The Ultimate Guide to Roof Top Tents
May 15, 2025
How To Pick The Best Roof Top Tent For Your Rig
If you’re building your rig for real off-grid adventure, a roof top tent (RTT) isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential. Whether you’re crawling trailheads, hitting dispersed campsites, or just trying to sleep above the snakes, the right RTT will transform your overlanding experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down why RTTs win out over traditional ground tents, help you choose between soft and hard shell designs, and spotlight our top picks.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Roof Top Tent?
Roof top tents are engineered for off-roaders who demand fast setup, rugged durability, and trail-tested comfort. Unlike ground tents, RTTs keep you elevated above uneven terrain, mud, and critters. They also cut down your camp setup time — most deploy in under five minutes — and include integrated mattresses, making them one of the easiest ways to convert your vehicle into a basecamp.
From weekend warriors to full-send overlanders, RTTs offer unmatched convenience, safety, and sleep quality. Once you camp from your roof, it’s hard to go back.
Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell: What’s Best for You?
Soft Shell RTTs:
- Best for budget-conscious builds and extra space.
- These tents usually fold out to sleep more people and come with annex options for added gear storage or privacy.
- Downsides? They take slightly longer to deploy and don’t handle heavy wind quite as well.
Hard Shell RTTs:
- Best for speed and simplicity.
- These pop-up tents are ideal for solo or duo travelers who want a no-fuss setup.
- They’re more aerodynamic, handle weather better, and often offer accessory rails for mounting lights or gear.
- The tradeoff is usually weight and a higher price tag.
TrailBuilt’s Top RTT Picks by Brand
We only carry the best — here’s what’s hot on TrailBuilt Off-Road right now from our featured brands:
Overland Vehicle Systems
Nomadic 3 Extended Soft Shell RTT
- A best-seller that comfortably sleeps 2–3 people with a durable 600D waterproof body, 3” high-density foam mattress, and included ladder.
- Why we like it: Simple setup, spacious annex options, and ready for any weather. Killer bang-for-buck in the soft shell category.
Bushveld Hard Shell RTT
- For overlanders who want a true fast-deploy setup. The Bushveld opens in seconds, has a massive sleeping area, and uses gas struts to lift the shell.
- Why we like it: Legit build quality with one of the fastest setups in the category. Serious rooftop luxury.
Tuff Stuff
Alpha 2 and Alpha 4 Hard Shell RTTs
- Premium aluminum-shell tents designed to withstand brutal trails and bad weather. The Alpha 4 even fits a full family setup.
- Why we like it: Bulletproof construction, sleek profile, and high weight capacity. Great for rigs that get pushed hard.
Elite Roof Top Tent with Annex
- A massive soft shell tent that sleeps up to 5. Built for long hauls and bigger crews.
- Why we like it: Ultimate family setup or gear-intensive build. Annex makes it a full mobile camp.
Rough Country
Roof Top Tent
- Rugged and minimal. Their soft shell tent is straightforward, with a 2” mattress and all-weather durability.
- Why we like it: Great starter RTT for mid-size builds. Clean look, simple function, and priced right.
Body Armor 4x4
Sky Ridge Pike 2-Person Tent
- Compact and lightweight for smaller rigs or solo campers. Includes heavy-duty travel cover and weather-resistant materials.
- Why we like it: Packs down small, fits tight racks, and holds up in harsh climates. Underrated pick for compact setups.
Final Thoughts
At TrailBuilt Off-Road, we’re proud to offer gear that gets tested where it matters — the trail. Whether you’re after a quick-deploy hard shell or a full-blown annexed-out soft shell tent, our lineup of RTTs from Overland Vehicle Systems, Tuff Stuff, Rough Country, and Body Armor 4x4 has something for every rig and rider.
So grab your RTT, hit the dirt, and don’t look back. Your roof is your new home - we'll see you out on the trails!
