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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Best Rooftop Tents of 2024

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

outland motorworks yonder 1One 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.

outland motorworks yonder rooftop tent 2

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.

outland motorworks yonder interior

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.

outland motorworks cattywampus exterior

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.

outland motorworks cattywampus window overhangs

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.

outland motorworks cattywampus interior

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!

outland motorworks bonny exterior

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.

outland motorworks bonny exterior

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.

outland motorworks bonny interior

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: 4×4 Colorado Alto Elite

4x4 colorado alto elite on 4runner

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.

4x4 colorado alto elite hinge

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.

4x4 colorado alto elite interior

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!

4x4 colorado alto elite on range rover

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. 

4x4 colorado alto elite ladder

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

tuff stuff trailhead 1

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.

tuff stuff trailhead 2

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.

tuff stuff trailhead 3

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….

tuff stuff trailhead 4

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

cvt mt hood campers

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.

cvt mt-hood-2

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.

cvt mt hood exterior

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

roofnest meadowlark 1

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.

roofnest meadowlark 2

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.

roofnest meadowlark 3

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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