Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024

Is there a better way to camp than in a rooftop tent? More specifically, a hardshell rooftop tent?

For me, there’s no equal for the functionality, ease of use, and durability of a hardshell rooftop tent. I’ve had a hardshell tent for years and have tested many others, and have been impressed over and over again with their comfort and utility. Many hardshell rooftop tent companies also offer tons of features, amenities, and add-ons that turn their tents into veritable hotels, too!

The question is, what are the best hardshell rooftop tents?

Well, that’s a loaded question, because there are a lot of really good tents out there. But, we’ve taken the time to research some of the top picks in the industry and have outlined each one below for your convenience.

Editor’s note: Bookmark this page and check back often as this list is dynamic and will grow with time.

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: BundutecUSA BunduTop Electric Rooftop Tent
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Outland Motorworks Bonny, Cattywampus, and Yonder
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roofnest Condor
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Sparks Overland Atlas 4
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: 23Zero Armadillo A3
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: CVT Mount Hood
Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: OVS Sidewinder

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: BundutecUSA BunduTop Electric Rooftop Tent

If you’re considering investing in a rooftop tent for your 2024 camping adventures, the BunduTop electric rooftop tent is a prime choice…

For starters, a rooftop tent offers several advantages over ground tents – you’re up off the cold ground, you’re away from predators, and there’s virtually no setup (especially when your tent sets up at the push of a button!). But the folks at BundutecUSA have elevated (pun intended!) the rooftop tent camping experience by adding so many features to the BunduTop model.

Each BunduTop tent comes standard with interior LED lighting, 12-volt and USB outlets, and interior storage pockets to keep your phone and other small items organized and out of the way. The tent also has a circulation fan (a second fan can be added), a four-inch high-density foam mattress, and a 50-amp Anderson solar plug connection. There’s also a double-sided aluminum slide ladder with its own carrying bag. Nice!

You can get these base features in three different-sized tents:

Standard – 82 x 53 inches
King – 82 x 63 inches
Super King – 118 x 63 inches

But, true to BundutecUSA form, they offer custom sizes, too! You can tailor your tent to any size up to 116 inches long and 63 inches wide.

Beyond that, the tent is constructed to give you a 360-degree view of your surroundings from any side. So, whether you’re taking in the rugged vistas of Southern Utah, the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the rolling hills of Oklahoma, or points in between, this tent won’t obstruct the magnificent view.

Perhaps the best feature of this tent is that it’s designed with maximum heat reflection in mind. Even when the tent is under direct sunlight, it will repel an impressive amount of heat so you can take an afternoon nap and still be comfortable. The aforementioned circulation fan helps keep the tent’s temperature comfortable, too.

It’s also worth noting that the BunduTop’s aluminum frame is built into the bottom of the tent. This not only strengthens the tent but also gives you more options for mounting it, including on a roof rack or directly on your vehicle’s load bars.

As if all that’s not enough, BundutecUSA offers a host of add-on features you can include to make your rooftop tent experience even better…

For example, you can add one of several awnings (shown above), an annex, or a suite to create a protected and private living space for cooking, eating, or lounging after a long day of adventuring. You can also add various solar panel configurations, a 40-amp MPPT solar controller, and a 20-foot power cord with an Anderson plug and ring terminals.

This tent is made of Riptech canvas, which is exceptionally durable. When it’s closed, the roof (made from a raw aluminum sheet for maximum heat reflection) forms a complete seal around the tent, making it waterproof and dustproof. As I mentioned before, the roof raises and lowers at the push of a button, so there’s no time-consuming process of getting your tent ready to go for the night. But no worries—you can manually raise and lower the tent if it malfunctions.

In other words, this thoughtfully designed, packed-with-features tent has been tested in all sorts of environments to ensure it’s the best darn rooftop tent for your needs. It’s backed by a one-year warranty for mechanicals, material, and manufacturing defects, plus a second year that covers repairs. That kind of peace of mind makes this tent one of the very best for 2024!

Learn more about the BunduTop Electric Rooftop Tent

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Outland Motorworks Bonny, Cattywampus, and Yonder

Outland Motorworks’ claim to fame is that you can have three times the adventure without spending three times the money. In other words, these folks noticed that overlanding gear was really expensive and wanted to correct the market a bit by developing high-quality, rugged, cost-effective rooftop tents, awnings, and related gear. So, that’s what they did!

