Rooftop tent roundup: How to find the right tent for your camping needs

While rooftop tent (RTT) camping isn’t necessarily a new concept, the camping style has grown exponentially in recent years thanks to drool-worthy social media posts and an increased interest in all things outdoors. But unlike decades ago, if you’re in the market for an RTT kit, today there are plenty of manufacturers and tent styles to choose from.

From simple two-person softshell setups to four-person hardshells with cargo racks or solar panel placements, finding a tent that meets your camping needs and vehicle type in today’s market can be easy—but also overwhelming.

Here are 12 rooftop tent kits to consider based on your vehicle, to help you narrow down your options.

White Mini Cooper parked next to an SUV with closed rooftop tents on both vehicles — Photo courtesy iKamper

Compact cars and sedans

You don’t have to own a burly truck or SUV to attach an RTT kit to your roof. As long as your vehicle can withstand the added weight and you’re equipped with a proper roof rack system, you can turn your car into a rooftop camping rig in no time.

These tents offer smaller profiles and weights, making them viable choices for your compact car or sedan.

Thule Tepui Foothill

SPECS
Construction type	Softshell
Tent weigh	122 pounds
Static weight	600 pounds
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$2,000

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

The Foothill RTT offers the rugged durability you’d expect from Thule, in a compact size that makes it a viable option for smaller vehicles. One of the best features of this tent is that it won’t take up your entire roof—meaning you still have room for a bike rack, cargo carrier, or even a kayak on top. It’s also an all-season tent designed with weather-resistant materials, a mosquito screen, and dual skylight windows for added airflow and premium stargazing.

More information on this tent can be found here.

iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Mini

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	125 pounds
Static weight	900 pounds
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$2,799

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

When it comes to rooftop tents, iKamper is a trustworthy household name. The Skycamp 2.0 Mini is a great hardshell option for hatchbacks and compact cars. It has an easy-to-use deployment design that will have your tent ready for camping in minutes. Inside, campers have windows, 48 inches of interior height, and an insulated polyfoam mattress for sleeping comfort.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Roofnest Meadowlark

SPECS
Construction type	Softshell
Tent weigh	90 pounds
Static weight	N/A
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$1,595

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

The Meadowlark is Roofnest’s first softshell tent, offering the same premium construction and reliability as the brand’s hardshell products. Unlike some softshell kits, this tent is easy to set up, just like a hardshell, unfolding in seconds. And at 90 pounds, its ultra-compact design has less of an impact on gas mileage. The tent comes with a 2.5-inch foam mattress, LED lights, and interior storage pockets.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Small SUV with an open rooftop tent — Photo courtesy Tuff Stuff

Mid-size SUVs and crossovers

Equipped with larger roof areas, mid-size SUVs and crossovers can typically handle slightly larger RTTs compared to sedans and compact cars. If you own a Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, or a similar vehicle, then these tents might be right for you.

Cascadia Vehicle Tents Pioneer Series

SPECS
Construction type	Softshell
Tent weigh	98 to 171 pounds (depending on model)
Static weight	550 pounds
Sleeping capacity	2 to 3 people
MSRP	$1,499 to $2,599

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

The Pioneer Series makes it easy to find a tent that fits your vehicle’s size. You can choose from three options: 48-, 56-, and 72-inch configurations. The medium and large options come with an added annex room, which makes your camping space feel a bit larger. You also get a 3-inch mattress and 44 inches of headroom inside, for a comfortable experience suitable for seasoned campers and beginners alike.

More information on this tent can be found here.

