Discover the top rooftop tents of 2023 that will elevate your camping experience, with options for all budgets and vehicle types.
Camping enthusiasts and overland adventurers are always looking for the most comfortable and convenient ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Rooftop tents (RTTs) have become increasingly popular in recent years for their unique benefits and elevated camping experience. In this article, we will introduce you to the best rooftop tents of 2023, covering options for all budgets and vehicle types.
Benefits of Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents offer several advantages over traditional ground tents:
- Safety and Security: RTTs provide an elevated sleeping space, keeping you away from potential hazards on the ground, such as insects and wildlife.
- Superior Comfort: Most RTTs come with built-in mattresses, offering a more comfortable sleeping experience than traditional camping pads.
- Efficient Setup: Rooftop tents can be set up quickly and easily, saving you time and energy at the campsite.
- Versatility: Many RTTs can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, from small cars to trucks and SUVs, making them an adaptable option for different adventures.
Top Rooftop Tents of 2023
Best Rooftop Tent for Small Cars: iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini is a two-person rooftop tent that is lightweight and small, making it one of the lightest and smallest rooftop tents on the market. It is a 4-season rated tent that is constructed with breathable, high-density poly-cotton canvas, waterproof zippers and rainfly, convertible windows, and insulating mattresses to reduce condensation. The dimensions of the tent when closed are 55.1 x 57.5 x 13.0 inches, and when open, they are 101.6 x 101.2 x 48.0 inches. The tent weighs 125 lbs. The Skycamp 3.0 Mini has a dark gray and black exterior design and fabric with PFC-FREE processed, black pigmented, and UV-coated 75D RIPSTOP rainfly. It is ideal for almost all vehicles and is shipped to the nearest freight terminal or commercial receiving location in the continental US states only. The tent is available for purchase at REI Co-op.
Pros:
Fits all vehicles, ultra-fast setup
Cons:
Mattress may be too firm for some campers
Best Budget Rooftop Tent: Smittybilt Gen 2 Overlander Tent XL
For those on a budget, the Smittybilt Gen 2 Overlander Tent XL offers a spacious and affordable option. It can sleep up to four people and, despite its lower price point, comes with features like heavy-duty waterproof fabric and LED strip lighting.
The Smittybilt Gen 2 Overlander Tent XL is a rooftop tent designed for serious traveling adventurers. Here are some features of the tent. The tent sets up in minutes and provides secure, spacious above-ground sleeping quarters.
- The tent is completely self-contained, and all bedding and accessories are stored inside the tent during the trip, freeing up critical storage space and providing quick and easy tear down and packing.
- The tent is designed to be durable and comfortable.
- The tent weighs about 118-139 lbs and can be mounted to most rack systems.
- The tent comes with a telescopic anodized aluminum ladder, a cover made from heavy-duty 1040gsm, 2000d PVC with Velcro for waterproofing/UV resistant straps, and no-see-um mosquito screens.
- The tent has a two-year warranty
Pros:
- Great price
Cons:
- Some reported quality control issues, provided hardware may be too short for some racks
Best for Headroom: Roofnest Sparrow EYE
The Roofnest Sparrow EYE boasts a taller peak than many other rooftop tents, offering ample headroom for added comfort. Its pop-up hardshell design and gear storage on top make it a popular choice for adventurers seeking both space and convenience.
Pros:
- The Sparrow EYE is the quickest and easiest tent to set up among Roofnest’s models.
- The main window is large and provides a great view.
- The interior space is comfortable, with an 83″ length and 49″ width.
- The mattress is comfortable and can be removed for washing.
Cons:
- The slanted ceiling may cause a lack of headroom, especially with two people.
- The gas struts used to assist in conversion take up some space inside the tent, so you will lose some space in the corners.
- The MPG’s of the vehicle will drop slightly.
- The Sparrow EYE has significantly fewer views than the original Sparrow
Included with the tent are a ladder, a mounting kit, and an anti-condensation mat. The ladder hooks to the tent’s integrated mounting brackets, making it easy to set up and remove. The anti-condensation mat keeps moisture from building up under the mattress, ensuring a comfortable and dry sleep.
You can also customize the Sparrow EYE with a range of available accessories, such as an awning, an annex, and a roof storage bag. The tent’s roof even includes built-in mounts for solar panels, allowing you to power your gadgets while on the go.
Overall, the Roofnest Sparrow EYE offers an excellent balance of comfort, headroom, and ease of use, making it a top choice for those seeking a rooftop tent with superior headroom.
Best 3-Person Rooftop Tent
Yakima SkyRise HD
Specs
- Dimensions open: 96″ x 56″ x 48″
- Dimensions closed: 12″ x 56″ x 48″
- Sleeping footprint: 96″ x 56″
- Peak internal height: 48″
- Weight: 115 lbs.
- Static weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Minimum bar spread: 30″
Pros
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Easy to install and remove
- Spacious enough for three people
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
The Yakima SkyRise HD is a well-designed, three-person rooftop tent that provides comfort, durability, and ease of use. With a 600-pound static weight capacity, the SkyRise HD can comfortably accommodate three people and their gear.
Made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant, 600D ripstop polyester fabric, the SkyRise HD is designed to withstand the elements and keep you dry and comfortable in any weather. The tent’s aluminum poles and stainless steel hardware provide sturdy support, while the 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress ensures a restful night’s sleep.
The SkyRise HD’s easy-to-install design allows you to quickly set up and break down the tent, making it an excellent option for weekend getaways or extended trips. The tent’s universal mounting system is compatible with a wide range of roof rack systems, allowing for a hassle-free installation process.
