Community & experience: tips for beginners

The experiences of other campers are very helpful in making your rooftop camping adventure safer, more enjoyable and more successful. They will help you recognize and avoid potential safety risks, offer tips on how to use your equipment more efficiently and share information on good campsites and activities in the area for more convenience. You can also learn from their mistakes and challenges, save money and avoid frustration.

The recommendations for tried and tested equipment and the sharing of experiences contribute to the formation of a camping community in which you can make new friends. It is therefore advisable to use the experiences of other campers to plan and improve your own camping trip.

Quick summary – you can learn these things from other campers:

• Security
• Efficiency
• Comfort
• Local knowledge
• Error avoidance
• Equipment recommendations
• Community

Learn online from professionals: quick & easy

But if you’ve never been to a campsite and don’t have many campers around you, how would you like to gain this experience? No problem, the internet is full of people who have already had plenty of camping experiences. Here we have compiled a few testimonials from which you can learn a lot for your own vacation.

Experiences in nature: roof tent camping in Scandinavia

We start with an exciting tip for a travel destination. Marie and Jan, the adventurous creators of the YouTube channel “travelventure” have chosen the exciting experience of rooftop tent camping in Norway and Sweden. This trip took them to breathtaking places and created unforgettable experiences, which you can read more about here, why the rooftop tent adventure is worth it.

In search of a new adventure: camping with a roof tent!

Have a look!

• Camping experiences in Scandinavia

Frosty adventures: unforgettable winter camping

Not only can you go camping in summer, it can also be an unforgettable experience to go camping in winter. The icy season sets in and frost covers the meadow. While most people are already holed up in their cozy homes, some adventure seekers find the frosty conditions an invitation to exciting challenges. Fritz Meinecke has tested camping with a roof tent in sub-zero temperatures and now offers useful advice for winter adventures.

New adventure outside the main season? Camping in winter!

Here you can learn how to set up your roof tent, prepare your sleeping area for cold nights and light a warming fire:

• Winter camping & bushcraft experiences

Starry skies, mountains & peaks: nights in a rooftop tent

Here’s another exciting travel tip for you. This time it’s off to the mountains! Imagine opening your eyes on a clear evening and gazing directly into the sparkling starry sky, surrounded by majestic mountains. Sounds like an unforgettable adventure, doesn’t it? This magical experience awaits you when camping with a rooftop tent in the mountains. We would like to tell you about the breathtaking night experience that the bloggers from the YouTube channel Motorreport had in the mountains.

Breathtaking views: Camping in the mountains!

Their experiences can provide you with valuable tips for your own rooftop tent adventures:

• Experiences camping in the mountains of Vosges

Family adventure in a roof tent: camping with a child

For Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel from North Rhine-Westphalia, this fascination with remoteness, the romance of campfires and untouched nature turned into a leap into the deep end, as they wanted to camp as a family with children for the first time. Here we invite you to follow the Gittel family’s exciting journey and give you an insight into their experiences, decisions and adventures during their first camping vacation with a child.

Exciting vacation for the whole family? Camping with a child!

Maybe you’ll find a few ideas and inspiration for your own camping adventure with the family:

• Experiences camping with children

Lost Places: Adventure, Camping & Survival Car

Lost places are often abandoned buildings or locations with a rich history and a special atmosphere. Exploring such places can offer an exciting and unique adventure that will make your camping trip unforgettable. For YouTubers Manu and Jessy, these abandoned places are not the setting for a scary movie, but the heart of their adventures. For starters, they show you their planning for a ‘survival car’ and show off their brand new rooftop tent as they share their passion for exploring lost places.

A particularly exciting adventure? Camping & Lost Places!

Here you can get to know the roof tent for your next camping adventure, familiarize yourself with the structure, the extras and the advantages:

• Camping experiences at Lost Places

Enthusiastic campers: camping experience with hard shell roof tent

Marie and Jan from the YouTube channel travelventure decided to embark on the adventure of camping with a hard-shell roof tent, the iKamper Skycamp from Campwerk to be precise. Right from the start, they were delighted with the fact that they were kindly provided with the tent for their trip and had the opportunity to assemble it on site in Bochum. Despite this, Marie and Jan always emphasize that their opinion is honest and individual.

You can find out more about Campwerk here:

• Campwerk roof tent

You can watch the video yourself here:

Of course, you can always learn from the experiences of others for your own camping adventures. That’s why we’ve summarized them for you here:

Rooftop tents: for families, couples & solo travelers

Marie and Jan have found that rooftop tents offer the comfort of a camper at a fraction of the price and are more comfortable than conventional tents. They are a great option for traveling, whether you are traveling alone, as a family or as a couple. The choice of tent size here depends on the number of people traveling. Marie and Jan had a rooftop tent that was designed for four people, but it was personally too big for them. They recommend trying out the different models before buying.

Rooftop tents offer you these things:

• Camping experience like in a motorhome, only for less money
• Comfort & convenience surpasses conventional tents
• Recommendation: Try out different models before buying

If you go by how many fellow travelers you have, you can choose the size accordingly. You can read more about this here:

• Roof tent for 2 people
• Roof tent for 3 people
• Roof tent for 4 people
• Roof tent for 5 people

Roof tents for every car: installation & equipment

A roof tent can even be mounted on a van to create additional sleeping space. Roof tents can be fitted to almost any car. They are attached to crossbars on the car roof and are therefore independent of the vehicle. The installation of the roof tent is flexible. It can be easily removed if there is no space for it, or it can remain on the vehicle all year round.

