What Are the Advantages of Car Top Tent Manufacturers？

The reasons that make the difference:

' The ladder is an integral part of the frame, this is directly connected to the backbone of the tent (i.e. to the hinging of the two halves of the planes) by 2 omega support profiles placed diagonally, so as to better distribute the weight of the occupants. The result is: less flexions, more resistance, more stability and reduced thickness to a minimum.
A patent born in Autohome that since many tried to imitate, without success. Its uniqueness is the result of several interrelated factors:

Sunday Campers supply professional and honest service.

' It is always ready and easily deployed.

' It is designed with a ladder block, to avoid slipping on slippery ground or floors.

' EASY USE telescopic adjustment is a very reliable smart solution, that has made the history of the roof tent. It is easy to adjust and is always functional.

' The ladder can be quickly extended to fit any height, within its maximum length of 2.30 m

' Compact and linear, it does not generate protrusions or malformations to the cover when the tent is closed while travelling.

' It is fitted with sturdy wooden steps, waterproof and water-repellent. Elegant, natural and of pleasant design, they offer a wide non-slip support. They also do not warm up in the sun and thus always allow you to climb barefoot.

COVER

Our Cover is even more sturdy.
A solidity which is the result of specific choices, starting from the materials: 600Gr/sqm PVC with 900gr/sqm reinforcements in the most stressed points. A solidity enhanced by a special shaping with internal seams, more resistant than normal welding. More precisely, they do not fall apart. A synergy to withstand even the highest climatic temperatures and offer superior aerodynamic stability.

With a regular parallelepiped shape, our covers have slightly rounded corners to enhance stability and safety, so they do not require upper ties with visible straps, affecting the tent aesthetics of the tent. The result is a clean and tidy line, to always travel with style.

Drawing on the experience of the most performing commercial vehicles, such as big lorries and curtain-sided trucks, Autohome covers also use a perimetral adjustable elastic rope for binding, in order to compensate for any expansion of the materials due to weather conditions: the cover remains well-fitted to the tent, without any zipper.
A choice of reliability made in and always confirmed, considering also that the elastic rope is easy to replace. 6mm in diameter and variable length according to the perimeter or model of the tent. The coupling and the regulation are carried out by two carabiners placed at the ends. Today the coupling and uncoupling is easier even when the tent is fixed on the roof bars or on baggage racks, thanks to the special tool supplied together with the cover.

This practicality is appreciated in every condition: you will have no problem in case of unfastening or coupling even in the desert, in marshy areas, on muddy roads, in the presence of foliage and shrubs, because the elastic tie rod always works and will never fail.

The quality of our cover is branded with the Autohome logo on the 110 cm short side, while on the long side there is a label representing the legendary paths of Nino Cirani. Black was chosen for the colour: always elegant and anti-stain.

COVER

Our Cover is even more sturdy.
A solidity which is the result of specific choices, starting from the materials: 600Gr/sqm PVC with 900gr/sqm reinforcements in the most stressed points. A solidity enhanced by a special shaping with internal seams, more resistant than normal welding. More precisely, they do not fall apart. A synergy to withstand even the highest climatic temperatures and offer superior aerodynamic stability.

With a regular parallelepiped shape, our covers have slightly rounded corners to enhance stability and safety, so they do not require upper ties with visible straps, affecting the tent aesthetics of the tent. The result is a clean and tidy line, to always travel with style.

Drawing on the experience of the most performing commercial vehicles, such as big lorries and curtain-sided trucks, Autohome covers also use a perimetral adjustable elastic rope for binding, in order to compensate for any expansion of the materials due to weather conditions: the cover remains well-fitted to the tent, without any zipper.
A choice of reliability made in and always confirmed, considering also that the elastic rope is easy to replace. 6mm in diameter and variable length according to the perimeter or model of the tent. The coupling and the regulation are carried out by two carabiners placed at the ends. Today the coupling and uncoupling is easier even when the tent is fixed on the roof bars or on baggage racks, thanks to the special tool supplied together with the cover.

