What Are The Benefits Of A Roof-Top Car Tent, And Should You Invest In One?

2022-05-28 02:43:35 By : Mr. Jonathan Li

We're answering whether or not a price of a roof-top tent justifies the means and all the benefits that come with owning one.

Camping has been fairly revolutionized this past year with the increase of people seeking to commune with nature once again while socially-distancing themselves at the same time. It's a travel trend that's not expected to change anytime soon and will likely only continue to grow in 2021, as people seek ways to reunite with the Great Outdoors and appreciate what's (literally) in their own backyard, away from large crowds and busy city life. Glamping may have taken the camping world by storm several years ago but now, roof-top tents are here to move into first place in terms of the most convenient ways to bond with nature.

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There are plenty of pros and cons to the idea of a roof-top tent - and by 'roof-top,' we mean a car rooftop, not a building rooftop! Camping on top of one's car or truck might seem strange at first but when you hear the benefits, you might just decide this is one camping method that's worth trying.

The greatest thing about a roof-top tent (one of the greatest, anyway) is the fact that campers are off the ground. This means that any ground-dwelling pests such as snakes, large insects, and any other pesky critters one might encounter in the woods will be an entire level beneath the tent.

This alone makes a roof-top tent feel worth it, as it provides campers with the upper hand and gives them a high advantage, which is also comforting when camping in the same places where larger animals, such as bears and large cats, could be prowling. It won't be a survival cure-all but it will likely provide some much-needed comfort in densely-wooded areas and for first-time campers. This also means that campers will be above large swarms of bugs depending on the height of their vehicles.

So, how comfortable is a roof-top tent, anyway? Luckily, many tents come with foam pads that sit at the bottom of the tent, providing a cushioned layer between the roof of the car and one's feet or back. Unlike regular tents, roof-top tents usually come with windows as well which are made with mesh, providing the ultimate breeze and airflow.

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Of course, you could get this with a door (which is also built-in) but it's nice to have the option for extra air circulation. In terms of durability, most roof-top tents are highly durable and last at least three seasons if not more, thanks to the canvas-like material they're made out of and heavy-duty aluminum supports which prevent the tent from bending out of shape. Most tents are also waterproof, and UV, and mold-resistant.

For those seeking extra protection, there is such a thing as hard-top roof-top tents. These provide secure and steady protection from any type of weather and can handle high winds as well, usually lasting longer than the average roof-top tent. In terms of soggy camping days, roof-top tents automatically provide protection from any water seepage or soggy mornings which is common with other ground tents.

Roof-top tents are also highly versatile; anywhere a car or truck can go, a roof-top tent can go. This also leaves more room open inside of the car, as well as on the ground below for things such as chairs, fires, cooking spaces, etc. They're also designed to fit on the rooftop of nearly any vehicle whether it's a sedan or a truck. There are even roof-top tent options for those who drive compact cars, so the options for off-the-ground camping are truly unlimited. With an easy setup and lightweight gear, it almost makes roof-top camping a no-brainer.

Understandably, roof-top tents are more advanced than the average tent so it makes sense that the cost of buying one would be higher. However, with all the added benefits of not being at ground-level, the price is certainly justified, as is the amount of uses that come from one tent alone.

The price of roof-top tents can vary anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on which type of tent is needed for the vehicle a camper owns. However, this is still cheaper than other camping alternatives such as RVs and trailers. Therefore, the price becomes less of a factor if the original plan was one of these, since it reduces space, the need for a trailer hitch, or even paying for gas. It comes down to how much camping is done, the size of the camping party, and how much versatility is needed during one season.

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Katie boarded a plane by herself for the first time at the tender age of 12 to traverse nearly 9,000 miles halfway across the world. That first trip is what ignited a lifelong passion, and it's one that continues to be fueled through pen and paper... Or, in this case, a keyboard and a computer screen. After many travels during a B.A. in English Literature and foray through digital marketing, her life path was made abundantly clear. Before finding a home with TheTravel, her focus was indie publications and she has been published with Bolde, The Arts Fuse, The Silver Tongue, LI Pulse, Tattooed Heroine Magazine, and more. She can be reached at lianna.t@thetravel.com