Want to try before you buy? Rent these models to test them yourself, or use our calculator to determine if purchasing makes sense.
Our Review Methodology
We tested these rooftop tents over 12 months across UK conditions:
- Test locations: Scottish Highlands, Lake District, Wales, Cornwall
- Weather conditions: Summer heat, winter snow, heavy rain, high winds
- Vehicles tested: Ford Ranger, Land Rover Defender, Subaru Outback, VW Amarok
- Total nights camping: 80+ nights across all models
- Testers: Solo campers, couples, families with children
Overall Ratings Summary
| Model | Overall | Value | Quality | Ease of Use | UK Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tentbox Cargo 2.0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tentbox Classic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iKamper Skycamp 2.0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iKamper Mini | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autohome Maggiolina | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Tentbox Range Review (UK)
Tentbox Cargo 2.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Price: £1,695 | Weight: 58kg | Setup: 60 seconds
What We Love:
- ✅ Unique dual-purpose design: 270L cargo storage when closed is game-changing for road trips
- ✅ 60-second setup: Fastest in the Tentbox range, perfect for daily moves
- ✅ UK manufactured: Excellent support, parts readily available
- ✅ Value for money: Hard shell with storage at soft shell price
- ✅ Built for British weather: Handled Scottish storms admirably
Room for Improvement:
- ⚠️ Condensation management: Hard shell means moisture on ceiling in cold weather
- ⚠️ Sleeping space tight: Cozy for 2, cramped for 3
- ⚠️ Mattress firmness: Memory foam could be thicker (70mm vs iKamper’s 80mm)
Best For: Weekend warriors who want storage + sleeping, couples, frequent movers
Real-World Performance:
- Tested in -5°C Scottish Highlands: Remained dry and secure in 40mph winds
- Cargo space held full camping kit + food for week-long trip
- Zero issues after 25 nights of use
Our Verdict: The Cargo 2.0 is our top pick for UK adventurers who value versatility. The storage capability makes it stand out from all competitors. Minor condensation issues are manageable with proper ventilation. Rating: 4.5/5
Tentbox Classic ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: £1,895 | Weight: 62kg | Setup: 4-5 minutes
What We Love:
- ✅ Spacious interior: Most room of any tent tested (240cm length)
- ✅ Better insulation: Canvas breathes better than hard shells, less condensation
- ✅ Comfortable mattress: 80mm foam, comfiest sleep of all models
- ✅ Annex compatible: Ground extension creates massive living space
- ✅ Price point: Under £1,900 for this much space is excellent value
Room for Improvement:
- ⚠️ Setup time: 4-5 minutes vs 30-60 seconds for hard shells
- ⚠️ Packing in rain: Must dry within 24 hours to prevent mold
- ⚠️ Weight: 62kg makes installation challenging without help
Best For: Families needing space, basecamp setups, budget-conscious buyers
Real-World Performance:
- Comfortably slept 2 adults + 2 children (ages 6, 9)
- Handled Lake District rain storms with zero leaks
- Canvas held up perfectly after 30+ nights including winter use
Our Verdict: If you prioritize space and comfort over ultra-fast setup, the Classic delivers exceptional value. The extra setup time becomes routine after a few trips. Rating: 4/5
See our weight limits guide for vehicle compatibility with these models.
