6/7
Best Softshell Rooftop Tent
Crua Maxx Rooftop Tent
Softshell rooftop tents are more spacious and lightweight than their hardshell counterparts, and the Crua Maxx Rooftop Tent is the best of the bunch. Although it weighs a little less than 200 pounds, it has a nearly 900-pound weight capacity and sleeps up to five campers. In other words, you get plenty of space without making your vehicle too top-heavy and negatively impacting your gas mileage.
There are two large skylights so all of your guests can enjoy stargazing, and the multiple vents ensures everyone remains cool and comfortable throughout the night. Once you’ve secured the tent, level up your outdoor adventures with these camping hacks you’ll wish you knew earlier.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable
- Very spacious
- Blocks wind noise
- Quick 60 second set-up
Cons
- Not the best for cold weather
7/7
Easiest to Install Rooftop Tent
Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent
No tools, no problem. That’s our one-sentence synopsis of the Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent, which comes with a tool-free vehicle mount to get this three-person, three-season tent installed on your vehicle in a matter of minutes. Plus, it comes with included locks so you can be assured that it will stay put no matter what.
It attaches to most crossbars so long as they can withstand the weight of you and your fellow campers. You’ll lounge in comfort on the built-in plush foam mattresses (which eliminates the need to purchase extra camping furniture) that sit below two large skylights. It’s made from the same nylon as backcountry tents, and many customers attest to its waterproof capabilities.
Pros
- Quick, tool-free setup
- Extremely waterproof
- Comfortable mattress
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme cold
What to Consider When Buying a Rooftop Tent
When looking for a rooftop tent you’ll want to consider a few things. Most importantly: the number of people you plan to fit in the tent. You’ll also want to consider your budget, weather conditions, ease of setup, breathability and activities you’re planning.
Types of Rooftop Tents
- Hardshell rooftop tents: As their name suggests, these rooftop tents have a hard shell that’s better suited for keeping out the elements and ensuring prolonged durability. They do, however, make the tents heavier.
- Softshell rooftop tents: Softshell rooftop tents are more lightweight and often more spacious, though they’re not as durable and are not always suitable for all weather conditions.
How We Found the Best Rooftop Tent
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
Do rooftop tents damage the roof?
Rooftop tents shouldn’t damage your vehicle’s roof. Just make sure your vehicle and its crossbars can withstand the weight of your rooftop tent, your gear and the campers sleeping inside (some tents have higher weight capacities than others).
How fast can you drive with a rooftop tent?
You can drive as fast as you want, as long as you’re following the legal speed limit. But keep in mind, the rooftop tent will add some weight to your car and slow it down a little. Just how much it slows it down depends on your vehicle and the tent’s weight.
Can you sleep in a rooftop tent anywhere?
That depends. Some rooftop tents aren’t made for all terrains, though some are made for all seasons. Some camping grounds may have rules against rooftop tents, so be sure to check ahead and secure any necessary permits if needed. And before you embark on any outdoor adventure, check out these other common camping mistakes to guarantee the best trip.
