The 5 Best Overland Rooftop Tents of 2022
Since the beginning of recorded history, ancient and widespread stories of adventure and exploration have riveted us and filled our imaginations with restless wonder.
Bold and risky undertakings get us out of our heads and back into our bodies. Braving the elements, that visceral exhilaration and heart-thumping adrenaline starts to tug at our coats when we remain too sedentary for too long, and for good reason.
Inherent in most of us is a strong desire to be wild and free. Sadly, that desire all too often goes unfulfilled and is only experienced vicariously through social media and television.
Our short and precious time on this astounding planet is far too valuable to let slip through our primal paws, just to lay dormant on the floors beneath our cubicles.
It’s a sorry human condition and we must be vigilant in making time to get outside, tend to our health and well-being, and be true to our very nature!
Today we’re taking a look at how you can do just that without coming back to the hustle and bustle of the real world feeling tired and drained.
In our busy lives we don’t always have a lot of time. With what time we do have, we often want to spend it recuperating to get ready for the next go round of the grind. However, a lot of us want to get outdoors also.
Welcome to the world of Rooftop Tents! This wonderful invention allows us to do both! We can get out into the great outdoors while feeling restful after our adventure.
Let’s take a look at some questions and considerations surrounding The Best Rooftop Tents of 2022!
What Are the Advantages of Having a Rooftop Tent?
Rooftop tents are not affected by conditions on the ground. It can be a downpour sending torrents of water rolling beneath you and as long as it’s not enough to carry off your vehicle, you’re good!
That’s one less thing that could make you turn right around and park your ass back in front of that television to watch someone else have an adventure.
If you don’t have to spend your limited down time just trying to make sure you have dry and comfortable shelter, you just might throw on some rain gear and stick around for the big show.
Depending on how and where you choose your adventure, being off the ground and secure at such heights offers a certain level of security for your family.
If you are in an area where there are predators and larger animals, though it doesn’t make you exempt from incident or an encounter, it certainly gets you up and out of the way.
It puts you into a higher vantage point to allow some kind of warning to the presence of something lurking around your site.
This is an especially useful heads-up to the presence of the most ornery of all critters, the 2 legged kind. Yes, mankind! Wild animals are far more predictable and honest in their intent than mankind. But, that’s a whole other article for another time.
Here at Rugged Man, we value true grit and embrace “roughing it”. We are passionate about survival and preparedness and the ability to construct a shelter using only our bare hands and what nature provides us.
However, we live in a day and age where some of us find ourselves stretched thin. It can be hard to feel like we have enough time to get everything done in our busy-ness and still have time to immerse ourselves in the mountains and trees.
So, with this in mind, we also value being able to have a shelter up in 10 minutes (sometimes 1 minute, you will find in this article) allowing us to be on our way to actual exploring. THAT is what makes the rooftop tent such a great investment!
Can You Put a Rooftop Tent On Any Car or Truck?
The short answer here is, “it depends”. It depends on which rooftop tent you decide to go with. Some are universal and others, not so much.
However, if you have your heart set on a particular model or brand and they don’t offer a rooftop tent that fits your vehicle, not always but quite often, you can choose to put after-market roof racks on your vehicle that will fit the specifications needed.
This brings up another very important thing to consider: whether or not the roof of your vehicle is rated to be able to support the weight of the rooftop tent, yourself, everyone else, and everything you will have inside of the tent with you.
Are Rooftop Tents Worth It?
If you’re a full time Overlander, a rooftop tent is a wonderful investment. If you know that you are going to make use of your rooftop tent on at least a semi-regular basis, then owning one is absolutely worth it. If you take care of your rooftop tent, it will last you potentially the rest of your life.
In this article we will also be distinguishing between some of the best hard-shell rooftop tents as well as the classic canvas fabric models.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in my daily grind and I see one of these travelling down the highway, I have to stop to give reverence and appreciate that such wonderful things exist to make it easier than ever for us to get out into the great outdoors.
With this technology, it is no longer necessary to spend any more than 15 minutes setting up camp. In fact, with some of our choices today, it takes no longer than 1 minute to set up and get on your way out into the great wide open.
No reservations, no check-out time, no concerns for cleanliness, and no bed bugs (yikes!). This is YOUR domain and it’s completely customizable!