Don’t believe me? Well, let’s investigate a few of their top models…

First up is the Bonny rooftop tent. Roughly the size of a queen bed, this tent comes with an all-aluminum hard shell and a base with stainless steel hardware. The body fabric is 280G polycotton ripstop that’s not only covered with a waterproof PU coating but is also resistant to UV rays and mold.

But that’s not all! Bonny comes with all sorts of features that make it a high-value rooftop tent:

58” x 84” sleeping area with a 1.5” high-density foam mattress and a quilted removable and washable fabric cover that comfortably sleeps two adults
Anti-condensation mat
Six large interior pockets (including a clear pocket for a tablet) and two large shoe bags
No-See Um mesh screens
Clear removable windows
Skylight
The aluminum base is sandwiched between a plastic honeycomb, which provides improved insulating properties while also eliminating squeaks when rolling over in the bed. You can add an optional insulation wall kit, too
Black aluminum telescoping, adjustable ladder
Compatible with the optional Outland Motorworks Bonny Annex and Awning (both of which are made from UV and mold-resistant, waterproof 420D nylon)

Other thoughtful features included with this tent include strut braces (which are great for those windy days), two roof bars for storage or adding solar panels, and USB-powered interior LED lighting that’s both dimmable and color adjustable from amber to bright white.

At 49” wide x 60” long x 10.5” high when closed, this tent has a low profile that reduces drag while you’re driving. And with open dimensions measuring 85” wide x 60” long x 49” high, you get all the space you need to comfortably rack out. The tent is installed with just two pieces of C-channel and a few stainless steel brackets and fasteners, so you can have Bonny ready for your next Overlanding adventure in a flash!

Next, let’s investigate the Cattywampus rooftop tent…

This wedge-style hard shell tent is the perfect addition to your setup if you need something that’s quick and easy to deploy and pack up. Setup takes mere moments, which is ideal for those of you who get to camp late at night and want to hit the sack quickly. Then, when the sun comes up and you need to hit the road, the Cattywampus obliges you to get out of camp quickly with a fast process of packing it away – in a minute or less!

This tent sleeps two adults in a sleeping area that’s 55” wide and 82” long. The 2.5” high-density foam mattress offers you the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep, while the removable and washable quilted fabric cover makes cleaning a breeze.

The tent’s body fabric is the same waterproof and UV/mold-resistant 280G polycotton ripstop as the Bonny tent, but the aluminum shell has a textured gel coat roof for added durability. The Cattywampus also features an aluminum base sandwiched between plastic honeycomb to keep you warmer on those cold nights and to reduce squeaking when moving around in bed. The included anti-condensation mat and optional insulation wall kit also help make this tent a comfortable space to get a good night’s sleep.

Other specs and features include the following:

Dimmable and color-adjustable (amber to bright white) USB-powered interior LED lighting
Six large interior pockets (including a clear pocket for a tablet) and a large shoe bag
Clear, removable windows with No-See Um mesh screens
Black aluminum telescoping, adjustable ladder
420D nylon rain fly that’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and mold-resistant
Strut braces for windy days
Two roof bars for extra storage or solar panels
57’’ wide x 84’’ long x 7’’ high when closed
57″ wide x 84″ long x 49″ high when open
175 pounds empty
Installs with two pieces of C-channel and stainless steel brackets and fasteners

Additionally, the Cattywampus comes with side door and window overhangs that keep the rain out while the windows are open. In fact, this is the only wedge-style tent with this feature! Like the Bonny, the Cattywampus is also compatible with optional Outland Motorworks accessories like an annex (shown above), a rear awning, and a side awning. These attach to the door and window overhangs, ensuring you have all the shade and shelter you need!

And while the Bonny and Cattywampus options are both budget-friendly, Outland Motorworks has an even more budget-friendly option: the Yonder rooftop tent.

