A roof tent is a tent that can be assembled on top of a vehicle, usually a four-wheel drive vehicle or van. Roof tents were first developed in South Africa as a camping alternative for those on safari. Since then, they have gained popularity the world over as an easy and safe way to sleep on the road or in the woods.
ARB Simpson III
The ARB Simpson III roof tent can sleep two and features a heavy cotton-polyester canvas that can be assembled with aluminum poles within 10 minutes, and dismantled with a little more time. The tent base sits atop a plastic foam platform on top of the vehicle. A flap covers the platform edge and channels away water. A rain fly can be installed on top of the tent for additional protection from precipitation.
The tent's mattress is made of a dense foam material and is covered by nylon. Two sides of the tent have a door, while two sides have a window, allowing for adequate ventilation. An aluminum ladder can be extended from the tent to the ground.
Gordigear Standard Model
Gordigear's standard model roof tent is a small, lightweight tent that can be assembled in less than a minute. The tent sleeps two adults on a dense foam mattress and is surrounded by a thick cotton-polyester fabric shell. The adjustable ladder can be mounted either to the side or rear of the vehicle, with front and back entrances protected by mosquito nets. A raised fly sheet provides daytime shade.
The tent bed can be left inside while driving, with the rest of the tent collapsed on top for traveling. A universal mounting system holds the tent in place and fits most roof racks.
Autohome Columbus Variant
The Autohome Columbus Variant is another lightweight roof tent that can be assembled on top of a regular car as well as a 4x4 or van. Access to the tent is available on both sides, which open quickly via internal pistons that are opened by gas springs. Unlike many roof tents, the Variant requires no separate travel case and can be mounted directly to a roof rack's crossbars. Up to four travelers can sleep in the Variant.
The tent's fabric is breathable and waterproof, not to mention resistant to fading, tears, mold and abrasions. Inside, the bedding remains in place, with the exterior shell collapsing over it during travel. The tent's insulated design channels any condensation away from the mattress. A ladder accesses the tent via the side or rear of the vehicle.
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