This practicality is appreciated in every condition: you will have no problem in case of unfastening or coupling even in the desert, in marshy areas, on muddy roads, in the presence of foliage and shrubs, because the elastic tie rod always works and will never fail.

The quality of our cover is branded with the Autohome logo on the 110 cm short side, while on the long side there is a label representing the legendary paths of Nino Cirani. Black was chosen for the colour: always elegant and anti-stain.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

How many kilometres of road and how many years of history lie between Dallas in Texas and Rivarolo Mantovano, an ancient medieval town dominated by the Gonzaga family? A lot. And maybe just the idea of a journey, of sharing special experiences could lead me to choose to leave the US to move here. A decision that says a lot about what Autohome means to me, the mythical roof tents for big travellers, like Nino Cirani for example. In Texas we may not know Rivarolo Mantovano, but we know well what Autohome quality means: travelling quietly all over the world. Masterpiece tents, like the works of art that made Italy great. Like the creations of the most famous fashion designers.

Since I have been here in Italy, I have noticed that Italians are all a bit artists, and in Mantua even more: the taste of beauty is in their hearts, they carry it inside them, if only to judge by the monumental and architectural beauties that characterize their territory.

Today I am 37 years old and have been working in Autohome since . 19 years of working life in the midst of roof tents. So, I think I know these products very well, which allow you to have a rewarding holiday in complete freedom: you stop where you want, especially with the shell tents that remain more shaped to the car. The fabric tents are obviously not bad, also very habitable. But a little more binding when you have to make scope at least in different European nations. It is better to go camping or in equipped areas. At Autohome we are a big and beautiful family, all enthusiastic about the products we manufacture. If I have to say the product that I prefer for me is Maggiolina Extreme Forest. I really appreciate the colour green, perhaps also because I have always been looking for it. Texas is largely desert, while my soul is in the great forests' All to be covered with an Autohome tent on the roof.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

I introduce myself: I am Alessandro Spiridonica and in Autohome I am liable for the warehouse. I joined the company three years ago and I became manager, a result that naturally gives me great pleasure and many satisfactions. Although I am aware of the great responsibility that this role entails.

It is in fact a job that if on one hand I like a lot, on the other hand it requires an extraordinary effort, especially at some times of the year' For example, in the months of June and July I would rather be' somewhere else in the world, travelling with my Overzone, my favourite tent. I appreciate the military green colour. It is, among other things, a particular green, at the same time delicate and with a strong personality. Combined with the safari-coloured roof, it makes the tent a pass-partout for any destination and adventure: congratulations to the colleagues of the style office! In addition, the fabric is particularly consistent, because it responds to precise military specifications, another element that gives solidity to the tent. A safety that does not give up comfort and well-being: the degree of breathability is in fact high, equal to 53 mm/s, in line with ISO -97 standards. I do not want to be too 'technical', but they are decisive when choosing a tent. These are the factors that lead me to say: do not be 'dazzled' by the mirages of low-cost products that seem of quality, but then result in low breathability. During travel they can become your worst nightmare!

Remember instead that Overzone is a real roof top tent, with a roof that is integral to the walls. It is 100% original Autohome and Made in Italy. That is all I have to say.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

Working with fibreglass I think is 'an art'. A sort of alchemy, when human and technical skills are perfectly matched. It is a demanding job, which requires knowledge in different disciplines: physics, chemistry, mechanics' Supplemented by a lot of manual wisdom and patience as well.

Being in charge of one of the company departments that deals with 'shells' (the first in order of time' we were real pioneers in our sector!) is always exciting, even if now there are many of us in the team. I am one of the oldest employees of the company, I started in and today I am proud to teach the job to young people willing to. I manage about 20 great people. Our activity is mainly related to shell painting. In other words, this is the first operation followed by the laying of the glass fibre using rollers and brushes, an almost entirely manual operation.

