More than 60 years designing and building award winning rooftop tents. In the end, families with young children likely can get away with smaller floorplans, but many campers will choose to size up or opt for XL versions (an option with Roofnest’s tents). ft.Peak height: 44 in.Weight: 105 lbs.Capacities: 2, 3What we like: Lightweight, easy to move, and affordable.What we don’t: Not as spacious as other softshell models. COVID-19 Related Loss of Taste Could Be Permanent, How New Parents Can Get the Coronavirus Stimulus They're Owed, Dad Who IDâd Son on Twitter to FBI and Went Viral Might Be Fake. If you like to bike, ski, paddle, or surf, you might consider a rooftop tent with external storage compatibility. As we touched on above, a tent’s listed capacity and interior dimensions don’t always line up perfectly. Further, the more weight you add the less fuel efficiency you'll get. For strictly summer use, Yakima also makes the standard SkyRise (no “HD”), which uses thinner materials and is priced at an affordable $1,099 ($1,599 for the Medium). Rugged Coolers. If you're thinking about buying a roof-top tent, consider a few pros and cons: And the 87-inch version of the 23Zero Walkabout (below) has a similarly large mattress (58 sq. These roof top campers are quick and easy to set up and allow you to sleep in safety and comfort. ft.Peak height: 37 in.Weight: 177 lbs.Capacity: 2What we like: Rooftop tent and cargo box in one.What we don’t: Heavier and more expensive than the Roofnest Sparrow above. Tuff Stuff also offers a number of other softshell, clamshell, and fold-out hardshell options, from the two-person Trailhead ($1,230) to the four-person Alpha.See the Tuff Stuff Ranger 3. These nitpicks and the tent’s lack of standout features push it down our list, but Freespirit’s quality and attention to detail are top-notch.See the Freespirit Recreation High Country 55". In addition to mattress thickness and type, you’ll also want to consider a mattress cover and anti-condensation mat. What we don’t: Hardshell tents offer better weather protection and last longer. Denali comes with a room divider, two separate entrances (each has its own ladder), and a generous four-door annex. That said, those who move camp everyday will love the simplicity. We love iKamper’s tents, but many users complain that they don’t vent well due to the lack of space between the body and fly (you can always roll back the fly on dry nights). The manufacturer’s recommended capacity is a good place to start, but take note: these specs are often rather generous. Itâs sleek and aerodynamic, comes in glossy black or white, and stands 12.6-inches tall closed; slap on a ski resort sticker and nobodyâs the wiser. Finally, remember that peak height only specifies the highest point in the tent—box-like hardshells like the Tepui HyBox have a tall peak height throughout, while others, including clamshells and softshells, slope downwards from the highest point. ... "Having compared this to many other brands, this is the most bang for your buck, and the quality is really top notch! Further, their shell-like design means they can often fit extra items like bedding inside, and some (like the iKamper X-Cover) can even accommodate a bike, skis, kayak, surfboard, or solar panel on top. ft.Peak height: 45 in.Weight: 160 lbs.Capacity: 4What we like: Premium build quality, roomy interior, and quick setup.What we don’t: Expensive and overkill for solo travelers and those don't want a king-size bed. Even a more complex hardshell like the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 can be set up in a minute. Rooftop Tents. What we don’t: Lacks the fit and finish of a Tepui model. Theyâre designed to mount on the average sedan, SUV, or crossover using a standard off-the-shelf roof rack system ⤠just make sure to check your cars dynamic weight capacity to ensure it can support the tentâs weight when driving. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure the tent is fully dried out after each trip and store it in a dry, shaded area, just as you would with a standard tent. In 1958, Autohome built the worlds first rooftop tent. Rooftop tent brands like Tepui and iKamper, for instance, sell additions like shoe racks, sheet sets, anti-condensation mats, inner insulation tents, and even retrofit canopy windows. Denali are cost and size. Packed height also is a highly variable factor and can heavily impact gas mileage and noise while driving (and remember to factor in the added height when going under bridges, entering parking garages, etc.). Hardshells fare much better, with secure waterproof shells that last longer and stand up to the elements more than the canvas or nylon covering on softshells. COVID19 RELATED INFO close. And, our rooftop tents are available in different sizes and configurations, accommodating up to four people. The biggest drawback is that you can’t store your bedding or the ladder inside the tent when packed, meaning you’ll have to sacrifice valuable real estate in your vehicle or truck bed. To make the loading and unloading processes even easier, Front Runner also sells their Quick Release Tent Mount Kit for an additional $225, which allows you to remove the tent quickly and without tools (it can also be paired with most other models here). A key design feature and one of the biggest draws to rooftop tents is the integrated mattress, which run the gamut from relatively thin 1.8-inch pads to plush 3.5-inch memory-foam-topped beds. The second place in the podium goes to the Odyssey 55" by FSR. The HyBox is Tepuiâs spin ⦠And we should note that Smittybilt now makes the GEN2, which is an updated version of the model included here featuring an improved ladder, a larger rainfly, and a skylight for $1,150. Other perks include durable and PU-coated fabrics (including a 600D polyester body and 210D fly), D-rings and guylines to attach gear or secure the tent in a squall, and a clear vinyl “skylight” in the fly, which is a nice touch for letting in light when conditions take a turn. If you stick with the base models, you still have the option of tacking on extra items to your purchase. Once you’ve made sure that your rooftop tent is compatible with both your vehicle and your rack, you’re ready to load it on top (again, we recommend at least two people for the job). Second, the storage cover attaches via Velcro rather than a zipper, comes all the way off (most stay attached on one side), and is a bear to get back on (this might seem like a small gripe, but those who move camp daily will notice the extra burden). x. Roofnest also offers an XL version that’s 10 inches wider and costs $100 more, or you can opt for their simplified Sparrow Eye, a trimmed-down and lighter-weight clamshell without the cargo-carrying capabilities ($2,895). In general, rooftop tents are far more convenient to set up than pitching a standard ground tent. First, because air flows underneath the body between the tent and your vehicle, by nature they ventilate better than standard ground tents. The medium-sized AirLand Plus is our favorite model in their lineup for its cushy, 3.5-inch foam mattress, sturdy ladder, and simple pop-top design. For those camping for extended periods, an annex or awning is a great way to increase livable space while maintaining privacy and protection from the elements, including sun, rain, and bugs. Compared to the Tepui HyBox below (another popular pop-up tent), the Sparrow is a little over $100 cheaper, has a few inches more headroom, and sports a more aerodynamic design. $2,750.00. You can either rent our Ford Ranger for an added cost or bring your own vehicle. If you⦠At only 6.5 inches tall when closed, Roofnest’s Falcon is the slimmest model on our list, undercutting even the aptly named Low-Pro above. The faster the tent gets set up, the sooner the outdoor fun can begin. But these complaints aside, the AirLand Plus is a simple yet rugged rooftop tent with minimal breakable parts, earning it a spot on our list for 2020.See the AutoHome Maggiolina AirLand Plus Medium. Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for the Birth of Your Child, All the HSA- and FSA-Eligible Items Parents Can Buy This Year. We Are Still shipping! If you’re concerned about this and want a low-profile design, we recommend going with a model like the sleek and aerodynamic Roofnest Falcon, which measures only 6.5 inches tall when closed. The rooftop tent sets up in under 30 seconds. In the end, it’s important to evaluate your camping preferences and needs. Yea, well that trip was more perilous than we had thought. These tents are covered with a burly waterproof soft cover and fold out beyond the roof of your vehicle. iKamper’s first-generation Skycamp made waves during its debut in spring of 2017, with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its $100,000 goal by over $2.2 million. Redesigned for 2020, the Sparrow is a true testament to Roofnest’s high attention to detail. Tepui Tents rei.com. Category: SoftshellFloor area: 29.2 sq. Comparing the three-person models, the Kukenam is $500 cheaper at $1,700 and features a 4-inch-taller peak height at 52 inches (the floor areas are identical). You get a tough, UV- and mold-resistant 600-denier ripstop body fabric, and water-resistant zippers and a PU-coated rainfly (420D) put up a solid defense against heavy rain and wind. Finally, keep in mind that some manufacturers offer mattresses upgrades: Tepui’s standard mattress is 2 ½ inches thick, while their Siesta Luxury Mattress features 3 inches of foam along with an anti-condensation mat. Tepui is very well known for their soft shell roof top tents. The Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam, for example, uses UV- and mold-resistant fabric to increase its lifespan, and Thule also has a dedicated lineup of “Ruggedized” tents that are made with thicker fabrics (360 vs. 260g canvas), sealed seams, and a heavy-duty aluminum base to guard against branches and rocks. ft.Peak height: 41 in.Weight: 145 lbs.Capacities: 2, 3What we like: Insanely high quality and premium feature set, including a solar-powered fan.What we don’t: Expensive. Both are functional designs from one of the most respected brands in the business, and a final decision will come down to how you prioritize price, ease of setup, and carrying abilities.See the iKamper X-Cover. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. Our roof-top car tents are designed to fit on the roof racks of your car or truck and set up in minutes. These small gripes aside, Tepui still is our go-to for long-lasting, reliable rooftop tents that won’t break the bank, which is really all most recreational campers need.See the Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3. ft.Peak height: 36 in.Weight: 132 lbs.Capacities: 2, 2+, 3, 3+, 4What we like: Built to last and the hand crank is strong and dependable.What we don’t: Not very spacious and no awnings or full-zip doors. The tent body (usually made of canvas or nylon) is attached to the entire platform and sets up with the help of internal hinges and manually placed poles. In our opinion, your best bet is to opt for a protective cover (waterproof/breathable) and supplement with a sheet set (brands like Tepui sell custom-sized sheets or you can make do with a standard bed sheet set). Simply unfasten the latches and let the four gas-ram powered lift arms do the work. At $2,895 and 215 pounds, this tent is a behemoth and you’ll likely need a large SUV or truck to tote it around. Softshell tents also feature larger floor plans, come in a variety of shapes, and can easily accommodate annexes and awnings (more on this below). Please contact. Tepui’s Kukenam 3 above is a spacious and fully featured softshell tent, but for quick trips, smaller cars, and solo travelers, the Low-Pro 2 is a viable and cheaper alternative. The good news is that this is a lot less complicated than it sounds: most rooftop tents are highly adaptable and come with a range of adjustments and available adaptors. 1970's Sears 8x10 Canvas Family Cabin Camping Tent - Great Shape, Waterproofed. Category: HardshellFloor area: 28.7 sq. ft.Peak height: 46 in.Weight: 141 lbs.Capacities: 2+, 3+, 4+What we like: Quality build and quick setup for a softshell.What we don’t: Expensive and only one window awning. ↓ Finally, if your rainfly or tent walls stop repelling water and you need to revive the waterproofing, we’ve found that a marine-grade spray-on protector like Star brite’s Waterproofing Spray works best. Some vehicles come with factory roof racks already installed, but many are aftermarket additions from companies like Thule and Yakima. Peak height: 46 in. And, like hanging tree tents, they can elevate a kidâs enthusiasm for camping to next level. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. Sleeping three or four, the heavy-duty tent boasts a thick canvas thatâs waterproof, breathable, and mold resistant, plus a slew of handy extras including a mattress with a waterproof cover, telescoping ladder, LED light bar, two shoe/storage ⦠All that said, the Tuff Stuff doesn’t have the same polished and premium feel you get from Tepui’s softshells, nor does it come with the same range of customizations. And one of the biggest draws to hardshell tents is ease of setup, which often can be done by one person in under a minute. And we’d be remiss not to mention Thule’s innovative HyBox here, which is a pop-up hardshell designed with a removable mattress and zip-off fabric walls that allow it to double as a 23-square-foot cargo box for gear storage. In short, the Skycamp took the idea of a traditional hardshell and expanded on it—literally—with a fold-out design that doubles the size of the mattress (most hardshells keep their floorplan centered over the rooftop). Some even convert to cargo boxes, doubling their utility when your vacation plans donât involve sleeping in the great outdoors. They get the family off the cold ground, and a warm family is a happy family ⤠especially when camping in the woods and away from the creature comforts of home. With standard features including a solar-powered ventilation fan, gas-strut assisted opening (setup takes 30 seconds), and LED lighting, even James Baroud's base models are a cut above the rest. We repeat this mantra... Sarah Uhl: Artist, Activist, and Joy Evangelist, Hut-to-Hut Bikepacking from Durango To Moab, Cascadia Vehicle Tents Mt. Further, while Roofnest doesn’t market its Sparrow above as a cargo box, its tent walls also can be unzipped to achieve the same dual functionality (plus, it’s 45 pounds lighter, costs $100 less, and has 3 inches more headroom). All told, the Walkabout 56 is a reliable and 4-season-ready rooftop tent that’s built to handle just about anything you (or Mother Nature) throw its way. My Wishlist Overland roof top tents for trucks and cars are designed to get you off the ground and up into the air for your next big outdoor camping adventure. And with no compatible annex, the Falcon loses some functionality for long trips and basecamping. That said, there are some inherent downsides to opting for such a sleek design. But there’s no denying the deals you can find online, and the most rooftop tents listed here can be purchased from the comfort of your home. One tent that will pop up (no pun intended) over and over again in your searches is Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT). Inside, you get an impressively comfortable, 3-inch-thick mattress (our testers concur) and three full-sized doors with awnings and ladder attachments that offer great livability. As we ’ d be hard-pressed to find locally, user-friendly, and.. 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