This soft top tent (consider this a bonus option in our rundown of the best hardshell tents) comfortably sleeps two adults and a kiddo or doggo on a 2.5” high-density foam mattress. You can access the tent via a ladder with an overhang above it so you can climb into bed without being out in the elements. Better still, this tent comes with a bunch of unique features:

Sleep under the stars with the tent’s Skylight above you
Keep small items like your phone and keys neatly organized in the four interior DoHicky Sacks
Store your gear off the ground in the Thingamajigger Hammock
Get your boots clean with the Clod Hopper Poke

You can even add an optional annex with a floor to make this bad boy even more functional for your next adventure. Plus, one person easily sets up this tent in about three minutes!

So, you can see why Outland Motorworks is on our list of the best tents 2024. These tents are smartly designed, impeccably made, durable, and easy to set up. Above all, they’re affordable, so you can go adventuring without worrying if you have enough money left over for gas!

Learn more about Outland Motorworks

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: iKamper Skycamp 3.0

When you think of rooftop tents, iKamper is probably a brand that comes immediately to mind – and with good reason! The iKamper line of tents includes some fantastic options, and with the company’s long-standing pedigree, you can rest assured that the tent you invest in will last you a good, long while.

I especially like the Skycamp 3.0 because it’s been refined over the years based on real-world feedback. That means this tent has been updated using details provided by folks that have used previous Skycamp models, so the end result is something that’s the height of comfort, functionality, and durability.

In fact, you might describe the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 as a fortress of comfort and resilience…

Its foundation, the floor, epitomizes durability and insulation with its honeycomb aluminum panels. These panels not only withstand the rigors of outdoor terrain but also ensure a cozy interior by effectively trapping warmth.

The tent fabric, a breathable 300gsm poly-cotton blackout canvas, wraps the sleeping quarters, offering a sanctuary from the elements while allowing for ample airflow. Designed for all seasons, this fabric adapts to the varying temperatures and climates, ensuring a comfortable stay year-round. As rainclouds loom overhead, the Skycamp 3.0 stands unfazed, thanks to its rainfly fabric. Crafted from waterproof polyester 75D ripstop with an eco-friendly DWR coating, it repels water effortlessly, keeping the interior dry and snug even amidst a downpour.

Inside, a comfortable sleeping space awaits with a mattress built for a rejuvenating night’s sleep. The 9-zone, 2.5″ insulated polyfoam mattress ensures restful sleep, contouring to your body’s curves for unparalleled comfort.

Encasing this tent is a robust hard shell case, constructed from dual-layer, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) with 1″ air insulation. This case not only shields the Skycamp during transportation but also serves as an additional layer of insulation, maintaining a comfortable interior temperature.

You’ll also enjoy features like:

Upgraded zippers
A Skyview window for taking in a view of the stars
Interior quilted insulation to reduce condensation and increase warmth
Thick, 300gsm poly-cotton canvas that blocks out light

Despite its formidable build, the Skycamp 3.0 is remarkably accommodating, offering space for up to four people. With a footprint of 82 ¾” x 77 ¼” (44.3 sq ft), there’s ample room to stretch out and unwind after a day of adventure. When it’s time to retreat, the Skycamp closes to a modest 13.5”, easily storable and transportable. Its weight of 165 lbs (75 kg) makes it manageable for setting up camp in remote locations.

In other words, the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 goes beyond the boundaries of conventional hardshell rooftop tents. Instead, it brings durability and luxury together, offering all the best features to make your adventures that much more comfortable.

Learn more about the iKamper Skycamp 3.0

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Roofnest Condor

As discussed in our Roofnest Condor review, this tent redefines camping convenience with its compact yet spacious design. When closed, it measures 48 inches wide by 60 inches long, making it suitable for a range of vehicles, including smaller cars and truck bed racks. Upon opening, it expands to a generous 60 inches by 83 inches, providing ample space for two adults and a child or pet.

Constructed with durable materials including ASA/ABS plastic for the shell and a polyurethane-coated blend of polyester and cotton for the walls, the Roofnest Condor offers exceptional weather resistance and insulation, ensuring durability and comfort in any conditions. With a height of 12 inches when closed and weighing 135 lbs, it maintains a low profile for easy driving while still offering a spacious interior for relaxation.

The Roofnest Condor is designed to enhance the camping experience with its thoughtful features and amenities. Inside, a custom-shaped 2.36-inch foam mattress with a waterproof cover ensures a restful night’s sleep, while a sturdy 7.5-foot telescoping ladder provides easy access to the tent.

