What Roof Top Tent is Right for Me? A Guide to Choosing the Best Overlanding Tent for Your Adventure

Investing in a roof top tent is a game-changer for anyone looking to explore the backroads, coastlines, and mountains of British Columbia. Whether you're overlanding on Vancouver Island or planning a cross-Canada road trip, the right tent transforms your vehicle into a basecamp on wheels.

But with tents ranging from $1,100 to over $7,000, the options can feel overwhelming. At Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents, we’ve tested our lineup through rentals, road trips, and rugged off-grid campsites, and we’re here to help you choose the right tent for your setup, your needs, and your style.

Start with Budget

Let’s be real—budget matters. Roof top tents in Canada come with a wide range of price points, and your available budget will help steer you in the right direction.

• $1,100–$2,000: Basic softshells, great for entry-level use or weekend warriors.

• $2,000–$4,000: Durable mid-range softshells or budget hardshells with added features.

• $4,000+: Premium hardshells with fast setup, premium materials, and all the bells and whistles.

If you're looking for a 4-person, hardshell tent that’ll last for years and includes every possible feature—all for $1,100—you’ll probably need to re-evaluate what features are most important to you.

What Matters Most to You?

Before you buy, take a minute to think about what really matters for your adventures. Ask yourself:

• Is this a long-term investment or just for a couple of seasons?

• Do I want fast setup and easy pack-down?

• Are features like built-in lighting or USB ports important?

• Does the tent need to match the look of my rig?

• Will I be camping often or just a few times a year?

Getting clear on your priorities helps you avoid buyer’s remorse and makes the shopping process way easier.

Softshell vs. Hardshell: What’s the Difference?

Softshell Roof Top Tents

• Pros: More affordable, usually roomier at the price point.

• Cons: Longer setup/takedown, needs a travel cover, less aerodynamic.

• Best for: Weekend getaways, occasional overlanding, families on a budget.

Hardshell Roof Top Tents

• Pros: Quick setup, streamlined look, better weather protection, often last longer.

• Cons: Higher price tag, typically smaller internal space for the cost.

• Best for: Frequent travelers, solo/duo adventurers, full-time overlanders.

If you hate dealing with zippers, straps, or travel covers in the rain or wind—go hardshell.

Longevity: Weekend Camper or Built to Last?

Roof top tents wear at different rates depending on usage and build quality. If you’re only heading out a few times a year, you can absolutely make a budget or mid-range tent work. But if you're planning frequent trips, especially in all weather, it's worth investing in durability.

We run all our tents through our rental fleet—meaning we see what breaks, what lasts, and how each brand holds up under real-world use. Spoiler alert: price isn't always the best predictor of longevity. Some of our most affordable tents still hold up well under lighter use.

Bells & Whistles: Do You Need Them?

Modern tents come with all kinds of extras:

• Built-in LED lighting

• Thick memory foam mattresses

• Insulated liners

• Skylights

• USB ports

If these are important to you, make sure you choose a tent that includes them—or be ready to add aftermarket upgrades. If you're just after a dry, cozy spot to crash, you can skip the extras and save hundreds.

Vehicle Fitment & Limitations

Not every tent fits every vehicle. Consider:

• Vehicle size: A Subaru Outback is great for a 2–3 person tent, but a big 4-person hardshell might interfere with your tailgate.

• Parkade height: If you live or work in the city, make sure your total height still fits your garage or parking structure.

• Weight capacity: Make sure your roof rack and vehicle can handle the dynamic (driving) and static (parked) weight of the tent and occupants.

Need help figuring that out? We’re happy to walk you through it.

Mounting Accessories and Adventure Gear

Thinking about bringing a kayak, SUP, or extra gear on top of your tent? Look for flat or modular tents like the iKamper BDV or Journey X that allow for gear on the roof. Also consider:

• Do you want to mount an awning?

• Is there room on your rack for extra brackets or gear boxes?

• Are you mounting to a bed rack? Make sure the tent size fits between the rails or clears above.

Our Honest Take on Each Brand

We don’t just stock these tents—we use them, rent them, and put them to the test. Here’s our straight-up feedback on each brand we carry:

iKamper

• Premium quality, fast setup, solid warranty, and unbeatable durability.

• Best for: Overlanders who want a long-term, no-compromise solution.

• Downside? They’re not cheap, and the model range is more limited.

Tuff Stuff

• Rugged, functional, and packed with features (like annexes and insulation kits).

• Most inventory available at all times.

• Slightly less stylish, but tough as nails.

• Great for: Budget-conscious campers who want features without the premium price tag.

GoOverland Canada

• A reliable mid-range option with a wide range of styles and sizes.

• Includes lots of features that typically cost extra.

• Only downside: they change designs fairly frequently, so replacing parts later can be tricky.

Treeline Outdoors

• Canadian company offering only softshell tents—but they do it extremely well.

• High-quality materials, great for multi-season use.

• If you’re into softshells, these are some of the best out there.

Body Armour

• No-nonsense, super affordable entry-level tents.

• You won’t find built-in lighting or fancy features, but for ~$1,200, you can’t complain.

• Great option for first-time buyers or backup rigs.

Why We Love Roof Top Tents

There’s something special about pulling over beside a lake, cracking a cold drink, and knowing your bed is set up in under two minutes—off the wet ground and away from the bugs.

Roof top tents give you the freedom to explore remote corners of BC without compromising on comfort. From the windswept beaches of Vancouver Island to the alpine lakes of the Interior, you’ll find your perfect basecamp on your roof.

Still Not Sure What’s Right for You?

Schedule a call with us or check out our tent range online. Whether you’re gearing up for your first overland trip or upgrading your current setup, we’ll help you find the right fit.

We’re based right here on Vancouver Island, and we know what works (and what doesn’t) in our rugged terrain and moody weather.

Also in Blog