What you should know about mounting:

• Roof tents fit on many vehicles
• Mounting on crossbars on the car roof
• Independent of the vehicle & flexible installation
• Disassembly possible where space is limited
• Can be mounted on the vehicle all year round

Cozy nights under the stars: more restful sleep

The roof tent itself is spacious and comfortable. It already has a mattress, which makes it easier for them to set up. With a fitted sheet, a few pillows and a comforter, Marie and Jan feel right at home. The sleeping bag remains ready as an additional option.

Even more comfortable: with additional mattress!

You can find all the other accessories you might need here:

• Camping accessories

Weatherproof, insect protection & peace and quiet: relaxing in the great outdoors

The two bloggers had the opportunity to test their roof tent in various weather conditions, including strong storms in Norway. Although you can feel the wind outside, they felt safe inside the tent. The orientation of the tent is important to avoid the wind blowing head-on. The roof tent performed well in terms of insect protection. Despite the mosquitoes in Sweden, they were largely spared in the tent thanks to the insect nets at the entrance and the windows.

In this way, the roof tent protects you from the weather:

• Feeling safe in the tent despite noticeable wind
• Important: Orientation of the tent to minimize wind
• Insect nets at the entrance & windows

Advantages of the roof tent: nature, comfort & views

Marie and Jan enjoy their camping experience with the roof tent to the full. They can experience the freedom and flexibility of camping in the great outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort and convenience. Camping with a roof tent has some clear advantages. The quick and easy set-up and take-down makes spontaneous trips possible, and it offers a cost-effective alternative to motorhomes. Despite the affordable price, the level of comfort when sleeping in a roof tent is high. The elevated position offers breathtaking views.

Traveling with a rooftop tent is also cost-effective, as it allows lower rates for ferries, campsites and toll roads than with a motorhome. This flexibility allows you to stay overnight in remote locations and gives you the opportunity to explore new places. The rooftop tent also encourages social contact with other travelers at the campsite and often allows free overnight stays outside the campsite (this is allowed in many Scandinavian countries!), making this type of travel particularly attractive.

That’s why you should go camping with a roof tent:

• Freedom & flexibility in harmony with comfort
• Simple assembly & disassembly enables spontaneity
• Cost savings compared to motorhomes
• High sleeping comfort despite affordable price
• Breathtaking views from an elevated position
• Social contact with other travelers is encouraged

You can find even more tips on the benefits at:

• Advantages roof tent

Challenges & considerations: Disadvantages

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages, including minimally increased fuel consumption and wind noise when driving. The limited parking options, the restricted possibilities in extreme weather and the initial purchase costs are further points that should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, making a rooftop tent an attractive option for adventurous travelers.

You should pay attention to this:

• Minimal increase in fuel consumption
• Wind noise when driving
• Limited parking facilities
• Do not use in extreme weather
• High initial acquisition costs
• Nevertheless: advantages outweigh disadvantages

To find out how best to solve the disadvantages, you can read on here:

• Disadvantages roof tent

Rooftop tent manufacturer: the first rooftop tent!

Have you been bitten by the camping bug and would like to buy a rooftop tent? There are countless suppliers on the market and this can quickly become confusing for beginners. To help you get to grips with this, you can find out more about the different manufacturers in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: suitable roof tents

Given the abundance, it’s also worth taking a look at which roof tent is best for which needs. You can find out here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Camping adventures planned: from the idea to the roof tent

The video is about a family called Gittel, consisting of Tino, Yvonne and their daughter Samiya, who are preparing for a camping adventure. Tino has the idea of getting his family excited about camping, although Yvonne has always preferred hotel vacations. In the video you can see their thoughts on how to choose the roof tent from iKamper and plan their trip, including the choice of campsite.

iKamper is a popular brand for roof tents. You can read more about it here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5K8JMaoKE

The fascination of camping adventures: costs, equipment & family

The camping trend is enjoying great popularity, and many people cherish the desire for unrestricted freedom. They long for a vacation in the great outdoors that allows them to sleep in the most beautiful places and move on flexibly, depending on their mood. Whether you opt for a caravan, motorhome or tent depends on your personal preferences. According to a study by the ADAC, there are already 15 million enthusiastic campers in Germany. But how do you find your way around this wide range?

Between skepticism & anticipation: camping on vacation

Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Tino has come up with something special for his next vacation: he wants to get his family interested in camping. He thinks camping is very exciting, while his wife Ivonne is skeptical at first. She is worried that she will have to restrict herself too much in terms of space and comfort. However, their nine-year-old daughter is also enthusiastic about the idea. She has already been on a camping vacation with her aunt and had a lot of fun. So her mother is going to try it out for her sake.

This family tests camping: Ivonne, Tino and daughter Samiya.

Camping solution: roof tent, tent trailer & caravan

Sure, this year the decision has been made to go camping. However, there are different types of camping. Should it be a caravan or motorhome, or would you prefer a tent or caravan? The variety of options is considerable. A motorhome or caravan undoubtedly offers a certain level of luxury. But Tino has heard from relatives and friends who are faced with the problem of having to put their vehicle somewhere at the end of the season year after year.

A folding caravan or tent trailer, which is more compact than a caravan, is ruled out as it is too time-consuming for the family to set up. After extensive research on the Internet, the Gittels finally decide on a roof tent. Most rooftop tents on the net only offer a standard sleeping area of 1.40 meters maximum, which is too narrow for three people. Finally, they came across a suitable option – the X-Cover from iKamper, which is large enough to accommodate four people, measuring 2.10 by 1.90 meters.

Here you can quickly compare the considerations of the Gittel family:

The solution to the space problem: a larger roof tent! (Tip: You can find suitable sizes under: Roof tent for 2 people, Roof tent for 3 people, Roof tent for 4 people and Roof tent for 5 people).