Ventilation is provided through two windows and a main door with dual canvas and mesh zip closures, allowing airflow while keeping insects out. A skylight with mesh and canvas options offers stargazing opportunities, while a clear plastic viewing window integrated into the tent cover provides an immersive outdoor experience.

Interior LED lighting powered by USB battery adds to the ambiance, while detachable pockets help keep camping gear organized. The inclusion of a 4×4 ground mat and Roofnest privacy tent extends the outdoor living space and enhances convenience and comfort.

In other words, Roofnest has thought of virtually everything with this tent – comfort, convenience, utility…you name it! And since it’s available from BTR Outfitters, you can buy this tent with the confidence that the BTR Outfitters team will back what they sell.

In fact, if you have questions about this tent, rooftop tents in general, or other outdoor gear, contact them, and they’ll be happy to give you the guidance you need to make the right investment for your outdoor adventures!

Learn more about the Roofnest Condor

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: Sparks Overland Atlas 4

The Sparks Overland Atlas 4 rooftop tent stands out as a top choice if you seek the ultimate in comfort and adventure. This fold-out style hardshell rooftop tent redefines the camping experience, allowing you to elevate you outdoor trips to new heights, both figuratively and literally.

The Atlas 4 rooftop tent offers an abundance of space, comfortably accommodating up to four adults. This generous capacity ensures that you and your family or friends can stretch out and relax without feeling cramped.

When closed, the tent maintains a compact profile, measuring just 55 inches wide by 74 inches long, facilitating easy transport atop a vehicle or trailer. Upon opening, it expands to a large 74 inches by 93 inches, providing ample room for a restful night’s sleep beneath the twinkling stars.

What truly sets the Atlas 4 apart is its compatibility with Sparks Overland’s complete line of accessories, including a 270-degree awning. This feature empowers you to create a versatile outdoor living space perfect for cooking, dining, or simply basking in the beauty of nature. Moreover, the tent has been meticulously designed to accommodate a solar panel and additional storage, ensuring that you have everything you need for extended excursions off the grid.

The Atlas 4 goes above and beyond the basics by including a detachable interior LED light that effortlessly plugs into any USB battery. This thoughtful addition ensures that you have ample light whenever needed, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience of your outdoor experience. Such attention to detail makes the Atlas 4 an even more enticing option, promising unparalleled comfort and convenience during your wilderness adventures.

With its perfect blend of spaciousness, versatility, and comfort, this tent empowers you to explore new horizons and create unforgettable memories while enjoying the freedom of the open road. What’s not to like about that?!

Learn more about the Sparks Overland Atlas 4

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: 23Zero Armadillo A3

The 23Zero Armadillo A3 is crafted to meet the demands of overlanders, explorers, and campers who prioritize durability and comfort in their outdoor pursuits. With its rugged 14-gauge fully-welded aluminum hard shell, this tent is more than just a shelter; it’s a fortress against the elements, designed to withstand the toughest of trails while providing a cozy sanctuary regardless of weather conditions.

The Armadillo A3 is built to endure the rigors of off-road adventures, too, featuring a robust aluminum hard shell that’s both trail-hardened and aerodynamically optimized. Its semi-textured, high-gloss black coating not only adds to its rugged aesthetic but also enhances its resistance to wear and tear, ensuring that it stands strong against the challenges of the wilderness.

One of the standout features of the Armadillo A3 is its exclusive Light Suppression Technology (LST) fabric, which creates a cool, dark haven for superior sleep quality even in the brightest of conditions. This innovative fabric minimizes heat and sunlight, preserving a comfortable sleeping space no matter the time of day or external environment.

Inside the Armadillo A3, campers are treated to plush comfort with a 2-inch rebound foam mattress clad in a breathable quilted layer. Large windows equipped with bug mesh and expansive doors offer generous airflow and stunning views, all shielded by weather canopies. For added convenience, the tent comes with a 24” USB LED light with a dimmer for nighttime ambiance, while dual T-Slot rails on the top provide additional storage capability for extra gear or solar panels.

Efficiency is key when setting up camp, and the Armadillo A3 delivers with its user-friendly opening and closing mechanism, allowing for quick and efficient setups and takedowns. Mounting the tent on any rig, from sleek crossovers to robust 4x4s, is a breeze, thanks to its flexible deployment options.

