Key Questions to Ask When Ordering canvas roof top tent

Most people assume rooftop tents are a relatively new innovation, but they first emerged in Western Europe in the s. Back then, it was known as “auto camping” or “air camping” and was marketed as a way to avoid crowded hotels and save money. Fast forward a few decades to the s, and it seems like rooftop tents have suddenly exploded in popularity. So what’s been driving the new wave of adventurous “auto campers”? You only have to look at the types of vehicles on the road today to understand a major reason why rooftop tents are trending. In New Zealand, Australia, and other parts of the world, more people are buying 4WD vehicles — utes, trucks, SUVs and station wagons. As a result of this, off-roading and overlanding is also becoming an increasingly popular outdoor activity. It’s fair to say that rooftop tents have benefited from both of these trends as roof tents are most commonly fitted to 4WD vehicles. But rooftop tents didn’t just hop on the 4WD bandwagon and ride it all the way to the bank. There are several key reasons why rooftop tents have captured the imagination of adventurers the world over.

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1. Convenience: easy to set up and pack away

A well-designed rooftop tent can be set up in just a few minutes and packed down in the same amount of time. For a lot of people, this is much more appealing than mucking around with tent poles, pegs, and guy ropes that never seem to work how they’re supposed to.

2. Cheaper than caravans, campervans, and hotels

A good roof tent costs a fraction of a campervan, caravan, or motorhome — and after a few years of use it probably works out cheaper than hotels, Airbnbs, and holiday parks. While the initial investment is nothing to snivel at, you’re essentially transforming your vehicle into your very own Airbnb on wheels.

What’s better is, the more your use, the faster it pays itself off. As if you needed another excuse to go on adventures.

3. Always ready for adventure

One of the best things about roof tents is that they’re always set up and ready to go. After work on a Friday, you can chuck some clothes in a bag, buy some groceries, and head off into the wilderness for the weekend. All of your bedding and essentials can be conveniently packed away inside the roof tent, which means less time spent on planning and making sure you’ve got the right gear.

4. Better access to remote locations and campsites

A rooftop tent allows you to camp in some of the most stunning, remote locations on earth. While it’s often possible to hike to these places with a normal tent, it takes a lot more time. With the roof tent, you can use 4WD tracks to access these areas faster. The best part is, you get to escape the crowds and noise of busy campgrounds. Hard to put a price on that.

5. Safer, and stronger than a ground tent

If you live in a country with dangerous wild animals or insects, then a rooftop tent provides extra peace of mind. As a roof tent is screwed into your vehicle's crossbars and features more heavy-duty hardware than a tent you carry on your back, it’s also more secure and durable in wild weather conditions. This is especially true if you have a hard-shell rooftop tent, like the Bushbuck Armourdillo®.

6. Elevated outlook: “A room with a view”

Of course, a rooftop tent provides superior views to a regular tent. Having that extra elevation helps to eliminate any obstructions to your outlook. You could pay hundreds of dollars a night for a fancy hotel or resort with a scenic view, or you could get a rooftop tent and treat yourself to a “room with a view” whenever you want.

7. Warmer and drier than a ground tent

Another benefit of elevation is that you’re not sleeping directly on the damp, cold ground. You’ll also avoid the possibility of surface flooding under and around your tent in heavy rain. Some rooftop tents, such as the Bushbuck Armourdillo®, have insulation in the hard shell, which provides additional warmth and protection from the wind.

This is probably the most important question when you’re looking to buy a rooftop tent. It’s much cheaper to find a roof tent that fits your vehicle than to change your vehicle to fit your favourite roof tent. If you’ve got a decent SUV, 4x4 or utility vehicle, chances are it will be compatible with most rooftop tents on the market today. But it’s always a good idea to double check. The two numbers you want to check are:

• Vehicle roof load rating (dynamic and static)

• Crossbar (roof rack) load rating

As long as the roof tent weighs the same or less than your vehicle’s dynamic (moving) roof load capacity, it should be compatible. We recommend having roof racks with a load rating of at least 100kg and encourage our customers to use Rhino Rail Tracks (or roof racks of similar quality), especially if you’re planning on taking your roof tent off-road. Of course, you want to make sure the roof tent is compatible with the dimensions of your roof, not only its load capacity.

What Size Roof Tent is Best for You?

