Best Overall
Darche
New
Nomad
Heavy Duty
Supapeg
Popular
Oztent
Best Budget
XTM
When it comes to the best roof top tents, there are a lot of different brands and models to choose from. How do you know which one is the best for you? In this comprehensive review, we will compare some of the most popular rooftop tents on the market.
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Here are our top picks for the best roof top tents to buy this year. These tents are ranked based on their features, specifications and pricing.
What is the Best roof top tent?
Best Overall Roof Top Tent:
The best overall roof top tent is the Darche Panorama 1400 Roof Top Tent. It is spacious and can hold up to three people, making it perfect for camping trips with friends or family. It also has a waterproof and water repellent canopy that will keep you dry even in bad weather conditions. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product.
Runner Up: The Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Eco Roof Top Tent is another great option if you’re looking for a high-quality roof top tent.
Our Recommendation for the Best roof top tents Australia
The Darche Panorama 1400 Roof Top Tent is a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality roof top tent. It is spacious and can hold up to three people, making it perfect for camping trips with friends or family. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product.
Key Features:
- HD compressed checker-plate base board
- Built-in adjustable trigger lock canopy pole
- 320gsm poly/cotton ripstop canvas
- 1500 PU waterproofing
- Alloy Telescopic 2.3m extendable ladder (suits vehicles with aftermarket higher lifts)
- Full width 180° side windows with canopy and insect mesh
- Sturdy 25mm diameter internal aluminium frame
- Zippered star gazing window
- 50mm high-density open cell foam mattress with water resistant cover
- Adjustable fly helps prevent condensation and ensures airflow
- Laminated 600gsm PVC tonneau cover
- Built-in air vents
- Internal storage pockets
- Twin needle lock stitched seams
- Reinforced bar tack stitching on all stress points
- Stainless steel centre hinges
- Bound canvas window loops
- Self-repairing coil zips
- Removable pack down bungee cords with 3 attachment points surrounding both side windows
- Comes with mounting kit, guy ropes, window poles, pegs and instructions (roof rack required)
- Annex available
Verdict: The Darche Panorama 1400 Roof Top Tent is our favourite RTT for overall features and value for money. It is spacious and can hold up to two people, making it perfect for camping trips with friends or family. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product.
The Ridgeback Hard Shell Eco roof top tent by Darche is another great option if you’re looking for a high-quality roof top tent. This roof top tent is made of hard shell construction which makes it durable and resistant to weather conditions. It also has an annex room that provides extra living space for your trip. The Ridgeback Hard Shell Eco roof top tent also comes with a five-year warranty, so you can be sure that you’re purchasing a quality product.
Key features:
- Internal USB powered LED lighting
- Premium quality 280gsm Ripstop Recycled Polyester Oxford
- Sturdy Stabilus gas struts for set up and pack down
- Excellent ventilation with zippered sky window, built-in air vents and three full width doors
- Insect mesh on all windows
- 2.3m aluminium telescopic ladder will suit most vehicle heights (max vehicle/bed base height 2.2m)
- Internal side and roof storage pockets
- High profile automotive rubber weather seals, taped seams, twin needle stitching and removable fly
- Self-repairing coil zips and reinforced stitching on all stress points
- UV50+ protection
- Roof rails accessory kit available
Verdict: The Ridgeback is a great choice for those looking for a very solid hard shell tent. This really is one of the top tents in Australia. We really like that the environment is considered with these Darche roof top tents as they are made from recycled materials. As far as hardshell tents go, this is our pick. There is great sleeping space, a telescoping ladder, quality mattress, great internal height and many accessories are sold separately.
The Dometic 4WD Rooftop Tent – 12 volt is fitted out for Australian touring conditions, the rooftop tent is perfect for a weekend away or an extended trip. The 12-volt electric pump quickly inflates the air mattress, so you can get a good night’s sleep after a long day of driving. With its pre-assembled frame and easy-to-use ladder, the roof top tent is easy to set up and take down – even if you’re camping by yourself.
The Dometic rooftop tent also features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and ventilation, as well as fine mesh screens to keep pesky bugs at bay. Plus, with an annex room available separately, you’ll have plenty of extra living space for storing gear or relaxing in comfort.
Key Features:
- Can be setup in less than a minute with the included remote control
- 50mm high-density foam mattress
- Two layer fabric construction for excellent thermal insulation
- waterproof two layer fabric
- UPF 50+ two layer fabric
- Integrated fly screen
- Durable Water-Resistant PVC Tent Cover
- Lightweight telescopic aluminium ladder
- Tent frame is made from lightweight aluminium alloy
- 3000mm waterhead rating on fly
Verdict: The Ridgeback is a great choice for those looking for a very solid hard shell tent. This really is one of the top tents in Australia. We really like that the environment is considered with these Darche roof top tents as they are made from recycled materials. As far as hardshell tents go, this is our pick. There is great sleeping space, a telescoping ladder, quality mattress, great internal height and many accessories are sold separately.
