For the avid Aussie campers, there is one gadget that makes camping worlds easier, especially when setting up camp and having the best experience possible out in the wilderness.
And that is a rooftop tent.
If you have taken a look online, you will know that there are hundreds of rooftop tents to choose from, all with their own unique features and designs; however, when it comes to finding the best rooftop tents — you want to look a little deeper.
In our guide to buying the best rooftop tent below, we’ll go over everything you will want to consider as well as our list of the best rooftop tents in Australia.
Let’s make camping a whole lot more fun this year and get you exactly what you need!
Our Best Rooftop Tents
To kick off our article, we’ll take a look at our list of the best rooftop tents for Australians and what these tents offer in the way of special features, durability perks and more.
The 6-Person Annex Rooftop Tent by Adventure Kings
Taking out the top spot for us is Adventure Kings’ rooftop tent that has been designed for up to six people.
This is one of the best tents out there when it comes to getting plenty of space for two to four sleepers, and of course, you can snuggly fit up to six people in this rooftop tent if you’re not too worried about a squeeze.
When it comes to the weight, this tent is a little hefty at 64.5kg, which means you might need some help when you first install it. Though other than that, it’s an ideal solution for getting some shut-eye at the campsite.
You can unfurl this soft tent in just about three minutes, and this can be done with only one person! Which is great for the solo trip or when heading out with the family. The mechanism works by unbuckling the straps and using the ladder to slide the tent out, and you’re all set.
As for the sleep space, the total area is 3.1 metres by 1.45 metres which means this is one of the bigger rooftop tents out there today.
The Panorama 2 Roof Top Tent by Darche
Our second runner-up for the best rooftop tent comes from Darche, and for a good reason.
This tent comes made with some of the highest quality materials on the market today, and that means you’re getting some ultra-thick GSM canvas sheeting on this rooftop tent, which will reduce the chances of ageing and rips in the future.
The total weight of the tent is around 64kg, like the Adventure Kings model above, so you won’t have much of an issue installing this rooftop tent. It also comes with everything you need to install it included in the box, so finding mounting brackets and other materials won’t be an issue.
As for the opening and setting up mechanism, this is a winner in our book too. The tent can be set up by just one person, and with the use of the ladder as the lever, you’ll simply be able to pull down the tent and use the included poles to set it all up.
It is a little bit complicated to set up the first time, though you get used to it pretty quickly.
The total sleeping area is 2.4 metres by 1.4 metres which is ideal for two sleepers, and with a 50mm thick foam mattress included here, we’re going to say it gets you one of the better night sleeps out at camp.
The TRT 120E Electric Rooftop Tent by Dometic
For our readers looking for durability above all else, then Dometic are you winners.
This rooftop tent has been crafted from a high-end PVC with dual layers, and this means you’re going to be kept warm and insulated no matter how cold it is outside the tent. On top of this, the material is rated for UPF 50+, which helps it last a little longer when it comes to prolonged exposure to the sun.
It’s good to note that this rooftop tent is around 56kg which makes it a fair bit lighter than the other two models above. This is mainly down to the hardware being of an aluminium design, rather than stainless — and so the weight is a little reduced.
You will find a 12V motor coming into play here that helps you to assemble this rooftop tent in under 60 seconds, without having to do much at all! A truly effortless experience at camp.
On top of this, there is a sleeping space of around 1.2 metres by 2 metres, which can be a little small when compared to some other tents out there, but for a two sleeper, it works quite well. There is also an included 50mm mattress on offer in here, too, so a plush sleep surface is on the cards.
The Skyrise by Yakima
A newcomer to the scene this year is the Skyrise rooftop tent. This is one of the best for all Australian climates and seasons, and you’ll be able to rely on this model to offer waterproofing, great insulation as well as an assurance that it won’t age or rip anytime soon.
On top of this, there is a 600D type of polyester coming into play here that offers that famous ripstop tech we mentioned above, so there’s little chance of you tearing your tent in the future.
A waterproof coating assures no rain is going to make its way into this tent either.
One possible downside here is that this tent will take around 15 minutes to set up, though there is an upside to this. Because the tent requires a minor frame set up, it is able to support more weight on its own, and this means up to 272kg!
There is a large sleep surface on offer here, too, coming in at 2.43 metres by 1.42 metres, and that means there’s plenty of space and wiggle room for two sleepers or perhaps a third.
A final point we’d like to note is that there are stargazing and mesh windows included in the design of the tent, and that means you’re not entirely sealed off from the outside world.
