Why Sleeping on Your Car’s Roof Makes More Sense Than You’d Think, Even Though It Sounds Ridiculous
I used to think roof top tents were just expensive status symbols for people who wanted their Instagram followers to know they were “serious” about overlanding.
Turns out I was wrong—or at least mostly wrong. The reality is that roof top tents solve a bunch of problems I didn’t even realize existed until I spent three nights on the ground in Joshua Tree with something large and possibly venomous crawling across my sleeping bag at 2am. Ground tents mean you’re dealing with rocks, roots, mud, and whatever wildlife decides your campsite is actually their territory. A roof top tent puts you above all that, literally. You’re not searching for flat ground in the dark. You’re not wondering if that rustling sound is a raccoon or something worse. And here’s the thing—setup takes maybe five minutes once you’ve done it twice. Pop it open, unfold the ladder, climb in. The tent’s already attached to your vehicle, the mattress is already inside, and you’re not spending twenty minutes in the wind trying to thread poles through fabric loops while your fingers go numb. I’ve seen people set up hardshell roof tents in under two minutes, which means more time for dinner and less time swearing at tent stakes.
But they’re heavy, expensive, and they absolutely murder your fuel economy. A decent roof top tent weighs anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds, and that’s before you add bedding and gear. Your car’s center of gravity shifts up, handling gets mushier, and you’ll definately notice the wind resistance on the highway. We’re talking a 10 to 20 percent drop in miles per gallon, give or take.
The cost is harder to justify. Entry-level models start around $1,200, mid-range options run $2,000 to $3,500, and high-end hardshells can push past $4,000. For that money you could buy a really nice ground tent, a cot, an air mattress, and still have enough left over for a weekend trip. So why do people pay it?
Hardshell Versus Softshell Roof Top Tents: The Trade-Offs Nobody Tells You About Until You’ve Already Bought One
Hardshell tents are faster to set up—most use a gas-strut system that pops the whole thing open in under a minute. They’re more aerodynamic when closed, which helps with fuel economy, and they handle weather better because the hard shell sheds rain and snow without pooling. But they’re heavier, more expensive, and they don’t expand much, so sleeping space is limited. If you’re over six feet tall or you’ve got kids or a dog, you might feel cramped.
Softshell tents fold out like a book or accordion, which means they can offer way more interior space—some models sleep four people comfortably. They’re lighter and cheaper than hardshells, but setup takes longer, and the fabric sides are more vulnerable to wind and rain. I guess it makes sense that you’d trade convenience for space, but honestly, the decision depends on how often you’re setting up camp and how much room you actually need. If you’re moving every night, a hardshell is worth the premium. If you’re staying put for a week, a softshell gives you more livable space.
What Your Vehicle Can Actually Handle Before You Snap a Roof Rack or Worse
Wait—maybe the most important question isn’t which tent to buy but whether your car can even support one.
Most manufacturers recommend checking your vehicle’s dynamic weight capacity, which is how much weight the roof can handle while the vehicle is moving—usually somewhere between 100 and 200 pounds. But roof top tents don’t just sit there while you drive. They also need to support people inside them when you’re parked, which is where static weight capacity comes in. Static capacity is almost always higher, often 400 to 600 pounds, because the weight is distributed across the vehicle’s frame and suspension, not just the roof itself. If your car’s dynamic capacity is only 100 pounds and your tent weighs 150, you’re exceeding the limit, and that’s a problem. You’ll need a stronger roof rack—brands like Prinsu, Rhino-Rack, and Thule make racks rated for 600 pounds or more—but even then, you should check your vehicle’s manual to see what the manufacturer says is safe.
The Models That Actually Deliver on the Hype, Plus the Ones That Don’t
iKamper Skycamp is probably the most hyped hardshell tent, and it mostly lives up to it. It sleeps two to four people depending on the model, sets up in under a minute, and the build quality is solid. But it’s heavy—around 140 pounds—and expensive, starting at $3,500. If you’ve got the budget and a vehicle that can handle the weight, it’s a good choice.
Roofnest Sparrow Eye is lighter, around 95 pounds, and cheaper at roughly $2,700. Setup is still fast, and the low profile helps with fuel economy. The trade-off is less headroom and a smaller sleeping area. If you’re solo or traveling with one other person and you don’t need tons of space, it’s one of the better values.
Tepui Explorer Ayer is a softshell tent that’s been around for years, and it’s reliable in a boring, dependable way. It weighs about 120 pounds, costs around $1,600, and sleeps two adults comfortably. Setup takes five to ten minutes, which isn’t fast but isn’t terrible either. The fabric holds up well in rain, though you’ll want to make sure it’s dry before you pack it up or you’ll end up with mold.
Smittybilt Overlander is the budget option, starting under $1,000, but you get what you pay for. It’s heavier than it should be for a softshell—around 130 pounds—and the materials feel cheap. Zippers snag, the mattress is thin, and I’ve heard more than a few stories about leaks in heavy rain. If you’re just testing the waters and don’t want to drop serious money, it’s an option, but don’t expect it to last more than a couple of seasons.
Anyway, the right tent depends on your vehicle, your budget, and how much setup time you’re willing to tolerate. But once you’ve slept above the ground, dry and away from whatever’s crawling around in the dark, it’s hard to go back.
