This soft-shell roof top tent from well-known brand Darche is built with quality materials, comes with an added spacious annex, and is specifically designed to withstand Australia’s rugged terrain.

The tent itself weighs just under 64kg with the annex an added 7.4kg. Installation is surprisingly straight forward, thanks to the clear and detailed instructions. The tent comes with all brackets, mounting plates and bolts needed to fit the tent and also includes the correct size wrench.

Once installed, the assembly is really quick and easy to with just one person. Simply remove the cover, release the straps, use the ladder as a lever to pull the tent down and then insert the poles into the lugs and peg down the guide ropes. Check out the handy video below to see just how simple this process is!

The tent has a good-sized sleeping area (2.4m x 1.4m) and the high density 50mm mattress provides a comfortable night sleep. The added annex features 3 way access and even a vehicle access door making this one of the best car top tents.

Other great features include 320gsm poly/cotton ripstop canvas, full width 180° side windows, a telescopic ladder, built in air vents, and double stitched seams.

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This is a soft roof top tent from Adventure Kings that is incredibly spacious and even comes with the option of an impressive 4-person annex to make it even bigger.

The tent itself weighs 64.5kg which is pretty standard for roof top tents. Installation is super quick, just place the tent on top of your roof rack and use the included plates and bolts to secure it by tightening with the wrenches.

Assembly is easy, even with just one person and takes about 3 minutes! Remove the cover, unbuckle the straps, slide the ladder out then use it to pull the tent down and, finally, attach the support bar.

The sleeping area is a 3.1m x 1.45m, which is extremely generous for this style of rooftop tent.  The extra-thick 75mm open-cell foam mattress is great for a comfortable night sleep. The added 4-person annex turns this tent into a 4 to 6 person sleeping area.

Other great features include 320gsm polycotton rip-stop canvas, large doors and windows on all 4 walls, adjustable 2m alloy ladder, and a heavy-duty PVC floor that’s easy to remove and clean.

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Dometic’s rooftop camper is made using really tough PVC with two layers meaning it can handle even bitterly cold environments with no trouble. The PVC cover is water-resistant, with a UPF 50+ protection rating.

Including the ladder, this tent weighs just 56 kg, thanks to its frame made from a lightweight aluminium alloy. Setting up the tent is so simple and fast. It uses a 12V operation and has a wireless remote control so you can assemble in less than one minute!

The sleeping area measures 1.2 x 2 metres with a height of 1.1 metres. With the tent, you get a 5 cm thick, high density foam mattress that comfortably sleeps two people. The telescopic ladder makes for easy access and the double layered mesh windows mean you get fresh air but no midges.

With your purchase, you even get a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

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This rooftop tent by Adventure Kings is made from 320 GSM polycotton ripstop canvas. It’s 100 percent waterproof and designed to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

The tent frame is built with strong, powder-coated aluminium which gives a strong, durable tent that’s resistant to rust. Including the ladder, the tent weighs 93.5 kg.

To set up, all you need to do is undo two latches and give it a slight push. From there, powerful gas struts take over and it takes just seconds. Then, position the four awning poles and you’re done

The mattress measures 2.28 x 1.4 metres – absolutely huge! The great thing about Adventure King’s rooftop tent is that when closed, it’s only 29.5 cm high. This means there’s basically no effect on your fuel economy. You can also leave your bedding inside the tent when it’s packed down so your bed is always ready.

There’s mesh windows on all three sides so you can enjoy a cool draft and included is a hanging storage pocket to keep your phone, book, etc.

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This pop top roof tent is a great option if you would prefer a hard shell, it’s super quick to set up and I really think it’s the best hard shell roof top tent Australia offers for the affordable price.

The tent weighs 73kg and the roof is made from an ABS anti-ageing polymer and features a streamlined design to protect it whilst travelling. The material walls are made from weatherproof 320gsm canvas and the roof overhangs to channel water away.

Assembly could not be quicker and is the most impressive feature of this option. It takes under 2 minutes and all you need to do is unlatch the sides and let the internal struts pop the tent out and do the work for you. There is even a long strap on each end so packing up is just as easy.