There are two main considerations when it comes to size:

1. The size of your roof and roof racks — both crossbar length and the distance between them

2. The size of the roof tent itself. Is it big enough for your needs?

Most roof tents will specify roof rack size requirements. For example, for the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent we recommend a minimum crossbar length of 100cm and a minimum distance between the bars of 75cm (recommended distance: 90-110cm). Choosing the right size for your needs depends on how many people will use the tent and personal preference. Most rooftop tents are designed for 1-2 people and allow around 700mm per person. So, if you’re after a 2-person roof tent, a width of about 140cm or 1.4m should be comfortable. If you’re planning to bring a child or dog along, you may want to consider something slightly bigger. The other size considerations are length and height. The average height of a man in New Zealand, Australia and the United States is 178cm, so most people will be looking for a roof tent that’s longer than that — around 2m is a safe bet as it allows extra space for gear. As for height, most rooftop tents will be designed to allow you to sit up comfortably, get changed, and get in and out quickly. We’ve found the optimal height to be around 1.1-1.3m. Obviously, a rooftop tent can’t be too big, or it will be too heavy. There’s always a balancing act between size and weight.

The design and layout of a rooftop tent has a significant influence on your camping experience. You want your roof tent to be functional, comfortable, and ultimately, to feel like home on the road. Here are some things to think about.

Side Opening vs Rear Opening Roof Tent

One of the main design considerations is how your roof tent opens. A side opening roof tent has its entrance on the passenger or driver’s side of the vehicle, whereas a rear opening roof tent has its entrance at the back. If your vehicle has a trunk, boot or rear door that opens upward, then a rear opening roof tent may prevent you from accessing it. However, a rear opening roof tent allows you to set-up at narrow campsites or roadsides. A side opening roof tent generally provides a wider sleeping area, suitable for two or more people. If you combine your roof tent with an annex or awning, you can access your vehicle from inside the annex. There’s no “better or worse” option when it comes to roof tent openings, but in general, people seem to prefer side openings as they’re more versatile. Our Ardvark Soft Shell Roof Tent has the option of both side and rear opening configurations.

Storage

There’s often not a lot of space for storage in a rooftop tent (that’s what the vehicle’s for), but you want to have easy access to the core essentials, such as clothes, shoes, outdoor gear. A simple and effective solution is gear bags fitted to the outside of the tent on either side of the ladder. You may also want to look for internal pockets and wardrobe for storing electronics and clothing you might use during the night or first thing in the morning. If you’re just using a roof tent for one person, there will always be plenty of storage space.

The other storage consideration is: Can you leave your bedding set up when the roof tent is closed? Hard shell roof tents, like our Armourdillo®, typically have more internal storage when the tent is closed. This allows you to store things like pillows and blankets when you're driving between campsites, freeing up space inside your vehicle. Most soft shell rooftop tents don't have storage space for bedding.

Windows and Airflow

One of the greatest benefits of a rooftop tent is the elevated view you get from your “bedroom” so you want to make sure there are windows that allow you to appreciate it. Also, it can get pretty toasty when you’re camping in summer so having insect mesh fitted in the door, windows and air vents is essential for airflow.

Skylight windows are a luxury feature in some rooftop tents, which allow you to star gaze at night and wake up with the sunrise.

Lighting

Obviously, you can use a head torch when you’re camping, but it’s much more convenient to have built-in lighting in your rooftop tent. With the Bushbuck Armourdillo®, we included both internal and external LED strip lighting, which can be plugged into a USB power bank. This is a ‘nice to have’ not a ‘must have’, but it adds a touch of homely comfort to your roof tent experience.

Ease of Set-up

This one's a biggie. When you go camping, the less time spent setting up your tent, the better. Some roof tents take 30 seconds to set up, while others require a lot more time and effort. We've designed our rooftop tents to set-up super fast—both around the 30-second mark once you get the hang of it. Features like gas struts, self-deploying windows, and minimal poles, pegs, and ropes, can make a real difference to your set-up time.

We’ve got this far without even talking about the tent itself. When you’re buying a roof tent, the materials and quality of the tent are essential to how well it performs. Most rooftop tents will be made from a durable material, usually ripstop polyester, nylon or canvas. However, cheaper tents may not use quality fabrics. We recommend looking at the detailed specifications of the fabrics used and doing a Google search to understand how suitable they are for camping in a wide range of conditions. The fly and tent fabric should be waterproof, but may have different waterproof ratings (it’s more important for the fly to have a higher waterproof rating). The materials should also be UV-resistant as they’ll be exposed to plenty of sun on camping trips. If you’re serious about choosing the best rooftop tent, you’ll also want to take a close look at the hardware — mounting bars, bolts, screws, rivets, zips, latches etc. This is something we pride ourselves on at Bushbuck.

Roof tent accessories and add-ons

When you’re buying a roof tent, it pays to take a look at the accessories and add-ons you can purchase down the line, such as an annex, awning, wall body, or additional ground tent. All of these things can take your camping experience to the next level. You might buy a rooftop tent for yourself and a partner to begin with, but if you have kids in the future you may want extra space to bring them along. Or you may buy a roof tent with the intention of taking it on hardcore outdoor missions, but may also want to use it on more laidback family camping trips. Having the option of add-ons that increase the living space of your rooftop tent gives you the freedom to expand and adapt over the years. As an example, the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent has an Annex, Wall Body, and Airbeam Tent that can transform your roof tent into a multi-room camping set-up with kitchen, dining, storage and two extra bedrooms.