The Grand Tourer MKII Aluminium Rooftop Tent by Adventure Kings
Our second winning model coming from Adventure Kings is the Grand Tourer.
This rooftop tent has been designed with quality materials at the forefront and features a 320GSM material here that has ripstop built into the canvas, which means you’re not going to have trouble with any rips or issues here in the future.
One possible downside to this rooftop tent is the fact it comes with a weight of 93kg, which might make the installation difficult, and might even exceed the maximum roof weight limit for smaller cars out there.
Once installed, however, the setting up of the tent is just about effortless. All you’ll have to do is unlatch the dual latches and push the tent just a little, and you’ll see the struts activate on their own, and the tent will set itself up in a few seconds.
The sleep surface here is 2.28 metres by 1.4 metres, which is ideal for two sleepers, and will make campsite sleeping a breeze.
The Hard Shell Rooftop Tent by Kwiky
A hardshell option landing on our list is the model by Kwiky.
For those who need something a little more robust and capable of handling treks deep into the bush, then this is the option for you.
We know that with soft rooftop tents (that don’t come with a shell), there is always the risk of a branch or tree tearing the tent’s materials, and so a cover is sometimes essential.
The Kwiky rooftop tent comes in at 73kg, and this tent’s roof comes with an anti-ageing technology integrated within it, and that means you’re not going to see major signs of ageing, cracking or anything else down the line.
The canvas on the exterior is an ideal 320gsm too, and this means waterproofing and longevity.
We’re happy to say that the assembly for this tent is exceptionally quick too, and you can have this tent all set up in just two minutes. You will only have to unlatch the two side latches, and then from there, the struts take care of the rest.
Sleeping surfaces inside this tent are 2 metres by 1 metre and include a 50mm mattress like the other models, and so fitting two people is going to be okay, though you might be a little pressed for size.
The Moremi Sport Rooftop Tent by Bundutec
A model that’s a little heavier and bulkier, though certainly worth a mention, is the rooftop tent by Bundutec.
This tent comes with one of the thickest canvases out there, and that means when it comes to longevity and also getting the most secure and weather-proof experience, this tent is a winner.
You’ll find this model blocks out the Aussie wind and sun with ease and is well-ventilated enough to keep you nice and cool even in direct sunlight.
There is a welded frame coming into action here, which means it is as tough as they come, though it is also a little heavy at 84kg, so you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is able to handle this level of weight.
One good thing to note about this tent is that it can be opened and closed in only ten seconds, and the sleep surface can hold your bedding when the tent is shut!
The sleeping surface comes in a size of 2.2 metres by 1.5 metres, which offers enough space for two people to get some rest comfortably.
The Simpson lll Rooftop Tent by ARB
Coming from ARB, you can rest assured that this tent is going to be a winner whichever way you look at it.
The tent comes with a high-end canvas and a total weight of 81kg, which makes it a little hefty, though this is down to the quality materials used here.
When it comes to installing this tent, you’ll be able to find all of the required materials included in the box; however, the tools you need to set it up won’t be in there — at least not all of them. And this means a little fiddling and purchasing of a couple of essentials.
The assembly of this tent is quite quick, given that it only takes a few minutes and can be done by pulling the tent down with the ladder and sliding out the support bar. Then you’re all finished.
With a standard sleeping area of around 2.4 metres by 1.4 metres, you’re getting an ideal sleeping zone for two people, though you won’t be able to fit anyone else in here.
The 4WD Nomad by Dune
From the experts at Dune, you will find that their tent is one of the best out there when it comes to material endurance.
With that ideal UPF50+ material coating coming into play and a waterproof coating on the canvas, you’re going to get years out of this tent, if not decades. Added to this that the canvas comes with ripstop features and is designed to withstand all weather conditions, and we’re confident in saying this tent can follow you anywhere.
When it comes to getting this tent set up, the process only takes a couple of seconds thanks to the hydraulic system, and so once you’ve parked up at camp, your sleeping quarters can be ready in just a minute or two.
The weight of this tent is fairly light as well, at just 56kg, so fitting this model on most vehicles won’t be too much of an issue.
The size of the sleeping area is rather standard at 2 metres by 1.4 metres, and this means you will have plenty of space for two people, though no more than this.
The Rooftop Tent by Camp King
Another one of the best rooftop tents in Australia is the model coming from Camp King, given that it is designed to be of the highest quality.
