Australia put rooftop camping and the term “overlanding” on the map. It would take this ground-breaking style of camping to conquer the rugged and unpredictable terrain of the Outback.
Owning a dependable hard-shell rooftop tent is something for a camper to be proud of. These durable cartop tents separate their owners from normal campers by miles. Overlanding warriors can travel onto terrain where normal tents wouldn’t dream of going.
If you’re a newcomer to rooftop camping and you’ve been thinking about getting a hard-shell rooftop tent, we’re glad you’re here. Continue reading for a short guide on these hard-top monsters.
Points to Keep in Mind
There are several key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a hard-shell rooftop tent. Use this list as a guide when you make your final decision.
Capacity
How many people do you need to accommodate? Come up with an average number of how many will be sleeping in the tent. This is a great starting point.
It’s never a bad idea to go just a bit bigger than you would expect. You never know when you might have extra guests.
Weight
There are ratings according to the weight capacity a roof rack can hold. Either go with a tent that is within your roof racks capabilities or upgrade the roof rack.
Type
Hard-shell rooftop tents come in two different styles. There is the wedge-style and the popup style. Wedge-style tents provide more cover and protection from the elements and are larger. Popup rooftop tents are smaller, but they are easier to assemble.
Price
There is a wide range of prices for rooftop tents. Hard-shell tents are typically going to run somewhere between $2,000 and $4,000. This leaves a comfortable window for any sized budget.
Storage
Many rooftop tents come with extra storage features that come in handy even if you’re not camping. If you’re the type to travel often, you might think of getting an upgraded tent with extra storage options.
Hard-shell rooftop tents are a great way to go if you’re a hardcore camper. With many different designs, styles, and sizes, it’s easy to find the right type to accommodate you and your family!
