Looking for the best rooftop tent available in Australia in 2025? Then read on because in this rooftop camper guide, we’re going to help you find the best rooftop tents Australia has!
Whether you’re travelling around Australia or are more of a weekend camper, a car-top camper can be a great alternative to your traditional style tents. A car-top tent up off the ground, securely attached to the roof, doesn’t take up precious space inside your car, plus there is less set-up and pack-down time – leaving you more time to enjoy your trip.
Another benefit of most rooftop campers for sale is that a top-quality mattress comes with it, so not only do you get a comfortable place to sleep, but you also save time on setting up beds. Plus, with your tent on top of your car, you have a smaller camp footprint, so you’ll have more flexibility in which campsites you can get onto.
If you’re looking for the best rooftop tents Australia has, then reading this guide is a great place to start. In these best rooftop tent reviews, I cover everything you need to know to buy one of the top rooftop tents perfect for you. Then in the review section, we look at some of the top-rated rooftop tents for camping from the very best rooftop tent brands in Australia.
This guide covers all kinds of rooftop tent camping options, including suggestions for the best hard shell rooftop tent and the best soft rooftop tent, the best small rooftop tent, and the best family rooftop tent with an annexe. So whether you’re after a luxury rooftop tent or the best cheap rooftop tent, hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding one that’s just right for you.
So let’s get into it and find you the best car rooftop tent for sale!
If you like to camp in Queensland, join our Queensland Camping FB group, where you can talk with other campers, ask for advice, and share your own camping experiences.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
Our Pick for the Best Rooftop Tent Australia 2025: Dune 4WD Nomad Lite rooftop tent.
Don’t fancy reading our entire best rooftop tent 2025 Australia guide and just want to know our recommendation for the best? Well, we suggest the Dune 4WD Nomad Lite rooftop tent. It’s not often we recommend the cheapest product in our reviews – but in this case, you just get so much value for your money with the Dune Nomad lite rooftop tent that it really is the best rooftop tent for the money in our view.
Not only is the Dune Nomad lite rooftop tent the cheapest tent in these reviews, but it’s also one of the lightest rooftop tent options, so it can be installed on pretty much any vehicle. Plus, it comes with a thick mattress, is made with top-quality materials, and is versatile in that you’ve got the option to add different sized annexes to increase your liveable space.
Keep reading below for our full Dune 4WD Nomad Lite rooftop tent review, or click here to check it out now.
The Best Roof Top Tent 2025 Australia Comparison Chart
In the best rooftop tents 2025 comparison chart below, we’ve listed all the tents featured in the review section. The chart provides a quick and easy way to compare the top rooftop tents and their features side by side to determine which one is best for you.
Scroll down to the review section below for further detail about these top 10 rooftop tents.
Name | Image | Type | Sleep Area (LxWxH) | Weight | Mattress Thickness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dune nomad compact | ![]() | Soft | 212 x 130 x 95 cm | 42 kg | 3cm |
Dune 4WD Nomad Deluxe Hardtop | ![]() | Hard | 200 x 140 x 100 cm | 85.9 kg | 5cm |
Darche Intrepidor | ![]() | Soft | 240 x 140 x 125 cm | 49.3 kg | 6.5cm |
Oztrail Overlander-Birdsville | ![]() | Soft | 243 x 143 x 130 cm | 87 kg | 6cm |
Oztent Apex | ![]() | Hard | 219 x 146 x 146 cm | 105 kg | 7 cm |
Dune nomad lite | ![]() | Soft | 200 x 120 x 70/110 cm | 48 kg | 5 cm |
Darche Panorama | ![]() | Soft | 240 x 140 x 125 cm 240 x 160 x 125 cm | 64 kg 71 kg | 5 cm |
Darche Ridgeback | ![]() | Hard | 200 x 130 x 144cm | 85 kg | 5.5 cm |
Is a Roof Top Camper Right for You?
Before we get into how to choose the best car roof tent, let’s just be sure that a rooftop camper is right for you. While rooftop campers are awesome and have some great advantages over standard tents, there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before you purchase one.
