Rooftop tents not only allow you to turn virtually any vehicle into a campervan and free up valuable space in your car, but they're also more comfortable than a standard tent and much easier to pitch. Before making such a large investment, it's important to assess your camping preferences and needs. If you value mobility, independence, and freedom of choice, a rooftop tent is for you.
Also watch some videos that answer the most frequently asked questions about the choice:
Before you decide to buy a rooftop tent and choose that one dream model, you will have a long "journey" ahead of you, consisting of browsing through manufacturers' offers, reading reviews, and learning from other users what to pay attention to...
We decided to help you with the latter by describing in the guide below how different rooftop tents differ from each other, as well as what details are important.
Tents with a soft shell
These tents are covered with a durable, waterproof, soft shell and extend beyond the vehicle roof. The most obvious advantage is the price. A soft shell tent can be up to three times cheaper than a solid hard shell tent. This is one of the main reasons many people choose to buy one. Softshell tents come in a variety of shapes and can easily accommodate additional accessories, sleeping bags, and pillows.
However, compared to hard-shell models, the disadvantages are obvious. First and foremost, softshells are much more susceptible to moisture accumulation during storage, leading to mold and a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, without a sturdy hard shell, soft-shell tents are often noisier in the wind, both when opened and while traveling. You also need to be prepared for a tent with a soft shell to take significantly longer to set up and pack down than a hard-shell tent.
Hard Shell Tents
Hard shell tents consist of a fiberglass, plastic, or aluminum cover with a fabric lining. Most hard shells hold their shape on the roof of a vehicle, but a few (such as the FOLD 2 and FOLD 4 ) fold out to increase floor space.
Shell tents are significantly more expensive and heavier than soft-shell tents, but their longer lifespan, added comfort, and superior protection make them worth it. During transport, hard-shell tents are also more aerodynamic, completely waterproof, and protected from low-hanging branches and flying debris.
Moreover, the design of some tents (e.g., SLIDE and TRIANGLE ) allows for a bike, skis, or solar panel to be placed on top. When opened, they are significantly more wind-resistant, typically have more headroom, and typically have softer mattresses. One of the biggest advantages of hard-shell tents is their ease of setup, ventilation, and folding, and they are quieter on the road due to their lower profile.
Waterproof and thermal insulation
Rooftop tents are built to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Made of thick, waterproof materials (usually a polyester-cotton blend) and leak-proof zippers, they provide a dry haven on rainy days.
TIP: Remember to keep the flysheet taut in rain or snow. Collecting water can stretch the material or make it soaked.
Some rooftop tents come with the option to add extra insulation. However, if you're used to sleeping outdoors, have a warm sleeping bag, a Webasto, or plan to camp only during the summer months, additional insulation isn't necessary.
Ventilation
Rooftop tents generally "breathe" very well. Firstly, unlike standard tents, air flows under the floor between the crossbars and the vehicle. Secondly, most models have large windows and mosquito nets. Most can be fully opened or closed with just the mesh.
The exterior is typically protected by waterproof covers (as with the FOLD 2 ). Additionally, manufacturers often include anti-condensation mats to be placed under the cover or mattress. These mats minimize unpleasant condensation and add another layer of insulation.
TIP: On rainy or cold days, remember to maintain adequate ventilation. Our bodies generate heat, which causes condensation in the tent. This condensation must be able to escape. If the tent is closed tightly for extended periods, condensation will occur.
Opening and closing
Generally speaking, rooftop tents are much more convenient to set up than a standard tent. However, there are some key differences between models. Hard-shell tents are the quickest to set up—often, all you have to do is undo the hinges and watch the roof rise. Even more complex models, such as the FOLD 2 or FOLD 4 , can be fully erected in a minute.
Closing is simply a matter of reversing the steps, although you must be careful to ensure all material is securely enclosed within the shell or cover. The process of closing a hard shell takes about 5 minutes, depending on the model, the type of vehicle, and the height of the vehicle.
On the other hand, soft-shell tents require a bit more time to remove the soft cover, poles, and ladder, and to support the flysheet and awnings. Packing such a tent takes a good 20 minutes, especially when wet.
TIP: Remember that a wet tent will rot if you don't dry it out and air it out. You have about 24-48 hours for the fungus to start doing its thing.
Closed tent dimensions, aerodynamics and mileage
The dimensions of closed rooftop tents vary significantly depending on the model. A good rule of thumb is to keep the tent within the dimensions of the roof – and people with small cars should be especially careful before making a purchase. The height of the shell also varies among tents, and this has a significant impact on fuel consumption and driving noise.
Noise can be reduced by installing a wind deflector between the roof and the tent. Wind entering between the roof and the tent is primarily responsible for increased noise.
TIP: Roof crossbars should be at least 90% of the way around the tent. The tent can then extend beyond the roof, but not the vehicle body.
TIP: Remember to account for extra height when driving under bridges, entering garages, etc.
Weight
Without a doubt, rooftop tents are heavy and bulky pieces of equipment. Our range ranges in weight from 52 kg (110 lbs) to 75 kg (160 lbs). Due to their weight and size, these tents are not easy to set up or take down, and their assembly or disassembly usually requires at least two people.
TIP: Remember that every car is designed to support its weight on the roof in the event of a rollover; so not every manufacturer will provide this information.
Heavy overhead loads drastically affect a vehicle's center of balance, and overloading the suspension can have lasting consequences. Furthermore, the more weight you put on your vehicle, the more fuel it will burn. Therefore, it's important to carefully review the specifications before purchasing—you need to be clear about the vehicle's load limits (both static and dynamic) and remember to also consider the weight of the crossmembers.
Features and accessories
Most rooftop tents have a fairly standard set of extras: an aluminum ladder, accessory pockets, and mounting brackets. However, each model has its own unique features. The TOP 2 includes a net suspended from the ceiling for storing clothes and other items.
It also comes equipped with a fold-out camping lamp. You can hang it or place it inside the tent. All of our tents come with detachable shoe bags.
TIP: The SLIDE and TRIANGLE models have additional rails or rails that allow you to place additional luggage on top of the tent, such as water tanks, skis, kayak, chests or a solar panel.
Annexes and roofs
For those camping for extended periods, an annex or shelter is a great way to increase space while maintaining privacy and protection from sun, rain, and even insects. Annexes (e.g., for the FOLD 2 and FOLD 4 models ) create an enclosed space beneath the tent that can house a portable shower or toilet, a camp kitchen, or an additional area where you can change clothes in peace and comfort.
TIP: There are also awnings available on the market that can be mounted on your vehicle, regardless of your tent. For example, our WING XL awning extends 270 degrees around your vehicle. You can also purchase sidewalls to expand the enclosed space.