Darche brings us another quality tent with the Darche Intrepidor 1400 Roof Top Tent. If you’re new to touring the Darche Intrepidor is a great choice. Its light-weight construction is ideal for smaller SUVs and soft-roaders. The Intrepidor roof top tent excellent ventilation with large zippered mesh windows, including a star gazing window, to make your trip unforgettable.
Key Features:
- HD compressed alloy baseboard
- 260gsm poly/cotton ripstop canvas with 1500 PU waterproofing
- Alloy 2.1m square slide ladder
- Full width 180° side windows with canopy and fine insect mesh
- Sturdy 25mm diameter internal aluminium frame
- 65mm high-density open cell foam mattress with a water-resistant cover
- Adjustable tropical fly helps prevent condensation and ensures airflow
- Laminated 600gsm PVC tonneau cover
- Built-in air vents
- Internal storage pockets
- Self-repairing zips
- Sky Window for Stargazing!
- Weight: 49.3kg
Verdict: This is a quality choice with plenty of bells and whistles at a very reasonable price point.
The Darche Kozi 1300 Roof Top Tent is another favourite from our friends at Darche. Kozi is the ideal Roof Top Tent for starting your outdoor and off-road adventures. At only 46kgs, this is a quality unit that will see you through many adventures without breaking the bank. The Kozi is very new on the market but will quickly become one of the best rooftop tents suiting the budget conscious traveller.
Key Features:
- Easy set-up soft shell roof top tent
- Light-weight design suits a wide range of vehicles
- Baseboard with pre-mounted channel rails provides quick installation and set-up
- Premium quality 300D Polyester Oxford material
- High-density foam mattress with removable top and water-resistant base
- Multiple access points with front and back zipped doorways
- Exceptional ventilation with zippered sky window and 3 x zippered windows on both sides
- Fine insect mesh on all windows
- Easy-action 2.3m alloy telescopic ladder will suit most vehicle heights (max vehicle + roof top tent height 2.2m)
- Durable water-repellent flysheet with UPF 50+ protection
- Removable pack down elastic cords with 4 attachments points
- Includes transit cover
- Includes mounting kit and window poles
Verdict: You won’t find another hardshell roof top tent so spacious this light. From the shell to the floor to even the smallest zippers, the Skycamp 3.0 was designed to stay light without sacrificing durability. It will fit on most cross bars.
The Kings Grand Tourer MkIII Aluminium Rooftop Tent is one of the most popular roof top tents on the market. This Kings roof top tent is famous for the 30 second setup. The Grand Tourer MkIII is more expensive than the other soft shell Kings roof top tent. This Adventure Kings roof top hard shell tent features a 2 year warranty so you can rest assured that you will enjoy plenty of great holidays and trips worry free.
Key Features:
- Genuine 30-Second Setup
- Ultra- tough Extruded Aluminium Frame
- Four-Stage Water Ingress Protection
- Huge internal sleeping area + 75mm thick high-density foam mattress 110mm internal space when closed – leave all your sleeping gear inside!
- Insulated floor and roof
- 2-year warranty
Verdict: The Adventure Kings Grand Tourer MkIII Aluminium Rooftop Tent is a great hard roof top tent and offers a quality product at an affordable price. The Kings roof top tent is a very popular choice this year.
The Dune 4WD Nomad Deluxe Hardtop Rooftop Tent is the cheapest hard top tent we reviewed. This budget conscious tent offers some really great features for the price.
Key features:
- Hard shell streamline design
- Roof racks included on top of hard shell
- Built-in LED Lighting
- Set up and fold down in seconds with hydraulic cylinder mechanism, making set up incredibly fast and easy
- Plenty of space for two or three people
- 50mm high-density mattress for comfortable sleep
- Two big shoe pockets on both sides of front door
- Telescopic aluminium alloy ladder is removable and endures 150kg
- Roof Rack Weight Capacity: 75kg
Verdict: This budget friendly hard roof top tent has plenty of good reviews online. It is easy to fit and can be set up in only a few minutes. The 50mm foam mattress doesn’t offer a lot of comfort, so you may want to look at an upgrade on the mattress.
The EEZI AWN STEALTH ROOF TOP TENT is a quality roof top tent that is built to last. The Eezi Awn products are heavily tested for 2 years in the harsh African environment before they are launched to market. So you can be assured that you are buying a quality tent that will last for many years to come.
