5 Best Rooftop Tents 2022: A Buyer’s Guide
Top 5 Best Rooftop Tents 2022
In this article, we review some of the highest rated roof top tents for 2022. We look at key features of each to determine the best roof top tents and how they rate overall. This includes size, weight, drag factor, ease of setup, weather protection, mattress, ventilation and bonus features.
BEST ROOF TOP TENT
NAME
BEST FEATURE
CAPACITY
TOTAL SQUARE FEET
SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
iKAMPER SKYCAMP ROOF TOP TENT
Best weather protection
4-PERSON
44 sq. ft.
gives 4 adults 11 sq. ft. each
THULE TEPUI FOOTHILL ROOF TOP TENT
Best for carrying bikes and kayaks
2-PERSON
27 sq. ft. of space
gives 2 adults 13.5 sq. ft. each
ROAM VAGABOND XL ROOF TOP TENT
Best bonus features
4-PERSON
48 sq. ft., with an additional 24 sq. ft. annex vestibule
gives 4 adults 12 sq. ft. each in the main tent
YAKIMA SKYRISE HD ROOF TOP TENT
Best weight / size ratio
3-PERSON
37 sq. ft. of space
gives 3 adults 12 sq. ft. each
SMRT TENT SUMMIT SUITE ROOF TOP TENT
Best rack mounting
3-PERSON
33 sq. ft.
gives 3 adults 11 sq. ft. each
Best weather protection: iKamper SkyCamp
About the iKamper SkyCamp:
The iKamper SkyCamp is a luxurious way to camp. Rated as one of the best hardshell rooftop tents, the SkyCamp has a universal mounting system that works with most vehicles, a built-in king-size mattress, and a lightweight, sleek design.
The SkyCamp also has a strong, angled hardshell rooftop which provides durable protection in rainy, windy weather. The rooftop tent is also light enough to meet the industry standard of 160 pounds, which is the most that most cars and trucks can carry at highway speeds.
The tent is also easy to set up and take down, which makes it great for people who are just starting out camping.
Features:
- 4-Person
- 4-Season
- Hard Shell Rooftop Tent
- Weight: 160 pounds
- Size / Weight: We give the iKamper SkyCamp high marks on square footage. The amount of space is a significant upgrade, especially when compared to the almost identical SkyCamp Mini rooftop tent. The regular Sky Camp roof top tent provides 44 sq. ft. of space, which gives 4 adults 11 sq. ft. each. However, we deduct points on weight. This rooftop tent weighs a hefty 165 pounds!
- Ease of Setup: Setup is super easy for the Sky Camp roof tent with the new and improved lock latches.One person can setup and break down the tent within 60 seconds!
- Drag Factor: The roof top tent packs down to a height of 13 inches, which is on the taller side compared to other tents in our list. However, the Sky Camp’s aerodynamic hardshell rooftop slices through wind and reduces drag to a minimum. This ensures that you won’t run into issues with wind slowing you down with the Sky Camp.
- Weather Resistance: The 75D polyester, waterproof, ripstop rainfly and 300G poly-cotton canvas are strong enough to withstand heavy rain without leaking.
- Ventilation: The SkyCamp roof top tent offers great ventilation and stargazing through large skyview windows that can all be opened at same time. Use the outside cover as blinds.
- Mattress: The roof top tent includes a built-in 2.5 inch mattress with insulated lining, cover and breathable pad to prevent dampness while you sleep. This is a .5 inch thinner than other models we reviewed, so we deducted a point for comfort.
- Bonus Features: The SkyCamp really stands out with its insulated, double shell roof top tent that is strong, soundproof, and resistant to condensation There’s also extra room in the hardshell to store bedding, sleeping bags, and pillows.
What we like about the iKamper SkyCamp:
- 60 second, 1 person setup
- Insulated double shell roof
- Weather protection
- Hardshell storage
- Breathable mattress
- Great ventilation
What we don’t like about the iKamper SkyCamp:
- Expensive price tag
- Too heavy for sedans
What rack mounts work best with the SkyCamp?
The iKamper rooftop tent has a universal mounting system and can be mounted most vehicles. Their tents are designed to be mounted on two normal cross bars which do not directly attach to the rooftop. Aerobars, Round Bars, and Square Bars will work. For the SkyCamp, the roof rack must have a minimum dynamic weight capacity of 165 pounds.
Best for carrying bikes and kayaks: Thule Tepui Foothill
About the Thule Tepui Foothill Rooftop Tent
The is big enough for two people and folds up small, so you can still put bikes, kayaks, and other things on your . The Foothill is half as wide as other and can be mounted on either side of your rack.
When folded, it’s low-profile, with a soft cover and a redesigned foundation that reduces weight while increasing strength and stability. Unzipped and unclipped, it’s simple to assemble with telescopic internal poles that snap into position.
The has a big door that is easy to get in and out while carrying gear, but is a little hard to access from inside the . The door is placed on the side of the , rather than at the end. Therefore, accessing the door will usually require climbing over other people. With its large rear window and two skylights, the has great airflow and lets you see the stars from all sides.
Features:
- 3-Person
- 2-Season
- Soft Shell Rooftop Tent
- Size / Weight: We give the Foothill high marks on space, especially for a 2 person roof top tent. The Thule Tepui Foothill provides 27 sq. ft. of space, which gives 2 adults 13.5 sq. ft. each. It is also the lightest on our list at 108 pounds! One downside is the Thule Tepui‘s peak height is shorter by 1 feet compared to other tents.
- Ease of Setup: Setup is a breeze with a telescopic internal frame that allows for easy, one-person setup and breakdown.
- Drag Factor: The roof top tent folds down to a height of only 9.5 inches – one of the most compact on our list. This low-profile symmetrical design makes transport easy with little wind resistance.
- Weather Resistance: We give the Thule Tepui Foothill high marks on weather resistance. The 600D polyester withstands rain, snow and sun. Breathable to reduce condensation inside the tent.
- Ventilation: The Tepui Foothill has oversized, panoramic windows with dual skylights to provide excellent ventilation and star gazing.
- Mattress: The roof top tent falls short on mattress comfort. It has a 1.6 inch built-in foam mattress, which is very thin compared to other tents. It has a 1.6 inch built-in foam mattress, which is very thin compared to other tents.
- Bonus Features: One of the best features of the Thule Tepui Foothill is the symmetrical design that allows the tent to be mounted on one side of your vehicle, which frees up rack space for other gear. This also makes it easy to store in the off-season.
What we like about the Tepui Foothill:
- Light weight of 108 pounds – the lightest on our list!
- One minute, One-person setup
- Leaves room to carry other gear on top fo the car.
- Heavy duty fabric
- Panoramic windows
What we don’t like about the Tepui Footfill:
- Door is difficult to access from inside the tent, making it tricky to enter and exit because you have to climb over other people.
- Mattress is a thin 1.6 inches.
What mounts work best with the Tepui Foothill?
The Tepui Foothill is designed to work with the Thule Xsporter Pro, Thule TracRac – Truck or the Thule TracRac – Van. The roof rack must have a minimum dynamic weight capacity of 165 pounds.,