A Complete Guide to Roof Tents

There is a particular kind of freedom that comes from pulling off a road, opening a tent that is already on your car, and going to sleep exactly where you stopped. No searching for a level pitch. No guy ropes in the dark. No groundsheet on wet grass. Just park, open, climb up. 

Rooftop tents have turned that idea into a properly mainstream way to camp, and the range has grown a lot in the last few years. Hard shells that flip open in under a minute. Soft shells with a double bed's worth of space. Models with awnings attached, inflatable versions, setups for solo adventurers and families alike. This guide covers every type, explains how they work, what they weigh, what they cost and what to think about before you buy. The FAQ section at the end answers the questions people search for most, written as direct answers rather than vague guidance.

Once you're done, browse the full range of roof tents at GO Outdoors. 

What Is a Roof Tent? 

A roof top tent is a sleeping unit that bolts to the roof bars of a car, SUV, 4x4 or pickup and folds or pops open to create an elevated bed above the vehicle. When closed, it sits on the roof like an oversized roof box. When open, it becomes a proper tent with a built-in mattress, windows and a telescopic ladder for access. 

The appeal is straightforward. You don't need a flat pitch, a cleared area of ground or good weather underfoot. Wherever your vehicle can legally park, you can sleep. Off the ground means away from insects, moisture, and the uneven terrain that makes ground tent camping uncomfortable. Most models come with the mattress already fitted, so bedding stays inside when you pack up and you're not hauling a sleeping kit in and out every time. 

They're not a new idea. The first roof tents appeared in the 1930s, and Italian manufacturer Autohome patented the modern design in 1958. What has changed is the quality, variety, and accessibility of the category, which now ranges from entry-level folding tents under £700 to fully engineered hard-shell expedition models at over £3,000. 

Types of Roof Top Tent 

Understanding the different types is the most important step before buying, since each works differently and suits a different kind of trip. 

Soft Shell Roof Top Tents 

Soft shell tents fold out from a hinged base, unfolding like a book to reveal the sleeping area inside. The tent fabric is stored folded inside the shell and extends outward when the shell is opened. They typically take between five and ten minutes to set up fully, and bedding usually needs to be removed before closing since the tent folds back flat. 

The advantage is space. A soft shell tent unfolds to a much larger sleeping footprint than a hard shell of similar size, often large enough to comfortably sleep two adults with room to sit up and move around. They are also generally less expensive than equivalent hard shells, making them the most common entry point for first-time buyers. The OEX Vertex Lite 130 is a popular example, weighing 39.5kg with a pitch time under five minutes, while the OEX Vertex Lite Solo brings that weight down to just 27.4kg for solo touring. 

The trade-off is setup time and weather. In heavy rain, a five-to-ten-minute setup is noticeably less convenient than a hard shell that opens in under a minute. 

Hard Shell Roof Top Tents 

Hard shell tents have a rigid outer casing, usually ABS plastic, fibreglass or aluminium, that lifts open on gas-assisted struts. The tent pops up in 30 to 60 seconds and, crucially, bedding can stay inside when you close it. You arrive, unlatch, lift, extend the ladder, and you're done. In the morning, compress everything back into the shell, latch it closed and drive away. 

Hard shells sit lower on the roof when closed, which improves aerodynamics and reduces wind noise on the motorway compared to a folded soft shell. They are heavier and more expensive, but for anyone moving camp frequently or arriving late and leaving early, the speed difference is significant. 

Inflatable Roof Top Tents 

A newer category that replaces the traditional pole frame with inflatable air beams, the same technology used in inflatable ground tents. The beams inflate in minutes using a pump, creating a rigid structure without any poles to slot together. The result is a lighter overall setup with fewer mechanical parts to fail. Particularly useful in cold conditions where rigid poles can become brittle, and for anyone who finds traditional pole assembly awkward. The Dometic TRT 140 AIR is one of the leading inflatable roof tents, using Air Frame Technology that inflates from a single point via a 12V pump, with a breathable polycotton fabric that handles condensation well in changeable UK conditions. 