Key Features:
- Weight: 100 kg inc Ladder
- sturdy gas struts with a unique scissor mechanism
- Options: Racks and Mountings
- Extremely strong design
- Dual access doors on either side
- large awning
- large window/door at the back provide multiple entry/exit options
- 90mm thick mattress
RRP: $4,900 - Sale (1% OFF) $4,850
Verdict:This budget friendly hard roof top tent has plenty of good reviews online. It is easy to fit and can be set up in only a few minutes. The 50mm foam mattress doesn’t offer a lot of comfort, so you may want to look at an upgrade on the mattress.
The FRONT RUNNER ROOF TOP TENT is a super light weight roof top tent. It weighs in at only 43kg. It also has a very low profile of just 33cm when packed so you will be able to reduce the wind resistance while travelling.
Key Features:
- Sleeps 2 comfortably.
- Opens in one smooth motion for an instant bedroom.
- Lighter than all the other comparable roof top sleeping solutions on the market today, weighing only 43kg.
- Tent body constructed of water-repellent, durable 260g poly-cotton ripstop fabric.
- Full-coverage rainfly constructed of waterproof, UV-resistant 400d polyester oxford fabric. Remove or install quickly as needed with handy side-release buckles.
- Durable base with aluminium frame, sheeting, and dense foam core provides a sturdy, insulated foundation.
- Comfortable high-density foam mattress (60mmthick) with washable moisture & mildew-resistant polyester oxford fabric cover.
- Skylight vent windows in roof can be unzipped for fresh air, sunlight, or starlight views or sealed to trap heat and seal out the elements.
- The side window privacy panels zip upwards to close, so that the size of the opening can be adjusted according to privacy needs or weather conditions.
- 2 hanging pockets provide plenty of storage for personal items (34cm x 22cm ).
- Durable, heavy-duty PVC coated 650g nylon tent cover protects your tent while stowed and in transit.
- Mounting tracks (included) can be mounted front-to-back or side-to-side depending on your needs.
- Universal mounting plates and all necessary hardware included.
- Upgrade for easier mounting and dismounting using our Quick Release Tent Mount Kit.
- Add convenient shelter underneath with our Roof Top Tent Annex which slides easily into the channel of the tent base.
- Sliding aluminium ladder.
Verdict:This budget friendly hard roof top tent has plenty of good reviews online. It is easy to fit and can be set up in only a few minutes. The 50mm foam mattress doesn’t offer a lot of comfort, so you may want to look at an upgrade on the mattress.
The AVENTA T-TOP TENT V2 is a very lightweight tent that includes the annex. All this with a super low profile to reduce wind drag. The Aventa soft shell tent has great ventilation and is a great choice for families. The annex can be used to store gear or set up some beds for sleeping a bigger family.
Key Features:
- FeatherLite T-Top Roof Tent Series v2
- Now in ripstop Poly Cotton for improved comfort in tropical conditions.
- All windows have fine mesh screens and the side screens are velcro attached to allow easy removal for photography from inside the tent or for future replacement of screen.
- Annexe walls and floor are all included as standard.
- Grey & Beige colour combination
- 260GSM Poly Cotton Canvas
- 45kg
- Low Profile when folded for reduced wind drag, including Annexe with floor.
Verdict: This very inexpensive roof top tent comes with the annex. So you will be set up with the full system from day one. It is extremely light weight coming in under 50kg. The Aventa roof top tent would be suited to a budget conscious beginner. Alternatively, if you are not camping regularly this could be a great option. However if you are a seasoned camper looking for a very durable tent, this may not be the best choice for you.
The 23Zero Saber Hard Shell Rooftop Tent is a great choice for Its solid construction and ease of use. Release the securing latches allows the gas strut assisted insulated aluminium hull to open the RTT. Very quick set up and a sturdy hard top tent make the 23Zero Saber Hard Shell Roof top Tent a great choice.
Key Features:
- Powder coated aluminium honeycomb base with 2 pre-fitted external mounting rails for easy fitment to vehicle roof racks
- Insulated aluminium tubular frame with
- Powder coated aluminium top with surrounding water and dust prevention rubber seal
- Gas strut assisted opening and closing functionality
- 280gsm Poly cotton rip stop canvas with LST coating
- Canvas secured to base via PVC piping into a raised channel offering additional watertightness and easy removal of canvas if required.
- 2300mm L aluminium telescopic ladder with adjustable increments.