For our readers looking to get a dustproof and waterproof tent, you’re in luck here, and with a tonne of testing to make sure these claims hold up, you’re in good hands if a rainstorm or dust storm hits your campsite.
There’s a closed-cell roof on offer here, too, which is ideal for winter insulation, so cold weather is no trouble at all.
On top of this, you’ll find the 5005 series aluminium to be strong enough to hold this tent for a few years to come, at the very least. With all of these high-quality materials in mind, the tent does come in at 90kg, and so it is a little hefty.
You can rely on the 2.17 metre by 1.32-metre sleep space to get you a good nights sleep, and with a roof that is almost 2 metres in height, you’re in good hands when it comes to spaciousness.
The Deluxe Rooftop Tent by Howling Moon
Moving up a little in size now, and the Howling Moon brand has you covered with a 2.4 metre by 1.2 metre rooftop tent that makes sure there’s a tonne of wiggle room when it comes to getting some shut-eye out at camp.
The canvas here is high-end at 380gsm, and this means you’re able to rely on both sun protection and water-resistance as well as dust proofing. With that in mind, this is one of the tents on our list that can follow you to just about all environments without issue.
To the frame of the tent now, and the design relies on a strong and featherlight aluminium, which means for its size, it can weigh just 48kg.
The setup process is fast, and with the bed included inside the tent, you don’t have to waste any time getting a mattress in there either.
The XL Rooftop Tent by Superior
One of the only products on our list that is a dual model is the XL Tent by Superior.
This model comes with its own annex, and that means along with some added sleeping space, you’re also getting some ideal undercover leisure spaces as well.
There is easy door access through the annex too, and this means you’re able to get access to the car when the annex and the tent are all set up.
For the material, the tent offers a slightly reduced 280gsm canvas, though this isn’t too much of an issue given that it is dual stitched and also offers protection from water, mildew and dust through an outer coating.
The total weight of the tent is 85kg which makes it slightly heavy.
When it comes to setting up this rooftop tent, we’re happy to say that the process does only take around five minutes, and that includes using the guy ropes and pegs to stabilise the tent too.
The sleep surface on offer here is one of the largest on our list, coming in at 3.15 metres by 2.22 metres, so fitting a third person or a child won’t be an issue here.
The Rooftop Tent by XTM
A second and quite large rooftop tent on offer is from the team at XTM.
The sleeping zone in this tent is 3.2 metres by 1.42 metres, and that means there’s plenty of space for two when it comes time to get a good night’s sleep here.
The use of ripstop materials is on offer here as well as waterproofing, which means you can get a little more use out of this tent when it comes to keeping it like-new for a lot longer.
There are well-ventilated materials here also, which means keeping cool inside the tent even on the warmest days isn’t too much of a concern.
To the total weight of the tent, you’ll find that being 77kg is a little on the heavier side, though it is one of the bigger tents on our list, so we’re going to let this model’s heft slide.
The Outback Rooftop Tent by Camp King
Another model coming from Camp King is their Outback rooftop tent that has been designed carefully to suite the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Hilux.
As you will agree, these vehicles have been designed to go just about anywhere, and so, the tent has also been designed for this. You can rely on the tent to be well-ventilated and cool, as well as both water and dustproof.
On top of this, you’ll find that the tent is a massive 147kg, and so you’ll want to make sure you only stick to use on the cars above.
The sleeping space here is 1.3 metres by 2.15 metres, making it a little smaller than some on our list, though there is a 75mm thick foam mattress coming into play here, which really adds to the level of comfort.
The Safari Classic Rooftop Tent by Hannibal
When it comes to quality and durability, there isn’t much that comes close to Hannibal, and so the brand has to land on our list.
There is an ideal 380gsm canvas material on offer here that also features ripstop technology, so you’re less likely to see large tears or holes forming in this tent over time, which is great news considering it is also waterproof.
There is an added cover here for the tent, which offers superior wind and rain protection should you find yourself caught in a rather severe storm — which is a fantastic perk that a lot of other tents don’t offer.
As for setting up this tent, you’re going to find that all of the built-in poles, hinges and latches are easy to get ready, and the whole process takes less than a minute with a single person.
For the sleeping space, you’ll find a moderately small 1.2 metre by 2.4-metre zone, though there are bigger models on offer which push this a little further.
The Rooftop Tent by Uluru Campers
An honourable mention from us comes in the form of the Uluru Campers’ tent.
Though this model doesn’t offer any amazing features, it does come with the assurance that it has been designed for the harshest Aussie conditions.
