Overland camping tent

How to Choose the Perfect Overland Camping Tent

How To Choose the Perfect Overland Camping Tent

Overland Vehicle Sytem Mamba lll

Overland camping is one of the most rewarding ways to explore and adventure. It adds an element of wilderness to your travels and allows you to step away from the crowds and city life, even if just for a short while. If you're a fan of camping, then you've probably heard the term "rooftop tent" and wondered what it means. A rooftop tent is simply a tent that hangs off the back of your vehicle and provides shelter while you're out exploring nature. They’re great for overlanders because they allow you to sleep comfortably while remaining mobile at night instead of setting up camp in an area that may not be suitable for sleeping on the ground. Overlanders are always looking for new ways to enjoy their adventures with their families and friends, so we put together some tips on choosing the perfect Overlanding tent!

Why choose overland camping tents over traditional tents?

Rooftop tents are often considered luxury items, but there are plenty of benefits to consider before deciding to buy one.

Check out why you might want to invest in a rooftop tent for your next adventure!

They're Easy To Set Up And Take Down

Rooftop tents are designed for convenience and simplicity. They have pre-attached poles that allow you to set up your tent in minutes without messing with complicated poles and hooks like traditional tents require.

You can take your tent anywhere

Rooftop tents are designed for use on cars, so they're light and easy to carry around. You can also easily fit one in a small car and take it wherever you want. Some models even come with a handy carrying bag that makes it even easier to transport them.

You can take your tent anywhere

Rooftop tents are designed for use on cars, so they're light and easy to carry around. You can also easily fit one in a small car and take it wherever you want. Some models even come with a handy carrying bag that makes it even easier to transport them.

You'll get more privacy than ever before

The great thing about rooftop tents is that they create a private space within your vehicle, allowing you to spend time with your partner or friends without anyone else being able to see what's happening inside!

You'll be able to see the stars

If you love stargazing, then these tents can give you an appreciation for nature's beauty. The roof will keep you warm and protect you against rain and snow, making it safer than sleeping outside under the stars alone!

More space

Because rooftop tents sit on top of your car rather than within it, they provide more space than traditional tents. This means there will be more room for storing items inside the tent and even more room in the trunk area if needed.

Easy to clean

Rooftop tents are great for keeping your car clean. You don’t have to worry about muddy footprints or dirt getting into your vehicle when you camp. Plus, you don’t have to worry about cleaning mud off your tent before packing it away again!

overland camping tent

What are the types of overland camping tents?

Softshell overland tents

Softshell Overlanding tents are designed for long-distance travel. They’re lightweight, easy to set up and take down, and geodesic in shape. They have the ability to stand up to heavy rain and storm conditions.


The material used in soft shell Overlanding tents is usually ripstop nylon or polyester, which is breathable yet waterproof. The construction of these tents will give you added strength and durability with their double-stitched seams that form a taut pitch when filled with air.


Soft shells come in different shapes, sizes, and weights depending on your needs. Some are freestanding, while others require stakes.

Hardshell overland tents

These are made from heavy-duty materials, making them more durable and able to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are also water and windproof, making them great for any camping adventure. These tents can get quite heavy, as they must be packed on a car or truck, so they may not be ideal for backpackers who want to travel light.

Factors to consider when choosing the best rooftop camping tent

If you're looking for something that suits your needs, here are some factors to consider:

Size

Your rooftop will have limitations on how big your tent can be, so make sure you know what these limitations are before you start shopping around. The size of your tent will also determine how many people can fit inside it comfortably. You might consider buying two smaller tents to fit more people inside or just one larger tent if you prefer having more space.

Durability

You don't want a rooftop tent that will fall apart or break after one use! Ensure the material used is highly durable and sturdy enough to withstand pressure. You should also look at how easy it is to set up, take down, and clean up after use so that it's not too much trouble traveling around town with all your gear packed in the trunk!

What is the weather like?

If you're camping in cold weather, you'll want a tent that can withstand rain or snow and has insulation to keep you warm at night. If you're going to be in hot weather, look for one with good ventilation and shade from the sun.

How many people will be in the group?

If only two of you are planning on camping, then it shouldn't matter much what type of tent you use as long as it's large enough for both of you. However, if there are more than two people who plan on going together, ensure that your rooftop camping tent has enough room for everyone. Also, consider how much gear (backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.) each person will bring along with them when deciding how big of a tent they need.

What type of vehicle are you using?

If your car doesn't have a roof rack or if it's too small for carrying around large camping equipment, then getting an SUV will come in handy because they usually have plenty of room on top where you can store everything without worrying about damaging it during travel or while setting up the tent.

Size and weight limit of your car

The size of your car can impact your choice of rooftop tent. If you have a small car, you may consider getting a smaller tent. However, if you have a large car, like an SUV, with plenty of space available, you can go for a larger tent that will give you more room to move around.

Assembly time

If you don't like spending too much time assembling your tent, then it is best to go for one that has been pre-assembled at the factory or comes with instructions on how to easily assemble it yourself without having to use tools or special equipment.

