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Introduction to roof top tents

Updated: Apr 19

Best Roof Top Tents for Beginners in the UK (2025 Guide)



Thinking of taking your camping adventures to new heights—literally? Rooftop tent camping is one of the fastest-growing trends in the UK, combining freedom, comfort, and off-grid convenience. But if you're new to it, choosing the right rooftop tent can feel overwhelming.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we break down the best rooftop tents available in the UK for 2025, focusing on ease of use, comfort, affordability, and UK availability.



🏕️ 1. TentBox Lite 2.0 – Best All-Rounder for Beginners

  • Type: Soft Shell

  • Sleeps: 2 adults

  • Weight: 50kg

  • Price: ~£1,295

    TentBox Lite 2.0
    TentBox Lite 2.0

Why it’s great:

TentBox is a UK-based rooftop tent brand designed with British roads and weather in mind. The Lite 2.0 is their most beginner-friendly model—quick to set up, lightweight, and compact enough for most small cars.


Highlights:

  • Sets up in under 5 minutes

  • Built-in mattress and ladder

  • Folds down neatly into a slim, waterproof shell

  • Large internal windows with mosquito mesh

✅ UK brand✅ Fast delivery and finance options✅ Strong online community for support

Perfect for: Weekend getaways, first-time RTT users, couples or solo adventurers.




🛡️ 2. Quechua x NaïtUp Fresh & Black two-person hardtop roof tent

  • Type: Hard Shell

  • Sleeps: 2

  • Weight: 53kg

  • Price: ~£1999

    IKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0
    IKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0

Why it’s great:

Perfect if you want a high-end rooftop tent that’s built to last. This roof top tent was developed in collaboration with NaïtUp. Its 5 cm mattress and Fresh & Black technology provide optimal comfort for pleasant nights.


Highlights:

  • Aerodynamic hard shell (less wind drag)

  • Fast setup time

  • Built-in mattress and insulation

  • Made for two-season UK weather

Perfect for: Small cars, luxury feel, year-round camping.




🔋 3. Dometic TRT120E – Best for Easy Setup

  • Type: Hard Shell (Electric Opening)

  • Sleeps: 2

  • Weight: 58kg

  • Price: ~£2,200

    Dometic TRT120E
    Dometic TRT120E

Why it’s great:

The Dometic TRT120E is designed for convenience. With the push of a button, it opens automatically in under 60 seconds. No heavy lifting, no manual setup—perfect for new campers or those with limited mobility.

Highlights:

  • Electric opening with remote control

  • All-season insulation

  • Aluminium frame for durability

  • LED lighting built-in

Perfect for: Effortless setup, solo travellers, short breaks.



🌧️ 4. Front Runner Roof Top Tent – Best for Bad Weather

  • Type: Soft Shell

  • Sleeps: 2

  • Weight: 43kg

  • Price: ~£1,095

    Front Runner Roof Top Tent
    Front Runner Roof Top Tent

Why it’s great:

Made for overlanding and rugged use, this tent is ideal for UK weather conditions. It’s tough, rainproof, and works especially well if you’re already using a Front Runner roof rack.


Highlights:

  • Quick-pitch design

  • Water-resistant polycotton canvas

  • Lightweight and compact

  • Mounts directly to roof rack

Perfect for: Wild camping in the UK, wet weather resilience, minimalist setups.



💰 5. Wild Land Pathfinder – Best Budget Hard Shell

  • Type: Hard Shell

  • Sleeps: 2

  • Weight: ~65kg

  • Price: ~£1,900

    Wild Land Pathfinder
    Wild Land Pathfinder

  • Why it’s great:

If you're set on a hard shell tent but want something more affordable than the top brands, the Wild Land Pathfinder offers great value without cutting corners.


Highlights:

  • Gas-assisted lift system

  • Spacious for two people

  • Rigid shell protects against rain and wind

  • Good insulation for shoulder seasons

Perfect for: Budget-conscious adventurers, small families, frequent UK trips.



✅ Buying Tips for Beginners

  • Check your car’s roof load rating – Find out your car’s dynamic (driving) and static (parked) weight limits.

  • Pair with the right roof rack – Brands like Thule, Rhino Rack, or TentBox make compatible systems.

  • Consider soft vs hard shell – Soft shells are lighter and cheaper, while hard shells are more durable and weatherproof.

  • Think about setup time – If you’ll camp frequently, faster setup (like TentBox Lite or iKamper Mini) may be worth the price.


Final Thoughts

Rooftop tents offer a unique and liberating way to explore the UK, from Snowdonia to the Scottish Highlands. Whether you choose a TentBox Lite for simplicity or an iKamper Mini for comfort, the key is to start with a setup that works for your car, your budget, and your style of adventure.


 
 
 

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