Planning to go camping but unsure of the best type of tent to take with you? For camping enthusiasts, there are few things more important than having a comfortable, reliable tent. But with so many different types and styles of tents on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Rooftop tents are becoming increasingly popular due to their easy set up, weatherproofing and durability. However, they can be expensive and may not be the best option for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of rooftop tents vs standard tents so that you can make the best decision for your next camping trip.
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Roof Top Tents vs Standard Tents: The Pros and Cons
There are a few key differences between roof top tents and standard tents that you should take into consideration before making your purchase. Let’s start with the advantages:
Advantages of a rooftop tent
1. They’re easy to set up
One of the main advantages of a roof top tent is that they’re very easy to set up. Most roof top tents come with everything you need to set them up in minutes, including an easy-to-follow guide. You simply park your car, pop up your roof top tent and you’re good to go!
Plus, being housed on the roof of your vehicle means you’re not spending time looking for the perfect flat piece of ground or dry area to pitch your standard tent – you’ve got a dry suitable area right on the roof of your car!
Even the most straightforward standard tent can be a nightmare to pitch, especially in wind or rain, but the process of jumping out of your car and opening up your rooftop tent is incredibly easy! For a hard shell roof top tent, simply pop it up and you’re done in seconds, a soft top roof top tent can take a minute or two longer while you unfold it but it’s still quicker than a standard tent.
2. They fit on most cars
You might be surprised to know that roof top tents fit on most cars, they’re not just for large SUVs or 4×4 vehicles.
However it is important to make sure you know your car’s dynamic weight limit before shopping for a rooftop tent.
A vehicle’s dynamic weight is the amount of weight it can carry while it’s in motion. A lot of cars have a dynamic weight around 165lb / 75 kg with a static weight (how much weight the car can carry when it’s stationary) that’s usually the dynamic weight x3.
You’ll also need to bear in mind that the weight of the roof top tent needs to include the weight of the crossbars that it sits on. Roof tents do not sit directly on the roof of your vehicle.
Make sure you know these two things before purchasing your roof tent:
- Dynamic weight capacity of your car
- Weight of the roof top tent and cross bars
Thule has great guides about weight capacities but always check with the manufacturer that you’re purchasing from.
3. They’re comfortable
Another big advantage of roof top tents is that they’re extremely comfortable. They often come equipped with foam mattresses and plenty of ventilation, so you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep no matter where you are.
No more waking up with backaches from sleeping on a rock that you missed when you set up your standard tent!
4. They protect you from the elements
Roof top tents also offer protection from the sun, rain, and wind—elements that can make camping in a standard tent uncomfortable (or even dangerous). They’re also great for regular campers or adventure seekers as they’re more durable and weatherproof than standard tents.
5. They keep you away from creepy crawlies!
I have to include this one because this is probably my partner’s biggest reason for loving rooftop tents – it keeps her away from the ground and the possibility of spiders or bugs making their way into the tent!
Obviously it’s still possible they could get into a rooftop tent too, but don’t tell her that!
6. They don’t take up valuable space inside your car
While this isn’t an issue for everyone, a big standard tent means space is sacrificed inside the car. A roof tent stays permanently fixed to the exterior, meaning you’ve got the whole interior of your car for the rest of your adventure gear!
As two people who tend to stuff their car with their entire life possessions on a regular basis, this is a huge plus for us and I’m sure for many others too! Especially if you’re traveling with children and need extra space for their gear.
7. they’re stylish!
Let’s be honest—roof top tents just look cool. If you want to up your camping game, a roof top tent is a great way to do it.
8. Cheaper than an RV
You’ve seen those huge RVs, aka homes on wheels, right?
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time of the road, the price of an RV, campervan or caravan can be seriously offputting. Those things can be $100k or more!
Roof top tents are around the $1,000 mark, so it’s much more affordable but with the same amount of mobility.
9. No parking restrictions
Having an RV or campervan can seriously limit where you can park. A standard tent can do, you can’t just pitch a tent in a car park and many countries have restrictions on camping outside of designated areas.
Fortunately, your roof top tent means you can still park your car in the same spaces you would usually, and your sleeping quarters are contained on the roof!
10. Less hassle
Ultimately, having a roof top tent on your car means you’re ready to pick up and go at a moment’s notice.
No need to dig the standard tent out of the attic or figure out the hitch for your caravan. Just you and your car and you’re good to go!
Disadvantages of a roof top tent
We honestly don’t feel that there are many disadvantages – we’re converted to roof top tents!
But the big disadvantage is that they’re expensive.
Roof top tents are often significantly more expensive than standard tents, so if you’re on a budget or you don’t camp regularly to justify the cost, they might not be the best option for you.
However roof top tents can be a great investment if you spend a lot of your time in the outdoors, on road trips, car camping, living a nomadic lifestyle, or are planning to!
Pros of a Standard Tent
1. They’re affordable
One of the main advantages of a standard tent is that they’re very affordable compared to other types of tents on the market. You can easily find a high-quality standard tent for under $100, making them a better option for budget-conscious campers.
2. They’re lightweight and easy to transport
Standard tents are also usually much lighter and easier to transport than other types of tents, making them ideal for backpacking or hiking trips where every ounce counts.
3. They offer lots of space
Another big advantage of standard tents is that they typically offer more space than other types of tents like roof top tents. This is great if you plan on camping with a lot of gear, you’re traveling as part of a large group or family, or if you simply want more room to move around while you sleep.
Cons of a Standard Tent
1. They’re not as weatherproof as other types of tents
One downside of standard tents is that they’re not always as weatherproof as other types of tents. This means that they might not be the best option if you plan on camping in extreme weather conditions.
While there are many standard tents that do stand up to extreme cold or high winds, these tents can be very expensive and bent tent poles are still a common occurrence!
2. They can be difficult to set up
Another potential downside of standard tents is that they can sometimes be difficult to set up, especially if you don’t have much experience setting up tents.
However, most standard tents come with an easy-to-follow setup guide that should make the process fairly straightforward – or at least it will be when you’ve practised a few times!
Summary: Roof top tent camping pros and cons
Whether you choose a rooftop tent or a standard tent for your next camping trip will depend on your budget, needs and preferences. Rooftop tents are easy to set up, durable and weatherproof but they can be expensive. Standard tents are more affordable and offer a lot of space but they’re not always as weatherproof and set up can be challenging.
Whether you’re trying to decide on the pros and cons of camping vs getting a roof top tent or just looking for some roof top tent recommendations, ultimately, the best type of tent for you will depend on your personal circumstances.
It’s important to consider all factors before making your purchase so that you can choose the best option for your needs.
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