Roof Tents with Awning 

Several roof tents come with an integrated awning or are sold with a compatible awning attachment. The awning extends out from the side of the tent to create a covered outdoor living space below, sheltered from rain and direct sun. This effectively creates a separate zone for cooking, storing kit or sitting out, which is particularly useful on longer stays rather than quick overnight stops. 

The OEX Vertex Hub, for example, is a compatible awning designed specifically for the OEX Vertex Lite 130, extending the usable space of the tent setup without requiring a separate shelter to be pitched separately. 

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell: Which Is Right for You? 

This is the first real decision, and it shapes everything else. Neither type is objectively better. They suit different camping styles. 

Choose a hard shell if you move camp frequently, you often arrive late or leave early, you camp in all weathers, or you want bedding to stay in the tent between uses. Hard shells are faster, cleaner in bad weather and more aerodynamic on long drives. 

Choose a soft shell if you want more sleeping space for the money, you tend to stay in one place for several nights, or budget is a significant factor. Soft shells give you more room and generally cost less for the same sleeping capacity. 

The weight difference is worth knowing too. Soft shells typically weigh between 40 and 55kg. Hard shells run heavier, often 55 to 75kg, though some ultralight hard shell models now come in closer to 50kg using aluminium rather than fibreglass or ABS. That weight difference matters for vehicle compatibility, which we cover in the next section. 

How Do Rooftop Tents Attach to a Car? 

Rooftop tents mount to roof bars rather than directly to the vehicle's roof. The bars span across the roof, and the tent bolts to them through a mounting bracket system, usually with four fixing points at the corners of the tent base. 

The roof bars themselves must be rated for the load. Standard roof bars designed for roof boxes, bikes or kayaks are often rated at 50 to 75kg dynamic load, which is the weight they can carry while the vehicle is moving. Most roof tents exceed that when you factor in the tent weight plus the weight of the occupants sleeping inside. You need bars specifically rated for a roof tent, or a full roof rack system from brands like Thule, Rhino-Rack or Front Runner that is designed to handle the combined load. GO Outdoors stocks roof bars and roof rack accessories if you need to upgrade before fitting a tent. 

Plain roof bars that clamp around the bodywork without a dedicated fixing point are not suitable for roof tents and should not be used. 

How Much Do Roof Top Tents Weigh? 

Soft shell roof top tents typically weigh between 40 and 55kg. Hard shell models run between 55 and 80kg, with some larger family or expedition hard shells reaching up to 90kg. Ultralight soft shell models designed for smaller vehicles can come in closer to 37kg, such as the original OEX Vertex Lite, which weighs 37.4kg including its telescopic ladder. 

Weight matters in two ways. The dynamic roof load limit of your vehicle, which is the maximum weight the roof can carry while driving, needs to be at least equal to the weight of the tent plus the roof bars. Most standard cars have a dynamic limit of around 50 to 75kg. SUVs and 4x4s typically run higher. Check your vehicle handbook for the exact figure before buying. 

The static load limit, which is the weight the roof can hold when parked and stationary, is a different figure and is usually much higher, typically 200 to 400kg for most vehicles. This is the figure that covers you and a companion sleeping inside the tent. 

How Much Do Roof Top Tents Cost? 

UK roof top tent prices vary widely by type, size and brand. As a general guide, entry-level soft shell models start from around £600 to £800. Mid-range hard shells sit between £1,200 and £2,000. Premium and expedition-grade hard shells from brands like Thule run from £2,500 to £3,500 and above. 

For current prices across every model in stock, see the roof tents range at GO Outdoors. We stock OEX, Thule and Dometic models across different budgets and sleeping capacities. 

How Do Rooftop Tents Keep You Warm? 

Rooftop tents have a natural thermal advantage over ground tents because they are elevated off cold, damp ground, which is typically where heat loss happens fastest in traditional camping. The floor of a roof tent is the insulated base of the tent rather than earth, which retains warmth far better. 

Most roof tents come with a built-in foam mattress, usually between 50 and 75mm thick. The thicker the mattress, the more insulation it provides from below. A mattress thinner than 50mm offers limited insulation, allowing cold from the shell or base fabric to reach you overnight. 

