A rooftop tent is an ideal solution for many camping situations because they’re easy to use, require very little effort to deploy and pack up, and allow you to have a run-and-gun setup for your overlanding adventures. What’s not to like?!
Plus…the selection of rooftop tents is massive, from small 1-2 person softshell tents to 3-4 person hardshell tents and many more in between.
So, what type of rooftop tent is right for you? And, more to the point, what are the best rooftop tents 2024 has to offer? Let’s find out!
Editor’s note: Bookmark this page and check back often as this list is dynamic and will grow with time.
Table of Contents
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Outland Motorworks
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roof Space 2
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: iKamper Skycamp 3.0
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: 4×4 Colorado Alto Elite
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Tuff Stuff Trailhead
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Cascadia Vehicle Tents Mt. Hood
- Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roofnest Meadowlark
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Outland Motorworks
One of the best things about Outland Motorworks is that you have your choice of not just one or two rooftop tent models but three models, each of which brings its own set of unique features to the table.
What’s more, Outland Motorworks offers these tents with affordable price tags that allow you to outfit your rig with more than just a tent. With the money you save, you can invest in other needed gear and be as prepared as possible for whatever the big, bold world throws at you on your adventures.
The most budget-friendly option from Outland Motorworks is the Yonder rooftop tent, which takes all of three minutes to deploy…
With space for two adults and your favorite dog (or favorite child!), this tent offers all the space you need for a comfortable night’s rest. Enjoy a Skylight above you for a view of the stars, multiple interior DoHicky sacks for storing small items like flashlights and keys, and a 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress for comfort.
Heck, this tent also comes with a Thingamajigger Hammock for storing your gear off the ground and a Clod Hopper Poke to get your hiking boots clean after a fun hike in the woods.
As you can see in the images of this tent, you climb into it using a ladder that has an overhang above it. This small detail is incredibly important because it allows you to get into and out of the tent while being protected from the elements. Nice!
Speaking of protection, you can invest in an optional annex for some protected outdoor space. It’s not just any annex, though – it comes with a floor to keep the mud and dirt at bay.
Another fine option from Outland Motorworks is the Cattywampus rooftop tent. Unlike the Yonder, which is a softshell tent, the Cattywampus is a wedge-style hard shell tent that takes about a minute to setup and a minute or so to pack up, too.
With a sleeping area that’s 82 inches long and 55 inches wide, this tent can accommodate two adults. The 2.5-inch memory foam mattress ensures a good night’s sleep, while the UV/mold-resistant 280G polycotton ripstop fabric keeps you dry. The removable and washable quilted fabric mattress cover is a nice bonus, too.
The Cattywampus has an aluminum base sandwiched between plastic honeycomb. This type of construction not only minimizes squeaking when you’re moving around in the bed, but it also makes the tent warmer (the anti-condensation mat and optional insulation wall kit assist with keeping the tent dry and warm as well.. The aluminum shell also has a textured gel coat roof for added durability.
Inside, you’ll find LED lighting that’s dimmable and color-adjustable, as well as six large pockets for your gear. The windows have clear, removable panels with No-See Um mesh screens, so you can get lots of natural light inside without letting all the bugs in.
Outside, there are plenty of amenities, too. Climb into and out of the tent using an adjustable, telescoping aluminum ladder. The 420D nylon rain fly offers UV protection while also being waterproof and mold-resistant. The Outland Motorworks team also includes strut braces for windy days and two roof bars for extra storage or adding solar panels.
The side door and window overhangs are a nice touch as well. Not only do you get easier access to the tent, but the overhangs allow you to keep the windows open without letting rain inside.
At 57’’ wide x 84’’ long x 7’’ high when closed, this tent compacts nicely to help minimize drag and wind resistance. And with an easy installation using two pieces of C-channel, stainless steel brackets, and stainless steel fasteners, this tent offers everything you need to have a fun adventure! Add an optional annex, side awning, or rear awning, and you’ll have one heck of a base camp!
