Best Rooftop Tents For Camping in 2021
Picking the best rooftop tent for your overland camping journey can be quite the challenge. Finding the right features at the right price price point can be tricky. But we’re here to break down our picks for the best softshell rooftop tents and the best hardshell rooftop tents for your next adventure.
Best Softshell Rooftop Tents
| Manufacturer | Product | Sizes | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Thule | Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Tent | 3-person | $1,699.95 |
 | Yakima | Skyrise HD | 2-person, 3-person | $1,749.00 |
 | Smittybuilt | Overlander | 2-person, 3-person | $933.87 |
 | 23Zero | Walkabout | 2-person, 3-person, 4-person, 5-person | $1,499.00 |
 | Cascadia Vehicle Tents | Denali | 2-person, 3-person, 4-person | $2195.00 |
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents
| Manufacturer | Product | Sizes | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | iKamper | Skycamp 2.0 | 4-person | $4,199.00 |
 | Thule | Tepui Hybox | 2-person | $2,999.95 |
 | James Baroud | Explorer | 2-person, 3-person | $3,399.95 |
 | Roofnest | Falcon | 2-person | $3,395.00 |
 | Autohome Maggiolina | AirLand Plus Medium | 2-person, 3-person, 4-person | $3,099.00 |
1. Best Overall Softshell Rooftop Tent: Thule Explorer Kukenam 3
Cost: $1,699.95
Sizes: 3-person
Weight: 131 lbs.
Features:
- Made with a 600 denier and 260g polycotton blend that makes it impervious to weather and able to stand up to general wear and tear over the years.
- Great ventilation through numerous mesh vents
- 4 large pockets inside for holding gear after long days out
- Comfy foam mattress insert to keep you feeling great after days spent outdoors
2. Yakima Skyrise HD
Cost: $1,749.00
Sizes: 2-person, 3-person
Weight: 115 lbs.
Features:
- Built with a durable 600 denier ripstop to keep the elements out and withstand years of abuse
- Light aluminum tent frame to make set-up quick and easy after driving in
- Adjustable ladder heights for easier set-up and an auto-closing function to make taking it down quicker
- Tool-free setup makes getting the tent on the car even faster and easier
3. Smittybilt Overlander
Cost: $933.87
Sizes: 2-person, 3-person
Weight: 117 lbs.
Features:
- External shoe storage area to avoid having to bring your muddy boots into the tent
- Interior LED light strip for nighttime use
- 420 denier rainfly (more durable than those above) to withstand the harshest weather conditions
- Sunroof for venting with a bug net to keep critters out
4. 23Zero Walkabout
Cost: $1,499.00
Sizes:2-person, 3-person, 4-person, 5-person
Weight: 130 lbs.
Features:
- Great light blocking technology to keep you enjoying your sleep longer
- Weighted doors to prevent flapping on windy days
- 3” thick waterproof mattress with a cotton top for extra comfort
- Reinforced stitching at high movement areas to prevent wear
5. Cascadia Vehicle Tents Mt. Denali Pioneer
Cost: $2195.00
Sizes: 2-person, 3-person, 4-person
Weight: 215 lbs.
Features:
- Washable mattress cover for the comfortable 3” thick mattress
- The included annex adds additional storage and almost doubles floor space
- Room divider with two separate entrances makes for a great group camping setup
- Windows designed with a “v” shape to keep water out while open
1. Best Overall Hardshell Rooftop Tent: iKamper Skycamp 2.0
Cost: $4,199.00
Sizes: 4-person
Weight: 160 lbs.
Features:
- Thick king-sized foam mattress for extra comfortable sleeping
- 1 minute setup time at the camp site
- Breathable poly-cotton canvas makes the tent breathable and avoids condensation buildup
2. Thule Tepui Hybox
Cost: $2,999.95
Sizes: 2-person
Weight: 177 lbs.
Features:
- Easily converts to a rooftop storage box when not needed as a tent
- 3” thick mattress is extremely cushy and great for side-sleepers
- Great ventilation from large mesh windows
3. James Baroud Explorer
Cost: $3,399.95
Sizes: 2-person, 3-person
Weight: 145 lbs.
Features:
- Gas-assisted opening to make it even easier to get the tent set up quickly
- Solar-powered vent fan to make sleeping more comfortable
- Led lighting for nighttime use
- Large ceiling storage net to keep track of belongings
4. Roofnest Falcon
Cost: $3,395.00
Sizes: 2-person
Weight: 140 lbs.
Features:
- Just 6.5” tall when fully stowed for transport which cuts down on gas usage
- Ability to add a roof rack on top for additional bike, ski, or kayak storage
- Integrated LED lighting for nighttime usage
5. AutoHome Maggiolina AirLand Plus Medium
Cost: $3,099.00
Sizes: 2-person, 3-person, 4-person
Weight: 132 lbs.
Features:
- 3.5” mattress is the thickest on our list
- Sturdy manual opening system allows for extended life of parts
- Simple design avoids parts that might break easily
What is the difference between hard shell rooftop tents and soft shell rooftop tents?
Softshell tents are very similar to traditional ground tents. They are made of similar rip-resistant fabrics and feature pole setups. They are generally cheaper, coming in between $1000-$2000 dollars. They can take longer to setup and may be more susceptible to mold and UV exposure which can destroy the fabric.
Hardshell tents pack away in hard plastic cases and are generally a bit quicker and easier to set up. That being said they are able to stand up to the elements a bit better and the hard shell itself can be angled into the wind to prevent an uncomfortable night. They are often much more expensive and can cost up to $4000. They may also have smaller footprints compared to softshells, which can have added annexes and fold-outs.
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