A rooftop tent is an essential camping gear for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s practical and gives you a chance to camp anywhere you choose. You simply attach it to your vehicle’s roof rack and extend the ladder. And the best part is that you’ll be high above curious animals.
Best Roof Top Tent For Winter Camping
Tepui Explorer Kukenam Rooftop Tent
This is a four-season tent designed to endure harsh climate. It features two sky panels in the roof and has quick-release clips. In case of unexpected rain or storm, you can use the water-resistance zippers to close the hatch.
The body is made of 260 g poly-cotton blend fabric to protect you from the heaviest rains/storms.
It’s also UV and mold resistant. On the sides, you’ll find internal pockets that are large enough to store your camping gear and accessories. There’s also a high-density mattress which gives additional comfort.
The tent sits on a fiberglass base which weighs 130lbs. And with the A-frame construction, you should expect a lot of headspaces (34” on the sides and 46” on the top).
Tepui comes with universal brackets and can be mounted on virtually any vehicle with crossbars. Another feature worth mentioning is that the rooftop tent comes with mosquito netting.
If you want to fall asleep while gazing at the night sky, you can open the two roof windows. There’s also a 3-inch gap between the tent and rainfly which provides good insulation.
Since the tent opens easily, you can set it up within 5 minutes without additional help. A telescopic ladder is provided which fits on both small and large vehicles.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Comes with a roomy interior
- Durable
- Has plenty of storage pockets
- Lightweight
Cons
- Leveling jacks are not provided
Front Runner Roof Top Tent
The Front Runner is designed to accommodate two people comfortably. When it’s unfolded, it measures 2.5m (8.2′) long and 1.3m (4.3′) wide. The sides are made of 400D fabric which is PVC coated, waterproof, and mold resistant.
Likewise, the rainproof is 200D thick and is made of waterproof material. The zippers don’t feel cheap either. On top of the ceiling, you’ll find a roof ventilator that provides a steady source of ventilation.
The doors and the windows close upwards so you can open them depending on the privacy you need. And because the tent comes standard, you don’t need additional extrusions. The front runner is made with lightweight material, so it can fit on most vehicles.
Since the rails come loose, you can adjust them to any vehicle with a crossbar. Of course, you can fit it in any direction- front, sideways, rear. The ladder has pre-drilled holes to secure the tent in place.
Another remarkable feature is the 64mm 2.5” High-Density foam mattress. If you need a place to keep your camping gear and accessories, you can take advantage of the side pockets. Also, you’ll find loops overhead where you can hang your lamp. This tent can be mounted over the rear or on either side of the vehicle.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Offers plenty of sleeping space
- Durable
- Comes with an insulated base
Cons
- The sleeping bags and pillows are not provided
Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent
Yakima is one of the lightest two-person rooftop tents in the market. The body and the rainfly are made of 210D nylon and PU coating. Just like other high-end tents, Skyrise feels airy, bright, and plush.
Besides that, the cover design relies on Velcro strips found around the edges. A 2.5” mattress is provided which caters to the needs of all sleepers. It has a removable cover for cleaning.
The base of the tent is 84 inches long and 48 inches wide which is enough for tall people. You can sleep comfortably without bumping into the walls. The sleeping space is 28 sq. feet enough for medium-sized individuals. Of course, you’ll be impressed by the large doors and windows which are essential to let air pass through.
The ladder works well and comes with easy locking mechanisms. More interestingly, the rungs are wide and comfortable even on a barefoot. Also, you can adjust the plastic release latches to conform to the length of the vehicle and the terrain.
The ladder legs are wider, so it stays secure. On the other hand, you can configure the truck into two orientations – you can exit from the rear or either side of the vehicle. The locks also provide peace of mind if you’re in a less ideal neighborhood.
Pros
- No extra bolts are needed for mounting
- The windows and doors are made of breathable fabric
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
Cons
- Offered in one color
Tuff Stuff Ranger Rooftop Tent
The Tuff Stuff is a spacious tent ideal for a small family – it can fit a queen size mattress. The body is made of 280g cotton/poly fabric while the rainfly is made of 420D polyester.
But one of the best features is the ample interior. It measures 56″ X 96″ and gives a combined space of 100 sq. ft. Also, this brand does not compromise on quality.
The tent can withstand rain, storm, snow, and winds with zero failures so it is perfect for camping in winter. Tuff Stuff comes with a retractable ladder that can be folded for increased space.
Setting up the tent is a straightforward process – it takes 2-5 minutes. Just unzip the cover, pull out the ladder and open your tent. Keep in mind that no extra tools are needed. And if you want to free up the valuable space in your vehicle, you can store your essentials in the tent.
Pros
- Spacious
- Made of durable material
- An exterior storage bag is included
- Mounts to any roof rack
Cons
- The zipper could have been better
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
Smittybilt tent is made of 600D heavy-duty waterproof top. It features a telescopic ladder, side windows with mosquito netting, rainfly, sunroof, and interior LED strips.
In addition to that, it comes with a heavy-duty PVC cover which keeps the occupants free from the harmful UV rays. The sides are fitted with windows to allow in natural light.
In terms of space, the Smittybilt will meet and exceed your expectations. Size XL can accommodate up to four people.
Pros
- The mounting brackets are included
- Durable construction
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Comes in one color option
Conclusion
The above rooftop tents come with some serious perks. They are durable, weatherproof, lightweight, and easy to set up. What’s more, they feature an innovative design making them ideal for year-round adventures.
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