The creme de la creme is the Bonny rooftop tent…
This big boy offers a 58” x 84” sleeping area (roughly the size of a queen bed!) with a 1.5” high-density foam mattress and a quilted removable and washable fabric cover that comfortably sleeps two adults. With the included anti-condensation mat, your level of comfort is only increased!
As you’d expect, this tent has other goodies that make it a comfortable escape. For example, there are six large pockets for your gear, a Skylight to take in the view of the stars, and clear, removable windows with No-See Um mesh screens.
What’s more, this tent has an all-aluminum hard shell with a base featuring stainless steel hardware. This combination of materials makes this tent bombproof! Of course, the 280G polycotton ripstop fabric with waterproof PU coating, mold-resistant properties, and UV resistance is also a nice touch.
You’ll find familiar features in this tent, too:
- The same aluminum base with plastic honeycomb for warmer camping, like in the Cattywampus tent.
- A black aluminum telescoping and adjustable ladder.
- Strut braces for windy outings.
- Two roof bars for storage or solar panels.
- USB-powered dimmable and color-adjustable interior LED lighting.
This tent is also compatible with Outland Motorworks’ optional Bonny Annex and awning.
And, of course, installation is easy as pie with the same two-piece C-channel setup and stainless steel brackets and fasteners as discussed earlier with the Cattywampus tent.
In other words, Outland Motorworks offers a trifecta of high-end rooftop tents that won’t break the bank. Each option is a fantastic blend of excellent materials, beautiful craftsmanship, and durability. What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about Outland Motorworks
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roof Space 2
The Roof Space 2 rooftop tent isn’t just a camping accessory—it’s a revolution in outdoor adventure. Designed by German engineers Jakob and Manu with a vision to create the perfect rooftop tent, the Roof Space 2 eliminates the compromises adventurers have traditionally faced. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend warrior, this tent stands out as one of the best options for 2024. Let’s dive into what makes it exceptional!
One of the biggest debates among rooftop tent enthusiasts has always been whether to go for a soft-shell or hard-shell design. Soft-shell tents offer spaciousness but can be cumbersome to set up and less durable, while hard-shell models are streamlined and durable but often sacrifice interior space.
Enter the Roof Space 2, the world’s first fusion-category rooftop tent. It combines the best of both worlds: the roomy interior and small footprint of a soft-shell tent with the rugged durability and convenience of a hard-shell tent. This hybrid approach redefines what’s possible in rooftop camping, ensuring you never have to compromise.
If you’ve ever struggled to pitch a tent after a long day of driving, you’ll understand the appeal of the Roof Space 2’s effortless setup. Thanks to its powerful gas struts, the tent unfolds with a single flip in under a minute—no tools, no hassle, no sweat. This simplicity makes it a dream for solo travelers who value independence and efficiency. In fact, the design is so intuitive that you’ll find yourself spending more time enjoying your campsite and less time wrestling with your gear.
One of my favorite features of this tent is its Panorama Mode…
Imagine waking up to the sunrise or relaxing under the stars with a 180-degree view of your surroundings. The entire front of the Roof Space 2 opens up to create a cozy terrace, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. This feature isn’t just about aesthetics—it enhances your camping experience by immersing you in nature. Whether you’re overlooking a mountain range or parked beside a serene lake, Panorama Mode transforms your tent into a front-row seat to the world.
At just 147 lbs, the Roof Space 2 is remarkably lightweight for a rooftop tent, making it easy to mount on nearly any vehicle. Crafted entirely from 5052 aluminum, it’s both strong and aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency—a key consideration for overlanders who clock in thousands of miles.
The lightweight construction doesn’t sacrifice durability, however. The robust aluminum shell is built to withstand the elements, ensuring your investment lasts for years of adventures.
