We have witnessed a great deal of change in the last century and camping life is no different. While much of the world has been altered in the last hundred years, some things never go out of style. Travelers all over the globe continue to embrace the outdoor lifestyle and camping is the ideal way to get out and live.
Along with transformations to our environments, there have been amazing innovations in outdoor camping equipment. Long gone is the musty, moldy tent of yesterday—a canvas tarp tied down with a rope. For instance, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy the luxury of ‘glamping’ in fully outfitted RV’s that bring your home with you wherever you go.
However, many campers prefer to leave the conveniences (and responsibilities of maintaining those conveniences) of home behind. Certainly, one of the easiest, most affordable, and comfortable ways to do so is with a rooftop tent.
While many of us may have never heard of a rooftop tent, they’ve actually been around for quite some time. Technology has allowed them to evolve over the years into something suitable for every type of camper.
Innovations in design have made rooftop tents lightweight, easy to install on your roof rack, and streamlined to look great too.
What is a rooftop tent?
A type of accessory that attaches to the roof rack of your vehicle. Along with the use of a ladder, campers may sleep safely and comfortably inside the tent set up on the roof.
Rooftop tents originally started to pop up in the early twentieth century across Western Europe. These early homemade versions often looked somewhat amusing or downright  hilarious on vehicles of that period. Modern versions began to appear in the late 50s, with more waterproofing and lighter fiberglass material.
Although often seen on four-wheel drive vehicles, rooftop tents may be fitted to almost any vehicle.
Modern rooftop tents boast several modern features and functions that make camping even more worry-free.
- Lightweight fiberglass layered shell
- Painted shell
- Aerodynamically designed
- Additional storage accessories may be purchased
- Stainless steel hardware latches
- Secondary ratchet straps for added security
- Most tents come with or without a roof rack for easy installation
- Select models come with a standard rail mounting system
- Tents remain secure while traveling on all types of terrain
- Hard shell rooftop tent models keep dust and debris away
- Select models may have side and end ventilation awnings/overhangs
- Some units can be set up in under 5 minutes
- Polyester, UV protected tent material is often mold-resistant
- Waterproof
- Some units open on all 4 sides
- Most campers can sit up comfortably inside the tent
- Roomy enough for two sleepers
- Built-in mattress
- Manufactured to withstand most weather conditions (wind, rain, snow)
Depending on the model, select rooftop tents may or may not have some or all of the aforementioned features.
If this makes the camper in you curious, check out our product page for more information.
