If you buy a great tent (and I mean “great”), it will almost certainly be a lot more expensive than the tents you used to go camping in the backyard with your best friend back in the day, if only for this reason: quality and durability. Rooftop tents, even they really worth it?
How Much You’ll Spend
It’s important to be aware that the cost of a rooftop tent can fluctuate considerably based on its size and features. A decent quality rooftop tent usually starts around $1,500 for a smaller option, while larger tents can easily cost upwards of $2,000. These prices only account for the tent itself; depending on your vehicle, you may also need to purchase a rack and cover additional expenses to install the tent. Overall, the total cost is likely to be significantly higher than that of even a high-end conventional tent. It’s worth emphasizing that it’s better to invest in a quality rooftop tent, as subpar options priced below $1,500 may not provide the desired durability and performance.
The higher cost of rooftop tents can be justified by their durability, as they are designed to withstand the elements encountered in various outdoor environments. With proper use and storage, a rooftop tent has the potential to last a lifetime. While conventional tents may also offer long-lasting use, their materials and designs, even in higher-end models, typically do not match the durability of rooftop tents. This makes rooftop tents a worthwhile investment for avid campers seeking a reliable and long-lasting outdoor shelter solution.
Portability, convenience, and security
All tents are portable by design, giving you the convenience of shelter even in the wilderness. Rooftop tents have a few things that conventional tents can’t provide you:
- Security – Being ground level leaves you with just a thin layer of protection against wild animals. The elevated design of rooftop tents gives you a bit of distance from snakes and other wild animals.
- Convenience – always bringing a conventional tent with you doesn’t seem very practical. While rooftop tents could be removed from the car, most people tend to leave them on after installation. Having the convenience of camping while on the road, or even just having an extra shelter that is secure while on a road trip, is an incredible plus.
- Easy to set up – Conventional tents take time to set up. On the other hand, Rooftop tents just need to be popped up, often with just one or two steps.
So are car/rooftop tents worth it?
When it comes to things being worth it, there are a few factors that you need to consider. Do you need it? Can you afford it? And can you use it? Having a rooftop tent is definitely worth it for serious outdoorsmen or even just camping enthusiasts with means. It allows you to be ready to camp at any time while on the road while at the same time giving you the security and convenience that a conventional tent cannot.