Below we’ve covered some of the reasons why a rooftop camper may not be right for you.
- Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages of having your tent on the top of your vehicle is that you’ll need to pack up your tent if you want to go anywhere while camping.
- Before setting up a rooftop camping tent, you’ll need to ensure your vehicle is reasonably level, which may require blocks.
- Compared to traditional tents, the top rooftop tents 2024 has are far more expensive.
- To get into rooftop campers, you’ll need to climb up a ladder, which is not ideal for younger kids, animals, or people with any mobility issues.
- You can buy some pretty large traditional tents, but when it comes to even the best roof tents 2024 has, you’re limited with space and, in particular, head height – there is no way you’ll be standing up in a rooftop tent.
- You’re limited to camping where your vehicle is parked, so this excludes walk-in campsites.
- Before heading off to camp, you’ll need to lift and mount the tent to your vehicle’s roof, which can be a bit of a pain. Then you’ll need to take it off once returning from your trip.
If, after reading the above, you’ve decided a rooftop tent is not for you after all, then I recommend you check out our guide to the best pop-up tents – they are the best!
However, if you’re still set on a rooftop tent, keep reading and find out how to choose a rooftop tent that is perfect for you.
Choosing the Best Car Rooftop Tent for Sale
In terms of what is the best rooftop tent, it’s different for everyone, as it depends on the sort of camping you do and a range of other factors that are unique to you. So that you buy one of the best rooftop tents 2025 has, which is perfect for you, consider the following factors.
Rooftop tent hard or soft shell top
Soft shell rooftop tent
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is buying a soft or hard case rooftop tent.
First-time buyers tend to look for the best soft shell rooftop tent, mainly because they are significantly cheaper. A softshell tent is usually canvas or nylon and is set up by internal hinges and poles.
Apart from the price, other advantages of a soft rooftop tent over a hardshell 4WD rooftop tent are they often have a larger sleeping area given they fold out beyond the roof of the vehicle (basically doubling in size), and there is also the option of adding an annexe for additional living space. This makes them ideal if you’re after a family rooftop tent.
The downside, though, is that given they are made from fabric, they are more prone to moisture build-up, resulting in mould that shortens the life span of these tents. Plus, they take much longer to set up than a hard-shell rooftop tent.
If you plan on regularly using your tent, then opting for one of the best hard shell rooftop tents Australia has is well worth it. A hardshell tent features either a fibreglass, plastic, or aluminium cover, which houses the fabric tent inside. These tents either use a hinge (clamshells) to open to one side or pop up evenly on all sides, like a box.
Hardshell rooftop tent
Unlike a soft top tent, a hardshell tent tends to keep its footprint to the vehicle’s roof area. This makes the sleeping area much smaller. However, a few options on the market fold out and allow you to add accessories like an awning or annexe.
The best hardshell rooftop tents are far quicker to set up and pack up and tend to have a slimmer profile and lower centre of gravity, which is much better for driving. Plus, there is no need for poles, pegs, or guy ropes, so your tent setup is smaller, and given the hardtop, you can sometimes pack additional gear on top.
Of course, the major downside with a hardshell rooftop is the price – even the cheapest hardshell rooftop tent is likely to be far more expensive than a softshell tent and heavier, so they are not suited to all vehicles.
But overall, a hardshell 4X4 roof tent has a longer lifespan, is more durable, is easier to put up, provides more head height, and is completely waterproof (so less concern for mould), often making them well worth the extra money.
Rooftop tent sizes – Sleeping Area and Head Height
Like any tent you purchase, you will need to consider how many people you need to accommodate. For example, generally, 4WD rooftop tents for sale start from a small two-person rooftop tent to larger tents designed to accommodate a family of 4.
However, just like standard tents, remember that whatever the manufacturer says about how many people the tent will sleep, use this as a guide only. For example, if it says it’s a 4-man rooftop tent, this means there is enough room for four people to lie side by side with little to no room for anything else. So if you want a roomy tent for two people, then the best 2-person rooftop tent is likely to say it sleeps 4.
