Campers across Canada have no shortage of spectacularly beautiful places to venture for another blissful escapade. Additionally, there are plenty of different makes and models of roof top tents to make car camping easy. However, with so much to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to invest in.
Nonetheless, there are a number of portable tent features to compare and contrast. Prices range dramatically from a few hundred to thousands of dollars; add to that shipping costs, although some companies offer free delivery. Before making the best buy for you and your camping companions, you should know what to look for.
Compare & Contrast
Tent Material: Tent materials vary from breathable, lightweight nylon to heavier polyester cotton blends and traditional (and quieter) cotton canvas. The materials differ in type of waterproof coating and UV resistance. Cotton is already breathable, UV and water resistant. However, poly-cotton blend tents are slightly more resistant to tearing and mildew than pure cotton, making them an ideal choice for roof top camping.
Size: Roof top tents come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Several types of roof top tents are specifically designed for assembly atop a car. Other types are manufactured for truck beds. Further, tent capacity starts at 1-2 person and goes up from there.
Waterproof Index: Waterproof ratings are measured in millimeters and typically fall between 800mm to 10,000mm. The figure indicates the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand. Therefore, a tent with a 3,000mm rating can endure a 3,000mm (3 meter) column of water coming down before it starts to leak.
Higher waterproof ratings withstand heavy rain and light to substantial snow. Beware that cheap zippers that are not waterproof can affect water-resistance ratings.
Camping Style: Campers need a roof top tent suited to their use. Hardcore outback campers who’ll camp in any type of weather need tough, waterproof tent material. Light outdoor hikers may not require the extra protection of a more expensive roof top tent.
Quality: Browse online reviews, but also compare materials, price within your budget, and how often you plan on using your tent. Good quality roof top tents have a waterproof rating of 2000+, are simple to set up, and have a hard shell that protects it from weather during transport.
Ventilation: Most campers want good ventilation in their tents. However, some people prefer to keep the wind at bay, so compare the ventilation design of each tent.
Weight: Front Runner offers a lightweight tent at 40kg (88.18lbs). Most roof top tents weigh well over 45.36kg (100lbs). A solo traveler has to be capable of managing a heavier tent.
Colour: If colour matters, you may want to purchase a model with several options. Our two models are white and black hard shells with varied coloured tent material (check our product page for photos).
Accessories: Take into consideration whether accessories, such as ladder, are included in the price of the roof top tent. Some tent companies offer a free flashlight or storage bag with the tent; some do not.
Tools: Certain companies offer tools for setting up the tent; many models don’t require tools. The SkyRise small tent comes with a tool-free vehicle mount, including ladder and all hardware. Our units are designed for ease of installation.
RoofTop Tents, based out of Nanaimo, BC, offers two quality models. Compare:
The Owl Series Air Top Tent:
- Type: Outdoor Fiberglass Hard Shell Car Roof Top Tent
- Size: 210cm x 145cm
- Roof Rack Not Included
- Colour: Black (Customized)
- Hard Shell: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
- Stainless Steel Strut
- Aluminum Poles
- Tent Material: 280G Polyester Cotton Canvas
- Waterproof Index 3000+
- 1-2 Person Tent
- Single Layer
Noah’s Ark Series Air Top Tent:
- Type: Outdoor Fiberglass Hard Shell Car Roof Top Tent
- Size: 214cm x 145cm x 29cm
- Roof Rack Included
- Colour: White
- Hard Shell: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
- Stainless Steel StrutÂ
- Tent Material: 280G Polyester Cotton Canvas
- Waterproof Index 3000+
- 1-2 Person Tent
- Single Layer
- Net Weight: 70kg; Gross Weight: 85kg
Side Awning:
- Awning Cover Material: 600g PVC
- Size: 200cm x 250cm x 300cm
- Waterproof: 3000+
- UV: 50+
- G.W.: 12/14/16kg
- Height: 1.5-2m
Whether solo traveling or cozy camping with the kids, these tents are ideal for simple car camping and so much fun.
A new roof top tent can conveniently be set-up almost anywhere you choose to park your vehicle. And you don’t even have to pack away the bed as it stores perfectly in the hard shell. Who wants to make their bed when there’s so much adventuring to do outside? Contact our roof top tent company today and you’ll be one step closer to serene outdoor bliss.