Price of roof tents: Search for bargains

In terms of price, roof tents range between 800 and 4,000 euros. The decisive criteria for buying a roof tent are a sleeping area of at least 1.60 meters wide, quick set-up and an affordable price, with a pain threshold of 3,000 euros. The Gittels’ dream roof tent is somewhat expensive at 3,300 euros. However, you can also find second-hand tents on the Internet, which means you can make considerable savings. They browse for new items and bargains. Tino and Yvonne find what they are looking for: their dream tent now costs just 2,500 euros.

Price: 800 – 4,000 euros (used: around 2,500 euros)

Searching for the campsite: preparation & planning

Tino’s next challenge is to find the right campsite, which is no easy task given that there are almost 2,800 campsites in Germany. But which of these campsites is the right one for the family? The selection criteria are many and varied, because it’s not just about the campsite’s facilities. The family is looking for cleanliness and peace and quiet, which is why Tino believes that it is important to find out about the campsites in advance, for example by reading reviews and ratings.

They also want the campsite to have certain facilities, including a playground and a restaurant, to ensure they can cater for themselves on site. A site with at least four stars is preferred, and it should be a reasonably priced alternative to a hotel. In addition, they need to consider what sights they want to see and what activities they want to do. For more comfort, the roof tent is mounted on a trailer.

If you want to go camping with your child, these criteria can also help you find the right campsite:

• Reviews & ratings
• Cleanliness, relaxation & tranquillity
• Amount of the price
• Sights & activities
• Playground & restaurant?

Not just planning a campsite: buying accessories

Before the journey can begin, Tino and Yvonne have to do some shopping, including two sleeping bags, two sleeping mats as well as pots, crockery and cutlery to ensure that they are well supplied during the trip. Of course, a second-hand camping kitchen is also a must in the trailer. Tino is particularly concerned about the provisions, as he appreciates a certain level of comfort.

You need this absolute basic equipment in any case:

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping mats
• Kitchen
• Pots
• Tableware
• Cutlery

Tip! You can read about what else you should take with you and other important camping tips here: Camping accessories.

Environmental protection & choice of destination: car & travel

A big advantage for Tino and Yvonne are the operating costs, as they use an electric car. This means that they only have to pay around 70 euros in electricity costs for a 500 km journey, compared to almost 100 euros if they were to use an older petrol car. It is also a more environmentally friendly travel option. For a shorter trip, the family opts for the North Sea coast and Cuxhaven as their destination. Friends of theirs are also camping there, and they like it too.

These tips will help you protect the environment and your wallet:

• Electric car: lower operating costs
• Choice of destination: not too far away

Is it worth it? Camping adventures with the family

In conclusion, the question arises as to whether the financial outlay was worth it and whether a camping vacation can be considered a cost-effective alternative to a hotel stay. The Gittel family is satisfied with their camping adventure. Samiya sleeps restfully in the roof tent and all family members can switch off in the fresh North Sea air without an all-inclusive program and time pressure. This vacation has brought the family closer together and they are ready for more camping adventures.

Here is the conclusion of our tester family in a nutshell:

• Satisfied Gittel family
• Restful sleep in the roof tent
• Relax in the fresh North Sea air
• Strengthening family cohesion
• More camping adventures with pleasure

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Would you also like to buy your first roof tent for the family? You can find many different manufacturers here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

To help you find the right one, you can take a look at this comparison.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Ice-cold challenge: rooftop tent adventure in sub-zero temperatures

The idea was to test the roof tent in cold weather. While summer camping is pleasant, here we are facing really icy temperatures. Many of you may know the survival expert Fritz Meinecke, who became famous through projects such as “7 vs. Wild”. On his YouTube channel, he is dedicated to survival in the wilderness and teaches skills that are also extremely useful when camping. Fritz has even tested a roof tent from iKamper in conditions of -7 °C.

You can take a look at the roof tents from iKamper here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

Winter camping with a roof tent: survival expert shows how it’s done

Despite spending the night in the roof tent, the bushcraft feeling is a must for a survival expert. So Fritz Meinecke makes a nice fire on the side, looks for some wood in the low temperature and introduces the roof tent.

From deadwood to absorbent cotton pads: campfires like a pro

We start with practical tricks for making a fire. While Fritz collects wood, cuts it to size with an axe and then builds a fire, he explains the best way to do this. If you want to make a fire on your next camping trip, you should make sure that you mainly use dry dead wood. Then split it into smaller pieces with an axe and use the driest pieces from the core to make small sticks to start the fire. To do this, strike the end of a smaller piece with your axe to split it.

Tip from Fritz: Make sure you have two bundles of wood sticks ready so that you still have something the next day and don’t have to look for and chop wood as soon as you get up.

In order to have a good fire afterwards, the video also explains how the wood should be stacked. It is best to make a small base from the larger pieces and stack the sticks on top in a square. You can use absorbent cotton pads soaked in wax as tinder to light the fire. The best way to do this is to throw the burning absorbent cotton pad into the middle of the stacked wood.

This checklist will help you keep track of how to make a good fire quickly and easily:

1. Collecting dry deadwood
2. Splitting wood with an axe
3. Making narrower sticks
4. Base made from larger pieces
5. Stack the sticks square on top
6. Light wax-soaked cotton pads
7. Make provisions & invest wood reserves

Sleeping area: roof tent set-up & cozy furnishings

Once the wood has been chopped, the roof tent can be erected. After quickly opening the hard shell of the tent and unfolding it on the ladder, the tent is ready for the night. The survival expert only needs one or two minutes to do this. Particularly important: remember to pull the carpet pad under the mattress so that you have less moisture in the tent. Then you have the large sleeping area ready and can lie in it just like Fritz.