So let’s climb inside and cozy up in…
The 5 Best Overland Rooftop Tents of 2022!
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Best rooftop tents for overlanding in 2022
Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent
Prepare to get a lot of looks, compliments, and maybe even a few photos taken on your next adventure if you’re hauling the Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop Tent. Tuff Stuff makes an attractive set-up and lands favorably on our list as a well-built and affordable option in the world of overland rooftop dwelling. Here’s the skinny:
It will mount to any vehicle with cross bars and comes with roof rack mount attachments. It unfolds off either side of the vehicle including the rear, comes with very comprehensive instructions, is a cinch to set up, and requires absolutely no extra tools.
If you’ve got children or guests accompanying you on your journey, the zip-on annex room is a perfect addition (a $200 value) and is included! It can accommodate a queen size mattress, folding cot, or a small dining room table and chairs. It is also a perfect extra room to mix things up a bit if rain is in the forecast. Speaking of rain, the Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland also comes equipped with a hand pull-out overhead veranda!
There is more than enough room to comfortably sleep two adults and the 56” x 96” mattress is 2.75” thick, high-density foam with a removable and washable cover. It is conveniently stored inside to free up storage space inside your vehicle while you travel.
The tent fabric is made of windproof 280g poly/cotton rip-stop material. The rain-fly is made of 420D polyester/Oxford material and is the best watershed material on the planet. Both have a waterproof polyurethane coating for maximum water resistance. With upper air vents for releasing heat and moisture, it is breathable, UV and mold resistant, and sheds water instantly. Overhead light can be eliminated by 50% if you so choose.
When you’re up in the air, there are only a few critters left that you have to really consider (barring anything that can climb) and those are the flying ones. That’s where the 3 “No-See-Um Mesh” screened windows with awnings is an absolute savior. Just like most rooftop tents, the Ranger Overland has only one way in and one way out and comes with a sturdy aluminum framed retractable and foldable ladder to safely do so.
Last but certainly not least, your tent needs some solid protection while travelling down the highway taking a beating from Mother Nature. That’s why the Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland has a 1000D PVC driving cover with a heavy-duty YKK zipper. This way, you can be sure your investment and mobile domicile is well taken care of while you are getting to your next adventure!
ALSO INCLUDED:
PVC Shoe Storage bag that slides into the tents railing for outdoor storage
Under tent gear storage hammock that can be mounted inside or outside of the tent
Installation hardware and necessary tools
All necessary hardware for complete installation
OPTIONAL CAMPING ACCESSORIES ALSO AVAILABLE FROM TUFF STUFF
Accompanied by Smittybilt’s 60+ year reputation for reliable quality and durability, the price of the Overlander Model 2783 just can’t be beat.
For full timers or weekend warriors, this high-quality and inexpensive RTT is a great choice for the budget-minded adventurer who is not looking to invest a ton of money, but is also unwilling to settle for anything less than well-made and lasting gear.
Speaking of rugged, the tent fabric is made of 600D heavy-duty ripstop polyester impregnated with a waterproof coating. Anodized Aluminum tent frame poles and stainless steel hinges provide a trusty sturdy build.
The rainfly, supported by 4mm spring steel durable flysheet poles, is also waterproof and made of lightweight 420D oxford flysheet. Oxford is a different type of weave in the material that provides better strength and durability than standard plain weaves and is often used for heavier duty fabrics.
The floor is constructed of an 1” aluminum/polyurethane sandwich style base for insulation and added structural integrity. Sitting upon that base is a built-in 2.36” thick, 92” x 55” high density foam mattress with a removable and washable cover.
For you stargazers, the sun/moon roof can be covered or uncovered and both the door and windows are covered in a mesh net to keep out the mosquitoes and no-see-ums. This also allows for the fresh air of the great outdoors to flow freely through your cozy little nest to help clear the interior of moisture build-up and keep things cool in the summertime.
After you’ve gotten your fair share of the cosmos, a built-in LED light strip (that includes 12-volt extension cords that go all the way from the tent to your 12-volt cigarette lighter in your vehicle or an external USB battery pack) is conveniently located to assist in bedtime preparations or in ending the night with a good book.
Climbing in and out of your Overlander can be done with confidence on your wide and sturdy anodized aluminum sliding ladder that extends up to 6.8’ and has a load capacity of 265 lbs.
