Camping can mean different things depending on who you ask. Some people like to rough it while others enjoy all the conveniences they can carry. However you like to camp, eventually you will need to sleep. With a variety of tent options, it may be hard to decide what is best for you.
Let's breakdown the variety of tents and sleeping options as well as some reasons why a rooftop tent might be right for you. We'll also highlight situations where a rooftop tent might not be your best option.
There are five general sleeping options to consider, and rooftop tents fit nicely in the middle. They offer many of the conveniences and luxuries of a camper or RV. At the same time rooftop tents provide the flexibility of a ground tent and will most likely work with the vehicle you already have.
Ground Tents
When most people think of camping, they imagine a traditional ground tent. Thin fabric supported by stakes and poles that provides a sleeping area protected from the elements. Ground tents are popular for a reason. They are affordable, lightweight, and can be pitched almost anywhere.
Like most families, mine used a ground tent for many years. It was convenient to throw into the car while packing, provided ample protection from the wind and rain, and didn't break the bank. As our family grew, it was easy to upgrade to a larger tent so we could fit a pack and play. Not being tied to a vehicle meant that we could pitch the tent almost anywhere. This made for some epic sunrise views from the sleeping bag that would not have been possible with other tents.
However, ground tents do come with some downsides. It does take a bit of time to pitch and breakdown a ground tent, not to mention drying it out before storing. Sleeping bags and clothes would get wet in particularly rough wind and rain. While sleeping on the ground is great for capturing that "roughing it" vibe, it made for some sleepless nights as rocks and roots poked through our sleeping pads. Eventually, the zippers on our family sized tent broke beyond repair, and we had to decide what type of tent to get next.
Campers & Vans
On the opposite end of the camping spectrum there are campers and RVs. These vary from small travel trailers to Class A RVs the size of a bus and everything in between. Focusing on the overlanding world, you're typically looking at either a van or a truck bed camper. Both of these options take comfort and convenience to the extreme. With built in kitchens, heaters, and dedicated sleep and living spaces we're well beyond the realm of tents.
Where ground tents are often relatively affordable, vans and campers are much more expensive. The most expensive part is usually the vehicle itself. Any vehicle is capable of carrying a ground tent in the trunk, but you need to either already have a van or truck or be willing to shell out the money for one. They are often large and more difficult to drive, so choosing a truck bed camper or a van is a big commitment and might not be worth it if you only camp rarely.
However, this option solves all the major pain points that people have with ground tents. They are completely waterproof and offer superior protection from wind and animals. Rough ground is never a concern, and setup is as easy as parking your car. If you can afford it and won't miss sleeping in the open air, then this might be a good option for you. However, most people don't fall into this category and might be better suited by something in between.
Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents fit somewhere in the middle between ground tents and an overlanding camper. Like campers, they solve many of the issues that plague ground tents, but they also keep more of the ground tent benefits and authentic camping experience.
The primary difference between a rooftop and ground tent is in the name. The rooftop tent attaches to the roof of your vehicle, or sometimes over the bed of your truck. Being off the ground solves the number one complaint people have about camping, which is poor sleep from uneven surfaces. As long as you can find a flat surface to park your car you can still get a great night's sleep, even if it's covered in rocks.
Being elevated off the ground offers a few other benefits. Rooftop tents are more protected from the weather as you don't have to worry about water running underneath the tent and they often come with heavy duty fabric. Insects and animals are much less likely to make their way inside a rooftop tent. Lastly, these tents tend to stay cleaner as dirt and mud aren't as easy to track in.
While rooftop tents are often much heavier, they are attached to your vehicle which means you never have to carry them. This allows rooftop tents to be constructed in a way that makes it much easier to setup and pack away than a traditional ground tent. Whether it is a hardshell or softshell model, setting up the tent is as simple as unfolding or popping it up. No poles, stakes, or ground cloth to worry about. When it's time to pack up, simply fold the tent back up into a sleek aerodynamic package and drive off. In this regard, rooftop tents are a lot like campers and can even be connected to heaters or paired with slide out kitchens for greater convenience.
Unlike campers, rooftop tents often work with the vehicle you already have. There are smaller 2-person models that can fit on sedans and small SUVs and large models that can fit 6 adults. They don't provide as much room as the largest ground tents, but they offer ample space and don't necessitate the purchase of a new vehicle.
As with everything in life, rooftop tents do have some tradeoffs. The biggest one for us was the ladder. Since the tent is up on top of your vehicle, most rooftop tents come with a ladder to allow you to easily climb in and out. For most people this isn't a problem at all, but with two kids and a large golden retriever, it became a lot of work lifting everyone up and down the ladder.
Why You Should Get a Rooftop Tent
The rooftop tent combines the best of both worlds in terms of ground tents and campers. Most people who get a rooftop tent are upgrading from a ground tent and looking for a little more comfort, protection, and faster setup but aren't quite ready to make the leap to a full camper or want to keep things a little simpler. If this sounds like you, we have a variety of curated tents to choose from and our gear heads are happy to help you select the best model for your needs.
Rooftop Tent Pros
- Superior sleep and comfort
- Often works with the vehicle you already own
- Quick setup and pack up
- Much cheaper than a camper
- More connected with nature
- Better weather protection
- Cleaner and more organized
- More durable than ground tents
- Warmer and better insulated
Rooftop Tent Cons
- More expensive than a ground tent
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Requires a ladder
- Difficult to remove and attach to the vehicle
- Can't move car without packing up tent
- Less versatile than ground tent
What Worked for Me
After our tent broke, we decided to upgrade to a rooftop tent. We loved the sleeping experience, weather protection, quick setup, and cleaner camping. Ultimately, it wasn't the right fit for our family with two young kids and a dog because of the ladder, and we decided that a truck bed camper fit our needs better.
However, for most buyers looking to add a little convenience to their camping experience and spend more nights outdoors, the rooftop tent is the best option that combines the best features of ground tents and campers.