Rather than pay too much attention to what the manufacturer says, take notice of the dimensions of the actual sleeping area and consider if this is enough space for you. Also, if you like a little bit of space above your head so you can comfortably sit up, look at these dimensions too, as they vary quite a lot from one tent to another.
In terms of head height, remember that the sides tend to slope down in some roof tents, so the height is not the same throughout. However, box-like, hardcover rooftop tents tend to have the same height throughout.
Rooftop tent weights
All vehicles have a rooftop weight limit, both static (while stationary) and dynamic (while in motion), specified by the manufacturer. So, checking the tent’s weight before purchasing is crucial to ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle it.
As well as the weight of your tent, you’ll need to factor in the weight of the roof racks, bedding, and any other gear you intend to store on the top of your vehicle.
If you intend to go off-road with your rooftop tent, you’ll also need to keep this in mind, as the off-road rooftop weight limit tends to be less than the on-road weight limit.
Even putting your vehicle’s rooftop weight limit aside, there are many reasons why a lightweight rooftop tent is best. Firstly, you’re going to have to lift this tent onto your roof, and of course, the added weight on your rooftop will change your vehicle’s centre of balance as well as the efficiency of your drive and mean higher fuel consumption.
Ease of setting up rooftop tent
If you’re looking for the easiest rooftop tent in terms of a fast setup, then an affordable hard shell rooftop tent is the way to go. Often all that is required to set up a hard shell tent is unclipping the shell and engaging the hinges, and thanks to internal gas struts, the tent basically sets itself up.
While soft shell tents take longer than hard shell, they still tend to be much quicker than a traditional tent. To set up a soft shell tent, you’ll need to remove the cover, insert the poles, and prop up the tent just as you would with a standard tent.
Vehicle and rooftop tent compatibility
Once you’ve determined the tent is within your vehicle’s rooftop weight limits, you’ll need to consider if your vehicle can be fitted with the appropriate roof racks for the tent to be secured.
The good news is these days, most vehicles can be fitted with at least some type of roof rack, and generally, all kinds of roof racks have fittings that will allow you to fix the tent to your vehicle securely.
Just note that in addition to your vehicle’s rooftop limits, roof racks also have a weight limit, so you’ll need to ensure that the roof racks can also accommodate the rooftop tent. Roof racks will also often have a different off-road weight limit, so consider this as well if you intend to go off-road camping with your rooftop tent.
Click here to read our guide on choosing the best roof racks for your vehicle.
Rooftop tent durability
Whether you opt to buy a soft shell tent or one of the best hard shell rooftop tents in Australia, you’ll want one constructed with quality, durable materials. Unfortunately, the biggest risk to tents is their exposure to the elements, including sun and moisture. Hard shells tend to do better in this respect, given they feature secure waterproof shells.
Rooftop tent Fabric
In terms of softshell tents, for longevity, look for tents made with thick fabrics. Fabric thickness is determined by GSM; the higher the number, the more durable the fabric—with most tents being made with fabrics with a GSM from around 260.
Also, for the best quality rooftop tent, ensure that soft shell tents are mould resistant and UPF 50+ rated. Other things to look for with an Australian rooftop tent include double stitching, full internal sealed seams, and reinforcement to prevent rips and tears. Another thing to consider is tents designed so the canopy can be removed from the frame and replaced without requiring an entirely new setup.
In addition to fabrics, ensure the metal components are built to last with heavy-duty aluminium bases, corrosion-resistant hardware, and floors designed to handle serious weight.
Rooftop tent ventilation and weatherproof
The best rooftop tents in Australia in 2025 will keep you well protected from the rain. Look for top-rated rooftop tents made with water-resistant fabrics and full-coverage rain flies. For maximum ventilation, look for tents with large windows with mesh panels to prevent mosquitos and midges from coming inside.
Ensure windows and doors have awnings with full coverage. This keeps the air flowing throughout and allows you to keep them open at night to minimise the accumulation of condensation throughout the night.