Each Armadillo A3 tent comes ready for adventure, complete with a ladder, gear bags, a snow pole, window poles, and a mounting kit to get you started right away. For those needing more space, an optional annex can be purchased, providing added room for storage or privacy.

In other words, the 23Zero Armadillo A3 is more than worthy of inclusion on this list because it offers a blend of durability, comfort, and convenience that’s hard to find. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended overland expedition, this tent is ready to accompany you on your outdoor adventures, providing a reliable and comfortable home away from home.

Learn more about the 23Zero Armadillo A3

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: CVT Mount Hood

The CVT Mount Hood stands tall as a testament to quality craftsmanship, durability, and innovation, earning its place as one of the best hardshell rooftop tents available in 2024.

The CVT Mount Hood comes in small, medium, and large, allowing you to choose the tent that best suits their needs. Whether embarking on solo adventures or camping with family and friends, there’s a Mount Hood tent size that fits the bill. Despite their differences in size, all variants maintain a low profile when closed, measuring a mere 8.25 inches in height, ensuring minimal wind resistance during travel.

Constructed with durability in mind, the CVT Mount Hood features a sturdy aluminum floor that provides a reliable foundation for restful nights. The 3-inch mattress, coupled with a poly/cotton mattress cover, offers plush comfort, ensuring a rejuvenating sleep experience even in the most rugged terrain.

The CVT Mount Hood is designed to withstand the elements, too. It’s equipped for year-round adventures, earning its status as a four-season tent. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, this tent is ready to provide shelter and comfort in any environment, allowing adventurers to explore nature’s wonders regardless of the weather forecast.

The Mount Hood boasts a clamshell design, allowing for effortless opening and closing. This innovative design not only streamlines setup and takedown processes but also maximizes interior space, providing campers with ample room to relax and unwind after a day of exploration.

Crafted with quality materials, the CVT Mount Hood ensures durability and longevity. The tent body fabric is made from 280g ripstop poly/cotton rip-stop canvas, offering excellent resistance against tears and abrasions while providing reliable protection from the elements. Additionally, the inclusion of no-see-um mesh mosquito screens ensures that pesky insects stay outside, allowing campers to enjoy uninterrupted slumber.

Learn more about the CVT Mount Hood

Best Hardshell Rooftop Tents of 2024: OVS Sidewinder

When it comes to hardshell rooftop tents, the OVS Sidewinder offers superb craftsmanship and innovation, earning its place as one of the best options available in 2024. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and utilizing premium materials, the Sidewinder offers unparalleled durability, comfort, and convenience.

At the heart of the OVS Sidewinder lies its sturdy frame, constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. This material strikes the perfect balance between strength and lightweight, ensuring that the tent is both durable and easy to transport.

Complementing the aluminum frame is the tent’s body, which is made from 600D RipStop Polyester Cotton and 120G Environmentally Fadeless Breathable Gaze materials. This combination creates an airy and spacious interior, ideal for restful nights under the stars.

Measuring 91 x 55.5 x 8 inches closed, the Sidewinder expands to a generous 91 x 55.5 x 48 inches when opened. The internal sleeping area, measuring 86 x 50 inches, comfortably accommodates two to three people, providing ample space for a restful night’s sleep. Despite its spaciousness, the Sidewinder remains relatively lightweight, weighing in at 185 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles.

The OVS Sidewinder is packed with features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Inside, you will find a large, comfortable mattress made from 2-inch high-density foam, covering the entire sleeping area. Hidden under the mattress is a built-in ¾-inch anti-condensation mat, reducing moisture for a more comfortable sleeping environment. An internal loft provides additional storage space for small items, keeping the sleeping area clutter-free.

Externally, the Sidewinder boasts windows and doors that can be rolled up for easy access and ventilation. Two air vents on the sides of the tent increase airflow and help regulate temperature on hot summer nights. An adjustable ladder ensures easy access to the tent, while a storage rack provides additional space for gear and equipment.

To top it all off, the OVS Sidewinder comes with a four-year warranty, offering peace of mind for adventurers pushing their limits in the backcountry. This warranty ensures that campers can enjoy their outdoor adventures without worrying about problems with their tent, making the Sidewinder a reliable and trusted companion for years to come.

Learn more about the OVS Sidewinder

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