Born out of the harsh conditions of the African bush and Australian Outback, rooftop tents are in high demand thanks to their unique and convenient design. For those who can’t afford a travel trailer but don’t want to buy a traditional tent, these are the smartest, most comfortable alternatives. Once you’ve mounted one to the roof of your car (rooftop tents require a factory or aftermarket roof rack), just fold it open and prepare for sleep. When it’s time to head out on your next U.S. road trip, prepare your sleeping pads, close the tent, and you’re ready to roll.
The best quality rooftop tents aren’t cheap, but they’re definitely worth the investment, especially if you’re always on the road. If you’re not sure which tent is right for you, check out our guide to buying rooftop tents. When you’re ready to pull the trigger, here are six of the best rooftop tents available right now. We also got you covered with our roundup of the best camping chairs for relaxing in the outdoors.
Smittybilt Overlander (2783) Rooftop Tent
Rooftop tents are fantastic for Overlanding and camping with friends but their price tags can put some people off. Good camping tents are only a few hundred dollars. The Smittybilt Overlander 2783 isn’t exactly inexpensive, but at around $1,000, it’s a steal for a rooftop tent.
Included is a 2.3-inch foam mattress, a two-piece sliding ladder, cigarette lighter USB extensions, and a LED light strip inside. Each window is covered by no-see-um mesh with canvas covers on the outside you can pin up with the included spring poles. A worthy upgrade is a telescoping ladder to make setup easier but for the price, the Smittybilt Overlander is hard to beat.
- Closed Dimensions: 49” x 58” x 13”
- Open Dimensions: 95” x 56” x 51”
- Weight: 116 pounds
iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Rooftop Tent
With its spacious, 1.8-inch-thick king size foam mattress, the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 is one of the best small rooftop tents for campers who appreciate extra sleep space for up to four. The unique design unfolds from the hardshell inside so you don’t have to deal with clipping on a separate waterproof cover. The top hardshell is double-layered for increased insulation when
Windows on both sides and the roof have three layers each: solid fabric, clear waterproof vinyl, and no-see-um mesh. With the vinyl closed, you let the light in but keep the weather out. Closed, the streamlined hardshell is just 12 inches tall and has locking stainless steel clips.
- Closed Dimensions: 85.5” x 54.3” x 12”
- Open Dimensions: 85.5” x 82.6” x 43.3”
- Weight: 160 pounds
Freespirit Recreation Adventure Series GS 55” Premium Rooftop Tent
Freespirit Recreation’s Adventure Series tents are among the best rooftop tents for
- Closed Dimensions: 85″ x 60″ x 9″
- Open Dimensions: 80” x 55″ x 47″
- Weight: 118 pounds
Roofnest Sparrow Eye Rooftop Tent
Roofnest makes some of the best hard rooftop tents on the market. The unique, newly redesigned Sparrow Eye is the smallest in the company’s lineup and one of the most compact available period. At just 50 inches wide, it’ll mount easily to almost any vehicle with a roof rack, from a mid-size sedan to a full-size SUV or pickup. It sleeps two adults snugly but comfortably inside the fiberglass-reinforced ABS shell. The new design is spacious enough to allow for a 100W solar panel and exterior gear storage (with the included bag). Other notable features include a 7.5-foot ladder, an anti-condensation mat, a mesh gear loft, and a detachable pocket. The best part: Marine-grade gas struts allow for nearly automatic setup in less than 30 seconds.
- Closed Dimensions: 85″ x 50″ x 11.5”
- Open Dimensions: 83″ x 49” x 44”
- Weight: 130 pounds
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Tent
With recreational
- Closed Dimensions: 48″ x 56″ x 12″
- Open Dimensions: 96″ x 56″ x 52″
- Weight: 131 pounds
Yakima SkyRise HD Medium Tent
Yakima is an established brand for high-quality roof racks and car accessories. So it comes as no surprise that the Yakima SkyRise HD Medium is among our picks for one of the best car campers. This tent is best suited for summer
- Closed Dimensions: 58″ x 56″ x 17″
- Open Dimensions: 56″ x 96″ x 48″
- Weight: 115 pounds
Editors' Recommendations
- The 9 Best Bike Racks to Buy in Winter 2021
- The Best Portable Showers for Camping Outside in 2021
- The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Is a Fitting Farewell To a Legendary SUV
- The 5 Best Motorcycle Tents for Camping on Two Wheels in 2021
- The Best Air Mattresses for Camping in Comfort