How tough are rooftop tents?

[Mike Brown]

I really want a rooftop tent as I love the idea of sleeping up high and also, the look very cool! However, a fear that if the tent gets bumped an o big branch or on a side slope while off roading at angle It will brake strait away. Does anyone have experience with such circumstance? How tough are these tents?

 

[Offroadford]

Most of them are made of some sort of composite material that combines lightweight and durability. However, they cannot withstand big hits. Branches are fine but if you hit the bank of a trail you will probably have issues.

Soft shell rooftop tend my do slightly better with impacts but those can get ripped apart or you can bend the brakes that make them fold out.

In general, a rooftop tent isn't something you use on a vehicle that sees very tough trails. It adds weight up high and is another thing to brake mounted on your exterior