As I said, dexterity is matched with technology. I also mentioned patience, because the times for moulding a fibreglass product are very long. However, this attention plays a significant role in defining the superior quality of Autohome. Because our shells are not made of molded or thermoformed plastic, typical of certain serial productions made in Asia, where even more than 20 pieces per hour are mechanically manufactured' too many, but not very good quality as well!

While in Autohome, making a shell takes almost a lifetime, but it is the right way to get a more stable and durable tent. In short, fiberglass has always been the Top for 60 years, as we try to explain in our info. I smile when they tell us: 'you in Autohome are geniuses, Italian geniuses'' While I simply think that we are a great family, certainly Italian, who loves things done well.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

If you think that dealing with fabrics in Autohome means taking care of only one type of material, it is better' that I explain who I am and what I do! I am liable for coordinating the entire fabric department. I am 'the Trainer' of a great team, attentive and meticulous. Our job is to draw and cut fabrics, in particular by managing laser cutting machines. I constantly co-operate with the other production and packaging departments. Ours is a very demanding activity, sometimes really stressful, especially because we have to keep a pace to allow the entire production chain to proceed efficiently, without interruptions.

In addition to this task, I am also liable for the quality control of the raw material, I cannot afford mistakes or put into production a fabric that is not perfect. My company is very demanding and so am I.
We have different types of fabrics based on the model of the tent, a range that is based on multiple technical reasons, which would be long now to explain, but which I summarize as follows: quality.

And Autohome always aims to guarantee this goal: for each model a single fabric, at the top for quality. While those who standardize the raw material obviously reduce its production cost at the expense of quality. As you can imagine, many tents that come to the market, from Asia in particular, do not have fabrics suitable for the task they will have to do. While Autohome chooses only European-made fabrics, whose reliability is precisely defined and controlled. Also, for this reason Autohome means prestige. A fact of which I am truly proud of.

To the question 'what is the best tent?', I cannot give an answer, because anyone who knows this product well will tell you: it depends on many factors. Personally, I appreciate the shell models simply because I have a real roof over my head. Experts define these rooftops as 'Active Hard Shell'. I think it is a perfect definition and it is worth more than many other words.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

In my life I have always dealt with graphics. I love aesthetics, image, beauty in all its forms, whether it is a work of art or a design product. It may be due to fate, but I am now working in a company that knows these values well and applies them in its products.

I am therefore very happy to have been part of the Autohome team for a few years. I am originally from Mexico, whose national colours are exactly like the Italian ones: white, red, and green. Our flags say so much about our characters, which are also a bit similar: passionate like red and nature lovers like green. The white in the middle says: we choose according to our desire to prefer one or the other according to the mood of the moment! Perhaps it is because of these similarities between Mexico and Italy that I immediately found a total symbiosis with the country where the real roof tent was born, the product that Autohome made known and appreciated to travellers around the world.

I am very accurate, and I try very carefully to scrupulously follow every creative and image detail that is indicated to me by my marketing manager, Valentina. A young but very demanding woman, who rightly wants me everyday commitment and creativity, even in the smallest details.

I do not have a roof tent for now but being in Autohome is like' living with these tents every day! The product has all our attention and must be known well. On a general aesthetic level, I particularly love black. So even for tents I prefer the colour black, which is a real colour and knows how to excite! While for the tent model I like to focus on rationality, essentiality, that is why for me I would choose the Black Edition Overcamp.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

Reading my name, you immediately understood that I am a person who recalls territories far from Europe, with the spirit of adventure in my blood. I was born in Persia. The rich Mesopotamia and the desert are my motherland, which I know well. Since I was little, I have been living in Germany, where I studied and grew up.

I personally manage the 'Autohome DE' sales office. My clients are mostly Germans. In fact, I am liable for the commercial activity in Germany, and I support the Autohome central marketing office in the organization of our participation in the fairs that take place in Germany. My activity with headquarters is easy as I speak Italian.