Price: $3,999
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- 100mm Innerspring mattress available
Cons
- Heavy at 88kg or 99kg with innerspring mattress upgrade
Verdict: The 23zero roof top tent is a great choice for weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts. This easy-to-use rooftop tent sets up in minutes, thanks to its premium mattress upgrade, so you can get a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring.
The iKamper 2.0 Roof Top Tent is a great choice if you are looking for a hard top roof top tent that can be set up in minutes. The king size fits a family of 2 adults & 2 kids or 3 adults. The iKamper is a premium roof top tent that is built to last. It does come with a price tag to match, so this might not be an option for everyone.
Key Features:
- 1-Minute Setup
- The king-size mattress fits a family of 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults
- Built with high-quality components, assembled with care, for you to enjoy your tent for years to come.
- Double-layer FRP shell offers insulation. It’s strong, lightweight, durable, and it can easily be repaired if damaged
- Honeycomb aluminium floor panels
- 300GSM poly-cotton canvas
- Ripstop rainfly with an eco-friendly water-repellent coating
- YKK zippers on front entrance
- Comes with a king-size, 6.5cm thick, 9-zone mattress to more even distribute body weight. You have the ability to upgrade to iKamper’s roof top tent Comfort.
- The Skycamp 3.0 holds 3-4 down sleeping bags.
- Skyview window
- Custom stainless steel hard shell locks for peace of mind
- Detachable rainfly
- World map provides the feeling of adventure
Price: $5,895
Pros
- Extremely light weight family sized hard top tent
- Built to last
- High quality unit
Cons
- The price point may limit who can afford this tent
Verdict: You won’t find another hardshell roof top tent so spacious this light. From the shell to the floor to even the smallest zippers, the Skycamp 3.0 was designed to stay light without sacrificing durability. It will fit on most cross bars.
The XTM Rooftop Tent is a soft shell roof top tent offering a solid tent at a cheaper price point. This BCF entry into the soft shell roof top tents makes it easy to get started camping. The 75mm mattress offers a better layer of comfort than many more expensive roof top tents australia.
Key Features:
- Ultra-convenient one person setup
- Comfy 75mm high density mattress with removable cover
- Fits up to 2 people
- Telescopic anodised aluminium ladder, extends up to 2m
- 2 generous side windows to maximise ventilation
- Super fine mesh on windows and doors for ventilation and insect protection
- Anodised aluminium frame with stainless steel hinges
- Heavy duty PVC travel cover with UV resistant straps
Pros
- BCF Members can buy this roof top tent for only $999
- 75mm high density mattress
Cons
- This tent is built to a price point. Not as heavy duty as some of the other tents reviewed.
- 1 year warranty
Verdict: Starting at only $999, this tent is certainly a great option for the budget conscious shopper. The XTM is a great option if you are starting out and would like to experience roof top camping.
Price: $1699 BCF Members $999
If you’re looking for a strong, compact, and tough roof top tent, this is one you can consider. A particular unique aspect with the Motop Roof Top Tent MT-120 is that though it build with a lightweight material, it is incredibly strong, meaning you can rely on it for your outdoor events. It is a perfect component for your camping trips with your family and friends. What’s more, it comes with a 2 years warranty, which is a plus for product assurance purposes. Also, if storage space is something you’re considering for your camping trips, this is one roof top tent you can depend on for the best service.
Key Features
- The material used to make the tent is lightweight, but unbelievably strong for your camping needs. The hard shell ensures that you can have all the comfort you need in your outdoor activities.
- The design of the tent is strategic enough to give users the best possible experience in their camping activities. Firstly, the design of the tent makes it possible for you to access it from both sides as well as the rear entries. Additionally, there’s a midge mesh screen that keeps away insects for comfort while sleeping. The design also gives you adequate space for mounting your accessories. You’re able to prevent water and dust through the rubber sealed edges of the tent. Lastly, it is easy to do a set up. Within a minute you can set up your tent, thanks to its excellent design.
- It is waterproof and breathable
- There is a self-inflating mattress that allows you to pack your beddings after closing the tent. Inflating and deflating the mattress is automatic, thus allowing users to have a quick setup for effective use. The material of the mattress is both comfortable and tough. Of great importance still, there is an anti-condensation mat that helps to prevent moist.
- There is a large storage bag that comes with the tent. There are 2 storage bags to allow users store their items with ease. Still, users can mount a shoe storage bag provided.
- There is presence of electricity current through pre-installed switch and LED light strips.
- There are a set of accessories that come with the tent for improved and effective functioning that makes camping easy. Some of the accessories include: luggage rack, awning, and solar panel.