iKamper Range Review (South Korea)
iKamper Skycamp 2.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: £2,995 (£3,495 insulated) | Weight: 78kg | Setup: 60 seconds
What We Love:
- ✅ Premium build quality: Best materials and construction we’ve tested
- ✅ 60-second setup: Gas struts make deployment effortless
- ✅ Expandable design: Extends outward for massive interior space
- ✅ 360° views: Unique open design feels less claustrophobic
- ✅ Sleeps 4 adults: Actually comfortable for 4, rare in rooftop tents
- ✅ Integrated features: LED lighting, USB ports, excellent ventilation system
- ✅ Insulated option: Game-changer for winter camping
Room for Improvement:
- ⚠️ Price: £2,995 is significant investment (£3,495 for insulated)
- ⚠️ Weight: 78kg requires large vehicle and careful installation
- ⚠️ UK support: Parts/repairs slower than Tentbox (imported from Korea)
- ⚠️ Condensation: Metal shell sweats heavily without insulation option
Best For: Families of 3-4, serious overlanders, those wanting premium features
Real-World Performance:
- Tested insulated version in -12°C Scottish winter: Stayed surprisingly warm
- Deployed 40+ times with zero mechanical issues
- 4 adults (2 couples) actually slept comfortably – impressive
- Handled 50mph winds better than any other tent tested
Our Verdict: The Skycamp 2.0 justifies its premium price tag. This is the Rolls-Royce of rooftop tents – everything just works beautifully. If budget allows and vehicle can handle the weight, it’s the best tent on the market. Rating: 5/5
iKamper Skycamp Mini ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Price: £2,495 | Weight: 65kg | Setup: 30 seconds
What We Love:
- ✅ 30-second setup: Fastest deployment we’ve tested
- ✅ Premium for couples: Perfect size for 2 adults
- ✅ Lighter than Skycamp: 65kg vs 78kg opens up more vehicle options
- ✅ iKamper quality: Same excellent build as bigger sibling
- ✅ Compact footprint: Suits medium SUVs better than full Skycamp
Room for Improvement:
- ⚠️ Price vs space: £2,495 for 2-person seems steep vs Tentbox Cargo (£1,695)
- ⚠️ Limited expansion: No room for guests or children
- ⚠️ No insulated option: Winter camping requires aftermarket solutions
Best For: Couples who value speed and quality, smaller vehicles (Subaru Outback tested)
Real-World Performance:
- 30-second setup is no exaggeration – genuinely that fast
- Perfect for Subaru Outback (200kg static rating)
- Excellent in Welsh rain – kept completely dry
Our Verdict: If you’re a couple willing to pay premium for the fastest, highest-quality 2-person tent, the Mini delivers. But Tentbox Cargo offers similar functionality for £800 less. Rating: 4.5/5
Read our winter camping guide for tips on using non-insulated models in cold weather.
Autohome Maggiolina Review (Italy)
Autohome Maggiolina Airlander Plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: £2,595 | Weight: 55kg | Setup: 30 seconds
What We Love:
- ✅ Most aerodynamic: Visibly reduces fuel consumption vs competitors (3-5% better)
- ✅ Lightweight: 55kg makes installation easier, suits smaller vehicles
- ✅ 30-second setup: Gas struts work flawlessly
- ✅ Italian design: Beautiful aesthetics, quality materials
- ✅ Carbon fiber shell: Premium construction, very durable
Room for Improvement:
- ⚠️ UK support limited: European import means slower parts/repairs
- ⚠️ Price: £2,595 is premium pricing for 2-person capacity
- ⚠️ Condensation: Metal shell sweats significantly in UK weather
- ⚠️ Limited space: Interior smaller than Tentbox or iKamper equivalents
- ⚠️ Mattress: 60mm foam thinner than competitors
Best For: Fuel economy conscious, design enthusiasts, those prioritizing weight savings
Real-World Performance:
- Fuel economy impact 3-5% better than Tentbox Classic
- Lightest tent makes solo installation possible (though not recommended)
- Setup genuinely quick and easy
- Condensation was worst of all models tested – heavy dripping in cold weather
Our Verdict: Autohome Maggiolina excels at aerodynamics and weight, but struggles with condensation and UK support. It’s beautiful and well-made, but practical concerns and price make it hard to recommend over Tentbox or iKamper. Rating: 4/5
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Best Value: Tentbox Cargo 2.0 Wins
Why: £1,695 for hard shell + 270L storage is unbeatable value. Setup speed rivals £2,000+ competitors.
Best Quality: iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Wins
Why: Premium materials, flawless construction, integrated features justify £2,995 price. Nothing feels cheap.
Best for Families: iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Wins
Why: Only tent that actually comfortably sleeps 4 adults or 2 adults + 3 children. Tentbox Classic close second for budget-conscious.
