Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Are rooftop tents still worth the money in 2026, or are they just another expensive overlanding accessory?
In this video, I’m breaking down the honest pros and cons of rooftop tents after using different camping setups and recently sitting down with Mike from Spirit of 1876 in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Rooftop tents can make camping faster, easier, and more comfortable, but they are not the right choice for everyone. Before you spend your hard-earned money on a rooftop tent, there are some important things to think about: cost, weight, vehicle height, roof rack requirements, garage clearance, fuel economy, setup time, sleeping comfort, and whether a hard shell or soft shell rooftop tent makes more sense for the way you camp.
In case you missed my full interview with Mike from Spirit of 1876, I highly recommend watching that video next. We go much deeper into what to look for in a rooftop tent, what separates a good tent from a bad one, and why you should not just buy the cheapest tent that looks good online.
Watch that full rooftop tent buyer’s guide here:
youtube.com/watch?v=ZvDm8Rc7bSU
So, are rooftop tents still worth it in 2026?
My answer is yes - but only for the right camper.
If convenience, comfort, and faster setup matter to you, a rooftop tent can be a fantastic upgrade. But if you only camp a few times a year, have a tight budget, need to keep your vehicle lightweight, or already love your ground tent setup, a rooftop tent may not be worth the money.
Timestamps :
0:00 – 2026 Rooftop Tent Debate
1:16 – Worth It or Not?
2:05 – Biggest Benefits
3:41 – Major Drawbacks
5:14 – Soft vs Hard Shell
6:19 – Best Fit Buyers
6:59 – Who Should Skip It
7:18 – Buying Smarter
8:56 – Your Camping Setup?
#rooftoptent #overlanding #campinggear #carcamping #VehicleCamping
What do you think?
Are rooftop tents still worth it, or are you sticking with a ground tent, camper, trailer, or sleeping in the back of the rig?
Call or visit Mike with Spirit of 1876 for additional questions on Rooftop Tents spiritof1876.com
You may also enjoy these overlanding and adventure gear reviews:
ZONKOO Orion 4-Season Inflatable Hot Tent Review - Vega’s Little Brother! :
youtu.be/1rHZ5RCNBNU
How to Set Up a Bell Tent for the First Time | Elk Mountain 16 ft Yukon Step-by-Step : youtu.be/1rHZ5RCNBNU
Are rooftop tents still worth the money in 2026, or are they just another expensive overlanding accessory?
In this video, I’m breaking down the honest pros and cons of rooftop tents after using different camping setups and recently sitting down with Mike from Spirit of 1876 in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Rooftop tents can make camping faster, easier, and more comfortable, but they are not the right choice for everyone. Before you spend your hard-earned money on a rooftop tent, there are some important things to think about: cost, weight, vehicle height, roof rack requirements, garage clearance, fuel economy, setup time, sleeping comfort, and whether a hard shell or soft shell rooftop tent makes more sense for the way you camp.
In case you missed my full interview with Mike from Spirit of 1876, I highly recommend watching that video next. We go much deeper into what to look for in a rooftop tent, what separates a good tent from a bad one, and why you should not just buy the cheapest tent that looks good online.
Watch that full rooftop tent buyer’s guide here:
youtube.com/watch?v=ZvDm8Rc7bSU
So, are rooftop tents still worth it in 2026?
My answer is yes - but only for the right camper.
If convenience, comfort, and faster setup matter to you, a rooftop tent can be a fantastic upgrade. But if you only camp a few times a year, have a tight budget, need to keep your vehicle lightweight, or already love your ground tent setup, a rooftop tent may not be worth the money.
Timestamps :
0:00 – 2026 Rooftop Tent Debate
1:16 – Worth It or Not?
2:05 – Biggest Benefits
3:41 – Major Drawbacks
5:14 – Soft vs Hard Shell
6:19 – Best Fit Buyers
6:59 – Who Should Skip It
7:18 – Buying Smarter
8:56 – Your Camping Setup?
#rooftoptent #overlanding #campinggear #carcamping #VehicleCamping
What do you think?
Are rooftop tents still worth it, or are you sticking with a ground tent, camper, trailer, or sleeping in the back of the rig?
Call or visit Mike with Spirit of 1876 for additional questions on Rooftop Tents spiritof1876.com
You may also enjoy these overlanding and adventure gear reviews:
ZONKOO Orion 4-Season Inflatable Hot Tent Review - Vega’s Little Brother! :
youtu.be/1rHZ5RCNBNU
How to Set Up a Bell Tent for the First Time | Elk Mountain 16 ft Yukon Step-by-Step : youtu.be/1rHZ5RCNBNU