Ease of setting up rooftop tent
If you’re looking for the easiest rooftop tent in terms of a fast setup, then an affordable hard shell rooftop tent is the way to go. Often all that is required to set up a hard shell tent is unclipping the shell and engaging the hinges, and thanks to internal gas struts, the tent basically sets itself up.
While soft shell tents take longer than hard shell, they still tend to be much quicker than a traditional tent. To set up a soft shell tent, you’ll need to remove the cover, insert the poles, and prop up the tent just as you would with a standard tent.
Closed size of a rooftop tent
While the set-up dimensions are important for your comfort while camping, it’s also worth considering the tent’s dimensions once closed. This is particularly important for smaller vehicles.
You want to ensure once the tent is packed away, it keeps within the dimensions of the roof of your vehicle.
The packed height is also something to consider, as this impacts your ride in terms of fuel consumption and noise while driving. If your vehicle is particularly high, you will want to think about the additional height the tent will add and whether this will impact your ability to go under bridges or enter car parks, etc. If this is a concern, opt for a slimline rooftop tent.
Rooftop tent mattresses
A great feature of Australian rooftop tents is they come with an integrated mattress. However, the quality of these mattresses can vary greatly from one tent to another. So for the most comfortable rooftop tent, it pays to look closely at the type of mattress it comes with.
Rooftop tents tend to come with a range of mattresses, from thin pads to lovely thick memory foam tops and all sorts in between. The best hardtop rooftop tents in Australia tend to have the best mattresses.
In addition to the mattress’s thickness and type, consider whether it comes with a cover for easy cleaning. Also, often, the best-rated rooftop tents come with an anti-condensation mat that sits under the mattress to protect it from moisture and mould. Of course, if your tent doesn’t come with this, you can always purchase it separately.
Rooftop tent annexes and awnings
In addition to your tent, you may like to increase your space by adding an annexe and/or awning. These are great at providing areas where you can cook, eat, relax, or store additional gear with protection from the weather and bugs.
Annexes are only an option for soft shell tents, as they attach to the part of the tent that extends away from your vehicle and then enclose the area underneath. On the other hand, awnings are simply a roof that extends from your tent and is propped up by poles. This gives you an additional open area with overhead protection.
You may decide to go with an annexe, awning, or even both for the ultimate camp setup. Generally, annexes and awnings are things you purchase separately from your tent; however, if this is something you think you might want to add later, just check that they are available for your tent.
Rooftop tents other features and accessories
Like traditional tents, rooftop tents come with a range of features to make life more comfortable while camping. Of course, all good-quality rooftop tents will come with a ladder, window awnings, a mattress, etc. However, other features and accessories that you may like to consider are LED lighting, USB ports, storage pockets, anti-condensation mats, inner insulation tents, and more.
The Best Australian Rooftop Tents Reviews 2025
Hopefully, after reading the above, you better understand what would make the ideal rooftop tent for you. Keep reading our rooftop tent reviews below to find the perfect one for you.
Dune 4WD Nomad 130cm Compact Lite Roof Top Tent Review
If you’re simply looking for the best affordable rooftop tent, then you’re going to want to consider the Dune 4WD Nomad. Despite its cheap price tag, this rooftop tent is quite roomy and comes with all the basics you need, making it a great option for anyone after the budget rooftop tent.
The Dune Nomad rooftop tent is made from the same high-quality fabrics that tents twice its price are made from. It features a super durable 600D ripstop oxford canvas, a 210D rip-stop polyoxford fly with a 3000 mm waterproof rating, a 550 gsm PVC zip-off bucket floor and a cover with 600D oxford with PVC coating to store it all away in.
Included with the Dune rooftop tent is a rainfly, which, of course, is perfect for wet weather but also keeps the sun from beating down on the roof of your tent. You’ve also got integrated mesh windows complete with a single awning at the front that provide you with maximum airflow while still providing protection from the rain.