In an age where sustainability matters, the Roof Space 2 stands out. It’s 90% recyclable and free from hard-to-recycle materials like ABS and fiberglass. This eco-conscious design doesn’t just reduce waste—it also makes the tent repairable and modular. If a part gets damaged, you can replace it rather than discarding the entire tent. This level of thoughtfulness reflects the passion and care Jakob and Manu have poured into their creation.
So, why choose the Roof Space 2 over other rooftop tents? It’s not just the features—it’s the philosophy behind them. This tent was born from a garage in 2020, designed by two outdoor enthusiasts who knew firsthand the frustrations of existing rooftop tents. Their goal was to create a product that made exploration easier, more comfortable, and more sustainable. The result is a tent that feels tailor-made for adventurers.
Unlike many other rooftop tents that excel in one area but fall short in others, the Roof Space 2 delivers across the board. Its hybrid design, ease of use, and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for efficiency, a couple seeking panoramic views, or an eco-conscious explorer, the Roof Space 2 promises an unparalleled experience.
In 2024, the Roof Space 2 isn’t just a tent—it’s a gateway to better adventures. If you’re ready to elevate your camping game, this is the tent that will take you there.
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: iKamper Skycamp 3.0
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is the pinnacle of innovation for 2024, offering the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and durability. With its thoughtful design improvements, spacious interior, and premium materials, this tent redefines what’s possible in overland camping.
The Skycamp 3.0 is the roomiest version of iKamper’s flagship rooftop tent lineup, designed to comfortably accommodate up to four people. The innovative aluminum floor panels unfold into a king-size sleeping area—yes, a king-size footprint—ensuring that everyone has space to stretch out and relax. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, the generous interior sets this tent apart from other hard-shell models that often prioritize compactness over comfort.
What’s more, the mattress has been significantly upgraded. Featuring a 9-zone comfort design with a 2.5-inch insulated polyfoam layer, the Skycamp 3.0 provides unparalleled support while reducing condensation. The addition of an insulating layer means you’ll stay warm and cozy, even during colder adventures. This is a tent where you won’t just sleep—you’ll sleep well.
Designed to excel in all four seasons, the Skycamp 3.0 has been meticulously engineered to handle real-world conditions. The tent fabric, made from 300gsm poly-cotton blackout canvas, is both breathable and light-blocking. That means you can enjoy restful sleep no matter how early the sun rises—or how many stars are in the sky. Combined with the quilted insulation lining the interior shell, this tent minimizes condensation while keeping you warm when temperatures drop.
Rain? No problem. The waterproof polyester rainfly, enhanced with an eco-friendly DWR coating, ensures you stay dry even during heavy downpours. Every detail, from upgraded zippers to reengineered locking latches, has been tested for durability, ensuring the Skycamp 3.0 holds up to the elements.
Additionally, the Skycamp 3.0 isn’t just comfortable—it’s efficient. The aerodynamic hard shell isn’t just sleek—it’s functional. With added storage for bedding inside the tent, you can keep your gear organized and accessible, eliminating the need for extra packing or storage space in your vehicle.
The improved window design lets you open both canvas and mesh simultaneously, offering customizable ventilation and views. The signature Skyview window is a favorite feature among adventurers, providing natural light during the day and a breathtaking view of the stars at night. Plus, the exterior canopy can double as blinds, giving you privacy or shade as needed.
Each Skycamp 3.0 is precision-crafted in iKamper’s own factory, ensuring consistency and quality. From the honeycomb aluminum floor panels to the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) hard shell, every component is designed for durability. This isn’t just a tent; it’s a long-term investment for years of adventures.
The tent’s lightweight design (165 lbs) makes it manageable to mount and compatible with a wide range of vehicles. Despite its size, the hard shell is aerodynamic, minimizing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
What truly sets the Skycamp 3.0 apart is how it merges practicality with comfort. It’s a tent that listens to its users, with design updates directly informed by feedback from iKamper’s global community. This collaboration ensures that every element of the Skycamp 3.0—from its refined hard shell to its blackout canvas—is crafted with the needs of real adventurers in mind.