Let’s move on to preparing the sleeping area. At such low temperatures, you should definitely invest in a good winter sleeping bag, like the one Fritz uses. It should get really cold at night. Add a lantern to the tent for some light and your sleeping area is ready. Fritz also introduces you to some practical storage options that can be attached to the outside of the tent. These include hanging organizers and sliding hooks.

These things are important when pitching the tent and preparing for the night:

1. Quick tent set-up: Open the hard shell & unfold the tent
2. Avoid moisture in the tent with the right carpet pad
3. Comfortable overnight stay in a spacious bedroom
4. Good winter sleeping bag recommended for cold nights
5. Hang a lantern in the tent for lighting in the tent
6. Use hanging organizers & sliding hooks

You can create pleasant lighting with a lantern:

Practical outdoor cooking trick: Homemade tripod

Finally, Fritz makes a tripod out of sticks. He knots a ribbon to one side and then wraps the rest around it. As soon as the tripod is over the fire, he adds a hook made from another piece of wood. Finally, a pot is hung on it and delicious food can be cooked. In Fritz’s case, a lentil soup. But of course you can cook whatever you like. Just make sure that the food has a long shelf life.

Help with cooking: Make your own tripod

Rooftop tents for road trips & short breaks: Recommendation

Even after a wintry night in the roof tent, Fritz realizes that the roof tent is perfect for a weekend overnight stay in the wilderness. He notes that there is a big difference compared to spending the night in a vehicle. It’s difficult to set up in a parking lot somewhere in the city center. But for short vacations and road trips, he would recommend the roof tent. For him, it’s a variable thing, so it’s not something for everyday use that he will always have on the car, but for certain tours, trips and road trips.

Conclusion: Rooftop tent is great for short vacations & road trips

Rooftop tent manufacturer: overview for beginners

Curious? You can take a look at other roof tents here.

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

In addition to the overview of the various roof tent manufacturers, we also show you our personal favorites here.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Dawn in the mountains: try out rooftop tent camping

What does it actually feel like to be on the road with a roof tent? Imagine it’s early in the morning, the sun is just rising and you’re up at 1,500 meters above sea level – with a roof tent! Sounds like a crazy trip, doesn’t it? Today I want to tell you about the adventure night from the YouTube channel Motorreport in the mountains, where bloggers Anja and Matthias spent the night in an iKamper roof tent for the very first time.

You can find out more about iKamper roof tents here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

On the road in the large version: Skycamp roof tent

The two bloggers had the Škoda Enyaq Coupé as their base vehicle, and on the roof of the car they had a roof tent called the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. As usual with the Skycamp models, the Skycamp 3.0 is available in a Mini Edition and a large version. They had the large version here, which offers space for up to four people. Anja and Matthias slept in it to see how spacious it is.

Tip! You can read more about this roof tent size here: Rooftop tent for 4 people.

Setting up the roof tent: Let the adventure begin!

Anja put up the roof tent for the very first time at the very beginning. To put up the roof, she first had to unlock the eyelets with the key and then fold down the tent. Now they could fold up the roof in pairs. The wind was blowing quite strongly, but the roof almost raised itself. Depending on the dynamic load capacity of the vehicle, the ladder can either be stowed directly on the roof tent or in the trunk. In the video, it was stowed in the trunk. Next, it was locked into place, extended and the roof tent was up.

Once at the top, the awning could be erected, which was surprisingly easy. The awning already came with poles that just had to be inserted into the brackets on the tent. And Anja already had a protective roof over her head.

You should remember this procedure for your first roof tent assembly:

1. Unlock eyelets with key
2. Folding down the base plate
3. Fold up the roof in pairs
4. Ladder in the roof tent or trunk depending on load capacity
5. Engage ladder & set up securely
6. Insert awning poles into brackets

Freezing temperatures & wind: experience & advice

For the overnight stay, Anja and Matthias decided to close the roof tent completely. It has three layers: the outer layer, a fly screen and a blackout blind. This meant they could be sure that they would not only stay dry, but would also be protected from insects. During the night, however, they felt the wind. The thermometer read around 5 °C. They reported that thinner sleeping bags would not have been a good idea.

As a conclusion to their first night in the roof tent, they had these suggestions for improvement: Wrap up thick and maybe put something under the mattress. But challenges aside, the view from the roof tent in the morning was simply breathtaking. When they opened the windows, a breathtaking panoramic view awaited them. Even the wind wasn’t so bad.

For your next roof tent adventure: Warm sleeping bags & put something under the mattress.

Unforgettable experience in a rooftop tent: adventure

On the whole, the rooftop tent experience was certainly unforgettable, but the bloggers are more likely to be occasional campers. One thing is for sure: it was an adventure that they will remember for a long time to come. However, those who want to travel in a smaller vehicle and be as close to nature as possible should definitely find happiness in a rooftop tent.

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Are you considering buying your own roof tent after reading this experience report? There are countless manufacturers on the market. So that you can get to know the most important ones, you should read on in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

However, you not only need an overview, but a recommendation as to which roof tent is best suited compared to others can also help you. Then it won’t be so difficult to choose the right roof tent. You can find our roof tent favorites here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Our top recommendation: selection, models & their advantages

Here you have already got to know a small selection of our favorites, but there are many more brands in the sky of rooftop tent brands. For a detailed overview of 13 rooftop tent suppliers, you can read on here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Advantages: Freedom on the car roof

Roof tent camping is becoming increasingly popular and not without reason. A camping vacation with a roof tent offers you many advantages. One of the biggest is that you are flexible and independent. You can camp almost anywhere as long as you can find a suitable pitch. You can discover new places without depending on fixed accommodations. So camping with a roof tent adds a sense of adventure and freedom to your travels.