Rooftop tents are a must for many outdoor enthusiasts–and for good reason! They provide the convenience of a traditional tent while offering additional comfort and protection, all from the roof of your vehicle.

For these reasons, tents have gained a lot of popularity among campers, van lifers, and overlanders alike. Their ability to provide a comfortable sleeping space, protect against critters, and elevate you off the ground makes them an attractive option whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman, just starting your outdoor adventures, or points in between.

However, with so many models and features on the market, choosing the right rooftop tent can feel overwhelming…

As outfitters committed to educating outdoor enthusiasts like you, we put together this comprehensive guide on what to look for when buying a rooftop tent. By considering these eight essential factors, you can make a well-informed decision about purchasing a rooftop tent that will enhance your camping experiences for years to come.

Rooftop Tent Type and Style

The first thing to consider when choosing a rooftop tent is the type and style that best suits your needs. Generally, there are two main categories: hard shell and soft shell.

Hard shell tents, like the Roofnest Condor shown above, are typically made from rigid materials such as fiberglass or plastic. They tend to be more aerodynamic and offer quicker setup times compared to soft shell tents. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this style of tent:

Advantages:

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• Quick Setup: Most hard shell tents can be set up in minutes (if not seconds), often with a simple folding mechanism.
• Durability: The rigid shell provides excellent protection against the elements and critters, making it ideal for all-season camping.
• Insulation: Hard shell tents often provide better insulation, keeping you warmer in cold conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Weight: They are generally heavier than soft shell options, which may affect your vehicle's roof load capacity.
• Price: Hard shell tents usually come with a higher price tag due to their construction and durability.

Soft shell tents, on the other hand, are typically made from canvas or similar materials (the Tuff Stuff Ranger shown above is constructed of a 280 G polycotton rip-stop material). They are versatile and typically offer more living space. Here’s a deeper look into their pros and cons:

Advantages:

• Lightweight: Soft shell tents are often lighter, making them easier to mount and remove from your vehicle.
• Cost-Effective: They generally come at a lower price point compared to hard shell tents, providing good options for budget-conscious campers.
• More Space: Many soft shell models have an expandable design, allowing for greater interior space.

Disadvantages:

• Setup Time: Setting up a soft shell tent may require more effort and time, especially in windy conditions.
• Weather Resistance: They may not perform as well as hard shell tents in extreme weather, so look for high-quality materials and waterproof coatings if a soft shell tent is the direction you want to go.

Materials and Durability

The materials used in the construction of a rooftop tent significantly impact its durability and performance. Clearly, you want a well-made tent, as the better its construction, the better it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

This being the case, look for tents made from ripstop nylon or polyester that feature waterproof coatings like silicone or polyurethane. A waterproof rating (measured in mm) will help you gauge the tent's resistance to rain. For example, a rating of 2,000 mm or higher is generally suitable for heavy rain. The walls of the Roofnest Condor shown above are made of a polycotton blend material that’s coated with polyurethane, which gives it a waterproof rating of 3,000 mm.

Also, tents treated with UV inhibitors should be considered to prevent fabric degradation from sun exposure. This feature is especially important for long-term use and maintaining the tent's structural integrity.

Many rooftop tents utilize aluminum or steel frames. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, making it ideal if you’re worried about the weight a rooftop tent will add to your vehicle (the Tuff Stuff Ranger has a 1-inch diameter tubular aluminum frame).

Steel frames, while heavier, provide greater strength and durability, especially for rugged terrain. Base your decision about the type of frame on the types of outdoor adventures you typically undertake–aluminum is a great option for most situations, but if your adventures involve a lot of rough-and-tumble travel, a rooftop tent with a steel frame is a better bet.

Another thing to check for is the thickness of the tent’s base. A thicker base often translates to better insulation and protection against cold temperatures. Some models even feature an insulated base that can keep you warmer during chilly nights.

Setup and Takedown

Nobody wants to spend their valuable outdoor time fumbling with a complicated tent setup. As such, the ease of setting up and taking down your rooftop tent is crucial for a stress-free camping experience. The Roofnest Condor shown above takes about a minute to set up, thanks to its well-designed and durable system of poles, struts, and hinges. That makes it an ideal option if you’re looking for a rooftop tent that deploys quickly (and packs up quickly, too).

Soft shell tents typically take longer to set up–but not so long that it’s as laborious a process as typical ground tents. The initial setup will take you longer, given that you’re doing it for the first time. However, with some practice, you’ll likely find that you only need about five minutes to get a soft shell rooftop tent ready to go.