For UK camping, particularly from autumn through spring, a few additional steps make a significant difference. A four-season rated sleeping bag is the single most important upgrade. A sleeping bag liner adds another layer of warmth cheaply. Several brands also sell insulated inner liners that fit inside the tent to trap body heat across the walls, ceiling and floor. These are worth considering for anyone planning regular winter use. 

For particularly cold conditions, a diesel or electric tent heater can be used, but must always be used with the tent properly ventilated. Propane or gas heaters are not recommended inside a tent due to the risk of carbon monoxide. 

Why Are Rooftop Tents So Expensive? 

The honest answer is the materials and engineering involved are far more demanding than a ground tent. 

A roof top tent needs to be structurally strong enough to support the weight of one or two adults plus bedding, endure motorway speeds for thousands of miles without degrading, withstand wind, rain and temperature variation, and still be light enough not to exceed vehicle roof limits. That combination rules out the thin fabrics and lightweight aluminium poles used in ground tents. 

Hard shell casings are typically ABS plastic, fibreglass or aerospace-grade aluminium. The fabric used in soft shells is usually heavy-duty poly-cotton or ripstop nylon with high hydrostatic head ratings and UV-resistant coatings. Hinges, latches, struts and mounting hardware are stainless steel or marine-grade alloy. Mattresses are high-density foam rather than the basic foam pads found in budget ground tents. 

Manufacturing volumes are also much lower than for standard tents, which keeps unit costs high. A roof tent from a reputable brand is designed to last ten to fifteen years with proper care, which changes the cost-per-use calculation compared to a ground tent that might last three to five seasons. 

Why Do Some Campsites Not Allow Rooftop Tents? 

This comes up regularly, and the reasons vary by campsite. The most common ones are: 

Pitch pricing. Most campsites charge per pitch, and a roof tent occupies a vehicle pitch rather than a tent pitch. Some sites have rules that restrict which type of structure can use each pitch type, and a roof tent doesn't always fit neatly into either category. 

Communal facilities. Some smaller or simpler campsites have toilet and shower blocks sized for a certain number of guests. A group arriving with roof tents and sleeping in the car park can create overcrowding at facilities without the site having accounted for them. 

Level ground requirements. Not every campsite pitch is suitable for parking a vehicle overnight. Some sites with sloped or uneven terrain restrict overnight vehicle parking for safety reasons. 

Insurance and site licensing. Campsite licensing rules in the UK are based on pitch count and pitch type. A site licensed for a certain number of tent pitches may not be permitted to accommodate vehicle-based sleeping without a separate classification. 

The best approach is always to contact a campsite directly before booking if you plan to arrive with a roof tent. Many sites are happy to accommodate them with the right pitch, but assumptions in either direction can lead to problems on arrival. 

Browse the full roof tents range at GO Outdoors to find the right model for your camping style and vehicle. 

Five Roof Tents We Put to the Test 

We got hands-on with five roof tents from the GO Outdoors range to show how the different types compare in practice. 

The lineup covers a good cross-section of what is available right now. The OEX Vertex Lite Solo is a lightweight soft shell for solo touring at just 27.4kg. The OEX Vertex Lite 130 steps up to a two-person setup with a sub-five-minute pitch time. The Dometic TRT 140 AIR swaps poles for inflatable air beams, pitched from a single valve with a 12V pump. The Thule Approach 2 M is a three-person fold-out with lockable mounting brackets for added security. And the Thule Foothill 2 folds down to just 64cm wide, leaving room on your roof for bikes or kayaks alongside it. Prices run from £800 to £2,500 across the five. 

Watch the video below to see all five set up, packed down and compared side by side. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do roof tents work? 

They bolt to the roof bars of a vehicle through a mounting bracket system. When you arrive at camp, you unlatch the tent and either lift it open on gas struts, for hard shells, or unfold it outward, for soft shells. A telescopic ladder extends from the tent to the ground for access. When packing up, the tent compresses back into its closed position and the ladder stows away. Most include a built-in mattress that stays inside the tent between uses on hard shell models. 

How do roof tents attach to a vehicle? 