Make sure you don’t sleep outside the campsite uneralubt. Read more: Wild camping.

Fold & go: Travel independently

When you want to travel further, you can simply fold up your roof tent again and drive off. Roof tents are usually quick to set up and take down. Most models have mechanisms that are designed to allow you to open the tent as quickly and conveniently as possible. You save time and can focus on exploring the surroundings faster. On the roof of the car they are also extremely space-saving and you hardly notice the roof tent on the onward journey – you can even continue to use the trunk as normal.

Small to large: different models

Unlike traditional tents, rooftop tents don’t require additional floor space. This means you usually don’t need a particularly large pitch either, which can be cheaper. Even with an awning, there are rooftop tents that require less space than a caravan or camper. For roof tent are also available for purchase in different sizes. There are different models and sizes of roof tents that can be adapted to different needs. Whether alone, in pairs or as a family – there are suitable options.

You can see the different sizes here:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Sleeping on the roof of the car: free from bad floors

The fact that your roof tent is on the car roof protects you from the cold or uneven ground. The ground plate, which is attached to the top of your car, is always straight. This way you can lie comfortably and not get stabbed in the back by a root in the middle of the night. Often it also gives you a better view and closeness to nature. Despite the feeling of being in the middle of nature, you are protected from curious animals.

In the middle of nature: but still weatherproof!

If you have a roof tent with hard shell, you usually also have extremely high stability in rain and wind. This means you are better protected from rain, moisture and other weather conditions. Nevertheless, most of the roof tent models have windows and sometimes even skylights. So you can experience the sunrise, the starry sky and the surroundings directly.

Overview: 9 advantages of roof tent camping

And finally, roof tent camping can be a social experience. Many campgrounds and meetings offer the opportunity to meet other campers and share ideas. For example, about these nine advantages of camping with a roof tent:

• Flexible travel
• Quick assembly and disassembly
• Space-saving
• Protection from animals & weather
• Versatility
• Proximity to nature
• Spirit of adventure
• Community
• Higher comfort & better view

Disadvantages & why it is still worth it

There are always two sides to the coin. A roof tent can also bring its problems. For example, the purchase price is first higher than most conventional tents or a one-night hotel stay. After that, however, the price is worth it, as there are rarely many more costs after the purchase price. With a hotel stay you would have to pay again for the next vacation, with a roof tent you have only a small fee for the campsite, because you have your sleeping place directly with it.

Pay attention to the fuel: extra weight

Of course, the extra weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. However, it is fair to say that this still does not come close to the consumption of a caravan or motorhome. The roof tent is lighter in comparison and therefore requires less load on your car. There is also a maximum speed for some roof tents. You should adhere to this in order to prevent accidents and to save fuel.

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Attention lightning!

Rain and wind can withstand most roof tents, but in case of a stronger storm or a thunderstorm you should better stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. A roof tent does not have a closed metal structure, like a car. Additionally, its place on the roof of the car puts it in an elevated position. This can make lightning strikes dangerous very quickly.

No space for heavy furniture, such as cabinets

A rooftop tent is already one of the space-saving ways to vacation in nature. But due to the more compact size, the space in the roof tent is not comparable with the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motor home. But in return, of course, it is much lighter and cheaper.

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. If you’ve already unfolded the tent in the evening, you’ll still have to fold it up to make one trip to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick setup and tear down, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-deserved snack for dinner.

Summary: 5 disadvantages

Here you can find an overview of all 5 disadvantages.

• Higher purchase price
• Slightly increased fuel consumption
• Not suitable for storm & thunderstorm
• Limited living space
• Must be folded in before moving on

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

If the advantages have made you curious, then you will find here the various roof tent manufacturers. You will find many different sizes, types and models, so you can find exactly the roof tent that suits you.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison

Simply unfold: Assembly made easy

Setting up a roof tent is usually straightforward. Most roof tents can be easily folded out or extended, making tedious tent setup on the ground a thing of the past. Setup often begins with you setting up the rooftop tent either over the ground or the side walls. This involves carefully unfolding the tent canvas. It is important to be careful here to avoid damage to the roof tent.

A straight floor is not as important for the roof tent as it is for a conventional tent, since this one on the car roof gives you a straight floor to sleep on anyway. However, if the vehicle is on too sloping ground, it can be difficult to set up the tent correctly. The ground may then prevent you from setting up the ladder in a straight line. This would be unfavorable, because in many cases the ladder serves not only as access to the tent, but also as a support to keep the tent stable. So make sure that the ground is reasonably level.

Equipped for wind and weather: additional steps

In the next step, many roof tents have additional assembly steps to make the tent even more stable. In some cases, additional poles may be required, for example, on the windows of the roof tent. These poles help stabilize the tent and ensure that it keeps its shape, even in windy conditions. For really stormy nights, most roof tents also come with lines for guy ropes, so-called storm guy ropes.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your roof tent up and running in no time:

1. Set up over floor or side walls
2. Carefully unfold the tent canvas
3. Set up ladder (level floor)
4. Attach additional bars
5. If necessary: storm bracing

Structure in video: Learn fast & uncomplicated

Here you can see how easy and fast it is to set up a roof tent.

Roof rack & roof load: What you need!

First, you’ll need a roof rack or roof rail. This is your sturdy base to attach the roof tent to your vehicle. Make sure that the roof rack or roof rail has the required load capacity. For mounting, you would need proper fasteners, bolts and brackets to securely mount the roof tent on the roof of your vehicle. However, most roof tent stores offer on-site installation, which can make your job much easier.

• These are the things you should pay attention to before assembling and setting up your roof tent:
• Robust base: roof rack / roof rails for roof tent attachment
• Check load capacity: Roof rack / roof rails must be sufficiently strong
• Mounting requirements: fasteners, screws, brackets for secure mounting
• Professional help: roof tent stores often offer on-site assembly for convenience

Then you should also consider the roof load. But what is the roof load anyway?