Material quality

The material quality of rooftop camping tents should also be considered before buying one to get something durable enough for use outdoors over long periods. Make sure that it's waterproof and resistant to rain or other weather conditions so that you can use it even during rainy seasons without having any issues at all.

Best Overland Vehicle Systems Camping Tents

You need to do is get yourself a good tent that will keep you dry and warm throughout your trip. There are many different options available on the market today, but we have narrowed it down to these seven tents that we think are worth checking out:

Overland Vehicle Systems Mamba III Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

The Overland Vehicle Systems Mamba III is the best-in-class aluminum-bodied hard-shell rooftop tent. The Mamba III has a setup and put-away time of less than a minute. To set it up: Unlock two latches, pull down your ladder, and insert 2 window rods. Reverse the process for put away. The Mamba III comes standard with an anti-condensation mat under the thick 2" mattress and functional and removable cross bars for outside storage. It also has enough interior space to store bedding when closed. The Mamba III has a clean, rugged, durable, sleek, and aerodynamic design compared to traditional rooftop tents.


Closed Dimensions: 91” x 55.5” x 8”

Open Dimensions: 91” x 55.5” x 64”

Sleeping Area: 86” x 50”

Sleeping Count: 2 -3

Overland Vehicle Systems 3+ Person TMBK Roof Top Tent

Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK Roof top tents are made from high-quality materials. Starting with an aluminum-plated base, these tents are assembled using marine-grade stainless steel hinges and hardware. They also feature an 81-inch square sliding ladder and steel hinges. The tents are 4-season ready, as they are constructed using 600D heavy-duty poly cotton rip-stop canvas bodies that can stand up to the harshest conditions you may encounter. The rain flies are made of 420D heavy-duty polyester oxford waterproof material to protect you and your family from rain and snow.


Size Closed: 57” x 49”.5 x 11.5”

Size Open: 56.5” x 94.5” x 50.25”

Sleeping Foot Print: 94.5” x 55.25

Sleeping Capacity: 3

Mattress: 2.5” High-Density Foam With Machine Washable Cover

Travel Cover: 1000G PVC Black Cover With Reinforced Corners

Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic Awning 270 & Wall 1, 2, & 3, Mounting Brackets - Driverside

Unlike other awnings, our Nomadic 270 requires no poles to set up. The heavy-duty reinforced oversize hinges and rafters are all you need. Our covers are 280G poly cotton ripstop material with heat-sealed seams. This ensures no leaks, no matter how big the rain is. If you see the weather changing or something stronger than a breeze turns up, you can deploy the three pivoting aluminum poles and adjust to your desired height with a quick lock system in seconds. When it's time to lock down base camp for serious weather, deploy the poles and secure them with a para-cord and an optional enclosure shelter. It takes minutes to break down and secures nicely in a 1000g PVC cover when it's time to stow your Nomadic 270 away again.


Opened: 240" x 157" x 88.5" Closed: 88” x 7” x 6”

Weight: 71.87 lbs

Best Overland Camping Tents from Trustmade

Trustmade Triangle Aluminium Black Hard Shell Beige Rooftop Tent Scout MAX Series

The Scout is built to last and holds up well in high-weather conditions. It's made from Honeycomb Aluminum, providing additional structural support and making the tent more durable than most other tents. The Scout comes with flame-retardant fabrics, so you can rest assured that it won't catch fire if it gets too hot outside. The Scout is 100% waterproof and breathable, so you won't feel like you're suffocating when a rainstorm hits. Its windows are covered with quality insect netting, so you don't have to worry about mosquitoes or flies buzzing around your head while trying to sleep. And because the tent was built with durability in mind, it weighs less than most other comparable tents today. In addition to this, the tent also comes with a built-in mattress that provides excellent warmth-keeping capabilities and resists moisture.

Trustmade Standard Size Soft Shell Car Rooftop Tent Wander Series

The trustmade standard size soft shell car rooftop tent wander series sets up in just two minutes, and it comfortably fits two to three adults. It's made of waterproof and UV-protective 280g flame retardant poly-cotton, and its high-density 2.0-inch foam mattress is included. The interior has detachable storage pouches for easy storage of camping accessories.


Size (Closed) Inches: 74.8"x47"x12"

Size (Opened) Inches: 74.8"x94.5"x51.2"

Sleeps: 2-3 people

Trustmade Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

The Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent sets up easily in just 2 minutes and can fit up to two adults with its spacious design. The tent is made with a stainless-steel frame and waterproof UV protective canvas. Includes a high-density foam mattress, lightweight aluminum latter, and inside detachable storage pouches. The car top tent was designed with safety and comfort in mind.


Size Closed: 82.67” x 49.21”x 11"

Size Open: 82.67” x 49.21” x 59”

Conclusion

In the end, Overland camping tents is a highly individual choice. There is no single perfect tent, so the tent you choose will likely depend on your needs and preferences. For the sake of keeping this guide as helpful as possible, we'll assume that you don't need to worry about how much room your overland camping tent needs and instead focus on identifying what features you might want in your ideal overland camping tent and overall style that best matches your needs. We can't tell you which tent to buy—but we hope this has helped point you in the right direction. 


At Modernhouseusa we ensure that we will get you set up with the perfrct overland camping tent!

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