Very often I also took part in research projects to develop new products, based on the experience I have gained both in the dealer field and with car manufacturers. For example, I was interested in the importance of mosquito nets for a roof tent, the selection of technical fabrics and the choice of some other materials that make up the tent. I believe, for example, that I reported to the Autohome staff how to obtain the best mosquito nets on the market: effective and at the same time rightly obscuring. I am constantly committed, with great passion, to providing advice to develop innovation on the products themselves, and this is thanks to the fact that I always interacted with a very demanding audience.
I am proud that my reports are taken seriously by Autohome Product Technical Management.

Although I am far from the company's headquarters, I am always in contact with my Italian colleagues. My business can be said to have always been strongly linked to the outdoors. Already from my first job I worked in the sector, and I was an integral part of Bernd Woick for the management and sales and purchases of Autohome roof tents, founded and directed by a true master of adventure. I learned a lot from this formidable expert.

I personally used several Autohome models. I do not think I am 'biased', in saying that Autohome for me is number one. All those who really know a roof tent say so. My favourite tent is a special Overland, the Black Edition version. The reason for this choice is that I cannot stand the early morning lights. When I sleep, I only want the dark, I do not want to find myself in a tent that lets the first light of the morning pass. With Autohome the fabrics are always very thick and protect very well from light. To rest without limits of' light, choose Black tents! They are the best for me.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

What do I do in Autohome? Everything that is production and business organization. I do not even have a precise role: I am active in every direction and in every department to optimize production lines. Everyone knows they can count on my help and commitment. Because my mission is to make Autohome run in the best way! To be clear, I could be the field commissioner, trainer, or coach of a football team. Everything must work, productivity must not be slowed down even more when half the world is waiting to receive our tents. We are in a phase of great market expansion and therefore I have the task of understanding what to improve to push further on the accelerator. All without giving up even a detail of our renowned quality. The team must run, play well in each department and be winning; the product must be perfect from every point of view.

Moreover, I have always been concerned with the quality and suitability of the goods and raw materials we receive from trusted suppliers. This often means supporting our logistics activities too, so that everything is planned and carried out according to our plans.

Personally, the tents I prefer are those that remain in shape inside the mirrors, practically all the rigid tents with a Fiberglass roof. For example, even the expandable ones could be, if assembled, however, as the mythical Nino Cirani taught us. He rests the ladder on the front bonnet and the entire structure remains in shape. You can then stop everywhere without any problems. Life is already quite stressful, at least while travelling and on holiday we make sure to keep you relaxed to the fullest!

It was a challenging adventure, at times really hard, but we managed to get the roof tent appreciated all over the world. We have a planetary success, a new way of understanding the freedom to travel. We are proud of this result, even more than the important development of our company.

I remember that at the beginning of our activity there were many problems: in particular, the economic funds available were always few, but thanks to so much determination and desire to carry out our project, we were able to get the company off the ground.

A strategic factor was to decide to take part in the sector fairs: only in Italy more than 10 fairs per year. Every trade agreement we draft was always a win that filled us with satisfaction. However, sometimes we also happened to return to the site disappointed by the poor results. What bothered us morally the most was the fact that some people made fun of us for the 'strange' product we offered. There were moments that seemed that we had to cross desert, an arid ground destined to make nothing grow. Other than adventures in the dunes in 4×4' it was us who saw success as a mirage!

Producing the first Maggiolina, then, was not easy. In the early years we did not have the technology necessary to combine the quality of craftsmanship to the speed of production. In short, we were not ready to make huge numbers of tents. I remember that we even cut the windows of the tent one by one, that is, the fabrics with tailor scissors!