How much roof load is needed for a roof tent?

The roof load of a vehicle refers to the maximum weight that can be safely transported on the roof. An approved roof load should compromise the stability and safety of the vehicle. You should be careful not to exceed this permitted roof load to minimize potential risks and accidents.

In the case of the roof tent, this only applies to the weight of the tent itself and the crossbars mounted on the roof rack or roof rails. If the specified roof load of your vehicle is 85 kg, for example, and your roof tent already weighs 80 kg including the mounting system, there is no reason to worry. This means you still have some weight left over for luggage.

• Roof load: Maximum weight allowed on the roof of a vehicle
• Concerns only the tent & crossbar on the roof rack
• Example: Roof load = 85 kg ⇒ Roof tent + roof rack = 80 kg (+5 kg luggage)

More about roof tent: size, manufacturer & comparison

Now you just need to find the perfect roof tent for you! These recommendations will help you:

Camping for two or with the family

To decide on the right size, you should first consider how many people you will be traveling with. If you still need extra space, then you should choose a larger roof tent.

Here you will find many tips for different roof tent sizes:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

In addition to the different sizes, there are also different companies that manufacture roof tents. So that you don’t lose track of them, you can take a look at our favorites here.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: Your suitable roof tent

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison

Camping in Germany

Before we get to our recommendations, here are a few facts and figures about camping!

According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, camping tourism is an essential part of the German tourism industry. The camping industry counted a total of 36 million overnight stays last year!

36 million overnight stays (campsites)

In fact, you’ll find over 3,000 open campsites in this country, with around 223,600 pitches on offer. Bavaria has the most campsites, in beautiful places like the Hopfensee, followed by Lower Saxony and its North Sea and Baden-Württemberg, for example in the Black Forest. In terms of pitches, however, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with about 26,000 offered pitches (besides Bavaria and Lower Saxony).

According to a survey, just under 40 per cent of German camping holidaymakers spent their main holiday in this country in 2019.

• Over 3,000 campsites in Germany
• Over 220,000 parking spaces on offer
• Most campsites: Bavaria, Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg
• 40% of campers prefer to stay in Germany
• Total 36 million overnight stays

Reading tips for campers

Roof tent, camping accessories, sleeping, living and the best campsites. Start your next camping holiday with our tips. Here are a few recommendations:

• Camping XXL: Guide
• Camping accessories XXL: List
• Living & Sleeping XXL: Recommendations
• Camping at the Baltic Sea
• Camping at the North Sea
• Camping in Southern Germany
• Camping in NRW
• Campsites

Online Shop Recommendations: List

Are you looking for your next adventure and already planning your camping holiday? You can expect pure relaxation and recreation, but also an eventful time in the idyllic nature. To make this trip one of the most unforgettable times of your life, it is advisable to be optimally equipped.

The right equipment and important accessories are the A&O when camping.

Here you will find the best online shops for camping equipment, so that as a passionate camper you are not only well informed about the best tent variants, but also about camping furniture, household utensils, sanitary, electrical, technology and outdoor tips.

From tent / roof tent / caravan or motorhome…

… to dishes, head pot and sleeping bag. Here you will find the best online shops for campers.

Campwerk: Roof tents and equipment

The online shop to go to when it comes to the latest camping equipment, necessary products, accessories and helpful tips is definitely Campwerk. From basic equipment to the latest rooftop and trailer tents, the camping supplier has a range of products for passionate campers and the whole family. How do I get the most comfort? What is best for beginners? And how do I get as much space as possible when camping? CAMPWERK answers these questions and has the right products for you to make your trip as adventurous, relaxing and above all unique as possible.

Campwerk guarantees you the best possible mobility and above all quality. Without much effort, a large tent with floor, windows, kitchen and all the trimmings, a car roof tent or a folding caravan is set up and offers a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep for the night. All this with top equipment and plenty of accessories at unrivalled low prices! CAMPWERK has everything you need for a perfect trip, so what are you waiting for?

• Large selection of camping accessories
• Easy handling of the products
• Construction fun
• Comfortable tents for all weather conditions
• Low cost prices

Here you come to the shop: Roof tent from Campwerk.

Here you will find roof tent models like:

“Economy” trailer tent

For example, the “Economy” trailer tent is ideal for beginners and family holidays. On a floor space of nine square meters, a comfortable, floppy king size bed awaits you! If that’s not enough, the whole thing can be extended to up to 19 square metres with an add-on tent. The trailer tent is a small space miracle and offers an enormous amount of space, making it particularly suitable for a trip with the whole family.

IKamper roof tent

Campingshop-24: Allround bargains

The closest online retailer is Campingshop-24, where you can find everything about camping, outdoor accessories, household, sanitary and more. It couldn’t be easier and more convenient! From an extensive range of furniture, sleeping bags, mattresses and camping tent articles around the caravan or motorhome, Campingshop-24 offers everything a camper’s heart desires.browse through the Campingshop-24 and use the rich offer to find the right equipment for your holiday!

• Extensive assortment
• Attractive prices
• Innovations on the subject of camping equipment
• Unbeatable offers in the SALE

Reading Tip! Vacation with animals

Camping Outdoorshop: Tents & Furniture

In this online shop you will find everything you need for an eventful and relaxing camping holiday! From cheap camping tents to large luxury family tents, camping accessories and furniture as well as equipment for adventurous leisure activities. With over 10 years of experience, this shop guarantees a comprehensive range of camping equipment. Whether you are going camping for the first time or are already a passionate camper, every camping fan will find what they are looking for here!

