The choice of rooftop tents is better than ever, which means off-road enthusiasts just like you can reap all the rewards of staying off the ground in the world’s most rugged destinations.
These modern-day, completely portable treehouses are great choices whether you’re a regular adventurer or plan to spend the summer indulging in your very first off-road trip. With super-fast set-up and pack-up, you can conquer any destination, even if there’s rocky or uneven terrain to contend with.
There are more perks to sleeping off the ground, particularly when it comes to sleeping soundly with local wildlife nearby as Trail and Summit discuss:
“Animals are less likely to get into your tent if it’s off the ground, and especially if you remove the ladder while you aren’t in the tent, so squirrels and such can’t climb up. It will be much harder for creepy crawlies like spiders, scorpions, or snakes to get into your tent as well. In Australia and Africa, where there are extremely nasty critters on the ground, RTTs have been popular for some time, but they have begun to catch on in the United States in recent years too.”
The best rooftop tents are also unbelievably comfortable and spacious, with many coming complete with internal lighting and USB ports.
When shopping for your rooftop tent, you’re certain to come across one brand more than any other – ARB. We’re proud to be stockists of ARB’s top-rated rooftop tents, but how do they compare?
Esperance
The priciest rooftop tent in our rundown but also ARB’s most premium. Unlike the brand’s other designs, the ARB Esperance rooftop tent incorporates a hard shell case, which means the highest level of protection against the elements.
Accommodating two adults and one child, Esperance is the culmination of ARB’s 20 years of experience designing and developing rooftop tents. The result is an ultra-high quality roof top tent that’s water resistant, practical and comfortable.
Its low packed height means less wing drag for your 4×4, whilst its internally stored telescopic ladder ensures ease of access and use. Inside you’ll find a 40mm thick, high-density mattress with a washable cover, storage pockets, LED lighting (internal and external), windows with insect-proof screens, and even a large moon roof to provide additional ventilation.
Flinders
The ARB Flinders rooftop tent is another premium camping product that’s already used by thousands all over the globe.
Ideal for two adults, this tent features the build quality you’d expect from the brand, this time in soft shell, heavy-duty canvas form. Again its low packed height and removable ladder make it a fantastic touring companion even when it’s not in use.
You’ll find four zipped windows (complete with dual, insect-proof screens) in total along with a large stargazing roof window. In addition to this, the side windows and tent entrance feature rain and sun awnings for extra coverage.
The Flinders’ curved roof poles also deliver improved head height and optimum water runoff. Featuring a 50mm chip form mattress with polycotton cover, internal lighting and USB ports, the Flinders rooftop tent is a home away from home.
You can find out more about the features of the ARB Flinders rooftop tent here.
Simpson III
Last but certainly not least is the ARB Simpson III roof truck tent, a premium product that also includes an annexe, UV stable cover and retractable ladder. Utilising a new, cutting-edge polycotton fabric and a selection of market-leading features, the two-berth rooftop tent is well known for its durability and easy setup.
It may be less spacious than the Flinders model, but its screened windows and doors, and water-shedding polyester flysheet mean it’s a great choice for those looking for simpler, easy-to-set-up convenient sleeping quarters.
Just purchased a rooftop tent of your very own? Read our guide to fitting a rooftop tent to your vehicle to prepare for your upcoming trip.
