What type of rooftop camping do you want?
The right rooftop tent depends on the type of adventures you want to have.
Before comparing brands or models, think about how and where you plan to use your rooftop tent. A setup that works well for occasional weekend trips may not be the same choice as one designed for frequent touring or longer adventures.
Weekend adventures and short trips
If you mainly plan to use your rooftop tent for occasional weekends away, convenience and ease of use may be more important than having every available feature.
Consider:
- how quickly you can set up and pack away;
- whether the tent suits the places you usually visit;
- how much storage space you have when it is not being used;
- whether buying makes sense or whether hiring first could be a better option.
Longer trips and touring
For longer journeys, the overall practicality of your setup becomes more important.
Think about:
- comfort over multiple nights;
- storage solutions;
- durability;
- weather conditions you may encounter;
- how the tent works with your vehicle for extended travel.
Family adventures
If travelling with children or multiple people, consider how everyone will use the tent rather than only looking at the advertised sleeping capacity.
Think about:
- access and ladder use;
- sleeping arrangements;
- available space;
- how practical the setup will be when travelling together.
Occasional use vs regular use
If you only plan a few rooftop camping trips each year, hiring a rooftop tent can be a useful way to experience it before investing in your own setup. If you already know it will become a regular part of your adventures, owning your own tent may make more sense.
Hard shell vs soft shell: choosing the right style
One of the first decisions when choosing a rooftop tent is whether a hard shell or soft shell design better suits your needs.
Both types can provide a comfortable rooftop camping experience, but they offer different approaches to setup, space, storage and everyday use.
Hard shell rooftop tents
Hard shell rooftop tents use a rigid outer shell that closes over the sleeping area when travelling. They are often chosen by people who value:
- a more compact closed profile;
- a simpler setup process on many models;
- protection for the tent when packed away;
- a streamlined design when fitted to the vehicle.
Hard shell tents can be a popular choice for people who travel frequently or prefer convenience, but individual models vary, so it is important to compare the actual features and requirements.
Soft shell rooftop tents
Soft shell rooftop tents use a fabric construction and typically fold out when opened. They may appeal to people who want:
- a larger sleeping footprint on some models;
- more flexibility in design;
- a wider range of options and price points;
- additional space from certain fold-out layouts.
As with hard shell tents, the best choice depends on your vehicle, travel style and the features that matter most to you.
Which style is right for you?
| If you value… | You may prefer… |
|---|---|
| Quick and simple setup | Hard shell |
| A compact travel profile | Hard shell |
| More flexible layouts | Soft shell |
| More choice across budgets | Soft shell |
| Trying different options first | Hire before buying |
There is no single “best” rooftop tent style for everyone. The right choice depends on how often you travel, where you plan to go, who will use it and what works with your vehicle.
How many people will use the rooftop tent?
The number of people using the rooftop tent is an important factor when choosing the right setup.
Manufacturers usually provide a stated sleeping capacity, but the best choice depends on who will be travelling, how much space you prefer and how you plan to use the tent.
Solo rooftop camping
For solo travellers, a smaller rooftop tent may provide everything needed while keeping the setup lighter and easier to manage.
Consider:
- how much sleeping space you actually need;
- storage for personal equipment;
- whether you want a compact setup for easier travel.
Couples
Many rooftop tents are designed with couples in mind, but comfort can vary significantly between models.
Consider:
- sleeping layout;
- access and getting in and out;
- storage options;
- whether you prefer extra space for longer trips.
Families
Families may need to think beyond the advertised sleeping capacity.
Consider:
- how children will access the tent safely;
- sleeping arrangements;
- available internal space;
- whether additional camping equipment is needed.
For some families, a rooftop tent may work well as part of a wider camping setup rather than replacing every traditional camping option.
Choosing the right size
The largest rooftop tent is not always the best choice. A larger tent may provide more space, but it can also affect weight, vehicle suitability, storage and everyday practicality.
Choose a setup that fits the way you actually travel rather than simply choosing the highest sleeping capacity.
How often will you use your rooftop tent?
How often you plan to use a rooftop tent can have a big impact on whether buying one is the right choice.
A rooftop tent can be a great investment for people who regularly enjoy outdoor trips, but for occasional adventures, hiring may be a more practical option.
Frequent use
If you plan to use your rooftop tent regularly, owning your own setup can provide more flexibility.
Consider:
- having your preferred setup available whenever you want to travel;
- becoming familiar with your own equipment;
- choosing accessories that suit your style of camping;
- avoiding the need to arrange availability for every trip.
Occasional trips
If you only plan a few rooftop camping trips each year, hiring can help you enjoy the experience without the ongoing commitment of ownership.
This can be useful if you want to:
- try rooftop camping before buying;
- avoid storing a large piece of equipment;
- test different tent styles;
- decide how often you are likely to use one.
Consider the full ownership picture
Buying a rooftop tent is not just about the initial purchase price. Consider the wider ownership requirements, including storage, maintenance, fitting, removing the tent when not in use and ensuring your vehicle setup remains suitable.
For many people, hiring a rooftop tent first is a useful way to find out whether this style of camping fits their lifestyle before making a larger investment.
