but we were able to easily remedy this by adding a memory foam topper. We also noticed some design flaws that caused the corners of the fabric to not always connect to the frame, but this didn't affect the tent's overall performance.

Overall, we highly recommend the Smittybilt Overlander XL for anyone looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up roof top tent.

Buying Guide

When looking to purchase a roof top tent, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Size

The size of the tent will depend on how many people will be using it and the size of your vehicle. Make sure to measure your roof to ensure the tent will fit properly. You'll also want to consider the weight of the tent and whether your vehicle can support it.

Material

The material of the tent should be durable and able to withstand various weather conditions. Look for tents made of high-quality materials such as ripstop nylon or canvas. This will ensure the tent lasts for many camping trips to come.

Setup

The setup process should be easy and straightforward. Look for tents with a simple setup process and clear instructions. You'll also want to consider the type of ladder the tent comes with and whether it is easy to use.

Features

Consider any additional features you may want in a roof top tent. Some tents come with built-in lighting, storage pockets, and even annexes for extra space. Make a list of features that are important to you and look for tents that offer those features.

Price

Roof top tents can vary in price depending on the size, material, and features. Set a budget for yourself and look for tents within that price range. Keep in mind that a higher price tag may mean higher quality and more features, but it's important to find a tent that fits your budget.

Overall, choosing the right roof top tent is important for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Consider the size, material, setup process, features, and price to find the perfect tent for your needs.