This affordable tent is spacious for its price. Plus, you can even add in more space with the optional annexe. An annexe is perfect for adding extra sleeping space for the kids or others who might tag along from time to time. It also provides a place to store your gear and a private spot for getting dressed. The rooftop tent comes with a 30 mm thick high-density foam mattress.
Other features include a single large door and windows on each side of the tent, a telescopic ladder, which is perfect whether you have a standard or lifted vehicle, plus the tent is incredibly easy to set up and pack down.
In addition to all these features, the Dune Nomad rooftop tent is incredibly lightweight at just 42 kg, so you can install it pretty much on any vehicle.
Whether you’re after a top-quality rooftop tent or simply an affordable one, the Dune Nomad rooftop tent ticks all the boxes – it really is one of the best value rooftop tents currently on the market. It’s also incredibly versatile, with the option to add an annexe, creating a bigger space when needed.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Dune 4WD Nomad Deluxe Hardtop Rooftop Tent Review
The Dune 4WD Nomad Hardtop Rooftop Tent is an excellent choice for those looking for one of the best hard shell rooftop tents currently on the market. This is a spacious tent, with some great features for a quick setup, a comfortable sleep, and an affordable entry point for a hardtop tent!
This hardshell rooftop tent basically sets itself up in an instant. Undo the latches and give it a slight push, and the external heavy-duty gas struts do the rest. Repeat this for the other side and hang up the ladder.
This awesome quality tent is made with a 190 g polycotton canvas that has a waterproof rating of 2000 mm PU. The protective case is also constructed with top-quality materials, featuring an aluminium frame that is lightweight, strong, and corrosion resistant.
Inside this Dune rooftop tent hard shell option, you’ll find a super thick 50mm mattress. The mattress is a good size for a couple, being 2 metres long and 1.4 metres wide. You’ve also got plenty of headroom at 1m high.
The tent’s interior has multiple storage pockets and includes an LED strip light bar, which is powered by a USB (power bank not included). Windows on all 4 sides of the tent for plenty of ventilation; however, there is only one entry point.
Other features include a telescopic ladder, and you’ve got 140mm of internal storage space even when the tent is packed away so that you can leave your bedding in place, just not your pillows.
You often have to compromise on space with a hard shell – but not with the Dune Nomad. With this rooftop tent, you’re getting the The Dune Nomad combines the spaciousness of a softshell tent with the effortless setup of a hardshell tent, making it an ideal combination of both worlds.. Although all these features don’t come cheap, it’s a surprise that this rooftop tent is quite affordable.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Darche Intrepidor Roof Top Tent Review
Next up in these rooftop tent reviews is the Intrepidor from camping giants Darche. Known for their top-of-the-range camping gear, their Intrepidor rooftop tents are no exception. This Darche rooftop tent comes in a width of 1400mm, and at just under 50kg, these are by far the lightest rooftop tents in this guide. This is ideal for those with a limited weight capacity on their vehicle’s roof.
Inside the Inrepidor light rooftop tent is plenty of room for two people and a decent amount of headspace—you’ll easily be able to sit up with loads of space still above your head. You’ll also both be very comfortable on the included thick 6.5cm foam mattress, which comes with a removable water-resistant cover.
The tent comes with extra-large 180-degree zippered mesh windows on both sides to enjoy the surrounding views. All windows have storm flaps, which you can access from the inside of the tent, so you won’t need to go outside in the middle of the night if it starts to rain or the weather gets cool. Then on the roof is a large mesh skylight, perfect for stargazing.
In addition, the tent comes with an adjustable 210 denier tropical fly, which is great at preventing condensation and provides additional airflow.
These top-quality tents are made with a 260 gsm polycotton canvas that features a ripstop weave and a 1500 PU waterproof rating. Additional features include a 2.1-metre aluminium square slide ladder, internal storage pockets, and mesh vents throughout to reduce condensation and increase airflow. When not in use, the canvas rooftop tent is stored away in a tough 600 gsm PVC cover.