The sleeping area measures 2m x 1m with a 50mm open cell foam mattress for comfort. Although this is a slightly smaller size than some of the other options, that’s pretty normal for hard shell rooftop tents.

This rooftop camper also features a telescopic ladder for easy access, windows on all 4 sides, and midge proof mesh on all openings.

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Yakima’s tent is a huge one that fits up to three people or a maximum weight allowance of an enormous 272 kg. This tent is designed for all four seasons and it’s built with a tough 600D ripstop polyester fabric that is paired with a 3000mm waterproof PU coating. It’s designed so that rain doesn’t collect and instead simply runs off so there’s no chance of the tent springing a leak.

The frame is made with lightweight aluminium and the whole thing weighs just 52kg including the ladder. Installation takes around 15 minutes – the frame is pre-built, making the whole process really simple.

The tent measures 2.43 x 1.42 metres with a height of 1.22 metres. The included mattress is 6.4 cm thick and has a removable cover which makes for easy cleaning.

There are mesh windows on all sides and on the roof – gaze up at the night sky before going to sleep. You’ll also get a rugged 680g PVC cover, two tough SKS locks and a fantastic two year warranty so you know you’re buying quality you can trust.

Budutec’s tent is a spacious and rugged rooftop tent. It’s built with a thick, heavy duty canvas that’s waterproof. The roof is designed with the hot Australian sun in mind and works to keep you cool even in the middle of the day.

The frame is fully welded and built using a tough alloy. This means that you are free to mount equipment to the roof when the tent is closed, for example, surfboards, to a max weight of 70kg. The weight of the tent itself is between 80-84 kg.

Opening and closing the tent takes just 10 seconds. It’s possible to leave your bedding inside too which makes setting up at your campsite even simpler. It measures 2.2 x 1.5 metres and the mattress is a comfortable 8cm thick. When closed, the tent has a low profile – just 20 cm – meaning you don’t get much wind resistance when driving, and it doesn’t affect your miles per gallon too much.

Camp King’s tent might just be the king of rooftops. This a premium quality tent that is built to last. It uses Australian made wax Coolabah ripstop canvas. It’s completely waterproof and dust proof – Camp King’s tents go through rigorous testing to ensure all seals are of the highest quality. It’s suitable for all weathers and will keep you warm in winter with it’s closed-cell foam roof.

The frame and ladder are built with strong 2mm 5005 grade aluminium and the tent weighs in at around 90kg. Installation is fast and not complicated and the setup time for this one is around one and a half minutes. You can leave the bedding inside when it’s closed too.

The tent measures 2.17 x 1.32 metres and its slanted roof is 1.74 metres at the highest point, giving you plenty of space. It comes with a standard double mattress so you’ve got plenty of space to stretch out.

You get a telescopic ladder with the tent and you can access the tent from all three sides through the mesh door/windows which also give you great airflow.

This rooftop by Dune is one of the most spacious on our list. The canvas is a rugged ripstop polycotton that’s waterproof up to 3000mm and has is UPF50+. You can comfortably fit three people inside and it’s got a whopping weight capacity of 300kg.

Setting up takes just seconds. It has a hydraulic cylinder mechanism meaning you don’t need to do any hard work to get it ready to go. It weighs 56kg which is pretty light, especially for the size.

Dune’s tent measures 2 x 1.4 metres inside with a height of 1.2 metres. When it’s packed down it has a height of 30cm. It comes with a 5cm thick, high density foam mattress included.

There’re also some large shoe pockets that are perfect for storing hiking boots etc. It’s got windows on two sides and a large door at the front – all with mesh to keep bugs out but keep you well ventilated.

You’ll get a two-year warranty with your purchase for peace of mind. This tent is offered at a really reasonable price.

This hard-shell tent is iKamper’s new version of the SkyCamp – it’s designed to comfortably sleep two adults or two adults and one child. It’s made with a durable but breathable 300gsm polycotton canvas – it’s water resistant and will shield you from the hot Australian sun too.

A nice feature is how you can pick the colour from three varieties to suit your car – black, blue, or white. It takes just one minute to set up, is easy to install and will fit on any standard crossbars. It weighs 55kg – not bad at all for the size, thanks to the aluminium floor. The outer shell uses fibre reinforced plastic and has two layers.

