Rooftop Tents
Buying Guide
Why Buy a Rooftop Tent?:
Rooftop tents have changed the way Australians camp. Setup takes minutes, you're sleeping on a proper mattress elevated off the ground, and you can pitch wherever you can park - gravel, rock, uneven terrain, no problem. Many models let you leave bedding inside, so there's no fussing with a ground sheet and guy ropes at the end of a long drive. Once you've slept in one, it's hard to go back.
Which Brands We Stock:
We've built our RTT range around two brands: 23Zero and Inspired Overland. 23Zero covers a huge spread of buyers -from weight-conscious SUV owners to serious 4WD tourers after a heavy-duty hard shell with all the features. Inspired Overland takes a different approach, focusing on lightweight construction that opens rooftop tent camping to vehicles that were traditionally locked out of the market. Both brands build quality products and stand behind them.
Considerations Before Buying:
The single most important number before you buy is your vehicle's dynamic roof load rating - and remember, that figure includes your roof rack, not just the tent. From there, think about how often you camp (frequent campers can justify more features; occasional campers should consider the daily weight and drag penalty), how tall you are, whether you want to leave bedding inside, and what you might add later like awnings or solar. Get those answers sorted and your choice narrows quickly.
Types of Rooftop Tents:
There are three main styles. Hard shells have a rigid outer casing, open with a single or dual hinge, and suit buyers who want fast setup, a low-profile look, and the option to mount roof rails on top. Soft shells fold in half and offer generous interior space at a more affordable price point, though they sit higher on the roof and usually can't store bedding inside. Hybrid models blend both approaches - compact footprint with some hard-shell features - and suit buyers with specific vehicle or mounting restrictions.
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