Considering all the features you get with this rooftop tent, it’s incredibly lightweight thanks to its 25mm aluminium frame, so it’s perfect for those vehicles that may have a lower rooftop weight capacity. However, keep in mind that this rooftop tent is not compatible with an annexe, so it’s better suited for those who like to travel light.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Oztrail Overlander Birdsville rooftop tent review
If you’re looking for the best affordable rooftop tents, the Oztrail Overlander Birdsville rooftop tent is a great one to consider. The Oztrail rooftop tent is a super spacious, quality tent, yet despite its great features, it is an affordable tent.
The Oztrail rooftop tent is made with a top-quality 280 gsm ripstop polycotton canvas fabric. In addition, it has a 210 denier polyester rainfly for added protection from the weather. Finally, the whole thing gets tucked away in the super tough and durable 550 GSM PVC cover when not in use.
Inside this Oztrail rooftop tent, you’ll find an extremely comfortable 60 mm thick memory foam mattress. The mattress also features a removable cover, which is great for cleaning. You’ve also got 4 windows with superfine mesh, making it perfect for ventilation yet also protecting you from bugs.
Thanks to the lightweight, durable aluminium frame, it’s easy for just one person to set up; however, it is not as straightforward as others in this guide. The frame also features stainless steel hinges for longevity and comes with a lightweight aluminium telescopic ladder, which extends up to 2.3 metres.
The Oztrail is one of the most spacious rooftop tents in this guide. So whether you want a spacious tent for a couple or a family with young children, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the amount of space, especially if you purchase the annexe. The tent is a lot heavier than similarly sized tents, though, such as the Dunes tent. So, keep this in mind when making the final decision.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Oztent Apex 140 cm RT-C Clamshell Rooftop Tent Review
If you’re looking for another option for the best hard shell rooftop tent in 2025. Oztent has this covered with the Apex 140 cm RT-C Clamshell Rooftop Tent.
This is a smaller tent, one of the smallest in these reviews, so it is best suited to one or two people at the most. Nevertheless, the Oztent Apex rooftop tent offers incredible value for money for those after a high-quality hardshell rooftop tent. This rooftop tent is really designed for campers planning long trips or remote trips.
The beauty of this Oztent hard shell rooftop tent is that it pretty much sets itself up. Simply undo the 4 clamps at each end, give it a bit of a push, and then the internal heavy-duty gas struts take over, and in an instant, it’s completely open. Next, take out the ladder and add the awning poles, and the tent is fully set up. The ladder can be set up in 3 different locations, as there are 3 openings to access the rooftop tent.
The tent is made from a 190 g ripstop polycotton canvas that is fully waterproof. The top shell is made of honeycomb aluminium and is designed to clip on extras like solar panels and recovery boards. All in all, a tough and durable tent.
Inside this pop-up rooftop tent, you’ll find a 7cm high-density mattress with a cotton cover within a space of 2.19 m long x 1.46 m wide. You’ve also got around 146 cm of headspace, which is more than enough room to sit up fully.
The tent comes with doors on 3 sides. There are also windows on all four sides with mesh screens to keep out the bugs and small awnings to protect you from the elements. In addition, there are multiple internal storage pockets and a 2.6-metre telescopic ladder, which is safely stored away inside the tent when not in use.
This rooftop tent includes so many other options: reading lights, a condensation mat, a tablet holder, a remote control unit, an inbuilt Anderson plug, ventilation fans, and much more. The Oztent rooftop tent comes with a 2-year warranty.
Overall, this is a premium quality tent and certainly a good one to consider if you’re after the best hardshell rooftop tent. While certainly not the biggest rooftop tent in this guide, this super easy-to-put-up tent is an excellent option for a couple or a solo camper interested in remote camping.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Dune 4WD Nomad 140cm Lite Rooftop Tent Review
The Dune 4WD Nomad rooftop tent is a standard-sized rooftop tent suitable for two people with a very affordable price range.
This is a standard-size tent suitable for two people and comes with plenty of headspace. The tent comes with a 5cm foam mattress, which isn’t the thickest of mattresses – it’s one of the thinnest in this guide.