• Assortment with over 6,000 articles
• Top brands
• Quality and reliability
• Equipment for any weather

CampingWagner: Accessories and equipment

Camping Wagner is an indispensable all-rounder when it comes to camping accessories! The right camping equipment is the most important thing of the whole holiday. Here you will find a comprehensive range of camping accessories that will make your camping holiday an unforgettable experience. Specialising in furniture, electrical equipment, spare parts, vehicle technology, catering, sanitation and more, the online supplier ensures that there is something for everyone!

• Over 31,000 articles
• Cheap and qualitative products
• Wide range of accessories and furniture
• Free shipping from 50.00 Euro

Campz Outdoor Shop: 40,000 gadgets

Campz is the largest online outdoor shop in Europe. With around 40,000 items from outdoor clothing to camping equipment, you’ll find everything you need for a successful camping holiday! Browse through the shop all week long from the comfort of your own home and find the right equipment for your next camping trip. The focus is on high-quality top brands at unbeatable prices. Shopping is definitely fun!

• Free shipping from 49.00 Euro
• Large selection with 40,000 articles
• Around 500 High quality Brands
• Cheap products at SALE

Movera: Camping and technology

The online shop Movera has specialized in mobile leisure. Here you will find everything in the area of camping and outdoor accessories and technology. The site includes a wide range of spare parts for motorhomes, caravans and campers and offers numerous suggestions and tips to make your holiday as relaxing and adventurous as possible. When camping, you are usually not only in the tent or caravan, but also outside in the area in front of it. This shop has a wide range of awnings, canopies and outdoor tents so that you can stay here comfortably and be protected from the sun and wind.

• Product diversity
• Technology oriented company
• Fast shipping (free shipping from 50.00 Euro)
• Top advice
• Secure purchase and payment
• Dealer network

Camping and leisure Berger

In this online shop you will find everything about camping, outdoor and leisure as well as a wide range of accessories and equipment. With individual advice, you can choose the right equipment for you and your next camping holiday. The products have all been extensively tested and rated by other customers, so you always know what you’re getting yourself into.

Camping Kuhn is the partner company of Fritz Berger GmbH. The online shop is the largest specialist in the field of camping and leisure supplies and expands the Berger Shop with numerous offers. From tents, outdoor accessories, household utensils, bicycles and electronics, you can get a huge selection of everything you need for camping!

• Over 15,000 articles
• 60 years of camping competence
• Comfortable equipment
• Individual advice
• Only 2,95 Euro shipping costs

Campstuff: Equipment, Tents & Awnings

Camping is becoming more and more popular with young and old and therefore requires the right equipment! This online shop has also taken this to heart and offers everything that passionate campers need for a successful, relaxing holiday. From extensive equipment, tents and awnings for motorhomes, to suitable camping accessories for every weather condition – in this online shop there is something for every taste and every budget.

• Shipping from 3,95 Euro
• Technical accessories and spare parts
• Equipment for every life and weather situation
• Extensive consultation

Campingplus: Trekking tents up to TV and Solar

This online shop is also a specialist retailer for camping, caravan and leisure accessories. Here you will find everything you need for your next camping holiday. From tent pegs, trekking tents and camping gear to TVs and solar panels, Campingplus offers a wide range of products from various manufacturers – all at ultra low prices.

• Fast shipping
• Competent advice
• Favourable prices
• Constantly changing special offers
• Assembly service
• Free returns service
• Huge assortment with more than 18,000 articles

Made in Germany: Campwerk

In Germany, Campwerk is the market leader among the umbrella tent manufacturers. Not without reason, the quality speaks for itself. On my very private search for the best roof tent (for me), I have compared a total of 4 roof tent manufacturers with each other. My recommendation is quite clear, “Made in Germany” and thus Campwerk.

Most campers put their trust in Campwerk, so many in fact that the brand has now risen to become the market leader and Germany’s most popular roof tent manufacturer.

Campwerk itself is full of energy and spirit for roof tents and camping! Many roof tent fans already know Campwerk from YouTube, here they have been publishing videos for a very long time, informative as on the subject of setting up roof tents, product innovations, but also give insights behind the scenes, for example when they travel to tourism and camping fairs or also work on new products, e.g. camping accessories. There are even large roof tent meetings.

Pictures say more than 1000 words, take a look at the roof tents from Campwerk, Germany’s most popular manufacturer of roof tents and folding tent caravans:

To Campwerk.de

Story: Concept of Campwerk

The concept of the company was always to travel the world with the greatest possible mobility and the least amount of time & money. The likeable young men from Bochum had a goal in mind and have thus built a successful company. They started with self-made small roof tents and now Campwerk sells everything from camping accessories to tent trailers. With every product that is sold, there is always a little spirit of adventure, a little spirit and a little anticipation over the counter.

Roof tents, tent trailers, transport trailers & vanlife

Relaxing by a large lake on a warm summer night and watching the stars – that’s a dream scenario. At Campwerk you will find everything you need for an unforgettable trip into nature. Every camper will find what they are looking for in this shop, because the range is large and the quality is guaranteed.

Advantages of roof tents

A road trip with the car, stop where you like and travel on whenever you want – this is what everyday life with a roof tent looks like. At Campwerk, the roof tents are divided into 4 categories: Adventure, Skycamp, X-Cover and Skycamp Mini. The Adventure roof tent is good for singles and couples and the Skycamp roof tent is suitable for families of up to 4 people. The Skycamp Mini is perfect for 2 people and the X-Cover is good for 4 people plus luggage.

These innovative roof tents can be set up in minutes and provide good protection from the cold and wet. Roof tents have many advantages, including that they insulate better, they can be mounted on any car and they protect better from Mother Nature than a normal roll-up tent.