To protect your investment as it faces the elements on the open road, the ever important travel bag is a heavy-duty 650 gsm, 1000D PVC cover with a velcro lining for complete waterproofing and UV-resistant straps to prevent dry rotting.
Designed as a perfect fit for the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep family, the Overlander can be a versatile fit for just about any vehicle so long as the proper racks are installed. Everything else you need to install it is included and easy to put together.
Now, kick back, relax, and enjoy a wild, yet predictable night of peace of mind and relaxing sleep.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Load Capacity: 661lbs / 300 kgs
Water Column: 1500 mm
Ladder: Anodized aluminum sliding ladder extends up to 6.8' / 2.1m
Ladder Capacity: 265 lbs / 120 kgs
Interior LED
Mosquito net
CE approved 12V lighter adapter
Shoe bag
Warranty: 1 year
Ideal for ANY Jeep
DIMENSIONS:
Open Size: 95"W x 56"L x 51"H
Closed Size: 47"W x 56"L x 11"H
Mattress Size: 92" x 55"
Ladder Length: 78"
INCLUDES:
Mattress
Travel Bag
Aluminum Sliding Ladder
Rainfly
Interior LED
Mosquito Net
Shoe Bag
Cigarette lighter adapter
Remember that time when you drove for so long and were so incredibly tired that the idea of doing anything else besides sleeping made you want to cry and vomit all at the same time?
Yeah, that’s rough! Now, imagine the same scenario, but upon arriving at your destination, it took 1 minute to pop up your top and crawl into your king-size bed.
The Skycamp 2.0 Rooftop Tent from iKamper is the only RTT that performs like this. I’ve even heard of some experienced users pulling this off in 30 seconds or less!
iKamper has made some really nice improvements to the Skycamp over the already awesome original design. As soon as you climb up and into your access door, you are immediately greeted with a cool world map graphic on the tent wall to celebrate and fuel your imagination and adventurous spirit.
The all-inviting king-size, 1.8” thick, high-density foam mattress sleeps 4 people comfortably, or 3 people with plenty of room to stretch out, and the floor beneath you is composed of durable and insulative honeycomb aluminum panels.
Skycamp 2.0 is customizable and versatile, with a detachable system that enables you to remove the fabric completely, leaving only the mesh, to keep you cool in hot weather, enjoying a soft breeze, or counting the falling stars in the great open sky.
As for colder conditions, you can easily switch back to the highly insulative, yet breathable, 300gsm poly-cotton canvas material to keep you warm, cozy, and protected.
The outer fabric of the windows conveniently turns into a canopy and the rainfly is made of a 150D (PU 3000mm) waterproof polyester. Come rain or snow, this RTT is made for all 4 seasons and will hold solid resistance in strong winds.
The durable and sleek hard-shell protective case has a thick, double-layered FRP with 1” air insulation for moisture reduction. It has stainless steel locks for added security and opens like a clam making one entire side of your shelter a solid hard-shell wall!
While in the closed and traveling position, the aerodynamic and lightweight design is easy on the eyes AND, more importantly, the gas tank and your wallet! It fits on most vehicles and is very easy to install, but you may want to take a moment to research whether or not yours fits the bill before you make the leap.
Though it is certainly on the more spendy end of the spectrum, the Skycamp 2.0 is worth every penny in our opinion. You get what you pay for, and after the initial punch in the gut, we believe you’ll find a lifetime worth of convenience, pure joy, and luxury, being a very well-rested adventurer exploring your favorite wild places!
Displaying style, efficiency, and utility all in one RTT, the Tepui Hybox is simple, to the point, and has earned its position as one of our favorites here at Rugged Man.
This is the first and only hybrid rooftop system, functioning as both rooftop tent and cargo box built into one sturdy, easy to access hardshell case and providing 23 cubic feet of storage space! All you need to do is unzip the mesh walls and remove the mattress and you have an everyday cargo box.
And preparing for your next adventure could not be made easier than using the patented ZipperGimp to simply zip on the canopy, put the mattress back in, and that’s it! What? No. Really. Thats it! Get outta here! Hurry!
A universal mounting system allows the HyBox to be mounted directly to the rack or aftermarket bars on just about any vehicle. The hardshell is a 5mm ABS with both UV & color fade inhibitors. The aerodynamic shell design makes for high fuel efficiency and a safe quiet journey.