Choosing a rooftop tent brand
The brand name is only one part of choosing the right rooftop tent.
Established manufacturers often have different design approaches, features and price points, so it is worth looking beyond the badge and comparing what each brand offers.
When comparing rooftop tent brands, consider:
- the range of tent styles available;
- build quality and materials;
- warranty and after-sales support;
- availability of spare parts and accessories;
- compatibility information and fitting guidance;
- whether the brand suits your intended use.
TentBox
TentBox is one of the UK’s most recognised rooftop tent brands, offering a range of hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents designed for vehicle-based adventures.
When considering a TentBox setup, look beyond the brand name and compare the individual model specifications, including size, weight, features and vehicle compatibility. Explore current models and specifications on the TentBox official website.
Things to consider:
- which TentBox model suits your vehicle;
- how many people will use it;
- whether the setup fits your style of travel;
- what accessories and support are available.
Thule
Thule is a well-known name in vehicle carrying systems, including roof racks, bike carriers and outdoor equipment.
As with any setup, check that the complete system works together, including the vehicle, roof-rack system and rooftop tent requirements.
View current products and specifications on the Thule official website.
When considering a Thule rooftop tent, the same principles apply as with any setup:
- check vehicle compatibility;
- confirm roof-rack requirements;
- compare dimensions and features;
- make sure the overall system works together.
Latitude Tents
Latitude Tents is a UK rooftop tent specialist offering rooftop tent solutions for vehicle-based adventures.
Compare their current range, specifications and available accessories directly through the Latitude Tents official website.
As with any manufacturer, compare the individual tent specifications rather than choosing based only on the brand name.
Consider:
- tent design;
- sleeping layout;
- vehicle compatibility;
- accessories;
- support and availability.
Other rooftop tent brands
Many other rooftop tent manufacturers are available, with options covering different budgets, designs and travel styles.
When comparing brands, focus on the factors that matter for your setup:
- compatibility;
- build quality;
- support;
- availability of parts and accessories;
- whether the tent suits how you actually travel.
Manufacturer information can change as new models are released, so always check the latest specifications directly with the manufacturer before buying or hiring a rooftop tent.
Consider your vehicle setup
Your vehicle is one of the most important parts of choosing a rooftop tent.
The right tent is not just about size, features or appearance, it also needs to work with your vehicle, roof type and roof-rack system. Before choosing a rooftop tent, consider:
- your vehicle make, model and year;
- the type of roof your vehicle has;
- whether a suitable roof-rack system is available;
- the requirements of the rooftop tent you are considering;
- how the completed setup will affect your vehicle.
Choosing the tent after checking your vehicle
It is tempting to choose a rooftop tent first and then check whether it fits your vehicle, but the order should usually be reversed.
Start by understanding your vehicle’s requirements, then choose a rooftop tent that works with that setup.
Roof bars and compatibility
A roof-rack system suitable for carrying a roof box, bikes or other equipment does not automatically mean it is suitable for a rooftop tent.
The complete setup needs to be considered, including the vehicle, roof bars, fitting system and rooftop tent requirements.
If you are unsure whether a rooftop tent setup is suitable for your vehicle, check the manufacturer’s guidance before buying or hiring.
When hiring through RentMyRoofbox, always review the listing details and confirm compatibility before booking.
Should you buy or hire a rooftop tent?
Whether buying or hiring is right for you depends on how often you plan to use a rooftop tent and how confident you are that it suits your style of travel.
Buying can make sense if you already know rooftop camping is something you enjoy and you want your own setup available whenever you travel.
Hiring can be a practical option if you want to try rooftop camping first, only plan occasional trips, or want to test different setups before making a larger investment.
Buying
You may prefer owning your own rooftop tent if:
- you plan regular rooftop camping trips;
- you want your preferred setup available whenever you travel;
- you are comfortable with storage and maintenance;
- you already understand what type of tent works for you.
Hiring
Hiring may be a better fit if:
- you are new to rooftop camping;
- you only plan a few trips each year;
- you want to try different tent styles;
- you want to avoid storing and maintaining your own equipment.
If you are unsure whether rooftop camping is right for you, hiring first can be a useful way to experience the setup before committing to ownership.
Final checklist before choosing a rooftop tent
Before choosing a rooftop tent, take some time to check that the setup matches your vehicle, travel plans and expectations.
Use this checklist before making a decision:
How will you use it?
Consider whether you are planning occasional weekends, longer trips, touring adventures or regular camping.
Which tent style suits you?
Think about whether a hard shell or soft shell rooftop tent better matches your priorities around convenience, space and flexibility.
Who will use it?
Consider the number of people travelling, sleeping arrangements and how much space you realistically need.
Does it work with your vehicle?
Confirm that your vehicle, roof type, roof-rack system and chosen rooftop tent are compatible.
Have you compared the important details?
Look beyond the brand name and compare specifications, features, support and ownership considerations.
Should you hire before buying?
If you are unsure whether rooftop camping is right for you, trying a rooftop tent before buying can help you make a more informed decision.
Choosing the right rooftop tent is about finding the setup that fits your lifestyle, vehicle and adventures. Taking the time to research before buying can help you avoid choosing a tent that looks right on paper but does not suit how you actually travel.
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.