The tent measures 2.18 x1.38 metres with a height of 1.1 metres. Included is a mattress that measures 193 x 130cm. It’s “super high” density, so despite being only 5 cm thick, it’s really comfortable.

You’ll get a telescopic ladder with the tent. There are mesh windows/doors on three sides and even a skylight. You get great ventilation and can gaze up at the stars at night. You can also lock the case to prevent any theft. This is the perfect size for a couple or small family.

Howling Moon’s tent is made with a 380-gsm blend of cotton and polyester. This blend means it has superior strength (especially because of the double stitched seams), thermal properties, but is also breathable. It also enhances the waterproofing and means it provides an effective barrier to dust. It’s treated with an anti-fungal coating and provides UV protection too.

The frame is constructed with lightweight aluminium helping it to keep its overall weight super low – just 48kg. Set up is quick and made even quicker since you can store bedding inside even when you’re travelling to the next campsite.

Dimensions differ depending on which model you choose, but the 1.2 metre deluxe version measures 2.4 x 1.2 metres with a height of 1.2 metres. It comes with a 7.5cm thick, high density foam mattress. When you close the rooftop, the mattress is rolled instead of folded, prolonging the life of the mattress and preventing damage.

You’ll get a telescopic ladder with the tent that has non slip rungs. There are windows or doors on all four sides so you get great ventilation but can keep mozzies out with the mesh. You’ll also get a great two year warranty from Howling Moon with your purchase.

This product by Superior is not just a rooftop tent – included in the price is also a side annexe that can be used as your living area. You can also access your vehicle through a zipper door. When it’s time to sleep, head up the ladder, all while under shelter. It’s constructed using a 280gsm ripstop cotton canvas, using double stitched seams to increase strength. It’s wax coated to make it completely waterproof as well as resistant to mildew and mould thanks to its spray treatment.

The 2.2cm thick base and frame uses mostly aluminium with some steel parts. The weight of this one is approximately 85kg. Setting the whole thing up takes around five minutes and your bedding, as well as all other parts like pegs and guy ropes, can be stored inside.

Superior’s tent measures 3.15 x 2.2 metres with a height of 1.3 metres. The mattress is a great thickness – 7.5 cm, and it has a zip off cover meaning it’s so easy whenever you need to wash it.

You’ll get a telescopic aluminium ladder included that has 4 cm treads, making it comfy to use even when you are barefoot. The tent has got windows or doors on all sides giving you great ventilation. The upper windows have rain guards and all outer windows or doors have mesh to keep bugs out.

This large tent by XTM uses a tough ripstop poly cotton. It comfortably sleeps two people and is waterproof up to 2000mm but is still breathable and does a great job at keeping you cool whilst you’re inside.

The frame is constructed with lightweight aluminium. The whole tent weighs approximately 77kg which isn’t too bad for the size. XTM’s tent is specifically designed to be easy to set up – it takes only one minute and requires only one person.

Once unfolded, it measures 3.2 x 1.42 metres and the foot is a height of 1.3 metres. The tent comes with a super comfy and thick 7.5 cm foam mattress;

The tent has two side windows with fine mesh to keep bugs out and includes an aluminium telescopic ladder. When you access the tent, you’re still under cover which is great for if there’s a downpour. You’ll get a rugged PVC travel cover helping to extend the life of the product.

The Camp King Outback Series is a hardtop truck bed tent built to a military standard. It’s made specifically for the following vehicles: 2020 Ford Ranger, 2020 Toyota Hilux model, Ford F150 Raptor, and 2020 Jeep Gladiator. It uses Australian made ripstop coolabah canvas which is coated with wax to make it 100% water and dustproof, whilst still being breathable. It’s designed for all weathers and seasons.

The outer shell is constructed using powder coated 3mm aluminium for durability and it’s very resistant to wear, scratching, and chipping. This also makes it really easy to clean. The tent weighs roughly 147kg but the exact weight will depend on which vehicle it’s tailored to. The tent can be shipped Australia wide but if you want it installed by Camp King you’ll need to visit their location in Brisbane, Queensland.

