Why a Rooftop Tent Might Be the Upgrade Your Overland Rig Needs

Overlanding is about freedom. It’s about choosing your own path, finding your own pace, and setting up camp in the kinds of places most people will never see. But to truly enjoy the journey, your camp setup needs to be as dialled in as your vehicle. That starts with where—and how—you sleep. For years, ground tents were the default for outdoor enthusiasts. They're cheap, simple, and have been around forever. But over the last decade, rooftop tents (RTTs) have taken the overlanding world by storm. Why? Because for many, they just make life easier.

Let’s explore the key advantages of a rooftop tent over a ground tent, from comfort and speed to safety and storage—and why it might be the best investment you can make for your next adventure.

1. Setup Speed and Simplicity

After a long day of trail driving, the last thing you want to do is wrestle with tent poles, search for level ground, and hammer in stakes. Rooftop tents—particularly hard-shell models—can be deployed in under 60 seconds. You undo the latches, push it up, and you’re done. Even soft-shell models that fold open take just a few minutes. Compare that to pitching a ground tent on uneven terrain, dealing with guy lines in the wind, or dealing with saturated soil, and the RTT wins on ease and time every time.

2. Sleep Comfort

RTTs almost always come with a built-in foam mattress. That means no more thin pads, inflatable mats that slowly deflate during the night, or waking up with a tree root pressing into your hip. The flat, stable platform on top of your rig means a consistent sleep surface every time. And when paired with a quality duvet or sleeping bag, you get a proper, almost bed-like experience even in the middle of nowhere.

3. Stay Dry, Stay Clean

When the heavens open, RTT users sleep better. Elevation off the ground means you’re clear of puddles, runoff, and rising damp. You’re also much less likely to track mud and debris into your sleeping space. Many RTTs feature heavy-duty rainflies, ventilation systems to reduce condensation, and are better sealed against wind-blown rain than lightweight ground tents.

4. Off the Ground = More Secure

There’s something comforting about being a few feet off the ground—especially in the wild. You’re less exposed to wildlife, curious foxes, or inquisitive boars. Insects and spiders have a harder time accessing your tent. And while true threats are rare, many people simply sleep better knowing they’re above the ground. It also keeps you away from rocky or sandy terrain, or areas prone to flooding.

5. More Storage and Space in Your Vehicle

By moving your sleeping setup to the roof, you free up a lot of space inside your vehicle. That means better organisation, more space for gear, and the ability to pack smarter. It can make your day-to-day overland routine more enjoyable, especially on longer trips where every cubic inch counts.

6. Durability and Longevity

RTTs are built to last. High-quality models are made from heavy-duty canvas, alloy frames, and weatherproof shells that stand up to serious use. Unlike many budget ground tents, they don’t wear out after one wet season. With proper care, an RTT can last a decade or more—and they often hold their resale value well.

7. Integrated Ventilation and Design

Most RTTs are designed with overlanding in mind. That means built-in windows, mosquito mesh, ventilation ports, and storage pockets. You can keep bedding inside when the tent’s closed, saving time on setup. Some models even offer skylights for stargazing or built-in lighting systems.

8. The View

Let’s be honest—one of the best parts of a rooftop tent is the view. Waking up to a sunrise over the mountains or the ocean, coffee in hand, and nothing but open land around you… from up high, the world just looks better. And when parked in scenic wild camping spots, that elevated perspective is hard to beat.

9. Consistency Across Terrain

A rocky trail or an overgrown forest track might not have perfect tent pitches. That’s not your problem with an RTT. As long as your rig is level, your bed is level. Whether you're parked in a gravel lay-by, on a sand dune, or on a mountain pass, you’ll have the same flat, reliable sleeping surface every night.

10. Better for Quick Stopovers

If you're doing multi-stop travel, where you set up and break down camp daily, RTTs shine. You don't need to repack sleeping gear or flatten the tent. Just collapse, latch, and go. For those doing long overland journeys with minimal time at each stop, this efficiency adds up fast.

11. But What About the Downsides?

RTTs aren’t perfect. They’re heavy, they raise your vehicle’s centre of gravity, and they’re expensive compared to ground tents. Accessibility is an issue for some—climbing a ladder in the rain or at 3 AM isn’t for everyone. If you want to leave camp set up and drive off for the day, it’s less convenient. And if your roof storage is already maxed out, space can be a challenge.

That said, for many overlanders, myself included, the benefits far outweigh the trade-offs.

Final Thoughts: Is a Rooftop Tent Right for You?

Rooftop tents aren’t for everyone—but they might be for you. If you value comfort, fast setup, and staying dry, they’re a solid choice. If you travel often, or in rough terrain, or wild camp frequently, the elevated sleeping platform can transform how you camp.

Remember, payback is approx the cost of the tent vs how many nights you will use it each year. if you average £125 a night in a hotel, and remember, a roof rack that can support it too, then you can figure out payback and how many nights you will need to spend in it to break even. If you are just using a few weekends a year, maybe, a RTT is not the rigth way to go, only you can decide that, along with your budget too.

Still unsure? That’s exactly where I come in.

Let Me Help You Decide

Choosing the right tent setup is a big decision—especially when it’s a financial investment and a key part of your rig. Book a 1:1 consultation with me at Overlanding4WD.co.uk. I’ll walk you through your options, based on your travel style, terrain, vehicle, and budget.

Let’s get you the right kit for your next adventure—because better sleep means better overlanding.