Either way, a rooftop tent is almost assuredly easier to set up and take down than a traditional ground tent. This is especially true if compared to very large ground tents with big footprints and multiple rooms. Heck, even some smaller ground tents can easily take 10 minutes or more to set up, so you’ll find that a hard shell or soft shell rooftop tent can save you a good deal of time. Plus, if you put a rooftop tent on a trailer, you can leave the tent up while you’re camping without worrying about closing it up every time you need to take your vehicle somewhere.

Comfort and Interior Space

Photo by Manida Thiensiripipat via Shutterstock

Your comfort while camping is paramount, and the interior space of a rooftop tent plays a significant role in this. Sleeping capacity is a primary component of rooftop tent comfort.

Every rooftop tent advertises how many people can fit, but be sure to consider the size of the sleeping area. If you plan on camping with family or friends, ensure there’s enough room for everyone without feeling cramped. A good way to do this is to look at the dimensions of the sleeping area. 

For example, the Tuff Stuff Ranger sleeps 2-3 people. However, the mattress is 64x95x2.75 inches. Three adults would be cramped on a mattress that size; three kids would be fine. If you’re tall, these measurements are important, too - ensure the tent and mattress provide enough length for you to get a comfortable night’s sleep.

Proper airflow is another important comfort component; it’s crucial, especially during warm nights. Look for rooftop tents with mesh windows and ventilation flaps that can be opened or closed as needed. This feature helps prevent condensation and maintains a comfortable sleeping environment.

The best rooftop tents offer storage options as well. Built-in pockets, hooks, and organizers can help keep your gear tidy and accessible. Some tents even have overhead storage for clothing or small items, reducing clutter in your sleeping area. Others, like the Roofnest Condor, have shoe bags by the tent ladder so you can take your shoes off and conveniently store them outside the tent.

Weather Resistance

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A quality rooftop tent should be designed to withstand various environmental conditions. Look for rooftop tents that have reinforced structures and aerodynamic designs. Features like cross-bracing and high-quality materials will help prevent the tent from collapsing or blowing away in strong winds.

A good rainfly can make a world of difference as well. It should extend beyond the tent’s edges to prevent water from pooling and should be easy to attach and detach. In the image above, you can see how the tent’s windows have awnings that extend out, allowing you to have the windows open, even in inclement weather.

Along those same lines, some rooftop tents come with additional insulation layers, while others may allow for a winterization option with removable liners. This ensures that you stay dry and at a comfortable temperature inside your tent.

Compatibility with Your Vehicle

Photo by Amanda Allard-Korell via Shutterstock

Before purchasing a rooftop tent, it's important to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle. This involves several steps:

• Most rooftop tents have a guide that explains which vehicles they’re compatible with. When shopping for a tent, one of the first things you should do is check vehicle compatibility.
• Determine your vehicle’s roof load capacity, which includes the weight of the rooftop tent and any additional gear you may carry. The roof rack on your vehicle affects this, so check its weight ratings, too.
• Rooftop tents can vary significantly in weight, typically ranging from 100 to 250 pounds. Be mindful of your vehicle's limitations and choose a tent that fits comfortably within its load capacity.

• Consider the mounting system for the tent. Many models utilize universal mounting brackets that can fit most roof racks, but this isn’t always the case.

Accessories and Add-ons

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Enhancing your rooftop tent experience can be accomplished with many different accessories and overlanding gadgets. While some tents come with additional features, others allow for customization to suit your camping needs.

For example, many rooftop tents can be paired with an awning extending from the tent's side. This feature provides additional shade and protection from rain while allowing for an outdoor living space. Look for awnings that are easy to set up and takedown, though, ideally with a quick-release mechanism for convenience.

Other rooftop tents include storage compartments or annex rooms for added space to store your gear. This is particularly beneficial for longer trips or when camping with multiple people. These are just a couple of ways to accessorize a rooftop tent, though. Be sure to ask us what else you can do to make your rooftop tent setup as functional and comfortable as possible!

Price Range

When it comes to rooftop tents, price is a big consideration. However, it's essential to view this as an investment rather than merely a purchase.

While budget-friendly options are available, remember that a high-quality rooftop tent often translates to better materials, durability, and comfort. Investing in a reliable tent can pay off in the long run with more enjoyable camping experiences and fewer replacements.

Consider how often you plan to use the tent, too. If you camp a lot, investing in a top-tier rooftop tent will provide more value than purchasing a cheaper model that may wear out quickly.

Expect to spend up to $1,000 for a basic soft shell rooftop tent that may be ideal for occasional use. Mid-range options are often priced between $1,000 to $2,000 and often come with more features, better materials, and higher durability, suitable for regular campers. High-end rooftop tent options are typically priced over $2,000–and often much more. The Roofnest Condor, for example, is $3,395. By comparison, the Tuff Stuff Ranger is $1,549.

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