You get a large sleeping area with this tent – 1.3 x 2.15 metres and a height of about 1.7 metres at the highest point. The two-piece, high density foam mattress is super comfy and nice and thick – 7.5 cm.

The tent includes a telescopic ladder – this is under an awning which is handy when it’s pelting down. With mesh windows and a door on three sides, you get plenty of ventilation. It’s possible to mount equipment to the top, such as a solar panel or rack. For peace of mind, it’s possible to lock the shell to prevent theft.

Hannibal’s tent uses a 380gsm polycotton ripstop canvas. It has double stitched seams with binding edges to make the tent 100% waterproof. It also has a 210 denier ripstop nylon fly cover for added protection from rain and wind. You can get this tent in a range of sizes to best fit your vehicle.

The frame poles are built using lightweight aluminium and are powder coated for durability. Thanks to the spacious hinges, you’re able to store your bedding inside when on the move which makes set up even quicker than it already was – around one minute with only one person required.

As mentioned, you can pick this rooftop up in a range of sizes. If you go for the smallest one it will measure 1.2 x 2.4 metres. All sizes have a height of 1.3 metres – great for tall people or those that don’t want to feel too boxed in. The tent includes a thick, 7.5cm, high density foam mattress. You can also opt to purchase a second mattress layer with memory foam to make it even more luxurious.

With windows on all sides, you get great ventilation. The mesh layer means you can keep mozzies out but you can also unzip these in the day to give even great airflow. There are heaps of add ons and additional products you can purchase through Hannibal to customise your experience and make your camping even more luxurious and convenient.

This hardshell rooftop by Uluru is designed for extreme explorers that want to be able to face the harshest conditions. It’s constructed using a 280g polyester cotton mix, PU coated to ensure it’s completely waterproof as well as UV resistant.

The shell material uses a fibreglass composite – super durable, even under harsh weather. Setting up takes just a couple of minutes using the hydraulic support system – this also means the process takes minimal effort from you. It weighs approximately 73kg.

With the door or windows surrounding every side of the tent, you get great ventilation but are able to keep bugs out with the zippable mesh layer. The tent comes with an aluminium telescopic ladder that can hold up to 150kg. You can purchase an annex attachment for to increase the tent space and provide a living space at your campsite in case of bad weather.

If you’re looking for something from a trustworthy and well-known brand, check out the Simpson lll rooftop camper from ARB.

This tent is pretty hefty, weighing in at 81kg so be sure to check your vehicle’s roof rack capacity. Installation is fairly easy but you need to attach the rails to the tent base first and it is a little bit of a fiddly job. Once the rails are attached the whole thing is easily connected to a vehicles roof racks but you will need some extra tools on hand.

Assembly is much quicker than the installation and easily done alone. Simply remove the cover and compression straps, use the ladder to pull the tent down and then slide the support bar out and you’re done.

The sleeping area measures 2.4m x 1.4m and can comfortably fit two people. The 2.5 inch high density foam mattress is comfortable and comes with a removable cover to make washing easier. The additional annex adds enough sleeping area for two extra people or a great private space for sitting or changing.

This rooftop camper also features high quality, waterproof, poly/cotton rip stop canvas, anodised aluminium retractable ladder and windows on all 4 sides.

Visit www.arb.com.au to read more reviews and to check the current price.

This rooftop camper weighs in at just over 64kg and is made from a high quality 280gsm ripstop polycotton canvas that’s lightweight yet durable. There is a full installation kit included and it fits most popular brands of roof racks.

Assembly is easy to do single handed. Like most other soft options, you just remove the cover and straps, use the ladder to pull the tent out and down then click the support bar into place.

The sleeping area measures 2.5m x 1.5m and comes fitted with a 65mm high density foam mattress with a waterproof base to protect from condensation.

This rooftop tent also features light suppression technology to keep the interior extra dark, seam sealed throughout for added weather protection, telescopic ladder, windows on all 4 sides, and a mesh skylight for star gazing.

Out of Stock until early 2021.

If you’re looking for a serious 4wd roof tent, look no further than the Explorer Evolution!

