Best Rooftop Tents in 2024
Rooftop tents are the best option for getting off the ground and away from dirt and moisture. They give you convenience and comfort when you’re out in the wild.
Our best rooftop tent guide covers the top five — including a list of our favorite niche-specific models for 2024. We look at tent features like weight, size, ease of setup, and more.
1. SkyCamp 2.0 – The Best All-Rounder
Hardshell | 4-Person | 4-Season
The SkyCamp 2.0 overlander tent combines quick setup, comfort, and durability. The SkyCamp has a 60-second, one-person setup. The insulated double shell roof gives you protection in rain, sun and wind, The aerodynamic hardshell keeps wind drag at a minimum on your vehicle’s roof.
Key features:
- Size: 44 sq. ft. (11 sq. ft. /per person)
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Drag: Aerodynamic hardshell roof reduces wind resistance
- Mattress: 2.5-inch built-in mattress, slightly thinner than competitors
- Ventilation: Large windows
What we love:
- Insulated double-shell roof (no condensation issues)
- Built-in storage for sleeping bags and pillows
- Super easy setup with lock latches
What we don’t love:
- Pricey
- One of the heaviest tents out there
2. Thule Tepui Foothill – The Best Softshell Tent
Softshell | 2-3 Person | 2-Season
The Thule Tepui Foothill is the best softshell rooftop tent on our list. At 108 lbs, it’s light enough for most vehicles and won’t inflate your gas mileage. One of the coolest features — the symmetrical design lets you mount it on one side of your car roof. This frees up space for extra gear.
Key features:
- Size: 27 sq. ft. (13 sq. ft. /per person)
- Weight: 108 lbs
- Mattress: 1.6-inch built-in foam mattress (a bit thin)
- Setup: One-person setup, under a minute
What we love:
- Lightweight and compact (packs down to just 9.5 inches)
- Panoramic windows and skylights for max ventilation and stargazing
- Space-saving design frees up room for bikes or extra cargo
What we don’t love:
- Thin mattress
- Hard-to-access door
3. Roam Vagabond XL – Best for Larger Groups
Softshell | 4-Person | 3-Season
The Roam Vagabond XL is a workhorse. It’s spacious with 48 sq. ft. inside and an additional 24 sq. ft. in the annex vestibule — perfect for gear storage or privacy. The diamond plate base and heavy-duty 600D ripstop fabric make this tent nearly indestructible.
Key features:
- Size: 48 sq. ft. + 24 sq. ft. vestibule
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Mattress: 3-inch high-density foam mattress
- Setup: Takes two people around 15-20 minutes
What we love:
- Comfortable, spacious interior
- Anti-condensation mat to regulate body temp
- Comes with an annex for extra storage
What we don’t love:
- Heavier than others
- Takes more time to set up (rainfly and annex take an extra 15 minutes)
4. Yakima SkyRise HD – Best for Weather Resistance
Softshell | 3-Person | 4-Season
The Yakima SkyRise HD is all about durability. With a 3000mm waterproof coating and 600D ripstop fabric, this tent is built to handle the elements. The tent’s design includes — extra ladder mounts and rack locks for secure transport. The 37 sq. ft. of space provides plenty of room for up to three adults.
Key features:
- Size: 37 sq. ft. (12 sq. ft. /per person)
- Weight: 114 lbs
- Setup: Manual, takes about 10-15 minutes
- Mattress: 2.5-inch foam mattress
What we love:
- Great weather resistance
- Multiple ladder mounts for easy access
- Bonus rack locks for secure transport
What we don’t love:
- Takes longer to set up
- Packs down to a bulky 17 inches
5. Smart Tent Summit Suite – The Most Livable
Hardshell | 3-Person | 4-Season
The Smart Tent Summit Suite delivers livable space and peak height of 4.6 feet, you’ll have plenty of headroom inside. It has three doors so that it’s easy to get in and out. It also comes with — a plush 3-inch mattress. It features stainless-steel latches that lets you pop the tent up in less than a minute.
Key features:
- Size: 33 sq. ft. (11 sq. ft. /per person)
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Mattress: 3-inch high-density foam mattress
- Setup: One-minute setup with new stainless-steel latches
What we love:
- Tons of headroom and easy access
- Slim profile (only 6.3 inches when packed down)
- Solid weather protection with mold-resistant fabric
What we don’t love:
- On the heavier side
- Price tag might scare off some buyers
Best Soft Shell Rooftop Tents
- Thule Approach M: Spacious, Easy Setup, Great Ventilation.
- Yakima SkyRise HD: Lightweight, Expansive Windows.
Best Hard Shell Rooftop Tents
- Naturnest Hard Shell: Extra Room, Advanced Wind Resistance.
- Trustmade Hard Shell: Slim Profile, All-Season Ready.
Best 2 Person Rooftop Tents
- iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0: Lightweight, Comfy, Quick Setup
- Thule Tepui Foothill: Aerodynamic, Ample Ventilation
Most Spacious Rooftop Tent
- Thule Tepui Autana – All Weather, Rugged Design, Removable Annex
- Roofnest Sparrow EYE – Easy Setup and Rapid Teardown, All Weather, Comfortable Mattress
Best Rooftop Tents for Small Vehicles
- Roofnest Meadowlark – Low-Profile Design, Reduced Fuel Usage, Fiberglass ABS Shell
- Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 – All-Season, Easy Setup, Easy Mounting System
Best Budget Rooftop Tents
- Smittybilt Overlander – Heavy-Duty Construction, Sunroof, Wide Entryway
- Front Runner Rooftop Tent – Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Quick Setup