The tent is made with a Ripstop polyoxford construction with a silver coating, offering a waterproofing surface of up to 2000 mm. In addition, there are integrated mesh screens on each side of the tent that allow plenty of ventilation while keeping the bugs out.
Weighing in at 48 kg, this is an incredibly lightweight tent, thanks to a sturdy aluminium frame, so it’s perfect for pretty much any vehicle. It also features a lightweight telescopic aluminium ladder, internal storage pockets, and is well protected by a durable, water-resistant PVC cover.
Setting up the tent is extremely easy; remove the clips on the cover and place the cover out of the way. At the back of the rooftop tent, release the tensioning strap, and the hydraulic struts will do the rest.
The rooftop tent includes 2 outdoor pockets for storing your shoes. The Dune 4WD Nomad has 4 large windows for excellent ventilation and views.
So if you’re searching for a basic rooftop tent at an affordable price point, this is one to consider, and if you need more room, an annexe can be added to this model.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Darche Panorama Roof Top Tent Review
The Darche Panorama is another great tent that comes with the option of an annexe. Available in 1400mm, these are top-quality tents and come with a massive three-year warranty.
These Panorama tents are made to last, coming with a completely waterproof 320 gsm polycotton ripstop canvas with sealed stitched seams. The tent frame is constructed from sturdy 25mm aluminium and has stainless steel hinges. Then, to keep it well protected while stored away, you have a heavy-duty 600 gsm PVC cover.
For extra protection from the elements, the tent also comes with an adjustable tropical fly – this helps with airflow, prevents condensation, and prevents the tent’s roof from getting too hot from the sun.
Inside you’ll find full-width windows on both sides, which have a fine mesh for airflow and keeping out bugs. There is also a zippered sunroof for stargazing and maximum airflow or to zip it up during rainy or cold weather. Other features inside include built-in air vents and internal storage pockets.
Unfortunately, the Darche Panorama only has a 5cm thick mattress – certainly not the thickest on the market. However, the mattress does come with a removable water resistant cover, which is great for cleaning.
A handy feature is the removable pack-down bungee cords with three attachment points to make the pack-down super easy. Also included is a 2.3-metre telescopic aluminium ladder, which is extendable, so it is perfect for 4WDs that have an aftermarket lift.
Click here for more information and to check the price
Darche Ridgeback Hard Cover Rooftop Tent Review
If you’re after a hardcover rooftop tent that has a high-quality design and aerodynamic build as well as extra features like LED lights, then the Darche Ridgeback is one to consider. However, you will need a big budget to afford this tent—it’s one of the most expensive tents by far in these reviews.
Featuring an external aluminium shell that not only protects the tent while in transit but also the roof of the tent once set up. Thanks to the German-engineered Stabilus struts, the setup itself is super quick and easy. Simply open the stainless steel latches, give it a push, and it practically sets itself up. All you need to do is pull out the internal bar, and you’re good to go.
The tent is made with a 280 gsm heavy-duty ripstop polycotton canvas and has heavy-duty self-repairing coil zips throughout. Each of the large side windows has mesh screens to keep the bugs out and zip-up privacy screens.
This tent has a few little added conveniences like interior LED lights and handy storage pockets on each wall. So you’ll have the best night’s sleep in this tent, and having light already installed is a real bonus—all you need to do is plug the included cable into your USB power bank.
Other features include a zippable sky window, a removable fly for extra protection from the rain, and an easy-action 2.3 m aluminium telescopic ladder. The tent also comes with an impressive 3-year warranty.
You get a lot with this high-quality tent, but you have to ask yourself—are the extra bonuses worth the extraordinarily high price tag? Is it worth it? I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Click here for more information and to check the price
_____________________________________________________
And there you have it, our ultimate guide to the best rooftop tents. Maybe you might also be interested in our guide on choosing the best inflatable kayak. We have plenty of other guides to help you with camping, including pop-up tents, camping fridges, and we even have the ultimate camping checklist here.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.