According to statistics, camping is one of the US’s most popular outdoor recreational activities. There’s nothing like spending a few days in the wild, basking in the silence and peace it entails. If you’re an avid camper, a solid tent is essential for a good experience. Various types of tents are available for purchase, and choosing the best fit depends on your needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll examine how to use a rooftop tent and why you should consider investing in a rooftop tent for camping.
Using a Rooftop Tent
The first thing you need to do before you set out on your camping adventure is to adjust the RTT (the famous shortcut for Rooftop Tent) to your car. While the various models of RTTs are designed differently with their own installation methods, the general process is the same:
- Mount the tent of your car’s roof rack and slide it into place
- Bolt down the provided mounting hardware to secure the tent
For more specific instructions, you should go over the instructions given in the manual provided with your specific tent.
Benefits of Rooftop Tents
Let’s take a look at some advantages of using a rooftop tent:
1. Less Packing Gear
When individuals are heading out for a camping trip and packing their vehicle with all the necessities, they often realize there’s not enough space left for everything else. That’s where a rooftop tent comes in: it can sit on the top of your car, and the air mattress can be stored inside when it’s closed. This is an excellent option if you’re a large family with limited space in your vehicle.
2. They Can Help Weather Storms
Roof top tents come in two categories: hard and soft shells. While both types are made from heavier, sturdier materials compared to ground tents, the hard shell version offers better protection in unfavorable weather.
These tents are waterproof, hold their ground against strong winds, and won’t have heavy downpour water swamping and pooling up your tent. However, seeking shelter during blizzards and severe storms is recommended, especially in all camping situations.
3. They’re Comfortable
There’s nothing more comfortable than an RTT when it comes to tents. This is because they provide a flat surface to sleep on. With ground tents, the surface is bumpy and rugged even if you put down a mattress pad, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Suppose you’re planning on an extended camping trip for a few days. In that case, you should take a rooftop tent with you because they come with a built-in, high-density foam mattress about 2 to 3.5 inches thick.
If you wish to make your sleeping experience even more comfortable, consider adding a mattress topper. RTTs enable you to skip the task of blowing up the air mattress and making the bed. You can store your bedding inside the tent when it is closed with hardshell RRTs, meaning blankets, sheets, and pillows are ready for use whenever you require them and don’t need to be taken out every time. You can visit sites like iKamper and browse their extensive selection of camping essentials and tents.
4. They Can Be Used in Every Season
To ensure everything runs smoothly during your camping season, you must possess the proper equipment and a well-equipped tent. All-season RTTs that integrate anti-condensation mats, thick fabric, insulated floors, and various additional features are available for purchase.
Since they are elevated in the air, you can enjoy the benefit of staying dry and not sleeping on freezing cold ground. Both hard and soft shell tents are made for all-season use, keeping you dry and handling the accumulated water or rain weight.
5. Better Safety
Rooftop tents offer greater protection against wildlife than ground tents. If you’re high up in an RTT, animals like bears, crocodiles, snakes, and wolves won’t be able to reach you, and you can enjoy a peaceful sleeping experience before you set out for your planned activities the next day.
6. Easy to Set Up
Ground tents have been improved over the years so that you can pop them up and lock them into position, and rooftop tents are even easier to use. You only need one person to pop it open. Don’t forget to loosen the straps first, as this is a common problem faced by new RTT users.
Typically, hard shell rooftop tents can be set up within a minute and the folding ones take around a maximum of five minutes. With ground tents, at least half an hour is required to lug in the camp cots and place bedding and mattresses.
7. Environmentally Friendly
As RTTs weigh much less than towed trailers, they are more efficient for your vehicle’s fuel economy. If you wish to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, this tent can be an incredible asset to possess. Global warming is increasing at an alarming rate, meaning every individual needs to do their part in reducing environmentally harmful emissions.
Endnote
RTTs are safer, and cleaner and improve the overall camping experience significantly. If you want a more immersive and comfortable camping experience, a rooftop tent may be exactly what you need. Do your research to find one that can meet all your needs.