They attach to roof bars through four fixing points on the tent base, using a bolt-through mounting system. The roof bars must be rated to carry the dynamic weight of the tent while driving, and the bars themselves must be securely fixed to the vehicle's roof fixing points rather than clamping around bare bodywork. Standard roof bars used for lightweight roof boxes are often not rated for a roof tent and should be checked against the tent's weight before installing. Track-mounted rack systems offer the most secure fixing for heavier models. 

How are roof tents supported while sleeping? 

When open, most hard shell tents are supported by the gas-assisted struts that lift the lid. Soft shell tents are supported by aluminium poles that extend as the tent unfolds. On many models, the ladder also acts as a support stand, transferring some of the static load to the ground rather than the vehicle roof alone. The vehicle's static roof load limit, which is much higher than the dynamic driving limit, is the relevant figure for sleeping safety. 

Can you sleep in a roof tent anywhere in the UK? 

In England and Wales, wild camping without landowner permission is technically trespass, and that includes sleeping in a roof tent on private land. In Scotland, the Land Reform Act gives a broader right to camp responsibly on most unenclosed land, though local bylaws apply in some areas. In practice, many roof tent users park up in laybys, forestry car parks or quiet rural spots and follow the "arrive late, leave early" approach without issues, but it is not a legal right outside Scotland. Campsites, designated overnight parking areas and sites listed on apps like Park4Night or SearchForSites are the safest options if you want to avoid any grey area. 

Why are roof tents so popular? 

The combination of fast setup, an elevated off-ground sleeping position, no need for a level or cleared pitch, and the freedom to camp wherever a vehicle can legally stop has made them the natural choice for overlanders, weekend adventurers and anyone who wants the convenience of a campervan without the commitment of a full vehicle conversion. Gen 2 hard shell models that set up in under a minute have only accelerated that appeal. 

Can any car take a roof tent? 

Most cars with factory roof fixing points and suitable rated bars can take a rooftop tent, provided the tent weight falls within the vehicle's dynamic roof load limit. That limit is typically between 50 and 100kg for standard cars, and higher for SUVs and 4x4s. Vehicles with plain bodywork clamp bars, without a dedicated roof fixing system, are not suitable. Check your vehicle handbook for the exact dynamic load limit before buying, and check that your roof bars are rated for a roof tent rather than just general loads. 

What is the lightest roof tent for a small car? 

The OEX Vertex Lite Solo weighs just 27.4kg including its ladder, making it one of the lightest roof tents available and a strong option for smaller cars with lower dynamic roof load limits. The OEX Vertex Lite 130 is the next step up at 39.5kg if you need a two-person setup that still works on most standard roof bars. Both are available at GO Outdoors. 

Can you fit a roof tent and still carry bikes or kayaks? 

Most roof tents take up the full width of your roof bars, leaving no room for other gear. The exception is compact designs like the Thule Foothill 2, which folds down to just 64cm wide when packed, deliberately leaving space on the opposite side of the roof for a bike rack, kayak carrier or additional storage. If carrying gear alongside your tent is a priority, a half-width design is worth considering. 

What is the difference between a roof tent and a roof top tent?

There's no practical difference. Roof tent and roof top tent are two names for the same product - a tent that mounts onto roof bars and allows you to sleep on top of your vehicle. Some brands use one term, some the other. Car tent is another common name for the same thing.

Can you put a roof top tent on any car?

Not every car is suitable for a roof top tent. Your vehicle needs compatible roof bars and a roof load rating high enough to carry the tent's packed weight. Most roof top tents weigh between 30kg and 60kg, and smaller or lower-spec cars often have dynamic roof load limits below this. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's rated roof load before buying.

Are car tents legal in the UK?

Fitting and driving with a roof tent in the UK is legal, provided the tent is properly secured and doesn't exceed your vehicle's roof load rating. However, where you sleep in it is a separate matter. In England and Wales, wild camping is not a general right, so you need landowner permission or to stay on a designated site.

Do you need roof bars for a roof top tent?

Yes. All roof top tents require a set of load-rated roof bars or a roof rack. The bars need to span the width of your vehicle and be rated to carry the weight of the tent. If your car doesn't have roof bars already, you'll need to factor in the cost and fitting of a compatible set - browse our roof bars range for options.