I particularly like to remember two episodes that give a good idea of our development. Two parallel Italian stories, one in Mantua with Maggiolina in the land of the Gonzaga and the other in the great Milan, the city that has always been the productive and industrial heart of Italy. There would be many stories to tell, but in particular I remember these two episodes for the meaning they have. So, I always remember a German manager, owner of a large communication agency, who told to me: 'You are Italian, therefore in a better place than me who am German. You are more inclined to fun and happiness, therefore more inclined to express creativity and imagination, unlike me who was educated to reveal less of my emotions'. Another episode that I always take with me is the dialogue with an important French manager who told me: 'You are Italian so you are good at cooking, so you know that to make a great dish there are many ingredients that must be carefully dosed.'

Also, with regard to memory, it is important to stress the great satisfaction thanks to the collaborative dialogues with the Automotive manufacturers. I did not think I would get that high. A top manager of a very prestigious brand, in one of our meetings, told me: 'In Autohome you are amazing with marketing.' In the second meeting, another manager at their headquarters added: 'We appreciate Autohome very much and we want to continue to spread the story of the roof tent that binds us together'. Episodes of this type repeated several times and continue to happen. For example, another strong satisfaction at a recent Las Vegas fair, where many customers came to our booth saying: 'Beautiful design, you can see that it is an Italian product'. What does my memory have to do with recommending a tent? I think they are consistent with those who are looking for a product that, in tune with the Autohome spirit, guarantees satisfaction, fun, serenity, well-being and, above all, freedom.

Suggesting a specific tent is not easy. Exactly like a father who has to say if one child is better than another' The personalities are quite different. The family values they interpret are important. If you choose to stay in the great Autohome family, you will certainly be satisfied, because those values are in every tent.

ROOF TENTS: MY RECOMMENDATIONS OF CHOICE

I've always had a great passion for travelling and having adventures, for exploring new territories, in particular I love to know far-away cultures and customs. With a similar anticipation, where did I go to work? Of course, in the Autohome Export Office! It was a great satisfaction for me to join the company team and the very office where I wanted to be committed to.

It allowed me to reach this goal, especially my ability to manage different languages: I have a degree in languages, and I speak English, French, Spanish, and Chinese. I learnt the extraordinary Chinese language, complex but fascinating, directly in the city of Chongqing where I studied for about 2 years. A fantastic experience, where I learnt a culture rich in contrasts and full of wild landscapes to discover.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Car Top Tent Manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

You certainly understood: in Autohome I am perfectly at ease. In fact, I can continue, while working, to fuel my passion for geography and ethnography, discovering different cultures and speaking with customers of many nationalities. I learn their way of thinking and their behaviours. Many different people, but all united in the positive judgment on Autohome roof tents.

Autohome quality is' transnational! It has no borders. This is also why it is not easy to say which tent I prefer. When travelling I want to have a practical tent and no problems: therefore, my tent for the roof of the car must be the easiest to open and close, the most stable and safe, considering that you sleep about 2 meters from the ground. However, I would like to give you some advice: it is better to have a roof. A peace of mind that makes travelling even smarter. Now I know what you're thinking, and I tell you that you're right: for me the top is always Maggiolina! Any model is fine, but it is important to have the handle to open and close the tent. That gesture for me is a real symbol: I am travelling, I am free, I am myself.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

Sometimes I seem to exaggerate, but every day I would like to do my job in Autohome better. I think it is the result of the climate that we live in the company, where everyone wants to give their best, first of all because we love and respect the product we make.

Where do I do my job? My activity takes place in the fabric tent assembly department. My colleagues and I are in charge of assembling fabric tents, as well as scrupulously checking the quality of materials.
It is a real pleasure for me to participate in creating these tents, still today after 5 years since I have started working for Autohome.

It is always a thrill to think that the tent I am about to check is the same version Nino Cirani used in his ventures. For me, the adventure of Cirani is an extraordinary story, the reference for every travel-adventure enthusiast, masterfully told by the wonderful images it gave us.