Inside the tent, you’ll find large mesh windows and skylights, providing ample ventilation and natural light. The windows are also equipped with zippered fabric panels, allowing for privacy and protection from the elements when needed.
For those looking for additional storage or living space, Yakima offers a range of compatible accessories, such as the SkyRise Annex and the SlimShady awning.
Overall, the Yakima SkyRise HD is an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a spacious and durable rooftop tent that can accommodate up to three people.
Most Compatible with Additional Mounts
Thule Tepui Foothill
Specs
- Dimensions open: 84″ x 47″ x 50″
- Dimensions closed: 6″ x 47″ x 85″
- Sleeping footprint: 84″ x 47″
- Peak internal height: 50″
- Weight: 108 lbs.
- Static weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Minimum bar spread: 27″
Pros
- Slim profile when closed
- Compatible with many roof rack systems
- Can mount additional gear alongside the tent
Cons
- Smaller sleeping footprint compared to other rooftop tents
The Thule Tepui Foothill is a rooftop tent designed for compatibility and versatility. Its slim profile when closed allows you to mount additional gear alongside the tent on your roof rack, making it an excellent option for those who need to carry extra equipment like bikes or kayaks.
With its universal mounting system, the Tepui Foothill is compatible with a wide range of roof rack systems, ensuring a smooth and secure installation process. The tent has a static weight capacity of 400 pounds, providing ample support for two people and their gear.
Constructed from a durable 420D polyester Oxford fabric, the Tepui Foothill is built to withstand the elements and keep you dry and comfortable. The tent’s aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware provide a sturdy structure, while the 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress ensures a comfortable night’s sleep.
The Tepui Foothill features large mesh windows and a skylight, providing excellent ventilation and natural light. When needed, zippered fabric panels can be closed for privacy and protection from the elements.
While the Tepui Foothill has a slightly smaller sleeping footprint compared to other rooftop tents, its compatibility with additional mounts and gear make it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts who require extra storage space on their roof racks.
Best Value Rooftop Tent
Smittybilt Overlander
Specs
- Dimensions open: 95″ x 56″ x 51″
- Dimensions closed: 12″ x 56″ x 48″
- Sleeping footprint: 95″ x 56″
- Peak internal height: 51″
- Weight: 116 lbs.
- Static weight capacity: 661 lbs.
- Minimum bar spread: 30″
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
- LED interior lighting included
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
The Smittybilt Overlander is a budget-friendly rooftop tent option that offers durability and comfort without breaking the bank. With a static weight capacity of 661 pounds, the Overlander can accommodate up to three people and their gear.
Constructed from heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester, the Overlander is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions while keeping you dry and comfortable. The tent’s aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware provide a sturdy structure, and the 2-inch high-density foam mattress ensures a restful night’s sleep.
One standout feature of the Smittybilt Overlander is the included LED strip lighting, providing ample interior illumination for nighttime use. The tent also features large mesh windows and skylights, offering excellent ventilation and natural light.
While the Overlander is slightly heavier than some competitors, its affordable price point and durable construction make it an excellent value option for those seeking a rooftop tent without breaking the bank.
These are our top picks for the best rooftop tents in various categories. Keep in mind that choosing the right rooftop tent for your needs will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s compatibility, the number of people you plan to accommodate, and your budget. Regardless of your requirements, any of these rooftop tents will provide you with a comfortable and convenient outdoor sleeping solution.
Most Innovative Rooftop Tent
OPUS OP-Lite
Specs
- Dimensions open: 83″ x 57″ x 48″
- Dimensions closed: 43″ x 57″ x 9″
- Sleeping footprint: 79″ x 55″
- Peak internal height: 48″
- Weight: 145 lbs.
- Static weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Minimum bar spread: 28″
Pros
- Innovative air beam design
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Quick and easy setup
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited headroom compared to other options
If you’re looking for a rooftop tent that stands out from the crowd, the OPUS OP-Lite Air ($3,999) is a cutting-edge option. With its innovative air beam design, this tent provides a unique camping experience that’s easy to set up and break down.
The OP-Lite Air features an inflatable air beam system that replaces traditional tent poles. The air beams provide a stable structure while significantly reducing weight and setup time. With the included electric air pump, you can inflate the tent in just 90 seconds.
The tent’s construction features a double-layered, lightweight aluminum honeycomb floor that’s both strong and insulated. The fabric is made from a high-quality, breathable, and waterproof polycotton material that provides excellent protection from the elements. Additionally, the tent comes with a waterproof rainfly for added weather protection.
Inside, you’ll find a 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress that offers a comfortable sleeping surface for two adults. Large windows and doors on all sides provide excellent ventilation and panoramic views of your surroundings.
While the innovative design and ease of setup are major selling points, the OP-Lite Air does have some drawbacks. The air beam structure limits headroom compared to other rooftop tents, and the price is on the higher side. However, if you’re willing to invest in a unique and user-friendly rooftop tent, the OPUS OP-Lite Air is a fantastic option.
Final Thoughts on Rooftop Tents
As you can see,, choosing the perfect rooftop tent for your next adventure can be an exciting yet daunting task, given the variety of options available on the market. Our article has presented the best rooftop tents of 2023, spanning from budget-friendly options to those with extra headroom or compatibility features. By taking into account your specific needs, vehicle compatibility, and budget, you can make an informed decision to elevate your camping experience.
Remember to consider factors such as ease of setup, durability, and warranty when selecting a rooftop tent. With the right rooftop tent, you’ll be ready to embark on memorable experiences with the comfort and convenience that only these elevated shelters can provide. Happy camping!