This rooftop camper weighs in at just 60kg, making it a surprisingly lightweight option. It’s totally waterproof and even wind tested to 120km/hr. This tent is made from a high quality double stitched, aluminised polyester fabric. There are 6 fabric coatings that are anti UV, non-perishable, 100% waterproof, breathable and reflect the suns rays.

Assembly couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is unclip the sides and the gas strut opening and closing mechanism does all the work for you.

The sleeping area is a comfortable 2m x 1.4m and fitted with a high density mattress with an an ISO world rating for air permeability and it has a removable, washable cover.
This rooftop camper also features a solar powered fan to help avoid condensation, removable/rechargeable LED torch for internal lighting, telescopic ladder, and windows on all 4 sides.

Visit jamesbaroud.com.au to read more reviews and to check the current price.

Firstly, why should you even bother opting for a rooftop camper when there are other options like tents and trailers or even motor homes out there?
Well sure, if you have a ton of money to spend, a campervan or caravan could be great but they are expensive and not accessible to everyone. Or, if you have heaps of time in the world and don’t mind spending some of your precious camping trip setting up, pulling down and repacking a complicated tent, no worries.

However, if you want something affordable, quick to set up, that gets you off the ground, and that doesn’t take up valuable space in the car, a roof top camper could be just for you!
There are many reasons you might be looking for a rooftop tent. Maybe you have a big trip planned around Australia or maybe you just want a convenient way to go bush camping at the weekend. Whatever the reason, the best quality roof top tents make for a great way to quickly and easily camp just about anywhere.

Before rushing out and purchasing any old rooftop tent, there are a few things to consider to make sure it fits your needs perfectly. You might think all rooftop campers are the same – but they just aren’t. There are a few different factors to consider as well as some personal preferences.

First of all, you should decide whether you need the best hard shell roof top tent Australia offers or whether a soft top will be adequate.
A soft rooftop tent is much more like a standard tent with canvas roof and walls. These are a great option if you’re just looking for a cheap roof top tent as they are simpler in design and materials and usually cost less. They are also easy to unfold and set up.

Hard shells are named as such because they come encased in a hard shell (not so surprising) so they look a little like a rooftop storage box. These are a little heavier but the shell adds extra protection during rough weather or in dusty outback areas. Hard shells are usually super fast to set up and basically pop up (you might hear them called pop up roof top tents).

Typically, it will be secured to the roof top tent racks of a 4×4 vehicle and you’ll need to have these fitted prior. Make sure your roof rack for roof top tents is compatible with the model you choose. You will also need to make sure that your vehicle and roof rack is properly rated to support the weight.

Most of the best car camping tents come with clear and detailed instructions on how to fit them and will include all the tools and fittings required. If you’re a fairly handy person and follow the instructions carefully, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

An easy install is important but even more vital is an easy setup! Nobody wants to spend hours at their destination setting up the tent and battling with poles and pegs.

Look for something that quickly pops out and has minimal poles required. Many of the options in this buying guide can be assembled within just a few minutes. Often you may find the access ladder is used as a handle to push the tent back into its box, which is a great feature.

Roof top campers have come a long way and modern options can be surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Simply being off the ground can make your camping experience much more comfortable but there are other factors to consider.

Before purchasing, think about how many people will be using it regularly.

• Are you a solo camper?
• Camping couple?
• Do you need space for a child as well or might do in the near future?

The built in roof top tent mattress should be something you can happily sleep on all night. There will be extra cost if it’s uncomfortable and you have to buy an additional camping mattress.

As with any camping gear, durability is so important. The Australian terrain and weather can be notoriously testing at times, especially if you plan on doing outback or bush camping.

The canvas of the tent itself should be high quality, durable, weatherproof and come with double stitched seams. All hardware needs to be corrosion resistant and able to stand corrugations and rough road conditions, just in case.

• Weight: Look for a lightweight option. Lifting something heavy onto the roof of your car is difficult but that added weight will also change your driving experience and mean higher fuel consumption.
• Awnings: You’ll see plenty of options with additional annexes. These can be great if you need extra space but try to find something that can be set up with or without, for those days you just want a quick set up.
• Openings: Being waterproof is important but zippable mesh openings are vital in our hot Aussie summers.