In a market where many rooftop tents make compromises—sacrificing space for durability or comfort for portability—the Skycamp 3.0 delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re venturing into the mountains, exploring the desert, or setting up camp by the ocean, this tent is ready for whatever comes next.
If you’re looking for a rooftop tent that combines luxurious comfort, all-season capability, and unbeatable durability, the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 should be at the top of your list. With every detail thoughtfully refined, it’s not just a tent—it’s the ultimate basecamp for your adventures.
Learn more about iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: 4×4 Colorado Alto Elite
One of the things I look for when selecting the best rooftop tents each year is innovation. I didn’t have to look very far when scoping out the 4×4 Colorado Alto Elite at this year’s Overland West.
For starters, I love how this tent unfolds. Once deployed, it creates an enormous sleeping platform that can sleep up to four adults, all without the tent being a big, bulky mess on your vehicle when it’s closed. The platform, which is 82.7” x 70.8”, is completely secure and waterproof, too, so you can hit the sack in the harshest of storms and know that you won’t wake up soaking wet in the morning.
But it isn’t just this tent’s innovative design and size that caught my attention at Overland West. It’s also full of amenities, making it a more comfortable and functional rooftop tent. A great example is the skylight (which is waterproof, by the way). Lay down for a good night’s rest and do so while getting an epic view of the sky above.
The view isn’t limited to directly above you, though. The tent has two big windows on the left and right sides of the bed, plus a window above your head. Combined with the skylight and a large door, this tent gets loads of natural light during the day and offers excellent views of your surroundings. This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for 4×4 Colorado’s patented bracket system that allows the tent to fold out into a really big rooftop tent.
You won’t be awake long, considering this tent has a memory foam mattress that hugs your aching muscles after a long day of adventuring. Plus, you won’t have the stress of a messy tent thanks to features like two exterior shoe and accessory organization bags and interior organization pockets to keep your stuff organized and out of the way.
Heck, 4×4 Colorado has even integrated LED lighting in the tent’s interior and exterior, so you can get settled in after dark without having to fumble around with a flashlight. Nice!
You get into the tent using a high-grade telescopic ladder. The ladder is lightweight, yet unlike some rooftop tent ladders, it is extremely sturdy. I’m a fairly big dude at around 220 pounds, yet the Alto Elite’s ladder never made me feel like I was about to end up on the ground in a pile of ladder rungs!
The use of high-quality materials extends to the tent itself, too. The exterior is water-resistant 600D Oxford canvas that’s thicker and provides a quieter experience when the wind kicks up. Combined with a rain fly, waterproof zippers, and a diesel heater port, the tent also offers supreme weather protection and comfort for year-round camping.
Aside from all the features and the incredible build quality of this tent, you get the advantage of buying from a company that’s committed to the best customer service in the industry. When I met the 4×4 Colorado folks, I was hugely impressed by their knowledge and the care they expressed for their clients’ experience. Unfortunately, not all companies have this type of commitment to customer service.
But perhaps best of all, 4×4 Colorado priced the Alto Elite well below comparable tents from other companies. So, not only do you get a high-quality tent backed by a professional team of outdoor enthusiasts, but you get it for less than the other guys. What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about the 4×4 Colorado Alto Elite hardshell rooftop tent
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Tuff Stuff Trailhead
The Tuff Stuff Trailhead has emerged as one of the best rooftop tents of 2024, thanks to its blend of convenience, durability, and thoughtful design.
Setting it up is a breeze, requiring just one person to get it ready for a comfortable night’s sleep off the ground. Once set up, you can take in stunning views and enjoy the fresh breeze through multiple mosquito net windows. The tent’s compatibility with any roof rack makes it an ideal companion for your outdoor adventures, too.