I can tell you that the scale reproduction of the Defender 110 by Cirani, purchased in a model shop, is always on my home desk. It is true, the mythical Aziza is located instead at the Turin car museum, together of course with the Overland that stands on the roof. Sooner or later, I am going to see this vehicle, which for me is more than a means of transport: it is the symbol of a philosophy of life.

Roof tents: my recommendations of choice

I have been part of the Autohome staff for several years and I mainly deal with the construction of fiberglass shells. In truth, I also have another task, which I am very proud of ' I am the 'Master of keys' of the company. What does that mean? With my team we work on the real 'heart' of the tents, that is, the opening and closing mechanisms.

We are liable for connecting the base of the tent with the roof, the most delicate phase of the entire construction, which requires experience and special attention. A roof tent is characterized by its ability to open and close quickly' and it is on this point that quality really makes the difference! As it happens, Autohome tents became so famous and appreciated for the quality of these mechanisms. They always work and do not give you any trouble. There are three systems of crank openings for Maggiolina, two with gas springs for Columbus and four with gas springs for Airtop.

All systems are guaranteed for five years. Tested mechanisms of total reliability consolidated in more than 60 years of history. It is consistently reported in our advertising because we invite those who want to buy a roof tent to check how these mechanisms work. In unreliable tents, breakages (in every way!) start from here' For the sake of completeness, I would remind you that there are also folding opening systems for fabric tents. Devices that are assembled and controlled by other colleagues of mine. About 'companions of adventure': in the company they call me 'wild' because I am always to help in other departments when they need it most, especially just before the summer season, when the requests are very high.

These are times when you say, what am I doing here? No issue. Working at Autohome is challenging and sometimes I feel like I am having an adventure. It is nice to work in the environment of travel and holidays, but you cannot help but think that it is not' your holiday!

What tent to recommend? Choose instinctively the one that attracts you, the one that you feel you adopt as your own. Autohome tents are all beautiful and all work great. That is why many people want them and then it happens that you have to wait a while. But even this problem can be solved: book them in time!

If you've never slept in a rooftop tent, it's hard to imagine how different it is from sleeping in a traditional tent. In general, we've found that rooftop tent sleeping has certain key advantages over sleeping in a tent on the ground. Rooftop tents offer a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, airflow that's unheard of in a ground tent, protection (and peace of mind), and generally superior comfort.

After hundreds of nights of elevated sleeping and hours of poring over specs, expert tester Berne Brody has decided that the rooftop tents on this list are the best of the best. Not every rooftop tent fits every vehicle or every budget, so we cover a range of sizes and price points, with the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini being our favorite, while the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 is an awesome, less expensive alternative. Rooftop tents are all pricier than even the plushest backpacking tent, but if you're able to invest, you won't regret it.

In recent years, the GearJunkie team and our greater network of expert gear testers have researched and sampled all of the leading styles on the market. We've used these tents for overlanding, car camping, and cross-country road-tripping. We've closely examined their features at trade shows and expos in far-flung corners of the globe.

Editor's Note: Updated February 28, , to be fresh for spring adventuring, we've added our new favorite soft shell model, the Thule Approach M. We also included the Topoak Galaxy 1.0, a great RTT at a great price.

The Best Rooftop Tents of

• Best Rooftop Tent for Small Cars: iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
• Best Budget Rooftop Tent: Topoak Galaxy 1.0
• Best Rooftop Tent for Headroom: Roofnest Sparrow EYE 2
• Best Soft Shell Rooftop Tent: Thule Approach M 
• Best 3-Person Rooftop Tent: Yakima SkyRise HD
• Best Four Season Rooftop Tent: Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO
• Best Rooftop Tent for Overlanding: iKamper BDV Duo

Other Excellent RTTs

The following tents are all worthy contenders that fell just short of the top spots. However, one of them may be the best RTT for your specific needs.

Rooftop Tent Comparison Table

How We Tested the Best Rooftop Tents

The GearJunkie team is composed of overlanders, auto experts, and seasoned car camping fanatics. Over many years, we have tried and rigorously tested nearly every kind of camping gear on the market ' including rooftop tents.

