The Road Beckoned I had 48 hours, a packed cooler, and a rooftop tent I’d been itching to test. With no set plan other than driving north until the cell signal disappeared, I loaded up my SUV and hit the road. This wasn’t just a product test. It was a mental reset and a real-world look at how rooftop tents can change the way we camp.
Day 1: The Setup and the Sunset After four hours of scenic backroads and one pit stop for gas station snacks, I arrived at a quiet dispersed camping spot near the edge of a pine forest. The air smelled like campfire and pine needles.
Setup Time: 6 Minutes Flat One of the biggest selling points of a rooftop tent is the speed and ease of setup. I parked on level ground, unlatched the hardshell, and gave it a push. Like a transformer, the tent unfolded itself into a full sleeping setup in under 6 minutes. I tossed in my sleeping bag and inflatable pillow and was ready to relax.
Perks I Didn’t Expect: • Elevation = Fewer Critters. No ants, no damp ground, no weird rustling near my feet. • Better Views. I watched the sun set from an elevated perch, wine in hand. That night, I slept like a rock. Elevated from the ground, the tent stayed warmer than expected and somehow quieter. No sticks jabbing my back, no worries about water seepage.
Day 2: Rooftop Routine and Mobile Living The next morning, I brewed coffee using my Jetboil on the tailgate and watched deer graze in the meadow below.
What Surprised Me: • The mattress in the tent? Actually comfortable. • I could leave my sleeping gear inside the tent when folded down. • It drew a lot of curious looks from passing campers. After breakfast, I drove to a nearby trailhead — without having to break down camp. That’s the magic of a rooftop tent: basecamp goes where you go. I hiked 6 miles, returned to camp, and popped the tent back up in minutes. That night, I streamed a downloaded movie on my phone, cozy in the tent with the hatch window unzipped so I could see the stars. I felt like I was in a tiny mountain apartment.
What I’d Pack Next Time: • A small folding ladder (the one it came with was a little short for my lifted SUV) • Portable fan (it got warm in the afternoon sun) • Interior light or headlamp with red mode for reading
Biggest Win: Being able to relocate camp effortlessly. I scouted another spot at golden hour, drove 10 minutes, and was set up again in under 10.
Final Take: Is It Worth It? For weekend warriors, vanlifers, or families tired of uneven ground and long tent setups — rooftop tents are a game changer. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about freedom. Freedom to roam, park, and sleep almost anywhere. I came back with a clear head, a full camera roll, and zero regrets.
Rooftop Tent I Used: [Shop our best-selling hardshell rooftop tent at TheTentStore.com]
Gear Checklist for Rooftop Tent Camping: • Rooftop tent w/ mattress • Sleeping bag + pillow • Ladder + leveling blocks • Cook gear + cooler • Headlamp, power bank, and foldable chair Thinking about upgrading your camp game? Explore our full line of rooftop tents and gear bundles built for life above ground at TheTentStore.com