- 2 years warranty that gives users the much-needed confidence when using the product
Price: $3,299
Pros
- It is easy to set up and use the product
- It has a 2 years warranty
- Accessories that help to improve users' camping experience
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
Verdict: This is a roof top tent that offers the best in quality for its users. It is a spacious tent that provides the best accommodation for campers and a good place to store accessories.
This is a viable and perfect roof top tent for campers looking for simplicity and quality. Also, you’re guaranteed of coziness and convenience as a camper if you choose to go for this tent. It is also easy to set it up and pack it down, which is a plus for campers looking for an easy to use roof top tent.
Key Features
- The material used to make the tent is durable enough to make it a reliable one for campers. It is rot resistant, thus offering you the protection needed to make your camping experience safe as well as maintaining the durability of your tent.
- There are 3 large doors that make it easy to access the tent
- The canvas bag prevents dirt or dust from entering the tent
- The presence of a rain fly helps to prevent rain from entering the tent. This is important as it helps to keep campers safe from cold and dampness. It is an essential feature when it comes to the comfort of campers
- There is pre-installed electricity allows for effective functioning of anything that requires electricity. For example, if you want to charge your phone, you can do with ease.
- The tent comes with a heavy-duty mattress. The mattress has a durable cover that you can easily wash whenever there’s need to do so.
- There are storage pockets that allow users to keep accessories and anything else for convenience purposes during the camping experience
- There is a 2-year warranty that covers important items like fittings, canvas, and structure
Pros
- Safe, secure, and adequate storage that caters for all your needs
- A 2-year warranty that gives users the confidence to use their product
- An easy to set up product
Cons
- It is an expensive option for campers on a budget
Verdict: If you’re looking for a camping tent that’s simple, yet full of quality, this is one you should highly consider. Though, you should take note that it is not an affordable one. Despite the high price, it will give you value for a long time.
The Difference between Softshell and Hardshell Roof Top Tent Models
Clearly, if you’re camping solo or you’re just with your spouse and you want to avoid the hassle of setting up your tent, the prudent option is a hardshell roof top model. However, in terms of price, you’ll have to pay more compared to softshell tents. Something else you need to consider is the type of car you’re using. Generally, hardshell roof top tents are ideal for SUVs.
If you’re camping with more than 2 people. Or if you often take your family out for camping trips, the best model for you is the softshell. As you already know, camping space is a major consideration. So, you have to settle for a tent that can comfortable accommodate your family. A softshell model will do a great job for you. Another advantage of this type of tent is that it is a cheaper option. What’s more, since camping is all about fun and good times, softshell tents can allow your children to have fun as they set them up. It’s a great adventure for them.
Clearly, there are differences between softshell and hardshell models of roof top tents. Just like the name, hardshell roof top tents are made of firm and strong materials such as durable plastics. The roof and the wall of a hardshell tent is durable because of the material used to make it. When put on top of a car, you won’t see overhanging parts. They are designed to fit perfectly well. If you’re looking for a durable roof top tent, the hardshell model is the best fit because of the weather resistant material that makes it. Also, the design of the hardshell makes it easy to do a quick set up. The major challenge with this model is the limited number of people served. For this reason, they are mostly ideal for individual campers or couples. Generally, a hardshell roof top model is good for a maximum of 2 people. It is difficult for you to find a hardshell model that accommodates more than 2 people.
On the other hand, the softshell roof top model, just like the name suggests, is a soft version. The materials that make softshell models are not the extra strong and firm ones. In fact, these are the materials that make the conventional tents that have been in use for a long time. As a result of not being made of strong materials, these tents cannot overcome heavy weather conditions. Also, if you fail to maintain softshell tents well, they won’t stay in good shape for a long time. Despite being tear and water resistant, they are not highly reliable in times of harsh weather conditions. If you’re buying a softshell model, one area you have to check well is zippers. You should check well to ensure that you purchase water-tight and quality zippers to avoid disappointments in future. They are also easy to set up and unpack. In less than 5 minutes you can be good to go.
A major advantage that comes with the use of softshell roof top tent models is that they can accommodate more people. Unlike hardshell models that accommodate a maximum of two people, softshell models can allow four people comfortably. This is double the number of people, thus making them a viable choice when camping with family. In fact, it is possible to find a softshell model that accommodates 4 adults and 2 children. It is also possible to find some softshell models that have extra overhangs that provide space for privacy at the ground level.
The bottom-line is that there are clear-cut differences between hardshell and softshell roof top tent models. Certainly, both have their advantages and disadvantages, thus giving you an opportunity to choose depending on what you want from your camping trip as well as your budget. Ultimately, your tastes and preferences are catered for by either softshell or hardshell models.
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