Best Small Roof Top Tents

If you need an off-ground shelter for solo use, check this selection of the best small roof top tents in a variety of styles and types, all very different and easy to use.

If you search among small rooftop tents available on the market you will realize that there are no many that are built as solo tents. They are typically in the range 2-3 people with the majority in the two-person group.

There are some that are declared as two-person tents, but their actual dimensions are such that they cannot accommodate two people.

When you check the list below you will realize that there are several very different types of rooftop tents here. So you will see hard shell, soft shell, and also inflatable roof top tents.

This is good also because of the weight difference that such models imply, so that you have options for any type of car with various roof weight capacities. I give the weight for each of the tents here in the list.

My selection of the best solo roof top tents

The roof top tents in the list below are ordered by the width from narrower to wider.

1. iKamper BDV Blue Dot Voyager Solo

As you see from its official name, this is indeed a solo roof top tent. Note that they also have a Duo version. It is in the group of clamshell roof top tents so it is incredibly easy to use.

When closed for transportation, it becomes a very thin box that measures only 6.75 inches (17 cm). The box dimensions are 90 x 40.25 inches (228 x 102 cm). When you open it, the lid raises almost by itself because of gas assisted struts, and you have your bed ready.

You have 3 doors and 3 windows so you can access the tent from three sides, dependent where you position its included ladder. Inside, you have a 2.75 inches (7 cm) thick mattress.

The inner length is 83.75 inches (213 cm) so this is suitable even for very tall people, and its width is 37.25 inches (96 cm).

The fabric is a quality polycotton, and the shell includes aluminum used for the bottom while the lid is made of a FRP. The weight capacity of the tent is 400 pounds (180 kg), and the tent weighs 135 pounds (56 kg).

Best places to buy

iKamper

Off Road Tents

2. Roofnest Meadowlark

It is best to start from its dimensions to realize why this tent is here. So you have the base that measures 80 x 43 inches (203 x 109 cm). The area is 2.2 square meters, so this is a luxurious solo option, but the manufacturer describes it as a tent for two.

The mentioned size is when the tent is unfolded. Namely this is a soft shell type tent that unfolds and doubles its size. But when folded, its dimensions are 47 x 44 inches (119 x 112 cm). As you realize, it is quite compact for transportation, and you can have some other items on the roof next to it.

You have 36 inches (91 cm) peak height here. The tent weighs 91 pounds (41 kg). It is built with a full coverage fly so this is a two-layer tent that can be used year round.

The inner tent is a polycotton fabric 190 gsm and with a waterproof rating of 2000 mm. The fly is a 210D poly-oxford with a waterproof rating of 3000 mm. So there is no doubt, you are protected from rain, and this tent will also protect you from the cold better than most of ground winter tents.

Best places to buy

Roofnest

Please see more in this video:

3. GT Roof Mini

The width here is only 110 cm so there is no way you can use this tent for two people although the manufacturer describes it as a two person tent. It is perfect for solo use and you will have plenty of space.

They describe it as the most minimalist roof top tent ever, but it looks quite big when on the car. Note that weight is only 42 pounds (19 kg). This is because the tent is in the group of inflatable roof top tents.

Included in the package is a 12V electrical pump and it inflates its massive tubes in under 5 minutes. The video below shows how easy to use it is.

But note that the actual inner floor dimensions are 78.7 x 43.3 inches (200 x 110 cm). So it is not very long, bear this in mind.

Here you have four large panoramic windows but you can close everything for privacy. The fabric is a breathable and weather resistant polycotton.

There is a separate nylon cover included, it fits over the tent and can be clipped in place for extra protection. The base is a sturdy aluminum structure.

When packed for transportation, this all transforms into a small package on the roof that measures 55.1 x 20.1 x 5.9 inches (140 x 51 x 15 cm).

Best places to buy

GentleTent-Au

Final thoughts

So this was my selection of the best small roof top tents suitable for solo use. I might add some tents later if I notice some worth adding to the list. This is why you might want to bookmark this post and keep as a reference.

As you realize, they are all very different so you have options for any type of car. None of them is really heavy so the weight should not be an issue in any case. All of them come with a mattress included so you can have your outdoor bed and shelter ready in no time.

Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.