CHOOSING THE RIGHT GEAR

HOW TO CHOOSE A ROOFTOP TENT

A good rooftop tent will last for multiple seasons, so spending a little extra now will yields more comfortable experiences for years to come. All rooftop tents have quick steups, and many include a built-in mattress, so how do you choose? Here are some specs to consider:

• Soft shell tents unfold like a pop-out book. When opened, a tent like you'd pitch on the ground pretty much assembles itself. Setup time takes around 3-5 minutes, depending on if you're using your rain fly or not. When closed, these tents are generally bulkier than their brethren, which can impact your vehicles aerodynamics or make it difficult to park in a garage. A key selling point for soft shells is their lower price tag.
• For hard shell tents, streamlined is the first word that comes to mind. When shut for travel they have an incredibly slim profile compared to soft shell tents. The decreased height has less of an effect on aerodynamics and overhead clearance when it's time to park at home. A durable plastic cover protects the tent when closed and serves as a wind-proof wall when open. Hard shells are generally more expensive, but they are also lightning fast to set up (around 1 minute, depending on the tent).

HOW WE CHOSE A RACK

Factory mounts on your vehicle may work for your bike, but they just aren’t strong enough to support a rooftop tent (seriously, we’ve learned this the hard way—sorry, 2010 4Runner!). When choosing a rack, the first step is to make sure it is compatible with your vehicle. If you drive a crossover, for example, a rack designed for pickup truck bed rails will not do. The second factor is how much cargo it can safely support. Check the weight of your rooftop tent, then add your weight plus any other nighttime residents and daytime accessories like paddle boards. Round up as you add to figure out the minimum weight capacity your rack needs. Our top pick is designed for pickup trucks (many a Gearhead drive a Tacoma), but that doesn’t mean it’s the only great option. See the runners up section for great racks compatible with other vehicle types.

INFORMATION PROVIDED COURTESY OF BACKCOUNTRY.com