What we don’t: Not as user-friendly or durable as the more expensive softshells on this list. What we like: A functional design at a very reasonable price point. These small gripes aside, Thule 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.īest Budget Rooftop Tent 3. And stacked up against other softshells, the Explorer Kukenam 3 is a great value, although it does forego bells and whistles like a memory foam mattress, USB charger, and LED light strip (you can always add these after the fact). As we mentioned above, many campers will opt for a hardshell for superior durability, weather protection, convenience, and versatility (for a bump in cost). Thule Tepui is a leader when it comes to value, but the rooftop tent competition is stronger than ever in 2022. What’s more, the Kukenam is reasonably priced, widely available at many retailers (just pop into your local REI Co-op or vehicle accessory store), and pairs seamlessly with Thule racks. 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. Their Explorer Kukenam 3 (and two-person Ayer) is their most popular softshell tent and checks all the boxes for most weekend campers, including a standout combination of quality materials, durability, and ease of setup. What we don’t: Hardshell tents offer better weather protection and last longer.įounded in 2010 and acquired by car-accessory giant Thule in 2018, Tepui offers a well-rounded rooftop tent lineup ranging from affordable entry-level models to burly designs built for overlanding. What we like: Great combination of price, quality, and livability. But the XL here is the best all-rounder for couples or small families, and its combination of durability, convenience, comfort, and value is hard to beat.īest Softshell Rooftop Tent 2. $3,395) and the rugged Condor Overland, which features a durable aluminum shell and accessory channels for transporting axes, shovels, and more. It’s worth noting that the Condor is also available in a 2-person version (35.6 sq.
To be sure, the Skycamp is a clear contender for our top pick and it’s hard to find fault with the highly refined 3.0, but for $500 less the Roofnest is by far the better value.
44.3 for the Skycamp), a few additional inches of headroom, and a significantly shorter footprint. The Condor XL also features a slightly bigger floor area (47.8 sq. IKamper was the original innovator of the fold-out hardshell (see the Skycamp 3.0 below), but Roofnest’s take on the concept offers similar quality at a better price. Added up, the Condor XL is a stellar combination of performance, interior space, and value, making it our favorite rooftop tent of the year. Most hardshell tents feature pop-up or clamshell designs that limit the bed to the size of the footprint, but premium fold-out designs like the Condor XL increase sleeping space considerably with an extended platform and mattress (for reference, interior dimensions measure 93 x 74 in., which is larger than a king-size bed and provides ample room for four).
They also give you the versatility of adding a solar panel or roof rack on top, which is worth the added investment for many. Compared to softshell tents, hardshells are more durable, offer better weather protection, and are easier to set up (we cover more of the differences in our buying advice below). If you’re in the market for a high-end rooftop tent that’s built to last, you’ll likely settle on a hardshell design. What we don’t: Overkill for solo travelers and most couples. What we like: The spaciousness of a softshell tent with the durability and quick set-up of a hardshell.
Best Aerodynamic Rooftop Tent: Roofnest Falcon 2īest Hardshell Rooftop Tent 1.Best Rooftop Tent for Small Cars: Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2.Best Rooftop Tent for Families: CVT Denali Pioneer Extended.Best Budget Rooftop Tent: Smittybilt Overlander.Best Softshell Rooftop Tent: Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3.Best Hardshell Rooftop Tent: Roofnest Condor XL.For more background information, see our rooftop tent comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
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Designs range from budget-friendly softshells to premium hardshell and overlanding models built to take a licking, but all of the rooftop tents below keep you off the ground, are relatively easy to set up and stow, have rugged builds, and free up valuable storage space in your vehicle. Rather than having to meticulously stake out and assemble your tent and sleep system once you arrive at camp, rooftop designs pop up or fold out from the top of your vehicle and come equipped with comfortable mattresses for a good night’s sleep. Rooftop tents are having a moment in 2022, and it’s easy to see why.