Our lead tester for rooftop tents is Berne Broudy. Based in Vermont, Berne has amassed over 20+ years of hiking, cycling, climbing, ski touring, and overlanding. Berne's broad portfolio of outdoor activities has added up to many nights of camping outdoors ' many spent in a rooftop tent.

To compile this list of the best rooftop tents, Berne and the rest of our team combed the market and compared the pros, cons, and specs of dozens of models. We've mounted tents on rigs of all shapes and sizes ' from compact sedans to full-sized trucks. We've spent many nights ' some glorious and others full of tosses and turns ' testing the quality and comfort of rooftop tent mattresses.

Our assessment process is detail-oriented. No subtle feature or flaw goes unnoticed. On this list, we've included a wide variety of excellent rooftop tents to meet all sorts of needs. From compact SUV drivers to large-family road trippers, at least one of the models on this list should be a good fit.

For more info on car camping options, take a look at GearJunkie's guide to truck campers and motorhomes.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Rooftop Tent

What Fits Your Vehicle?

Not every rooftop tent will fit every vehicle. Know the load capacity of your roof rack, and the distance between your roof rack bars to determine if a specific rooftop tent will fit. The spread of the bars is the distance between the front roof rack crossbar and the back one. Most rooftop tents have a 'minimum bar spread' spec. Before purchasing a rooftop tent, be sure to physically measure your rack's spread to ensure your rack and tent are a match. 

When in doubt, contact the rooftop tent manufacturer and verify that your planned setup will be safe and sound. Many tents on this list can work with sedans, trucks, trailers, and everything in between ' provided you've got the proper rack and mounting system.

What Else Do You Need to Carry?

Some rooftop tents require you to carry the access ladder inside your car. Other tents incorporate the ladder directly into the tent's packed-away design. Some tents have accessory options, including awnings and extensions. Typically, these will need to be stored separately inside a car or truck bed.

As for sleeping bags, and pillows, many rooftop tents can be fully folded and tucked away with the bedding stored inside. This feature is more common in hardshell models.

Some rooftop tents with smaller footprints leave extra space on your roof for bikes, boats, and other gear. Of course, the square footage of your leftover roof space will depend on the size of the tent and the dimensions of your rack.

Some hardshell rooftop tents provide gear storage on top or space to mount a solar panel. In most cases, you'll need to purchase additional racks to utilize the roof of your tent's shell for storage space.

Hardshell vs. Softshell

Hardshell rooftop tents are sleeker looking when compressed and more aerodynamic. They also tend to be lower clearance when packed ' an important consideration for those planning to park in a garage.

In general, hardshell rooftop tents are quick and easy to set up and pack up. Most come use hydraulic struts that do most of the heavy lifting for you. Softshell tents typically come with traditional aluminum or fiberglass poles that require assembly. Inflatable tents are relatively new to the market. They're almost as quick and easy to set up as a hardshell, and can be spacious inside.

Some hardshells have useable storage space on top of the outer shell. But many are wedge-shaped and don't give you 360-degree views.

Softshell rooftop tents are generally similar to traditional camping tents. They tend to be less expensive and harder to set up. But they usually have great airflow and some are large enough to accommodate three to five people.

Space vs. Weight

Rooftop tents typically sleep two to five people and fit a double to a king-size mattress. The bigger the tent and mattress, the heavier and more cumbersome the rooftop tent.

Most rooftop tents weigh between 100 and 200 pounds ' an important spec to know, especially in relation to your roof rack's recommended capacity. For a family of three or a couple with a dog, we like the Roofnest Falcon 3 ' a roomy and comfortable option with a plush wall-to-wall mattress.

If your roof space is limited and you're looking for a svelte on your roof, full size when unfurled sleeper, the Dometic TRT 140 Air is compact and well suited to smaller rooftops.

