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The most comfortable and convenient way to camp, these car roof tents will elevate your experience.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
Breaking camp was just as quick especially useful when racing the sunrise to the top of Sossusvleis Dune 45.
He advocates for hardshell car roof tents over softshell ones for their superior aerodynamics and easier setup.
Softshell ones are the more budget-friendly pick, though, and can be just as durable.
Credit: iKamper
Its not as spacious as some other models.
The Skycamp 3.0 Mini is the latest two-person rooftop tent from popular brand iKamper.
Thats because at 125 pounds, its light enough to be compatible with most hatchbacks and compact cars.
Credit: Equipt1
The tent can be installed using iKampers own Raconteur racks or using the included universal mounting hardware.
This saves time at camp and also leaves you with more free space inside your vehicle.
The tent is also made from sturdy 300gsm polycotton canvas that blocks out light for an undisturbed nights sleep.
Credit: REI
The material is breathable in summer, with convertible canvas/mesh windows for added ventilation.
A ripstop polyester rainfly and waterproof zippers also make the tent impervious to rain.
The signature Skyview window foroptional stargazing.
Credit: Roofnest
Finally, iKamper guarantees free repairs or replacement of defective parts for two years from the date of purchase.
You cant close it with your bedding inside.
The materials are top quality.
Credit: REI
Each one features mesh panels that effectivelykeeps out mosquitoes, even in the humid Caprivi Strip.
Other highlights include four internal pockets and a comfortable, 2.5-inch foam mattress.
It isnt compatible with all vehicles, so be sure to carefully read through all of the specs.
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Most importantly, theyre lighter and considerably cheaper than their hardshell equivalents.
The tent features tool-free, lockable vehicle mounts and requires a crossbar spread of between 26 and 40.5 inches.
Despite being the most low-profile tent on this list, it isnt the lightest.
Credit: iKamper
It also makes it a better fit for garages with limited clearance.
Oversized, mesh-screened windows provide maximum visibility and ventilation, while the polycotton fabric is fully waterproof.
The tent comes with a two-inchmemory foam mattress, a telescoping ladder, and detachable pockets.
Travel + Leisure
Youll need a crossbar spread of between 30 and 50 inches.
Its weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
The tent comes with a 1.5-inch foam mattress.
The tent is rated for four seasons; however, bear in mind that its water-resistant rather than waterproof.
Its pretty heavy, which may affect fuel consumption and make it harder to install without help.
Softshell RTTs are the way to go if your budget is limited.
Its durable too, with an anodized aluminum frame and a 600-denier ripstop polyester canopy.
Inside, generous windows with fine-mesh mosquito screens provide plenty of visibility and airflow.
This frees up space in your vehicle and reduces the time needed to set up camp.
Finally, a two-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Its only compatible with SUVs and trucks it wont fit on your standard hatchback.
I love the stargazing window, and the privacy blinds that block out the light when needed.
The tent comes with universal mounting hardware for most trucks and SUVs.
That doesnt mean theyre all compatible with all vehicles.
These include the minimum and maximum crossbar spread, and the maximum weight that your roof racks can bear.
However, thats always an option if you dont feel confident and are happy to pay.
Hardshell and softshell tents can be equally durable as long as the materials used are of a high quality.
For hardshells, look for a strong but light ABS or fiber-reinforced plastic shell.
For softshells, thick polycotton canvas with a waterproof coating is the best option.
In the long run, a more aerodynamic car roof tent can save you a considerable amount of money.
Super low-profile models like the Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO are a good option.
I once camped in a grocery store parking lot.