In terms of specifications, the Trailhead is impressively robust…
Its 600D polyester Oxford fabric is PU coated, providing a waterproof rating of up to 3000MM and UV50+ protection, ensuring it withstands the elements for your adventures now and in the future. Moreover, the 420D polyester Oxford rainfly, also PU coated, offers additional waterproofing and UV protection.
The Trailhead is designed as a three-season tent, so you can use it in varying weather conditions from spring through fall. It comfortably supports up to 800 pounds, too, so it has plenty of capacity for you and your adventure buddy.
Comfort isn’t sacrificed for durability, either….
The tent includes a 1.75-inch foam mattress with a cotton top cover and waterproof Oxford bottom, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The 7.5-foot telescoping ladder with a two-button operation makes getting in and out easy as well. Plus, thoughtful touches like YKK zippers, a shoe bag with a mesh bottom, and a 1000D PVC waterproof driving cover add to its practicality. Throw in an aluminum honeycomb floor for strength, insulation, and reduced weight while you’re at it!
With all these features and more, the Tuff Stuff Trailhead stands out as a top choice for 2024, offering a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-use solution for your camping needs.
Learn more about the Tuff Stuff Trailhead
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Cascadia Vehicle Tents
The Mt. Hood from Cascadia Vehicle Tents offers all the flexibility you need for oufitting your car with the perfect hardshell tent.
On the one hand, you can choose from small, medium, or large footprints to tailor your tent to your specific needs. The small version is just 50″w x 85″l x 8.25″h when closed, while the medium is 56″w x 85″l x 8.25″h and the large is 60″w x 85″l x 8.25″h.
When opened these tents obviously offer different sizing options. The small gives you a 47″w x 81″l x 56″h sleeping area, while the medium offers more room at 53″w x 81″l x 56″h. The large comes in at 57″w x 81″l x 56″h for four more inches of interior space.
On the other hand, CVT designed these tents to give you storage flexibility. The Mt. Hood is a double-channel tent that’s 8.25 inches thick when closed. Yet, despite its slim profile, you get 1.5 inches of storage space inside the tent when it’s shut – a perfect arrangement for leaving your bedding inside the tent on travel days.
This theme of flexibility extends to the tent’s exterior, too. For example, you can attach any number of optional accessories using T-slots. Add an awning for shade, a shower to get cleaned up, or other items to make camp life more comfortable.
This clamshell tent boasts plenty of other features, too:
- Clamshell design
- Aluminum floor
- 3-inch mattress
- No-See-Um mesh window screens
This tent also features 280g Ripstop polycotton canvas material that offers superb weather protection and durability. In fact, this is a 4-season tent, so you can go adventure anytime of year and be confident that you’ll have a comfortable place to crash!
Learn more about Cascadia Vehicle Tents Mt. Hood
Best Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roofnest Meadowlark
The Roofnest Meadowlark is redefining rooftop camping in 2024 with its ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight, and ultra-affordable design.
Weighing in at just 90 lbs, this innovative tent is not only the lightest and most compact in the Roofnest lineup but also fits any vehicle and budget, making it accessible to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Meadowlark is the first softshell rooftop tent truly worthy of the Roofnest badge, thanks to its exceptional design and functionality. Say goodbye to outdated and cumbersome softshell tents with guy lines and poles. Instead, the Meadowlark sets up in seconds with a simple and efficient process: unclip the cover, unfold the tent using the telescoping ladder, lock the interior U-bar, and your campsite is ready.
Packing up is just as easy—fold it up, and you’re ready to hit the road again. This hassle-free setup and takedown make the Meadowlark perfect for spontaneous adventures and quick getaways.
Adding to its appeal, every Roofnest Meadowlark comes with a two-year warranty for the original purchaser, covering manufacturer defects in workmanship, parts, and materials under normal use. This ensures you can rest easy, knowing your investment is protected.
With its combination of compact design, ease of use, and affordability, the Roofnest Meadowlark stands out as one of the best rooftop tents of 2024, offering a seamless and reliable solution for all your camping needs.
Learn more about the Roofnest Meadowlark
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