SylvanSport LOFT

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	117 pounds
Static weight	N/A
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$2,995

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

As a hardshell tent, SylvanSport’s first RTT kit is an economical option. Equipped with four hydraulic arms, the LOFT pops open easily, giving campers a hard roof directly overhead. This setup is also compatible with SylvanSport’s Go Easy gear trailer, so if you don’t want the rent on your vehicle’s roof, you can easily install it on a small towable rig that carries your camping gear.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Tuff Stuff Alpha II

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	141 pounds
Static weight	800 pounds
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$2,699

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

The Alpha II is an adventure-ready hard shell tent that can handle the elements. Tuff Stuff is known for its rugged overlanding gear, and this tent is no exception. It offers a spacious interior and is easy to open and close. Add the Tuff Stuff annex room for added space and privacy at your campsite.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Large white SUV at a campsite with a rooftop tent and kids looking out from inside — Photo courtesy Roofnest

Full-size SUVs

The benefit of owning a larger SUV is that you can get a larger tent that sleeps more people. This is especially important for campers traveling with their families and even furry friends. The only downside is that prices increase with the tent size, but if you’re looking for a roomier experience the investment is well worth the comfort.

Roofnest Condor XL

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	160 pounds
Static weight	800 pounds
Sleeping capacity	3 to 4 people
MSRP	$3,695

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

This tent offers a spacious interior and an ultra-comfortable 2.5-inch foam mattress. And despite its larger size, it’s still easy to set up and dismantle, like Roofnest’s other products. The shell’s exterior comes with integrated space for solar panels, making it easy to power all of your camping adventures. If you need a reliable tent that can fit additional campers comfortably, the Condor XL is worth its higher price point.

More information on this tent can be found here.

ROAM Vagabond

SPECS
Construction type	Softshell
Tent weigh	150 pounds
Static weight	400 pounds pounds
Sleeping capacity	2 to 3 people
MSRP	$2,249

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

For a softshell tent, the Vagabond is spacious, comfortable, and ruggedly designed for getting off the beaten path. This weather-resistant RTT can handle tough conditions—plus, it comes with some cool features like dual rainfly skylights and a gear hammock that clips underneath the tent for added storage. You can also easily upfit this kit with a ROAM annex room for even more camping space.

More information on this tent can be found here.

James Baroud Evasion XL

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	132 pounds
Static weight	N/A
Sleeping capacity	3 to 4 people
MSRP	$5,795

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

At a price point significantly higher than most manufacturers, the James Baroud Evasion is the kind of tent you buy for adventures in years to come—in fact, it comes with a 5-year warranty. One thing that sets this RTT apart from the rest is the automatic opening system that makes it possible to set up your gear easily within seconds. It also features panoramic views, a spacious interior, and integrated solar panels.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Man loading a kayak in the back of a truck with a rooftop tent on the bed — Photo courtesy Yakima

Pickup trucks

As a pickup truck owner, you can install your tent on a rack system over the truck bed or on top of your truck cap and roof (which gives you space similar to an SUV). If you’re looking for compact, comfortable options that fit over your bed, these tents fit a variety of trucks for your camping excursions.

Freespirit Recreation Evolution V2 Long

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	184 pounds
Static weight	750 pounds
Sleeping capacity	2 to 3 people
MSRP	$4,095

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

This manufacturer equips all Evolution V2 tents with air core mattresses that allow campers to control the firmness for optimal comfort. The hardshell tent makes it easy to install racks on top to maximize cargo space for your truck. It also comes with integrated LED lighting, an insulated tent body, a spacious interior, and gas struts for quick, simple tent deployment.

More information on this tent can be found here.

iKamper Blue Dot Voyager (BDV) Duo

SPECS
Construction type	Hardshell
Tent weigh	150 pounds
Static weight	600 pounds
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$3,699

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Maximize your cargo space with the BDV’s accessory rail system. These tracks allow you to mount gear on the side of your tent—plus, you can install racks on top for even more space. Another bonus is its low-profile design that reduces wind resistance and noise while traveling. It’s also a four-season tent, constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions, all year long.

More information on this tent can be found here.

Yakima SkyRise HD 2 Small

SPECS
Construction type	Softshell
Tent weigh	101 pounds
Static weight	400 pounds
Sleeping capacity	1 to 2 people
MSRP	$1,999

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