Manual vs. Automatic Opening

Some hardshell rooftop tents lift with a gentle nudge, whereas most softshells have to be flipped open manually and the awning bars inserted. Rooftop tents with gas struts that lift the tent open are becoming more common. They often cost more, but they're convenient ' especially when you're setting up your tent in the rain.

Whatever tent you buy, initial assembly can be challenging with a steep learning curve. Some tents offer the option to ship fully unassembled. That can save you up to $400, and it can take hours and tools to build the tent platform and attach the tent to it before you load it on your roof. 

Once assembled, rooftop tents require a heavy lift to get the tent onto a vehicle's roof rack. Pan to get a hand from a friend or two depending on the weight of the tent and the height of your roof. While you can repeatedly install and uninstall, it's always an awkward operation.

Durability

Rooftop tents are a major investment ' they can cost up to $5,000. Take care of your investment, and it will last for many years. 

We recommend storing your rooftop tent in a dry, covered place when not in use. When the tent isn't on your roof, place 2x4s or 4x4s on saw horses to mimic your roof bars and store the tent on top in the same orientation that the tent was on your roof.

Go easy on the zippers, struts, ladders, and poles ' these intricate mechanical components tend to break first. And always thoroughly dry the inside of your tent after use. 

In our experience, all of the rooftop tents on this list offer competitive durability when properly cared for.

Price & Value

Rooftop tents are more expensive than most ground-staked tents because of the materials required to build them. They're built on a strong and stable base. In some cases, that base folds for storage without losing structural integrity. Rooftop tents must withstand weather off the ground, where winds and rain can be severe. And they have to be weather-proof as a semi-permanent fixture on your roof.

That's a whole lot more complicated than creating a structure with a fabric floor that gets placed on the ground. Size, ease of setup, and features all affect how a tent is priced. Remember, these tents are on the roof of your car as you're barrelling down the highway, so for safety, they need to be secure and durable.

Budget

The least expensive tents (sub-$2,000) in our guide have a soft shell and usually take longer to set up and take down. Our budget pick, the Topoak Galaxy 1.0 ($1,299), has a great feature set and is very easy to set up and take down.

Mid-Tier

In the middle price range ($2,000-3,000), you'll start to see some hardshell models that set up fast and easily. The Sylvan Sport's Loft ($2,195) is lightweight, and sets up and packs away quickly. It also includes a fan to maintain airflow from comfort and moisture control.

The Yakima SkyRise HD ($2,499) is a soft-shell tent, but it has room for three. The Thule Approach M ($2,500) is our favorite two-person softshell with a great mattress and bomb-proof rainfly. Tents in the middle range use lighter materials and aren't insulated, so you'll need to spend more if you want better long-term durability and winter camping options.

Premium

The premium tier ($3,000 and up) will get you the full-on go-anywhere-anytime convenience that you'd expect from a rooftop tent. These tents are made from polyurethane-coated polyester and cotton blends like those found on wall tents, are insulated (or at least have the option) and once they're mounted, set up and take down is a breeze.

Our top pick, the Skycamp Mini 3.0 ($3,979), has a waterproof cotton-poly shell that keeps the inside dark in the daytime (looking at you, festival goers), big windows, awnings, and plenty of headroom. The Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO ($3,495) is of similar quality and has internal LED lighting, an optional insulation kit, and optional rack mounts so you can store even more gear on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berne Broudy is a contributing writer at GearJunkie.com.

Broudy has been writing about cycling, skiing, and outdoor gear for more than 20 years. Before that, Broudy spent time guiding hiking and cycling tours in South America, Europe, and the U.S.

Based in Vermont, Berne Broudy is a core user of and expert in outdoor, cycling, and ski gear, as well as overlanding and powersports gear. She has been writing about outdoor products, business, and issues for more than 20 years. She has written and photographed for more than 20 publications and has served as a contributing editor at many of them.

Broudy currently sits on several nonprofit boards in her home state of Vermont. She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler.

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