One 8’6” telescoping ladder can be attached on either side of the tent for easy access, with two doors. When used with the provided window spring rods, both doors act as awnings to provide added shelter when going in or out of the tent. It has two no-see-um proof mesh windows, and the Hybox can accommodate two adults.
The upper interior is lined with reinforced quilted insulation providing noise reduction and temperature regulation, while the lower shell combines an ABS thermal polymer with a solid aluminum structure. This Tepui Tec polypropylene base has felt lined honeycomb panels and on that sits a 3”, 40lb foam mattress with a removable and washable cotton cover.
The canopy fabric is a breathable 3000mm rated waterproof coated blend of 260g polyester & cotton, fully equipped with mosquito screens, and ready for ALL seasons.
Some folks are really going to value this hybrid combination. It is a very convenient set-up after all and it never has to be removed to utilize both the RTT and the cargo box. I think the HyBox is a great choice for the occasional weekend adventure traveler who also needs a good cargo box to get them through their daily tasks.
Well folks, this is what we’re all aiming for if we’re serious about adventure combined with comfort. This is the cream of the crop to us here at Rugged Man.
Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) makes amazing rooftop tents. They spare no expense and you won’t either, will you? I say this because I know that if you are considering purchasing the Mt. Rainier Summit Extended Series rooftop tent with the Stargazer Skylight, then you mean serious business indeed. Where do I begin?
First of all, CVT has built a bit of a cult following. They call it the “CVT Family” and, get this, they actually have an annual "Family Reunion”. Brilliant creative marketing!
However it is not all about marketing, photos, and branding. The design quality and downright ruggedness of these outdoor playhouses is off the charts. If I were to set out on any sort of serious Overlanding expedition, I would, without a doubt, save my money and put all in on one of these.
Now, the meat…
“The Summit Edition includes sturdier, fire retardant 340 gram poly/cotton ripstop fabric, heavier rainfly, and an insulated aluminum floor. Adapt to any environment with the adjustable telescoping ladder. Enjoy added features like dimmable LED lighting and USB Ports. Keep your tent smelling fresh with external shoe bags. A higher quality mattress, waterproof cover, and anti-condensation mat makes for an amazing nights sleep.” —a note directly from their web site.
Stargazer Skylights, described as, “astronomy in bed”, are built-into every single rooftop tent that CVT sells, allowing you to let your imagination run wild as you peer into the star filled night sky or observe the clouds as they roll over on a lazy day.
“If you're packing the comforts of home, why not bring a California King? The 8 foot long, 3+ person Mt. Rainier tent lets you sprawl without ruffling feathers, and fits most trucks and trailers.” —another note directly from CVT website.
This “Extended” version of the Mt. Rainier Summit, refers to the extended fly which provides extra cover from the elements. It allows you to enter your tent under the protection of a covered porch to clean up, dry off, and keep the main sleeping and living spaces dirt-free.
By adding the extended fly model, your ladder sits inside the annex and out of the elements and essentially making your tent 2-stories! A townhouse! Otherwise, without the annex, you still have an extremely large covered front porch from which to enjoy.
This RTT system has thicker skin than most all of the competition, flexing a 380g poly-cotton ripstop canvas, which is insulative enough to be used in cold and snowy conditions. It is waterproof, extremely breathable, mold-resistant, and the travel cover is made of heavy-duty PVC.
“We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”
― Henry David Thoreau
For some folks, camping is a fun thing to do on occasion. For others it’s a lifestyle, in their blood so heavy that not much can stop them from trying to figure out how to get back out there before they even get back home.
And for the Overlanders, the path to getting there is just as important as the destination.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to overland rooftop tent camping and we hope here at Rugged Man that our choices for The Best Rooftop Tents of 2022 will help you in making a well-informed decision as to which rooftop tent is best for you.
We hope, at a minimum, this article gets your traveling juices flowing and wakes up the adventurer that is inside of all of us. It is becoming more and more crucial to tap into our inner wild, as the men of this world continue to become more sedentary, lethargic, and frankly, weak.
If you’re still looking for more overland and adventure action, check out our preparedness article on how to get yourself out of trouble on your next off-road rampage at TOP 3 WINCH RECOVERY KITS IN 2022!
Pick yourself up and get outside, and remain Rugged!
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