Advantages of roof tents

• Quick assembly
• Protection from wet & cold
• Good insulation
• Can be mounted on almost any car

Assembly of the Adventure roof tent – Video

In this video you can see how the 2019 ADVENTURE roof tent is set up on the Mercedes Pickup X-Class. The setup is so easy when you have found a nice place to sleep after a long day. It almost doesn’t get any faster than that!

Tent trailer: Camping trailer with tent platforms,

The tent trailers are camping trailers with tent platforms that take up little space and fold out into a whole room with a comfortable bed. The tent trailers at Campwerk are available in Economy, Family, Off-Road and On-Road versions. Economy is the smallest tent and good for first-timers. The Family tent, with 11 square metres of main tent and up to 14 square metres of add-on tent, is the largest tent trailer and therefore also suitable for larger families.

The Off-Road tent trailers are well suited for road and off-road, extra stable and can drive up to 100 km/h. The on-road trailers are suitable for roads as standard and can also safely drive up to 100 km / h. You can also customize the tent trailers, because they are built especially for you!

• Economy: Small, Good for beginners
• Family: Up to 25 square meters, For families
• Off-road: on-road & off-road, up to 100 km/h
• On-Road: Road, up to 100 km/h

Vanlife

What is important when you want to travel around the country with your van? All the equipment you need for your van, from a fitted kitchen to a mobile kitchen system, can be found at Campwerk.

To Campwerk.de

Shops: Camping accessories exhibitions in DE and NL

You can convince yourself of the products online, have a brochure sent to you or visit one of the four shops in Germany and the Netherlands. Here you will find a large exhibition and can also see the different products assembled. The shops are spread all over the country and have a wide range of products and competent sales staff waiting for new customers. Our favourite shop, the one in Bochum, is located in an old warehouse with various cranes and a lot of camping spirit.

Bochum – Campwerk West

This shop practically screams adventure. Here you’ll find a huge selection on two floors in a former warehouse.

• Address: Berliner Str. 107 44867 Bochum
• Contact: 02327 / 40 70 10
• Email: info@campwerk.de

Dörzbach – Campwerk South

In Dörzbach, between Stuttgart and Nuremberg, you will find the second Campwerk Shop. This is easy to reach for all camping fans from southern Germany. Here, too, a great exhibition awaits you.

• Address: Mittelweg 8 747677 Dörzbach
• Contact: Mike Labischus, 0151 / 201 496 76

Bardowick – Campwerk North

Close to Hamburg, in Bardowick, you will find the third Campwerk shop in Germany. The location is practical for all campers from northern Germany.

• Address: 21357 Bardowick, full address when making an appointment by telephone
• Contact: Mike Labischus, 0151 / 201 496 76

Groningen – Campwerk NL

You come from the Netherlands and still want to see the products live? No problem, because in Groningen you will find the fourth Campwerk shop. Here you will find

• Address: Vriezerweg 14c 9482 TB Tynaarlo, Netherlands
• Contact: Ivar van der Leij, +31 85 401 / 6500 10

Ambassadors – Camping in Norway, Mongolia and Africa

There are various Ambassadors who work together with the Campwerk brand and take us on their travels with their videos. These ambassadors travel around the world with roof tents and film a few moments that give an insight into the everyday life of a camper. In total there are nine people working with Campwerk, namely Anna Jesse, Mario Frigge, Max Muench, Fritz Meineke, Fabio Schäfer, JVGND STIJL, Judetta, Robin Wittwer and Felix Röser.

Anna Jesse & Mario Frigge – with the roof tent through Norway

In this video you get a great insight into Mario’s road trip through Norway. With a bed on the roof in the middle of the sea – that’s the title of his video about his trip with a roof tent. Here you can see how the daily routine of a camper works, from making coffee to setting up the tent. These clips also show how easy it is to set up a roof tent. It only takes a minute to set up!

Max Muench – Camping in Mongolia

Have you ever wondered what camping in the desert looks like? Max Muench, Ambassador for Campwerk, traveled through Mongolia with a rooftop tent and captured many special moments in this YouTube video. Max made his way from Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park and visited the equestrian statue of Genghis Khan along the way. The epic landscapes are to fall in love with!

Fritz Meineke – 2,500 km road trip through Africa

In this video you can see how a road trip through Africa can look like, if you drive 2,500 km with the Land Rover and sleep in the roof tent. Fritz Meineke is the prototype adventurer, a man who builds tree houses in the middle of the jungle and sleeps in caves. When you watch his videos, you get a sense of adventure and want to plan a new trip right away.

To Campwerk.de

Number of overnight stays at German campsites

In this chart you can see the overnight stays on German campsites until 2019 in millions. Last year, 35.8 million people or families spent the night at German campsites.

In the last 10 years, overnight stays at German campsites have increased by 14.2%.

• 2009: 25.1 m
• …
• 2014: 27.9 m
• 2015: 29.2 m
• 2016: 30.5 m
• 2017: 31.1 m
• 2018: 34.6 m
• 2019: 35.8 m

You can find more infographics at Statista

Camping Republic of Germany – Infographic

Here you will find some basic information about camping in Germany. Did you know that one in five Germans could imagine going wild camping? Packed with a roof tent and essential accessories, this dream could come true!

Number of campsites 1997-2017:

• 1997: 2,192 campsites
• 2007: 2,527 campsites
• 2017: 2,954 campsites

In 20 years, 762 new campsites have been opened in Germany!

Average fee at campsites in Europe:

• Germany: 28,54 Euro
• Sweden: 30,75 Euro
• Austria: 34,31 Euro
• …
• Switzerland: 47,97 Euro

You can find more infographics at Statista