This is the best rooftop tent on our list for the Aussies who really take their camping to a whole new level and need something that will keep them safe, cool and dry wherever their camping expeditions take them.
The canvas on offer here is 280gsm and comes with waterproofing and UV resistant coatings that keep the tent lasting for as long as possible.
We’re happy to say that set up only takes a few minutes, thanks to the hydraulic system in here, and that means when the weather gets bad, you’re able to set things up quite quickly and without issue.
The total weight of this tent is 73kg which works well for larger vehicles and Utes.
The Explorer Evolution Tent by James Baroud
Anybody looking for a rooftop tent designed for speed and the ultimate off-road experience, then the Explorer Evolution is for you.
This hardshell tent has been designed to withstand road speeds of up to 120km/h, and that means you’re getting the chance to travel at speed on the great open road without ruining your rooftop tent.
The model is only 60kg too, which means it is quite light for its size and material offering.
There are six coatings sitting on top of this tent’s canvas, and these get you support for UV protection, waterproofing, breathability and more —these coatings in mind, the experience inside this tent trumps just about everything else out there.
The set up of these tents only takes a few seconds and is entirely automatic, which means you can rely on the gas struts to do all of the work.
As for the sleeping space, there is a 2 metre by 1.4 metre zone here, which means you’re getting a standard sleeping space, with a foam mattress included.
The Dakota 1600 Rooftop Tent by 23Zero
One of the lesser-known brands on our list offers a fantastic tent in the form of their Dakota 1600, and that means you’re getting a 280gsm canvas here with ripstop as well as a ventilated material design.
The rooftop tent does fit almost all roof racks out there. However, be mindful of the 64kg weight to make sure this tent is going to work well with your vehicle.
One of the best parts of the Dakota is the sleeping space. It’s a hair bigger than most standard rooftop tents and comes in 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres which means you’re getting a tad more wiggle room than most.
The SkyCamp 2X by iKamper
To a brand that is rather new to the scene, though still offers incredible camping tents, the iKamper SkyCamp is one of our final top picks this year.
The sleep surface in this tent comes in at around 2.18 metres by 1.38 metres which is just large enough for two adults and possibly a child! That means keeping a little one in the tent with you when you’re out camping is possible here — without being too cramped.
On top of this, the tent’s canvas does offer water-resistance as well as protection from the sun, and so you’re getting the ultimate comfort when out at your campsite.
The tent weighs a light 55kg, and thanks to the aluminium framing coming into action here, the tent is durable and easy to set up too.
What to Consider in a Rooftop Tent
To end our article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important things to consider when it comes to choosing a rooftop tent. You should always be on the lookout to invest in a product that suits your style of camping the best and is going to keep you safe, dry and comfortable when in the outback.
Here are our top things to consider in a rooftop tent.
Installation Difficulty
As we outlined in a number of our tents above, there is a range of different installation processes that come into play, and you’re going to want to make sure you select the one that is best for you.
For some of our readers, single-person set up is imperative for rooftop camping tents, whereas dual-person set up is fine.
On top of this, you’re going to want to consider the speed of a rooftop tent’s set up. If the process is a little slow or you’re going to want to set up as fast as possible, then look for the tent models that come with automatic set up mechanisms.
Hard and Soft Shell Models
A second consideration to keep in mind is the soft or hard shell rooftop tents.
For the soft shell tents, these are going to be a little more affordable and simply stand out in the weather when on your roof. They aren’t protected by a shell, and this could mean that they age a little faster, especially if they don’t have a UV-protected covering.
The hard shell models; these are more streamlined and protected from the weather as well as any tree limbs or other things that could work to damage, tear or rip your rooftop tent.
Size and Features
Our final consideration for our readers is to keep the size and the features of the tent in mind. These are things such as the sleeping zone along with the added features like an included mattress, ventilated screens, windows and other comfort-focused additions.
It is good to keep some of these features in mind when it comes to choosing where you like to go camping too. If you’re in a location that is quite warm and doesn’t feature a lot of cross-winds, then a ventilated model might be the best for you.
The Takeaway
With all of those excellent rooftop tents out of the way, we’re sure that finding the best rooftop tents in Australia will be an easy task for you.
Always be sure to keep in mind your roof rack’s weight limit, your ideal style of camping and whether you’re going to need a two, three or four-person type of tent. Keeping a few of these points in mind will have you finding your most ideal rooftop tent a lot easier.