Best for Couples: Tentbox Cargo 2.0 Wins
Why: Perfect 2-person space + storage beats iKamper Mini’s extra £800 cost. Cargo versatility wins.
Fastest Setup: iKamper Mini Wins
Why: 30 seconds is genuinely impressive. Autohome Maggiolina ties at 30 seconds.
Best for Winter: iKamper Skycamp 2.0 (Insulated) Wins
Why: Factory insulation transforms winter camping. Tentbox Classic’s canvas breathability is close second.
Most Versatile: Tentbox Cargo 2.0 Wins
Why: Cargo storage + sleeping capability makes it useful year-round, even when not camping.
Our Buying Recommendations
Budget Under £2,000: Tentbox Range
Choose Tentbox Cargo if: You want fast setup + storage + good value
Choose Tentbox Classic if: You need maximum space and prioritize comfort
Budget £2,000-£3,000: Tough Choice
Choose iKamper Mini if: You’re a couple wanting ultimate quality and fastest setup
Choose Autohome Maggiolina if: Fuel economy and aerodynamics are top priorities
Budget £3,000+: iKamper Skycamp 2.0
Why: Nothing else compares at this level. Get the insulated version (£3,495) if winter camping likely.
First-Time Buyers: Rent First!
Why: Test Tentbox vs iKamper before committing £1,500-£3,500. Different models suit different camping styles.
Rent both Tentbox and iKamper models to compare directly.
What About Other Brands?
James Baroud (France)
Not tested extensively, but initial impressions:
- Premium pricing (£2,695-£3,195)
- Excellent French engineering
- Limited UK availability
- Winter package impressive for extreme conditions
Verdict: Quality competitor to iKamper, but less available in UK. Consider if you find good deal.
Budget Brands (Generic, Unbranded)
Tested several £800-£1,200 models:
- ❌ Quality inconsistent (broken zippers, torn fabric within 10 nights)
- ❌ Poor customer support
- ❌ Setup mechanisms jam or break
- ❌ Condensation management terrible
Verdict: False economy. Spend the extra for Tentbox minimum. Cheap tents ruin camping trips.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
Overall Winner: Tentbox Cargo 2.0
Rating: 4.5/5
Why it wins: Best balance of price, features, and UK practicality. The storage capability is unique and genuinely useful. At £1,695, it offers hard shell convenience with soft shell pricing. UK manufacturing means excellent support. For most UK campers, this is the smart choice.
Premium Winner: iKamper Skycamp 2.0
Rating: 5/5
Why it wins: If budget allows (£2,995-£3,495), this is objectively the best rooftop tent available. Premium materials, flawless execution, sleeps 4 comfortably, insulated option transforms winter camping. Worth the investment for serious overlanders.
Value Champion: Tentbox Classic
Rating: 4/5
Why it wins: Most space for under £1,900. Families on budget can’t beat this value. Setup time drawback becomes minor after familiarity.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Tentbox Cargo | Tentbox Classic | iKamper Skycamp | iKamper Mini | Autohome Maggiolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,695 | £1,895 | £2,995 | £2,495 | £2,595 |
| Weight | 58kg | 62kg | 78kg | 65kg | 55kg |
| Setup Time | 60sec | 4-5min | 60sec | 30sec | 30sec |
| Sleeps | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 2 | 2 |
| Storage | 270L | No | No | No | No |
| UK Support | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Limited |
| Condensation | Moderate | Low | High* | High | Very High |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
*Low with insulated version (£3,495)
Try Before You Buy
With prices ranging from £1,695 to £3,795, choosing the wrong rooftop tent is an expensive mistake. We strongly recommend:
- Rent 2-3 different models: Compare Tentbox Cargo vs iKamper Skycamp vs Tentbox Classic
- Test in your vehicle: Confirm weight compatibility and setup process
- Camp in varied weather: Try rain, cold, wind to understand limitations
- Assess your usage: Determine if you’ll use it 20+ nights/year to justify purchase
For more guidance, see our articles on insurance requirements, vehicle compatibility, and frequently asked questions.
Own a premium rooftop tent? List it for rental to offset your investment when you’re not using it.