Welcome to the world of rooftop camping! You’ve made the investment, (Haven’t bought one yet? Check our Best Roof Tents in the UK article) and now the adventure awaits. A roof tent offers a unique blend of convenience and comfort, elevating your camping experience both literally and figuratively. But owning a tent is just the first step. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your first (or next) trip is a resounding success.
From what to consider before you hit the road to the must-have gear, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to elevate your camping game and make memories with a view.
Understanding the Pros and Cons
Every camping style has its trade-offs. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare and get the most out of your trip.
Pros:
Quick and Easy Setup: Most roof tents can be set up in minutes, a major advantage over traditional ground tents.
Off-the-Ground Comfort: You’re protected from rocky or uneven terrain, mud, and unwelcome ground critters.
Superior Views: Wake up to incredible, elevated views from the comfort of your bed.
Built-in Mattress: No more lugging bulky air mattresses; your tent comes with a comfortable foam mattress ready to go.
Cons:
Vehicle Immobility: Your tent is attached to your car, so you cannot easily drive to a different location without packing up your entire campsite.
Fuel Efficiency: The added weight and wind resistance can reduce your vehicle’s miles per gallon.
Height Restrictions: Your car will be taller, so you’ll need to be mindful of height limits in garages, drive-thrus, and parking structures.
Before You Go: Essential Considerations
Preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. Take some time to think through these factors.
Vehicle Readiness: Check your vehicle’s static and dynamic weight limits. Ensure your roof rack is correctly installed and secured. Top off all fluids and check your tire pressure, as the added weight will affect your car’s handling.
Campsite Selection: While roof tents are great for off-grid camping, check in advance if your chosen campsite or a national park allows them. You may also need to check for height restrictions if the campsite has an entrance barrier.
Weather Forecast: Check the weather for your destination. If rain is expected, ensure your tent’s rainfly is properly set up. In colder weather, plan for condensation and pack accordingly.
Practice Run: If this is your first time, do a practice setup at home. Get comfortable with the setup and pack-down process, and figure out the best way to arrange your gear.
The Roof Tent Camping Essentials List
You have the tent, now here’s the gear that will make your trip better, organised into easy-to-read categories.
For Comfort and Shelter:
Anti-Condensation Mat: A must-have accessory to prevent moisture build-up under your mattress.
Portable Power Pack: Charge your devices and run a small fan or lights.
- Anker Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Portable Charger with 140W Output, 737 (PowerCore 24K), Smart Digital Display, Compatible with iPhone 13 Series, Samsung, Dell, AirPods, and More
- £140
- Anker Nano Power Bank, 10,000mAh Portable Charger with Built-In USB-C Cable, PD 30W Output, Fast Charging Battery Pack for iPhone 16/15 Series, Galaxy, iPad, AirPods, and More
- £40
- Anker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mAh Portable Charger with Triple 100W USB-C Ports for Multi-Device Charging, Built-In and Retractable Cables, For iPhone 16/15 Series, Samsung, and More
- £65
- Belkin USB C Portable Charger 20000 mAh, 20K Power Bank with USB Type C Input Output Port and 2 USB A Ports with Included USB C to A Cable for iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad, AirPods and More –
- £35
Portable Fan: Great for airflow on hot nights and for combating condensation.
Read our ITEHIL camping fan review here.
Proper Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or duvet, pillows, and an extra blanket for chilly nights.
For Cooking and Food:
Compact Stove: A small gas or propane stove is a necessity for cooking meals.
GREEN HAVEN Black Portable Camping Stove
GREEN HAVEN Black Portable Camping Stove with Cary Case & 4 Butane Gas | Premium Camping Gas Stove |EN417 Compliant Camping Stove Gas Portable |Gas Camping Stove with Automatic Ignition & Heat Control
- £25
Campingaz Chef Folding Double Burner
Campingaz Chef Folding Double Burner Stove and Grill, compact gas cooker for camping or festivals, Blue
- £50
Jetboil Flash 1.0L
Jetboil Flash 1.0L is a solid fast boil system for all adventures. Unmatched Boil Speed: Still the undisputed champion when it comes to rapid water boiling.
- £149
Jetboil Trailcook 1.2L
Jetboil Trailcook 1.2L Cook System is gives you the speed of Jetboil and precision to simmer. WIN WIN
- £179
Cooler or Portable Refrigerator: Keep food and drinks fresh.
Camp Kitchen Utensils: Cooking utensils, plates, and cutlery.
Portable Table and Chairs: Create a comfortable dining area outside your tent.
TREKOLOGY Ultra Lightweight
TREKOLOGY Ultra Lightweight Compact Portable Chairs for Adults for Outdoor, Garden, Picnic, Camping Fishing Folding Chair
- £45
Nemo Stargaze Evo X
A robust auto-reclining camp chair. Pure LUXURY. Built like a tank, perfect for larger users (up to 300lbs / 136KG / 21 stone) or those who just want peace of mind.
- £156
For Safety and Convenience:
Levelling Blocks: Use these to ensure your vehicle is perfectly level for a comfortable night’s sleep
Headlamp and Torch: Essential for moving around the campsite after dark.
First-Aid Kit: Always have a well-stocked kit for any minor injuries.
Portable Toilet: While not always necessary, a portable toilet can be a game-changer for midnight bathroom runs, eliminating the need to climb down the ladder. Pee in a bottle, She wee
Fire Extinguisher: A small, compact extinguisher is a smart safety measure to keep in your vehicle.
Extra Gear to Consider:
Awning or Annex: Provides a sheltered area for cooking, lounging, or an extra sleeping space.
Get out there and enjoy your car roof tent camping adventures.
Camping Articles You May like
Gear Guides
